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Mao J, Cui Y, Wang H, Duan W, Liu ZJ, Hua T, Zhou N, Cheng J. Design and Synthesis of Novel GPR139 Agonists with Therapeutic Effects in Mouse Models of Social Interaction and Cognitive Impairment. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14011-14028. [PMID: 37830160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The GPR139 receptor is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mainly found in the central nervous system and is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia and drug addiction. Guided by the reported structure of GPR139, we conducted medicinal chemistry optimizations of TAK-041, the GPR139 agonist in clinical trials. New compounds with three different core structures were designed and synthesized, and their activity at GPR139 was evaluated. Among them, compounds 15a (EC50 = 31.4 nM) and 20a (EC50 = 24.7 nM) showed potent agonist activity at GPR139 and good pharmacokinetic properties. In murine schizophrenia models, both compounds rescued the social interaction deficits observed in BALB/c mice. Compound 20a also alleviated cognitive deficits in mice with a pharmacologically induced model of schizophrenia. These findings further demonstrated the potential of GPR139 agonists in alleviating the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. Compound 20a is worth further evaluation as an antischizophrenia drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhang Mao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yilong Cui
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Huan Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenwen Duan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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Antunes GF, Campos ACP, Martins DDO, Gouveia FV, Rangel Junior MJ, Pagano RL, Martinez RCR. Unravelling the Role of Habenula Subnuclei on Avoidance Response: Focus on Activation and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10693. [PMID: 37445871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310693] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders is a major challenge. Avoidance behavior is an essential feature of anxiety disorders. The two-way avoidance test is a preclinical model with two distinct subpopulations-the good and poor performers-based on the number of avoidance responses presented during testing. It is believed that the habenula subnuclei could be important for the elaboration of avoidance response with a distinct pattern of activation and neuroinflammation. The present study aimed to shed light on the habenula subnuclei signature in avoidance behavior, evaluating the pattern of neuronal activation using FOS expression and astrocyte density using GFAP immunoreactivity, and comparing control, good and poor performers. Our results showed that good performers had a decrease in FOS immunoreactivity (IR) in the superior part of the medial division of habenula (MHbS) and an increase in the marginal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLMg). Poor performers showed an increase in FOS in the basal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLB). Considering the astroglial immunoreactivity, the poor performers showed an increase in GFAP-IR in the inferior portion of the medial complex (MHbl), while the good performers showed a decrease in the oval part of the lateral part of the lateral complex (LHbLO) in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, our data suggest that specific subdivisions of the MHb and LHb have different activation patterns and astroglial immunoreactivity in good and poor performers. This study could contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Miguel José Rangel Junior
- Centro Universitário de Santa Fé do Sul, Santa Fé do Sul 15775-000, Brazil
- Medical School, Universidade Brasil, Fernandópolis 15600-000, Brazil
| | - Rosana Lima Pagano
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
| | - Raquel Chacon Ruiz Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Laboratorios de Investigação Médica-LIM/23, Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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Bailly J, Allain F, Schwartz E, Tirel C, Dupuy C, Petit F, Diana MA, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Habenular Neurons Expressing Mu Opioid Receptors Promote Negative Affect in a Projection-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2022:S0006-3223(22)01594-3. [PMID: 36496267 PMCID: PMC10027626 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is central to hedonic balance and produces euphoria by engaging reward circuits. MOR signaling may also influence aversion centers, notably the habenula (Hb), where the receptor is highly dense. Our previous data suggest that the inhibitory activity of MOR in the Hb may limit aversive states. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested whether neurons expressing MOR in the Hb (Hb-MOR neurons) promote negative affect. METHODS Using Oprm1-Cre knockin mice, we combined tracing and optogenetics with behavioral testing to investigate consequences of Hb-MOR neuron stimulation for approach/avoidance (real-time place preference), anxiety-related responses (open field, elevated plus maze, and marble burying), and despair-like behavior (tail suspension). RESULTS Optostimulation of Hb-MOR neurons elicited avoidance behavior, demonstrating that these neurons promote aversive states. Anterograde tracing showed that, in addition to the interpeduncular nucleus, Hb-MOR neurons project to the dorsal raphe nucleus. Optostimulation of Hb-MOR/interpeduncular nucleus terminals triggered avoidance and despair-like responses with no anxiety-related effect, whereas light-activation of Hb-MOR/dorsal raphe nucleus terminals increased levels of anxiety with no effect on other behaviors, revealing 2 dissociable pathways controlling negative affect. CONCLUSIONS Together, the data demonstrate that Hb neurons expressing MOR facilitate aversive states via 2 distinct Hb circuits, contributing to despair-like behavior (Hb-MOR/interpeduncular nucleus) and anxiety (Hb-MOR/dorsal raphe nucleus). The findings support the notion that inhibition of these neurons by either endogenous or exogenous opioids may relieve negative affect, a mechanism that would have implications for hedonic homeostasis and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bailly
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Allain
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Schwartz
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Tirel
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Dupuy
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Petit
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco A Diana
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Sylwestrak EL, Jo Y, Vesuna S, Wang X, Holcomb B, Tien RH, Kim DK, Fenno L, Ramakrishnan C, Allen WE, Chen R, Shenoy KV, Sussillo D, Deisseroth K. Cell-type-specific population dynamics of diverse reward computations. Cell 2022; 185:3568-3587.e27. [PMID: 36113428 PMCID: PMC10387374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Computational analysis of cellular activity has developed largely independently of modern transcriptomic cell typology, but integrating these approaches may be essential for full insight into cellular-level mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction. Applying this approach to the habenula (a structure with diverse, intermingled molecular, anatomical, and computational features), we identified encoding of reward-predictive cues and reward outcomes in distinct genetically defined neural populations, including TH+ cells and Tac1+ cells. Data from genetically targeted recordings were used to train an optimized nonlinear dynamical systems model and revealed activity dynamics consistent with a line attractor. High-density, cell-type-specific electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic perturbation provided supporting evidence for this model. Reverse-engineering predicted how Tac1+ cells might integrate reward history, which was complemented by in vivo experimentation. This integrated approach describes a process by which data-driven computational models of population activity can generate and frame actionable hypotheses for cell-type-specific investigation in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Sylwestrak
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - YoungJu Jo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sam Vesuna
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Blake Holcomb
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Rebecca H Tien
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Doo Kyung Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
| | - Ritchie Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Krishna V Shenoy
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Sussillo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Stria medullaris innervation follows the transcriptomic division of the habenula. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10118. [PMID: 35710872 PMCID: PMC9203815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a complex neuronal population integrated in a pivotal functional position into the vertebrate limbic system. Its main afference is the stria medullaris and its main efference the fasciculus retroflexus. This neuronal complex is composed by two main components, the medial and lateral habenula. Transcriptomic and single cell RNAseq studies have unveiled the morphological complexity of both components. The aim of our work was to analyze the relation between the origin of the axonal fibers and their final distribution in the habenula. We analyzed 754 tracing experiments from Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, Allen Brain Map databases, and selected 12 neuronal populations projecting into the habenular territory. Our analysis demonstrated that the projections into the medial habenula discriminate between the different subnuclei and are generally originated in the septal territory. The innervation of the lateral habenula displayed instead a less restricted distribution from preoptic, terminal hypothalamic and peduncular nuclei. Only the lateral oval subnucleus of the lateral habenula presented a specific innervation from the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus. Our results unveiled the necessity of novel sorts of behavioral experiments to dissect the different functions associated with the habenular complex and their correlation with the distinct neuronal populations that generate them.
