Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors induces periodic burst firing and concomitant cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in cerebellar interneurons

Computer simulations predict the impact of neuronal atrophy on the calcium dynamics in Huntington's disease

One of the early hallmarks of Huntington's disease (HD) is neuronal cell atrophy, especially in the striatum, underlying motor dysfunction in HD. Here using a computer model, we have predicted the impact of cell shrinkage on calcium dynamics at the cellular level. Our model indicates that as cytosolic volume decreases, the amplitude of calcium transients increases and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) becomes more leaky due to calcium-induced calcium release and a "toxic" positive feedback mechanism mediated by ryanodine receptors that greatly increases calcium release into the cytosol. The excessive calcium release from ER saturates the calcium buffering capacity of calbindin and forces further accumulation of free calcium in the cytosol and cellular compartments including mitochondria. This leads to imbalance of calcium in both cytosol and ER regions. Excessive calcium accumulation in the cytosol can damage the mitochondria resulting in metabolic dysfunction in the cell consistent with the pathology of HD. Our computational model points toward potential drug targets and can accelerate and greatly help the experimental studies of HD paving the way for treatments of patients suffering from HD.

The Unfolded Protein Response: A Double-Edged Sword for Brain Health

Efficient brain function requires as much as 20% of the total oxygen intake to support normal neuronal cell function. This level of oxygen usage, however, leads to the generation of free radicals, and thus can lead to oxidative stress and potentially to age-related cognitive decay and even neurodegenerative diseases. The regulation of this system requires a complex monitoring network to maintain proper oxygen homeostasis. Furthermore, the high content of mitochondria in the brain has elevated glucose demands, and thus requires a normal redox balance. Maintaining this is mediated by adaptive stress response pathways that permit cells to survive oxidative stress and to minimize cellular damage. These stress pathways rely on the proper function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular pathway responsible for normal ER function and cell survival. Interestingly, the UPR has two opposing signaling pathways, one that promotes cell survival and one that induces apoptosis. In this narrative review, we discuss the opposing roles of the UPR signaling pathways and how a better understanding of these stress pathways could potentially allow for the development of effective strategies to prevent age-related cognitive decay as well as treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Molecular Layer Interneurons: Key Elements of Cerebellar Network Computation and Behavior

Molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) play an important role in cerebellar information processing by controlling Purkinje cell (PC) activity via inhibitory synaptic transmission. A local MLI network, constructed from both chemical and electrical synapses, is organized into spatially structured clusters that amplify feedforward and lateral inhibition to shape the temporal and spatial patterns of PC activity. Several recent in vivo studies indicate that such MLI circuits contribute not only to sensorimotor information processing, but also to precise motor coordination and cognitive processes. Here, we review current understanding of the organization of MLI circuits and their roles in the function of the mammalian cerebellum.

Physiological involvement of presynaptic L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in GABA release of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons

While high threshold voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs) of the N and P/Q families are crucial for evoked neurotransmitter release in the mammalian CNS, it remains unclear to what extent L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs), which have been mainly considered as acting at postsynaptic sites, participate in the control of transmitter release. Here, we investigate the possible role of LTCCs in regulating GABA release by cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) from rats. We found that BayK8644 (BayK) markedly increases mIPSC frequency in MLIs and Purkinje cells (PCs), suggesting that LTCCs are expressed presynaptically. Furthermore, we observed (1) a potentiation of evoked IPSCs in the presence of BayK, (2) an inhibition of evoked IPSCs in the presence of the LTCC-specific inhibitor Compound 8 (Cp8), and (3) a strong reduction of mIPSC frequency by Cp8. BayK effects are reduced by dantrolene, suggesting that ryanodine receptors act in synergy with LTCCs. Finally, BayK enhances presynaptic AP-evoked Ca²⁺ transients and increases the frequency of spontaneous axonal Ca²⁺ transients observed in TTX. Taken together, our data demonstrate that LTCCs are of primary importance in regulating GABA release by MLIs.

Synergism of type 1 metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors in cerebellar molecular layer interneurons in vivo

Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1s) are key elements in neuronal signaling. While their function is well documented in slices, requirements for their activation in vivo are poorly understood. We examine this question in adult mice in vivo using 2-photon imaging of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) expressing GCaMP. In anesthetized mice, parallel fiber activation evokes beam-like Ca_i rises in postsynaptic MLIs which depend on co-activation of mGluR1s and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). In awake mice, blocking mGluR1 decreases Ca_i rises associated with locomotion. In vitro studies and freeze-fracture electron microscopy show that the iGluR-mGluR1 interaction is synergistic and favored by close association of the two classes of receptors. Altogether our results suggest that mGluR1s, acting in synergy with iGluRs, potently contribute to processing cerebellar neuronal signaling under physiological conditions.