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Yoo H, Kim HJ, Yang SH, Son GH, Gim JA, Lee HW, Kim H. Gene Expression Profiling of the Habenula in Rats Exposed to Chronic Restraint Stress. Mol Cells 2022; 45:306-316. [PMID: 35534192 PMCID: PMC9095505 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress contributes to the risk of developing depression; the habenula, a nucleus in epithalamus, is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders. Using genome-wide gene expression analysis, we analyzed the transcriptome of the habenula in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress for 14 days. We identified 379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were affected by chronic stress. These genes were enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) signaling pathway, circadian entrainment, and synaptic signaling from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and responded to corticosteroids, positive regulation of lipid transport, anterograde trans-synaptic signaling, and chemical synapse transmission from the Gene Ontology analysis. Based on protein-protein interaction network analysis of the DEGs, we identified neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, circadian entrainment, and cholinergic synapse-related subclusters. Additionally, cell type and habenular regional expression of DEGs, evaluated using a recently published single-cell RNA sequencing study (GSE137478), strongly suggest that DEGs related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and trans-synaptic signaling are highly enriched in medial habenular neurons. Taken together, our findings provide a valuable set of molecular targets that may play important roles in mediating the habenular response to stress and the onset of chronic stress-induced depressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeijung Yoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BrainKorea21 Four, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Gi Hoon Son
- Department of Legal Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jeong-An Gim
- Medical Science Research Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BrainKorea21 Four, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, BrainKorea21 Four, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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7
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Jin XT, Drenan RM. Functional α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in GABAergic neurons of the interpeduncular nucleus. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108987. [PMID: 35167902 PMCID: PMC8885883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108987] [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] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) plays a key role in nicotine dependence and is involved in regulation of fear responses, affective states, and novelty processing. IPN neurons express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and receive strong cholinergic innervation from the ventral medial habenula. Dorsal medial habenula neurons are primarily peptidergic, releasing substance P (SP) mainly onto IPN neurons in the lateral subnucleus (IPL). IPL neurons are sensitive to SP, but it is not known if they are involved in cholinergic transmission like other IPN neurons. We examined nAChR subunit gene expression in IPL neurons, revealing that Chrna7 (α7 nAChR subunit) is expressed in a subset of GABAergic IPL neurons. In patch-clamp recordings from IPL neurons, ACh-evoked inward currents were attenuated by methyllycaconitine (α7 nAChR antagonist) and potentiated by NS1738 (α7 Type I positive allosteric modulator). We confirmed α7 functional expression in IPL neurons by also showing that ACh-evoked currents were potentiated by PNU-120596 (Type II positive allosteric modulator). Additional pharmacological experiments show that IPN neurons expressing α7 nAChRs also express α3β4 nAChRs. Finally, we used 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and nicotine uncaging to directly examine the morphology of IPL neurons that express α7 nAChRs. These results highlight a novel aspect of α7 nAChR neurobiology, adding to the complexity of cholinergic modulation by nAChRs in the IPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Functions of habenula in reproduction and socio-reproductive behaviours. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100964. [PMID: 34793817 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Habenula is an evolutionarily conserved structure in the brain of vertebrates. Recent reports have drawn attention to the habenula as a processing centre for emotional decision-making and its role in psychiatric disorders. Emotional decision-making process is also known to be closely associated with reproductive conditions. The habenula receives innervations from reproductive centres within the brain and signals from key reproductive neuroendocrine regulators such as gonadal sex steroids, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and kisspeptin. In this review, based on morphological, biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological evidence we discuss an emerging role of the habenula in reproduction. Further, we discuss the modulatory role of reproductive endocrine factors in the habenula and their association with socio-reproductive behaviours such as mating, anxiety and aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Choi JH, Duboue ER, Macurak M, Chanchu JM, Halpern ME. Specialized neurons in the right habenula mediate response to aversive olfactory cues. eLife 2021; 10:e72345. [PMID: 34878403 PMCID: PMC8691842 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemispheric specializations are well studied at the functional level but less is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. We identified a small cluster of cholinergic neurons in the dorsal habenula (dHb) of zebrafish, defined by their expression of the lecithin retinol acyltransferase domain containing 2 a (lratd2a) gene and their efferent connections with a subregion of the ventral interpeduncular nucleus (vIPN). The lratd2a-expressing neurons in the right dHb are innervated by a subset of mitral cells from both the left and right olfactory bulb and are activated upon exposure to the odorant cadaverine that is repellent to adult zebrafish. Using an intersectional strategy to drive expression of the botulinum neurotoxin specifically in these neurons, we find that adults no longer show aversion to cadaverine. Mutants with left-isomerized dHb that lack these neurons are also less repelled by cadaverine and their behavioral response to alarm substance, a potent aversive cue, is diminished. However, mutants in which both dHb have right identity appear more reactive to alarm substance. The results implicate an asymmetric dHb-vIPN neural circuit in the processing of repulsive olfactory cues and in modulating the resultant behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwa Choi
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of EmbryologyBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Erik R Duboue
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic UniversityJupiterUnited States
- Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic UniversityJupiterUnited States
| | - Michelle Macurak
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of EmbryologyBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jean-Michel Chanchu
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of EmbryologyBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Marnie E Halpern
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of EmbryologyBaltimoreUnited States
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Shank3 Deficiency is Associated With Altered Profile of Neurotransmission Markers in Pups and Adult Mice. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:3342-3355. [PMID: 34453663 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the balance between excitation and inhibition, especially in the brain's critical developmental periods, are considered an integral part of the pathophysiology of autism. However, the precise mechanisms have not yet been established. SH3 and multiple Ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) deficient mice represent a well-established transgenic model of a neurodevelopmental disorder with autistic symptomatology. In this study, we characterize the consequences of Shank3 deficiency according to (1) expression of specific markers of different neuronal populations in pups and adult mice and (2) social behaviour and anxiety in adult mice. Our research found enhanced expression of serotonin transporter and choline acetyltransferase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in Shank3-deficient pups. We demonstrated marked brain region differences in expression of excitatory glutamatergic markers in pups and adult Shank3 deficient mice. We also observed reduced expression of inhibitory GABAergic markers and GABA receptor subunits in several brain areas in both pups and adult Shank3 deficient mice. Further analysis of dopaminergic brain areas (nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area) revealed lower expression levels of GABAergic markers in adult Shank3 deficient mice. Adult Shank3- deficient mice exhibited excessive repetitive behaviour, a higher level of anxiety, and lower locomotor activity. Our data support the theory of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in conditions of abnormal SHANK3 protein. We therefore suggest that autism-like conditions are accompanied by reduced expression of GABAergic markers in the brain during early development as well as in the adult age, which could be associated with long-lasting behavioural abnormalities.
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11
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Reichard HA, Schiffer HH, Monenschein H, Atienza JM, Corbett G, Skaggs AW, Collia DR, Ray WJ, Serrats J, Bliesath J, Kaushal N, Lam BP, Amador-Arjona A, Rahbaek L, McConn DJ, Mulligan VJ, Brice N, Gaskin PLR, Cilia J, Hitchcock S. Discovery of TAK-041: a Potent and Selective GPR139 Agonist Explored for the Treatment of Negative Symptoms Associated with Schizophrenia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11527-11542. [PMID: 34260228 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR139 is highly expressed in the habenula, a small brain nucleus that has been linked to depression, schizophrenia (SCZ), and substance-use disorder. High-throughput screening and a medicinal chemistry structure-activity relationship strategy identified a novel series of potent and selective benzotriazinone-based GPR139 agonists. Herein, we describe the chemistry optimization that led to the discovery and validation of multiple potent and selective in vivo GPR139 agonist tool compounds, including our clinical candidate TAK-041, also known as NBI-1065846 (compound 56). The pharmacological characterization of these GPR139 agonists in vivo demonstrated GPR139-agonist-dependent modulation of habenula cell activity and revealed consistent in vivo efficacy to rescue social interaction deficits in the BALB/c mouse strain. The clinical GPR139 agonist TAK-041 is being explored as a novel drug to treat negative symptoms in SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Reichard
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Hans H Schiffer
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Holger Monenschein
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Josephine M Atienza
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Gerard Corbett
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Alton W Skaggs
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Deanna R Collia
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - William J Ray
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jordi Serrats
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Joshua Bliesath
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Nidhi Kaushal
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Betty P Lam
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Alejandro Amador-Arjona
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lisa Rahbaek
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Donavon J McConn
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Victoria J Mulligan
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Nicola Brice
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Philip L R Gaskin
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Jackie Cilia
- Takeda Cambridge Ltd., 418 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 0PZ, U.K
| | - Stephen Hitchcock
- Takeda California, Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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12
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Yoo H, Yang SH, Kim JY, Yang E, Park HS, Lee SJ, Rhyu IJ, Turecki G, Lee HW, Kim H. Down-regulation of habenular calcium-dependent secretion activator 2 induces despair-like behavior. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3700. [PMID: 33580180 PMCID: PMC7881199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-dependent secretion activator 2 (CAPS2) regulates the trafficking and exocytosis of neuropeptide-containing dense-core vesicles (DCVs). CAPS2 is prominently expressed in the medial habenula (MHb), which is related to depressive behavior; however, how MHb neurons cause depressive symptoms and the role of CAPS2 remains unclear. We hypothesized that dysfunction of MHb CAPS neurons might cause defects in neuropeptide secretion and the activity of monoaminergic centers, resulting in depressive-like behaviors. In this study, we examined (1) CAPS2 expression in the habenula of depression animal models and major depressive disorder patients and (2) the effects of down-regulation of MHb CAPS2 on the animal behaviors, synaptic transmission in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), and neuronal activity of monoamine centers. Habenular CAPS2 expression was decreased in the rat chronic restraint stress model, mouse learned helplessness model, and showed tendency to decrease in depression patients who died by suicide. Knockdown of CAPS2 in the mouse habenula evoked despair-like behavior and a reduction of the release of DCVs in the IPN. Neuronal activity of IPN and monoaminergic centers was also reduced. These results implicate MHb CAPS2 as playing a pivotal role in depressive behavior through the regulation of neuropeptide secretion of the MHb-IPN pathway and the activity of monoaminergic centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeijung Yoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Se Jeong Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Im Joo Rhyu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas, Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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13
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Kecskés A, Pohóczky K, Kecskés M, Varga ZV, Kormos V, Szőke É, Henn-Mike N, Fehér M, Kun J, Gyenesei A, Renner É, Palkovits M, Ferdinandy P, Ábrahám IM, Gaszner B, Helyes Z. Characterization of Neurons Expressing the Novel Analgesic Drug Target Somatostatin Receptor 4 in Mouse and Human Brains. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7788. [PMID: 33096776 PMCID: PMC7589422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin is an important mood and pain-regulating neuropeptide, which exerts analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects via its Gi protein-coupled receptor subtype 4 (SST4) without endocrine actions. SST4 is suggested to be a unique novel drug target for chronic neuropathic pain, and depression, as a common comorbidity. However, its neuronal expression and cellular mechanism are poorly understood. Therefore, our goals were (i) to elucidate the expression pattern of Sstr4/SSTR4 mRNA, (ii) to characterize neurochemically, and (iii) electrophysiologically the Sstr4/SSTR4-expressing neuronal populations in the mouse and human brains. Here, we describe SST4 expression pattern in the nuclei of the mouse nociceptive and anti-nociceptive pathways as well as in human brain regions, and provide neurochemical and electrophysiological characterization of the SST4-expressing neurons. Intense or moderate SST4 expression was demonstrated predominantly in glutamatergic neurons in the major components of the pain matrix mostly also involved in mood regulation. The SST4 agonist J-2156 significantly decreased the firing rate of layer V pyramidal neurons by augmenting the depolarization-activated, non-inactivating K+ current (M-current) leading to remarkable inhibition. These are the first translational results explaining the mechanisms of action of SST4 agonists as novel analgesic and antidepressant candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angéla Kecskés
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
| | - Krisztina Pohóczky
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kecskés
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán V. Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.V.); (P.F.)