Temporal integration and 1/f power scaling in a circuit model of cerebellar interneurons

Inhibitory interneurons interconnected via electrical and chemical (GABA_A receptor) synapses form extensive circuits in several brain regions. They are thought to be involved in timing and synchronization through fast feedforward control of principal neurons. Theoretical studies have shown, however, that whereas self-inhibition does indeed reduce response duration, lateral inhibition, in contrast, may generate slow response components through a process of gradual disinhibition. Here we simulated a circuit of interneurons (stellate and basket cells) of the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex and observed circuit time constants that could rise, depending on parameter values, to >1 s. The integration time scaled both with the strength of inhibition, vanishing completely when inhibition was blocked, and with the average connection distance, which determined the balance between lateral and self-inhibition. Electrical synapses could further enhance the integration time by limiting heterogeneity among the interneurons and by introducing a slow capacitive current. The model can explain several observations, such as the slow time course of OFF-beam inhibition, the phase lag of interneurons during vestibular rotation, or the phase lead of Purkinje cells. Interestingly, the interneuron spike trains displayed power that scaled approximately as 1/f at low frequencies. In conclusion, stellate and basket cells in cerebellar cortex, and interneuron circuits in general, may not only provide fast inhibition to principal cells but also act as temporal integrators that build a very short-term memory.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The most common function attributed to inhibitory interneurons is feedforward control of principal neurons. In many brain regions, however, the interneurons are densely interconnected via both chemical and electrical synapses but the function of this coupling is largely unknown. Based on large-scale simulations of an interneuron circuit of cerebellar cortex, we propose that this coupling enhances the integration time constant, and hence the memory trace, of the circuit.

Long-Term Predictive and Feedback Encoding of Motor Signals in the Simple Spike Discharge of Purkinje Cells

Most hypotheses of cerebellar function emphasize a role in real-time control of movements. However, the cerebellum’s use of current information to adjust future movements and its involvement in sequencing, working memory, and attention argues for predicting and maintaining information over extended time windows. The present study examines the time course of Purkinje cell discharge modulation in the monkey (Macaca mulatta) during manual, pseudo-random tracking. Analysis of the simple spike firing from 183 Purkinje cells during tracking reveals modulation up to 2 s before and after kinematics and position error. Modulation significance was assessed against trial shuffled firing, which decoupled simple spike activity from behavior and abolished long-range encoding while preserving data statistics. Position, velocity, and position errors have the most frequent and strongest long-range feedforward and feedback modulations, with less common, weaker long-term correlations for speed and radial error. Position, velocity, and position errors can be decoded from the population simple spike firing with considerable accuracy for even the longest predictive (-2000 to -1500 ms) and feedback (1500 to 2000 ms) epochs. Separate analysis of the simple spike firing in the initial hold period preceding tracking shows similar long-range feedforward encoding of the upcoming movement and in the final hold period feedback encoding of the just completed movement, respectively. Complex spike analysis reveals little long-term modulation with behavior. We conclude that Purkinje cell simple spike discharge includes short- and long-range representations of both upcoming and preceding behavior that could underlie cerebellar involvement in error correction, working memory, and sequencing.

Band-pass processing in a GPCR signaling pathway selects for NFAT transcription factor activation

Many biological processes are rhythmic and proper timing is increasingly appreciated as being critical for development and maintenance of physiological functions. To understand how temporal modulation of an input signal influences downstream responses, we employ microfluidic pulsatile stimulation of a G-protein coupled receptor, the muscarinic M3 receptor, in single cells with simultaneous real-time imaging of both intracellular calcium and NFAT nuclear localization. Interestingly, we find that reduced stimulation with pulses of ligand can give more efficient transcription factor activation, if stimuli are timed appropriately. Our experiments and computational analyses show that M3 receptor-induced calcium oscillations form a low pass filter while calcium-induced NFAT translocation forms a high pass filter. The combination acts as a band-pass filter optimized for intermediate frequencies of stimulation. We demonstrate that receptor desensitization and NFAT translocation rates determine critical features of the band-pass filter and that the band-pass may be shifted for different receptors or NFAT dynamics. As an example, we show that the two NFAT isoforms (NFAT4 and NFAT1) have shifted band-pass windows for the same receptor. While we focus specifically on the M3 muscarinic receptor and NFAT translocation, band-pass processing is expected to be a general theme that applies to multiple signaling pathways.