- HCEMM-SU Cardiometabolic Immunology Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- ALGONIST Biotechnologies GmbH, A-1030 Wien, Austria
| | - Nóra Henn-Mike
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, PTE-NAP Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Máté Fehér
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary;
| | - József Kun
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Attila Gyenesei
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Éva Renner
- Human Brain Tissue Bank, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (É.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Miklós Palkovits
- Human Brain Tissue Bank, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (É.R.); (M.P.)
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.V.V.); (P.F.)
- Pharmahungary Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István M. Ábrahám
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, PTE-NAP Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Research Group for Mood Disorders, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (K.P.); (V.K.); (É.S.); (J.K.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.K.); (N.H.-M.); (I.M.Á.)
- ALGONIST Biotechnologies GmbH, A-1030 Wien, Austria
- PharmInVivo Ltd., H-7629 Pécs, Hungary
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14
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McIlwrath SL, Montera MA, Gott KM, Yang Y, Wilson CM, Selwyn R, Westlund KN. Manganese-enhanced MRI reveals changes within brain anxiety and aversion circuitry in rats with chronic neuropathic pain- and anxiety-like behaviors. Neuroimage 2020; 223:117343. [PMID: 32898676 PMCID: PMC8858643 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain often predicts the onset of psychological distress. Symptoms including anxiety and depression after pain chronification reportedly are caused by brain remodeling/recruitment of the limbic and reward/aversion circuitries. Pain is the primary precipitating factor that has caused opioid overprescribing and continued overuse of opioids leading to the current opioid epidemic. Yet experimental pain therapies often fail in clinical trials. Better understanding of underlying pathologies contributing to pain chronification is needed to address these chronic pain related issues. In the present study, a chronic neuropathic pain model persisting 10 weeks was studied. The model develops both anxiety- and pain-related behavioral measures to mimic clinical pain. The manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) utilized improved MRI signal contrast in brain regions with higher neuronal activity in the rodent chronic constriction trigeminal nerve injury (CCI-ION) model. T1-weighted MEMRI signal intensity was increased compared to controls in supraspinal regions of the anxiety and aversion circuitry, including anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC), amygdala, habenula, caudate, ventrolateral and dorsomedial periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite continuing mechanical hypersensitivity, MEMRI T1 signal intensity as the neuronal activity measure, was not significantly different in thalamus and decreased in somatosensory cortex (S1BF) of CCI-ION rats compared to naïve controls. This is consistent with decreased fMRI BOLD signal intensity in thalamus and cortex of patients with longstanding trigeminal neuropathic pain reportedly associated with gray matter volume decrease in these regions. Significant increase in MEMRI T2 signal intensity in thalamus of CCI-ION animals was indication of tissue water content, cell dysfunction and/or reactive astrogliosis. Decreased T2 signal intensity in S1BF cortex of rats with CCI-ION was similar to findings of reduced T2 signals in clinical patients with chronic orofacial pain indicating prolonged astrocyte activation. These findings support use of MEMRI and chronic rodent models for preclinical studies and therapeutic trials to reveal brain sites activated only after neuropathic pain has persisted in timeframes relevant to clinical pain and to observe treatment effects not possible in short-term models which do not have evidence of anxiety-like behaviors. Potential improvement is predicted in the success rate of preclinical drug trials in future studies with this model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marena A Montera
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Katherine M Gott
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Yirong Yang
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Colin M Wilson
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Reed Selwyn
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Karin N Westlund
- Research Services New Mexico VA HealthCare System Albuquerque NM 87108 USA; University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM USA
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15
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T-Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Burst Firing in a Subpopulation of Medial Habenula Neurons. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0201-20.2020. [PMID: 32719103 PMCID: PMC7433892 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0201-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potential (AP) burst firing caused by the activation of low-voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels is a unique mode of neuronal firing. T-type channels have been implicated in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, including epilepsy, autism, and mood regulation, but the brain structures involved remain incompletely understood. The medial habenula (MHb) is an epithalamic structure implicated in anxiety-like and withdrawal behavior. Previous studies have shown that MHb neurons fire tonic APs at a frequency of ∼2–10 Hz or display depolarized low-amplitude membrane oscillations. Here, we report in C57BL/6J mice that a subpopulation of MHb neurons are capable of firing transient, high-frequency AP bursts mediated by T-type channels. Burst firing was observed following rebounding from hyperpolarizing current injections or during depolarization from hyperpolarized membrane potentials in ∼20% of MHb neurons. It was rarely observed at baseline but could be evoked in MHb neurons displaying different initial activity states. Further, we show that T-type channel mRNA, in particular Cav3.1, is expressed in the MHb in both cholinergic and substance P-ergic neurons. Pharmacological Cav3 antagonism blocked both burst firing and evoked Ca2+ currents in MHb neurons. Additionally, we observed high-frequency AP doublet firing at sustained depolarized membrane potentials that was independent of T-type channels. Thus, there is a greater diversity of AP firing patterns in MHb neurons than previously identified, including T-type channel-mediated burst firing, which may uniquely contribute to behaviors with relevance to neuropsychiatric disease.