The contribution of extrasynaptic signaling to cerebellar information processing

The diversity of synapses within the simple modular structure of the cerebellum has been crucial for study of the phasic extrasynaptic signaling by fast neurotransmitters collectively referred to as "spillover." Additionally, the accessibility of cerebellar components for in vivo recordings and their recruitment by simple behaviors or sensory stimuli has allowed for both direct and indirect demonstrations of the effects of transmitter spillover in the intact brain. The continued study of spillover in the cerebellum not only promotes our understanding of information transfer through cerebellar structures but also how extrasynaptic signaling may be regulated and interpreted throughout the CNS.

mGluR1-mediated excitation of cerebellar GABAergic interneurons requires both G protein-dependent and Src-ERK1/2-dependent signaling pathways

Stimulation of type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1/5) in several neuronal types induces slow excitatory responses through activation of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels. GABAergic cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) modulate firing patterns of Purkinje cells (PCs), which play a key role in cerebellar information processing. MLIs express mGluR1, and activation of mGluR1 induces an inward current, but its precise intracellular signaling pathways are unknown. We found that mGluR1 activation facilitated spontaneous firing of mouse cerebellar MLIs through an inward current mediated by TRPC1 channels. This mGluR1-mediated inward current depends on both G protein-dependent and -independent pathways. The nonselective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and AG490 as well as the selective extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitors PD98059 and SL327 suppressed the mGluR1-mediated current responses. Following G protein blockade, the residual mGluR1-mediated inward current was significantly reduced by the selective Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2. In contrast to cerebellar PCs, GABA_B receptor activation in MLIs did not alter the mGluR1-mediated inward current, suggesting that there is no cross-talk between mGluR1 and GABA_B receptors in MLIs. Thus, activation of mGluR1 facilitates firing of MLIs through the TRPC1-mediated inward current, which depends on not only G protein-dependent but also Src–ERK1/2-dependent signaling pathways, and consequently depresses the excitability of cerebellar PCs.

Differential roles of signal transduction mechanisms in long-term potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission induced by activation of group I mGluRs in the spinal trigeminal subnucleus oralis

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1 and 5) have been implicated in long-term potentiation (LTP), a persistent increase of synaptic efficiency, in the central nervous system including the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vsp). In the ascending pathway from the caudalis (Vc) to the oralis (Vo) subnuclus in Vsp, it has been shown that the activation of group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and 5) with their agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) produces a delayed type of LTP of excitatory synaptic transmission and this LTP was mediated by mGluR1. Further, this study attempts to pharmacologically characterize essential signaling components for the expression of DHPG-induced LTP. As a result, it is found that the group I mGluRs essentially use G protein-mediated activation of the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway to express the LTP. However, recruited signaling molecules following the activation of PLC are differentially involved in the expression of LTP: i.e. IP3 receptor, intracellular Ca(2+) rise, CaMKII and ERK function as positive regulators, whereas PKC as a negative regulator. Furthermore, both L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel and canonical transient receptor potential channel positively contribute to the expression of LTP. Taken together, these results suggest that signaling molecules recruited by the activation of group I mGluRs collaboratively or oppositely control the optimal expression of synaptic plasticity at excitatory synapses in the Vo.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5) activate transient receptor potential canonical channels to improve the regularity of the respiratory rhythm generated by the pre-Bötzinger complex in mice

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are hypothesized to play a key role in generating the central respiratory rhythm and other rhythmic activities driven by central pattern generators (e.g. locomotion). However, the functional role of mGluRs in rhythmic respiratory activity and many motor patterns is very poorly understood. Here, we used mouse respiratory brain-slice preparations containing the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) to identify the role of group I mGluRs (mGluR1 and mGluR5) in respiratory rhythm generation. We found that activation of mGluR1/5 is not required for the pre-BötC to generate a respiratory rhythm. However, our data suggest that mGluR1 and mGluR5 differentially modulate the respiratory rhythm. Blocking endogenous mGluR5 activity with 2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) decreases the inspiratory burst duration, burst area and frequency, whereas it increases the irregularity of the fictive eupneic inspiratory rhythm generated by the pre-BötC. In contrast, blocking mGluR1 reduces the frequency. Moreover, the mGluR1/5 agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine increases the frequency and decreases the irregularity of the respiratory rhythm. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that mGluR signaling decreases the irregularity of the respiratory rhythm by activating transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels, which carry a non-specific cation current (ICAN). Indeed, 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) application reduces cycle-by-cycle variability and subsequent application of the TRPC channel blocker 1-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]ethyl]imidazole (SKF-96365) hydrochloride reverses this effect. Our data suggest that mGluR5 activation of ICAN-carrying TRPC channels plays an important role in governing the cycle-by-cycle variability of the respiratory rhythm. These data suggest that modulation of TRPC channels may correct irregular respiratory rhythms in some central neuronal diseases.

Prolonged postinhibitory rebound firing in the cerebellar nuclei mediated by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor potentiation of L-type calcium currents

Neurons in the cerebellar nuclei fire at accelerated rates for prolonged periods after trains of synaptic inhibition that interrupt spontaneous firing. Both in vitro and in vivo, however, this prolonged rebound firing is favored by strong stimulation of afferents, suggesting that neurotransmitters other than GABA may contribute to the increased firing rates. Here, we tested whether metabotropic glutamate receptors modulate excitability of nuclear cells in cerebellar slices from mouse. In current clamp, the prolonged rebound firing rate after high-frequency synaptic stimulation was reduced by a variety of group I mGluR antagonists, including CPCCOEt [7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester], JNJ16259685 (3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]quinolin-7-yl)-(cis-4-methoxycyclohexyl)-methanone) plus MPEP, or 3-MATIDA (α-amino-5-carboxy-3-methyl-2-thiopheneacetic acid) plus MPEP, as long as both mGluR1 and mGluR5 were blocked. This mGluR-dependent acceleration of firing was reduced but still evident when IPSPs were prevented by GABA(A) receptor antagonists. In voltage clamp, voltage ramps revealed a non-inactivating, low-voltage-activated, nimodipine-sensitive current that was enhanced by the selective group I mGluR agonist s-DHPG [(S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine]. This putative L-type current also increased when mGluRs were activated by trains of evoked synaptic currents instead of direct application of agonist. In current clamp, blocking L-type Ca channels with the specific blocker nifedipine greatly reduced prolonged poststimulus firing and occluded the effect of adding group I mGluR antagonists. Thus, potentiation of a low-voltage-activated L-type current by synaptically released glutamate accounted nearly fully for the mGluR-dependent acceleration of firing. Together, these data suggest that prolonged rebound firing in the cerebellar nuclei in vivo is most likely to occur when GABA(A) and mGluRs are simultaneously activated by concurrent excitation and inhibition.

Somatic calcium level reports integrated spiking activity of cerebellar interneurons in vitro and in vivo

We examined the relationship between somatic Ca²⁺ signals and spiking activity of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) in adult mice. Using two-photon microscopy in conjunction with cell-attached recordings in slices, we show that in tonically firing MLIs loaded with high-affinity Ca²⁺ probes, Ca²⁺-dependent fluorescence transients are absent. Spike-triggered averages of fluorescence traces for MLIs spiking at low rates revealed that the fluorescence change associated with an action potential is small (1% of the basal fluorescence). To uncover the relationship between intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)) and firing rates, spikes were transiently silenced with puffs of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol. [Ca²⁺](i) relaxed toward basal levels following a single exponential whose amplitude correlated to the preceding spike frequency. The relaxation time constant was slow (2.5 s) and independent of the probe concentration. Data from parvalbumin (PV)-/- animals indicate that PV controls the amplitude and decay time of spike-triggered averages as well as the time course of [Ca²⁺](i) relaxations following spike silencing. The [Ca²⁺](i) signals were sensitive to the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker nimodipine and insensitive to ryanodine. In anesthetized mice, as in slices, fluorescence traces from most MLIs did not show spontaneous transients. They nonetheless responded to muscimol iontophoresis with relaxations similar to those obtained in vitro, suggesting a state of tonic firing with estimated spiking rates ranging from 2 to 30 Hz. Altogether, the [Ca²⁺](i) signal appears to reflect the integral of the spiking activity in MLIs. We propose that the muscimol silencing strategy can be extended to other tonically spiking neurons with similar [Ca²⁺](i) homeostasis.