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16
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Durieux L, Mathis V, Herbeaux K, Muller M, Barbelivien A, Mathis C, Schlichter R, Hugel S, Majchrzak M, Lecourtier L. Involvement of the lateral habenula in fear memory. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2029-2044. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Roman E, Weininger J, Lim B, Roman M, Barry D, Tierney P, O'Hanlon E, Levins K, O'Keane V, Roddy D. Untangling the dorsal diencephalic conduction system: a review of structure and function of the stria medullaris, habenula and fasciculus retroflexus. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1437-1458. [PMID: 32367265 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The often-overlooked dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDCS) is a highly conserved pathway linking the basal forebrain and the monoaminergic brainstem. It consists of three key structures; the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus. The first component of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, is a discrete bilateral tract composed of fibers from the basal forebrain that terminate in the triangular eminence of the stalk of the pineal gland, known as the habenula. The habenula acts as a relay hub where incoming signals from the stria medullaris are processed and subsequently relayed to the midbrain and hindbrain monoaminergic nuclei through the fasciculus retroflexus. As a result of its wide-ranging connections, the DDCS has recently been implicated in a wide range of behaviors related to reward processing, aversion and motivation. As such, an understanding of the structure and connections of the DDCS may help illuminate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction and pain. This is the first review of all three components of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus, with particular focus on their anatomy, function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joshua Weininger
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Basil Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Game Design, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marin Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Tierney
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kirk Levins
- Department of Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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18
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Hashikawa Y, Hashikawa K, Rossi MA, Basiri ML, Liu Y, Johnston NL, Ahmad OR, Stuber GD. Transcriptional and Spatial Resolution of Cell Types in the Mammalian Habenula. Neuron 2020; 106:743-758.e5. [PMID: 32272058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The habenula complex is appreciated as a critical regulator of motivated and pathological behavioral states via its output to midbrain nuclei. Despite this, transcriptional definition of cell populations that comprise both the medial habenular (MHb) and lateral habenular (LHb) subregions in mammals remain undefined. To resolve this, we performed single-cell transcriptional profiling and highly multiplexed in situ hybridization experiments of the mouse habenula complex in naive mice and those exposed to an acute aversive stimulus. Transcriptionally distinct neuronal cell types identified within the MHb and LHb, were spatially defined, differentially engaged by aversive stimuli, and had distinct electrophysiological properties. Cell types identified in mice also displayed a high degree of transcriptional similarity to those previously described in zebrafish, highlighting the well-conserved nature of habenular cell types across the phylum. These data identify key molecular targets within habenular cell types and provide a critical resource for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Hashikawa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Koichi Hashikawa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mark A Rossi
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marcus L Basiri
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yuejia Liu
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nathan L Johnston
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Omar R Ahmad
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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19
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Wallace ML, Huang KW, Hochbaum D, Hyun M, Radeljic G, Sabatini BL. Anatomical and single-cell transcriptional profiling of the murine habenular complex. eLife 2020; 9:e51271. [PMID: 32043968 PMCID: PMC7012610 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic brain structure critical for processing and adapting to negative action outcomes. However, despite the importance of LHb to behavior and the clear anatomical and molecular diversity of LHb neurons, the neuron types of the habenula remain unknown. Here, we use high-throughput single-cell transcriptional profiling, monosynaptic retrograde tracing, and multiplexed FISH to characterize the cells of the mouse habenula. We find five subtypes of neurons in the medial habenula (MHb) that are organized into anatomical subregions. In the LHb, we describe four neuronal subtypes and show that they differentially target dopaminergic and GABAergic cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). These data provide a valuable resource for future study of habenular function and dysfunction and demonstrate neuronal subtype specificity in the LHb-VTA circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wallace
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Kee Wui Huang
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Daniel Hochbaum
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Minsuk Hyun
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Gianna Radeljic
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Department of NeurobiologyHoward Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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20
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Metzger M, Souza R, Lima LB, Bueno D, Gonçalves L, Sego C, Donato J, Shammah-Lagnado SJ. Habenular connections with the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and their role in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 53:65-88. [PMID: 31833616 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a phylogenetically old epithalamic structure differentiated into two nuclear complexes, the medial (MHb) and lateral habenula (LHb). After decades of search for a great unifying function, interest in the Hb resurged when it was demonstrated that LHb plays a major role in the encoding of aversive stimuli ranging from noxious stimuli to the loss of predicted rewards. Consistent with a role as an anti-reward center, aberrant LHb activity has now been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Moreover, both MHb and LHb emerged as new players in the reward circuitry by primarily mediating the aversive properties of distinct drugs of abuse. Anatomically, the Hb serves as a bridge that links basal forebrain structures with monoaminergic nuclei in the mid- and hindbrain. So far, research on Hb has focused on the role of the LHb in regulating midbrain dopamine release. However, LHb/MHb are also interconnected with the dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nucleus. Hence, it is conceivable that some of the habenular functions are at least partly mediated by the complex network that links MHb/LHb with pontomesencephalic monoaminergic nuclei. Here, we summarize research about the topography and transmitter phenotype of the reciprocal connections between the LHb and ventral tegmental area-nigra complex, as well as those between the LHb and DR/MnR. Indirect MHb outputs via interpeduncular nucleus to state-setting neuromodulatory networks will also be commented. Finally, we discuss the role of specific LHb-VTA and LHb/MHb-raphe circuits in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Chemutai Sego
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara J Shammah-Lagnado
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Jeong I, Kim E, Seong JY, Park HC. Overexpression of Spexin 1 in the Dorsal Habenula Reduces Anxiety in Zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2019; 13:53. [PMID: 31474838 PMCID: PMC6702259 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2019.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spexin (SPX) is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide that is expressed in the mammalian brain and peripheral tissue. Two orthologs are present in the teleost, SPX1 and SPX2. SPX1 is involved in reproduction and food intake. Recently, SPX1 neurons have been found to be located in the specific nuclei of dorsal habenula (dHb) and to project into the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), in which galanin receptor 2a/2b (GALR2a/2b) expression was also observed. This indicates that habenula SPX1 neurons may interact with GALR2a/2b in the IPN; however, the function of SPX1 in the dHb-IPN neuronal circuit remains unknown. To determine the role of SPX1 in the dHb-IPN neural circuit, we generated transgenic zebrafish overexpressing SPX1 specifically in the dHb. We found that transgenic zebrafish overexpressing SPX1 in the dHb had anxiolytic behaviors compared with their wildtype siblings. Furthermore, quantitative PCR revealed that mRNA expression of galr2a and galr2b in the IPN and serotonin-related genes in the raphe was upregulated in the brains of transgenic zebrafish. Taken together, our data suggest that SPX1 function in the dHb-IPN neural circuits is implicated in the regulation of anxiety behaviors via modulation of the serotoninergic system in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Eunmi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Jae Young Seong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hae-Chul Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan, South Korea
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22
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Distribution and neuronal circuit of spexin 1/2 neurons in the zebrafish CNS. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5025. [PMID: 30903017 PMCID: PMC6430828 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41431-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spexin (SPX) is a highly conserved neuropeptide that is widely expressed in mammalian brain and peripheral tissue. In teleost, SPX1 is mainly expressed in the brain and ovary, and is involved in reproduction and food intake. A second form of SPX, SPX2, was recently identified in chick, Xenopus, and zebrafish. The expression pattern and roles of SPX2 are unknown. SPX (spx1) is highly expressed in the vertebrate brain, but its distribution, circuits, and interactions with its putative receptor are unknown. Here, we observed expression of spx1 in the midbrain and hindbrain, and spx2 in the hypothalamic preoptic area using in situ RNA hybridization in zebrafish. Analysis of transgenic reporter zebrafish revealed that hindbrain SPX1 neurons are PAX2+ inhibitory interneurons and project to the spinal cord, where they interact with galanin receptor 2b (GALR2b) neurons, suggesting that hindbrain SPX1 neurons are reticulospinal neurons. spx1 mRNA and SPX1 reporter expression were observed in dorsal habenula (dHb). SPX1 neurons in the dHb project to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), where GALR2a and GALR2b expression was also observed, suggesting that habenula SPX1 neurons may interact with GALR2a/2b in the IPN.
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23
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Lee HW, Yang SH, Kim JY, Kim H. The Role of the Medial Habenula Cholinergic System in Addiction and Emotion-Associated Behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:100. [PMID: 30873055 PMCID: PMC6404551 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a complex nucleus composed of lateral and medial subnuclei, which connect between the limbic forebrain and midbrain. Over the past few years, the lateral habenula has received considerable attention because of its potential roles in cognition and in the pathogenesis of various psychiatric disorders. Unlike extensively studied lateral habenula, anatomically and histologically distinct medial habenula remains largely understudied. The medial habenula can be further subdivided into a dorsal region containing excitatory neurons that express the tachykinin neuropeptide substance P and a ventral region containing dense cholinergic neurons. Although the medial habenula is the source of one of the major cholinergic pathways in the brain, relatively few studies have been conducted to understand its roles. Recently, however, the medial habenula cholinergic system has attracted more attention because of its potential to provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, drug addiction, and various mood disorders. Here, we discuss the role of the medial habenula cholinergic system in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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24
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Developmental Requirement of Homeoprotein Otx2 for Specific Habenulo-Interpeduncular Subcircuits. J Neurosci 2018; 39:1005-1019. [PMID: 30593496 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1818-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenulo-interpeduncular system (HIPS) is now recognized as a critical circuit modulating aversion, reward, and social behavior. There is evidence that dysfunction of this circuit leads to psychiatric disorders. Because psychiatric diseases may originate in developmental abnormalities, it is crucial to investigate the developmental mechanisms controlling the formation of the HIPS. Thus far, this issue has been the focus of limited studies. Here, we explored the developmental processes underlying the formation of the medial habenula (MHb) and its unique output, the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), in mice independently of their gender. We report that the Otx2 homeobox gene is essential for the proper development of both structures. We show that MHb and IPN neurons require Otx2 at different developmental stages and, in both cases, Otx2 deletion leads to disruption of HIPS subcircuits. Finally, we show that Otx2+ neurons tend to be preferentially interconnected. This study reveals that synaptically connected components of the HIPS, despite radically different developmental strategies, share high sensitivity to Otx2 expression.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain reward circuits are highly complex and still poorly understood. In particular, it is important to understand how these circuits form as many psychiatric diseases may arise from their abnormal development. This work shows that Otx2, a critical evolutionary conserved gene implicated in brain development and a predisposing factor for psychiatric diseases, is required for the formation of the habenulo-interpeduncular system (HIPS), an important component of the reward circuit. Otx2 deletion affects multiple processes such as proliferation and migration of HIPS neurons. Furthermore, neurons expressing Otx2 are preferentially interconnected. Therefore, Otx2 expression may represent a code that specifies the connectivity of functional subunits of the HIPS. Importantly, the Otx2 conditional knock-out animals used in this study might represent a new genetic model of psychiatric diseases.
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25
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Grigsby KB, Kelty TJ, Booth FW. Medial habenula maturational deficits associate with low motivation for voluntary physical activity. Brain Res 2018; 1698:187-194. [PMID: 30118717 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The habenula is a small, diencephalic structure comprised of distinct subnuclei which receives inputs from the limbic forebrain and sends projections to various regions in the midbrain, making this region well positioned to influence reward and motivation. Genetic ablation of the dorsal medial habenula is known to decrease voluntary wheel-running in mice. However, the extent to which the medial habenula (MHb) mediates wheel-running motivation in the context of high or low motivation for voluntary physical activity remains to be determined. In so, we utilized 5-week-old female rats selectively bred to voluntarily run high (HVR) or low (LVR) distances in order to determine if inherent differences in medial habenula maturation accompany inherent differences in wheel-running motivation. We report a significantly higher expression of genes associated with MHb development (Brn3a, Nurr1, Tac1, and Kcnip) in HVR versus LVR rats. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between Brn3a and Nurr1 expression and run distance in HVR, but not LVR rats. Similarly, NeuN and Synapsin 1, markers of neuronal maturation, were higher in HVR compared to LVR rats. Lastly, dendritic density was determined to be higher in the MHb of HVR versus LVR rats, while LVR rats showed a higher percentage of thin spines, suggesting a higher prevalence of immature dendrites in LVR rats. Taken together, the above findings highlight the involvement of MHb in driving the motivation to be physically active. Given pandemic levels of global physical inactivity, the role of the MHb offers a novel potential to improve our global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolter B Grigsby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
| | - Taylor J Kelty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Frank W Booth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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26
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Cbln2 and Cbln4 are expressed in distinct medial habenula-interpeduncular projections and contribute to different behavioral outputs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10235-E10244. [PMID: 30287486 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811086115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellins are important neurexin ligands that remain incompletely understood. Two critical questions in particular remain unanswered: do different cerebellins perform distinct functions, and do these functions act in the initial establishment of synapses or in rendering nascent synapses capable of normal synaptic transmission? Here we show that in mice, Cbln2 and Cbln4 are expressed in the medial habenula (MHb) nucleus in different types of neurons that project to distinct target neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus. Conditional genetic deletion of Cbln2 in the MHb impaired synaptic transmission at Cbln2+ synapses in the interpeduncular neurons within 3 wk, but decreased synapse numbers only after 3 mo, suggesting a functional, but not a structural, requirement for Cbln2 in synapses formed by Cbln2-expressing neurons. In contrast, genetic deletions of Cbln4 in the MHb had no major effect on synaptic transmission or synapse numbers in interpeduncular target neurons. Nevertheless, MHb ablation of both Cbln2 and Cbln4 significantly impaired behavioral responses in mice, but affected different types of behaviors. Specifically, Cbln2 MHb deletions decreased spatial learning, as measured in the water T-maze, whereas Cbln4 MHb deletions increased anxiety levels, as monitored in the open field test and elevated plus maze. Thus, Cbln2 and Cbln4 are expressed in distinct MHb neurons that contribute to different behaviors.