Somatic depolarization enhances GABA release in cerebellar interneurons via a calcium/protein kinase C pathway

In cortical and hippocampal neurons, tonic somatic depolarization is partially transmitted to synaptic terminals, where it enhances transmitter release. It is not known to what extent such "analog signaling" applies to other mammalian neurons, and available evidence concerning underlying mechanisms is fragmentary and partially controversial. In this work, we investigate the presence of analog signaling in molecular layer interneurons of the rat cerebellum. GABA release was estimated by measuring autoreceptor currents in single recordings, or postsynaptic currents in paired recordings of synaptically connected neurons. We find with both assays that moderate subthreshold somatic depolarization results in enhanced GABA release. In addition, changes in the calcium concentration were investigated in the axon compartment using the calcium-sensitive dye OGB-1 (Oregon Green BAPTA-1). After a step somatic depolarization, the axonal calcium concentration and the GABA release probability rise with a common slow time course. However, the amount of calcium entry that is associated to one action potential is not affected. The slow increase in calcium concentration is inhibited by the P/Q calcium channel blocker ω-agatoxin-IVA. The protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (3-[3-[2,5-dihydro-4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-2,5-dioxo-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-1H-indol-1-yl]propyl carbamimidothioic acid ester mesylate) did not affect the calcium concentration changes but it blocked the increase in GABA release. EGTA was a weak blocker of analog signaling, implicating a close association of protein kinase C to the site of calcium entry. We conclude that analog signaling is prominent in cerebellar interneurons and that it is triggered by a pathway involving activation of axonal P/Q channels, followed by calcium entry and local activation of protein kinase C.

Neuronal calcium homeostasis and dysregulation

The calcium ion (Ca(2+)) is the main second messenger that helps to transmit depolarization status and synaptic activity to the biochemical machinery of a neuron. These features make Ca(2+) regulation a critical process in neurons, which have developed extensive and intricate Ca(2+) signaling pathways. High intensity Ca(2+) signaling necessitates high ATP consumption to restore basal (low) intracellular Ca(2+) levels after Ca(2+) influx through plasma membrane receptor and voltage-dependent ion channels. Ca(2+) influx may also lead to increased generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Impaired abilities of neurons to maintain cellular energy levels and to suppress ROS may impact Ca(2+) signaling during aging and in neurodegenerative disease processes. This review focuses on mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) homeostasis and how they relate to synaptic Ca(2+) signaling processes, neuronal energy metabolism, and ROS generation. Also, the contribution of altered Ca(2+) signaling to neurodegeneration during aging will be considered. Advances in understanding the molecular regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis and how it is perturbed in neurological disorders may lead to therapeutic strategies that modulate neuronal Ca(2+) signaling to enhance function and counteract disease processes.

Parasagittally aligned, mGluR1-dependent patches are evoked at long latencies by parallel fiber stimulation in the mouse cerebellar cortex in vivo

The parallel fibers (PFs) in the cerebellar cortex extend several millimeters along a folium in the mediolateral direction. The PFs are orthogonal to and cross several parasagittal zones defined by the olivocerebellar and corticonuclear pathways and the expression of molecular markers on Purkinje cells (PCs). The functions of these two organizations remain unclear, including whether the bands respond similarly or differentially to PF input. By using flavoprotein imaging in the anesthetized mouse in vivo, this study demonstrates that high-frequency PF stimulation, which activates a beamlike response at short latency, also evokes patches of activation at long latencies. These patches consist of increased fluorescence along the beam at latencies of 20-25 s with peak activation at 35 s. The long-latency patches are completely blocked by the type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR(1)) antagonist LY367385. Conversely, the AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists DNQX and APV have little effect. Organized in parasagittal bands, the long-latency patches align with zebrin II-positive PC stripes. Additional Ca(2+) imaging demonstrates that the patches reflect increases in intracellular Ca(2+). Both the PLCβ inhibitor U73122 and the ryanodine receptor inhibitor ryanodine completely block the long-latency patches, indicating that the patches are due to Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Robust, mGluR(1)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of the patches is induced using a high-frequency PF stimulation conditioning paradigm that generates LTP of PF-PC synapses. Therefore, the parasagittal bands, as defined by the molecular compartmentalization of PCs, respond differentially to PF inputs via mGluR(1)-mediated release of internal Ca(2+).