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27
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Weiss T, Bernard R, Bernstein HG, Veh RW, Laube G. Agmatine modulates spontaneous activity in neurons of the rat medial habenular complex-a relevant mechanism in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression? Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:201. [PMID: 30250120 PMCID: PMC6155246 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system connects limbic forebrain structures to monaminergic mesencephalic nuclei via a distinct relay station, the habenular complexes. Both habenular nuclei, the lateral as well as the medial nucleus, are considered to play a prominent role in mental disorders like major depression. Herein, we investigate the effect of the polyamine agmatine on the electrical activity of neurons within the medial habenula in rat. We present evidence that agmatine strongly decreases spontaneous action potential firing of medial habenular neurons by activating I1-type imidazoline receptors. Additionally, we compare the expression patterns of agmatinase, an enzyme capable of inactivating agmatine, in rat and human habenula. In the medial habenula of both species, agmatinase is similarly distributed and observed in neurons and, in particular, in distinct neuropil areas. The putative relevance of these findings in the context of depression is discussed. It is concluded that increased activity of the agmatinergic system in the medial habenula may strengthen midbrain dopaminergic activity. Consequently, the habenular-interpeduncular axis may be dysregulated in patients with major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Weiss
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany.
| | - René Bernard
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Klinik für Neurologie, Department of Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Gert Bernstein
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger W. Veh
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gregor Laube
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Vegetative Anatomy, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Morton G, Nasirova N, Sparks DW, Brodsky M, Sivakumaran S, Lambe EK, Turner EE. Chrna5-Expressing Neurons in the Interpeduncular Nucleus Mediate Aversion Primed by Prior Stimulation or Nicotine Exposure. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6900-6920. [PMID: 29954848 PMCID: PMC6070661 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0023-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have shown an association between smoking and variation at the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene locus encoding the α5, α3, and β4 nicotinic receptor subunits. The α5 receptor has been specifically implicated because smoking-associated haplotypes contain a coding variant in the CHRNA5 gene. The Chrna5/a3/b4 locus is conserved in rodents and the restricted expression of these subunits suggests neural pathways through which the reinforcing and aversive properties of nicotine may be mediated. Here, we show that, in the interpeduncular nucleus (IP), the site of the highest Chrna5 mRNA expression in rodents, electrophysiological responses to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation are markedly reduced in α5-null mice. IP neurons differ markedly from their upstream ventral medial habenula cholinergic partners, which appear unaltered by loss of α5. To probe the functional role of α5-containing IP neurons, we used BAC recombineering to generate transgenic mice expressing Cre-recombinase from the Chrna5 locus. Reporter expression driven by Chrna5Cre demonstrates that transcription of Chrna5 is regulated independently from the Chrna3/b4 genes transcribed on the opposite strand. Chrna5-expressing IP neurons are GABAergic and project to distant targets in the mesopontine raphe and tegmentum rather than forming local circuits. Optogenetic stimulation of Chrna5-expressing IP neurons failed to elicit physical manifestations of withdrawal. However, after recent prior stimulation or exposure to nicotine, IP stimulation becomes aversive. These results using mice of both sexes support the idea that the risk allele of CHRNA5 may increase the drive to smoke via loss of IP-mediated nicotine aversion.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding the receptors and neural pathways underlying the reinforcing and aversive effects of nicotine may suggest new treatments for tobacco addiction. Part of the individual variability in smoking is associated with specific forms of the α5 nicotinic receptor subunit gene. Here, we show that deletion of the α5 subunit in mice markedly reduces the cellular response to nicotine and acetylcholine in the interpeduncular nucleus (IP). Stimulation of α5-expressing IP neurons using optogenetics is aversive, but this effect requires priming by recent prior stimulation or exposure to nicotine. These results support the idea that the smoking-associated variant of the α5 gene may increase the drive to smoke via loss of IP-mediated nicotine aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Morton
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | - Nailyam Nasirova
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | | | - Matthew Brodsky
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | | | - Evelyn K Lambe
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Eric E Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute,
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98101
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29
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Faron-Górecka A, Kuśmider M, Solich J, Kolasa M, Pabian P, Gruca P, Romańska I, Żurawek D, Szlachta M, Papp M, Antkiewicz-Michaluk L, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M. Regulation of somatostatin receptor 2 in the context of antidepressant treatment response in chronic mild stress in rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2137-2149. [PMID: 29713785 PMCID: PMC6015609 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4912-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The role of somatostatin and its receptors for the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders has been widely raised. Recently, we have also demonstrated the involvement of somatostatin receptor type 2-sst2R and dopamine receptor type 2-D2R in stress. OBJECTIVE In this context, we decided to find if these receptors are involved in response to antidepressant treatment in animal model of depression-chronic mild stress (CMS). METHODS Here, we report data obtained following 7-week CMS procedure. The specific binding of [125I]Tyr3-Octreotide to sst2R and [3H]Domperidone to D2R was measured in the rat brain, using autoradiography. Additionally, the level of dopamine and metabolites was measured in the rat brain. RESULTS In the final baseline test after 7 weeks of stress, the reduced consumption of sucrose solution was observed (controls vs the stressed animals (6.25 0.16 vs. 10.39 0.41; p < 0.05). Imipramine was administered for the next 5 weeks, and it reversed anhedonia in majority of animals (imipramine-reactive); however, in some animals, it did not (imipramine-non-reactive). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant effects of stress and treatment and time interaction [F(16, 168) = 3.72; p < 0.0001], n = 10 per groups. We observed decreased binding of [125I]Tyr3-Octreotide in most of rat brain regions in imipramine non-reactive groups of animals. The decrease of D2R after stress in striatum and nucleus accumbens and no effect of imipramine were observed. In the striatum and prefrontal cortex, the significant role of stress and imipramine in dopamine levels was observed. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in binding assays, together with dopamine level, indicate the involvement of sst2R receptors for reaction to antidepressant treatment. Besides, the stress context itself changes the effect of antidepressant drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Maciej Kuśmider
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kolasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Pabian
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Gruca
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Behavioral Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Irena Romańska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dariusz Żurawek
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Szlachta
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Papp
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Behavioral Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lucyna Antkiewicz-Michaluk
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna Street 12, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
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30
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Roberson S, Halpern ME. Development and connectivity of the habenular nuclei. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 78:107-115. [PMID: 29107475 PMCID: PMC5920772 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has reinforced that the habenular region of the vertebrate dorsal forebrain is an essential integrating center, and a region strongly implicated in neurological disorders and addiction. Despite the important and diverse neuromodulatory roles the habenular nuclei play, their development has been understudied. The emphasis of this review is on the dorsal habenular nuclei of zebrafish, homologous to the medial nuclei of mammals, as recent work has revealed new information about the signaling pathways that regulate their formation. Additionally, the zebrafish dorsal habenulae have become a valuable model for probing how left-right differences are established in a vertebrate brain. Sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factors and Wingless-INT proteins are all involved in the generation of progenitor cells and ultimately, along with Notch signaling, influence habenular neurogenesis and left-right asymmetry. Intriguingly, a genetic network has emerged that leads to the differentiation of dorsal habenular neurons and, through localized chemokine signaling, directs the posterior outgrowth of their newly emerging axons towards their postsynaptic target, the midbrain interpeduncular nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Roberson
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, 3520 San Martin Drive Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Marnie E Halpern
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology, 3520 San Martin Drive Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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31
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Hsu YWA, Gile JJ, Perez JG, Morton G, Ben-Hamo M, Turner EE, de la Iglesia HO. The Dorsal Medial Habenula Minimally Impacts Circadian Regulation of Locomotor Activity and Sleep. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:444-455. [PMID: 28954569 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417730169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In nocturnal rodents, voluntary wheel-running activity (WRA) represents a self-reinforcing behavior. We have previously demonstrated that WRA is markedly reduced in mice with a region-specific deletion of the transcription factor Pou4f1 (Brn3a), which leads to an ablation of the dorsal medial habenula (dMHb). The decrease in WRA in these dMHb-lesioned (dMHbCKO) mice suggests that the dMHb constitutes a critical center for conveying reinforcement by exercise. However, WRA also represents a prominent output of the circadian system, and the possibility remains that the dMHb is a source of input to the master circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the integrity of the circadian system in dMHbCKO mice. Here we show that the developmental lesion of the dMHb reduces WRA under both a light-dark cycle and constant darkness, increases the circadian period of WRA, but has no effect on the circadian amplitude or period of home cage activity or the daily amplitude of sleep stages, suggesting that the lengthening of period is a result of the decreased WRA in the mutant mice. Polysomnographic sleep recordings show that dMHbCKO mice have an overall unaltered daily amplitude of sleep stages but have fragmented sleep and an overall increase in total rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Photoresponsiveness is intact in dMHbCKO mice, but compared with control animals, they reentrain faster to a 6-h abrupt phase delay protocol. Circadian changes in WRA of dMHbCKO mice do not appear to emerge within the central pacemaker, as circadian expression of the clock genes Per1 and Per2 within the SCN is normal. We do find some evidence for fragmented sleep and an overall increase in total REM sleep, supporting a model in which the dMHb is part of the neural circuitry encoding motivation and involved in the manifestation of some of the symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Wei A Hsu
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jennifer J Gile
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jazmine G Perez
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Glenn Morton
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Miriam Ben-Hamo
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eric E Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Horacio O de la Iglesia
- Department of Biology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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32
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Broms J, Grahm M, Haugegaard L, Blom T, Meletis K, Tingström A. Monosynaptic retrograde tracing of neurons expressing the G-protein coupled receptor Gpr151 in the mouse brain. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:3227-3250. [PMID: 28657115 PMCID: PMC5601234 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GPR151 is a G‐protein coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand remains unknown. In the nervous system of vertebrates, its expression is enriched in specific diencephalic structures, where the highest levels are observed in the habenular area. The habenula has been implicated in a range of different functions including behavioral flexibility, decision making, inhibitory control, and pain processing, which makes it a promising target for treating psychiatric and neurological disease. This study aimed to further characterize neurons expressing the Gpr151 gene, by tracing the afferent connectivity of this diencephalic cell population. Using pseudotyped rabies virus in a transgenic Gpr151‐Cre mouse line, monosynaptic afferents of habenular and thalamic Gpr151‐expressing neuronal populations could be visualized. The habenular and thalamic Gpr151 systems displayed both shared and distinct connectivity patterns. The habenular neurons primarily received input from basal forebrain structures, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, the lateral preoptic area, the entopeduncular nucleus, and the lateral hypothalamic area. The Gpr151‐expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus was primarily contacted by medial hypothalamic areas as well as the zona incerta and projected to specific forebrain areas such as the prelimbic cortex and the accumbens nucleus. Gpr151 mRNA was also detected at low levels in the lateral posterior thalamic nucleus which received input from areas associated with visual processing, including the superior colliculus, zona incerta, and the visual and retrosplenial cortices. Knowledge about the connectivity of Gpr151‐expressing neurons will facilitate the interpretation of future functional studies of this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Broms
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matilda Grahm
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lea Haugegaard
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas Blom
- Biomedical Services Division, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Tingström
- Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Quina LA, Harris J, Zeng H, Turner EE. Specific connections of the interpeduncular subnuclei reveal distinct components of the habenulopeduncular pathway. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2632-2656. [PMID: 28387937 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The habenulopeduncular pathway consists of the medial habenula (MHb), its output tract, the fasciculus retroflexus, and its principal target, the interpeduncular nucleus (IP). Several IP subnuclei have been described, but their specific projections and relationship to habenula inputs are not well understood. Here we have used viral, transgenic, and conventional anterograde and retrograde tract-tracing methods to better define the relationship between the dorsal and ventral MHb, the IP, and the secondary efferent targets of this system. Although prior studies have reported that the IP has ascending projections to ventral forebrain structures, we find that these projections originate almost entirely in the apical subnucleus, which may be more appropriately described as part of the median raphe system. The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus receives inhibitory inputs from the contralateral dorsolateral IP, and mainly excitatory inputs from the ipsilateral rostrolateral IP subnucleus. The midline central gray of the pons and nucleus incertus receive input from the rostral IP, which contains a mix of inhibitory and excitatory neurons, and the dorsomedial IP, which is exclusively inhibitory. The lateral central gray of the pons receives bilateral input from the lateral IP, which in turn receives bilateral input from the dorsal MHb. Taken together with prior studies of IP projections to the raphe, these results form an emerging map of the habenulopeduncular system that has significant implications for the proposed function of the IP in a variety of behaviors, including models of mood disorders and behavioral responses to nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lely A Quina
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Julie Harris
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, 98103
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, 98103
| | - Eric E Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98101
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The habenula in psychiatric disorders: More than three decades of translational investigation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:721-735. [PMID: 28223096 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The habenula is an epithalamic structure located at the center of the dorsal diencephalic conduction system, a pathway involved in linking forebrain to midbrain regions. Composed of a medial and lateral subdivisions, the habenula receives inputs from the limbic system and basal ganglia mainly through the stria medullaris (SM), and projects to midbrain regions through the fasciculus retroflexus (FR). An increasing number of studies have implicated this structure in psychiatric disorders associated with dysregulated reward circuitry function, notably mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder. However, despite significant progress in research, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the habenula and the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders are far from being fully understood, and still need further investigation. This review provides a closer look at key findings from animal and human studies illustrating the role of the habenula in mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder, and discusses the clinical potential of using this structure as a therapeutic target.
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