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Carlos-Lima E, Higa GSV, Viana FJC, Tamais AM, Cruvinel E, Borges FDS, Francis-Oliveira J, Ulrich H, De Pasquale R. Serotonergic Modulation of the Excitation/Inhibition Balance in the Visual Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:519. [PMID: 38203689 PMCID: PMC10778629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic neurons constitute one of the main systems of neuromodulators, whose diffuse projections regulate the functions of the cerebral cortex. Serotonin (5-HT) is known to play a crucial role in the differential modulation of cortical activity related to behavioral contexts. Some features of the 5-HT signaling organization suggest its possible participation as a modulator of activity-dependent synaptic changes during the critical period of the primary visual cortex (V1). Cells of the serotonergic system are among the first neurons to differentiate and operate. During postnatal development, ramifications from raphe nuclei become massively distributed in the visual cortical area, remarkably increasing the availability of 5-HT for the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity. A substantial amount of evidence has demonstrated that synaptic plasticity at pyramidal neurons of the superficial layers of V1 critically depends on a fine regulation of the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I). 5-HT could therefore play an important role in controlling this balance, providing the appropriate excitability conditions that favor synaptic modifications. In order to explore this possibility, the present work used in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques to study the effects of 5-HT on the E/I balance of V1 layer 2/3 neurons, during the critical period. Serotonergic action on the E/I balance has been analyzed on spontaneous activity, evoked synaptic responses, and long-term depression (LTD). Our results pointed out that the predominant action of 5-HT implies a reduction in the E/I balance. 5-HT promoted LTD at excitatory synapses while blocking it at inhibitory synaptic sites, thus shifting the Hebbian alterations of synaptic strength towards lower levels of E/I balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estevão Carlos-Lima
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Alicia Moraes Tamais
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Emily Cruvinel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Fernando da Silva Borges
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY 11203, USA;
| | - José Francis-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Roberto De Pasquale
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
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2
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Starkey J, Horstick EJ, Ackerman SD. Glial regulation of critical period plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1247335. [PMID: 38034592 PMCID: PMC10687281 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1247335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior, from simple to complex, is dependent on the faithful wiring of neurons into functional neural circuits. Neural circuits undergo dramatic experience-dependent remodeling during brief developmental windows called critical periods. Environmental experience during critical periods of plasticity produces sustained changes to circuit function and behavior. Precocious critical period closure is linked to autism spectrum disorders, whereas extended synaptic remodeling is thought to underlie circuit dysfunction in schizophrenia. Thus, resolving the mechanisms that instruct critical period timing is important to our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Control of critical period timing is modulated by neuron-intrinsic cues, yet recent data suggest that some determinants are derived from neighboring glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes). As glia make up 50% of the human brain, understanding how these diverse cells communicate with neurons and with each other to sculpt neural plasticity, especially during specialized critical periods, is essential to our fundamental understanding of circuit development and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Starkey
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Eric J. Horstick
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Brain Immunology and Glia Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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3
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Mukherjee D, Xue B, Chen CT, Chang M, Kao JPY, Kanold PO. Early retinal deprivation crossmodally alters nascent subplate circuits and activity in the auditory cortex during the precritical period. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9038-9053. [PMID: 37259176 PMCID: PMC10350824 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory perturbation in one modality results in the adaptive reorganization of neural pathways within the spared modalities, a phenomenon known as "crossmodal plasticity," which has been examined during or after the classic "critical period." Because peripheral perturbations can alter the auditory cortex (ACX) activity and functional connectivity of the ACX subplate neurons (SPNs) even before the critical period, called the precritical period, we investigated if retinal deprivation at birth crossmodally alters the ACX activity and SPN circuits during the precritical period. We deprived newborn mice of visual inputs after birth by performing bilateral enucleation. We performed in vivo widefield imaging in the ACX of awake pups during the first two postnatal weeks to investigate cortical activity. We found that enucleation alters spontaneous and sound-evoked activities in the ACX in an age-dependent manner. Next, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recording combined with laser scanning photostimulation in ACX slices to investigate circuit changes in SPNs. We found that enucleation alters the intracortical inhibitory circuits impinging on SPNs, shifting the excitation-inhibition balance toward excitation and this shift persists after ear opening. Together, our results indicate that crossmodal functional changes exist in the developing sensory cortices at early ages before the onset of the classic critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didhiti Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Binghan Xue
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Chih-Ting Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Minzi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Joseph P Y Kao
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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4
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Li J, Shang Z, Chen JH, Gu W, Yao L, Yang X, Sun X, Wang L, Wang T, Liu S, Li J, Hou T, Xing D, Gill DL, Li J, Wang SQ, Hou L, Zhou Y, Tang AH, Zhang X, Wang Y. Engineering of NEMO as calcium indicators with large dynamics and high sensitivity. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-01852-9. [PMID: 37081094 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are indispensable tools for real-time monitoring of intracellular calcium signals and cellular activities in living organisms. Current GECIs face the challenge of suboptimal peak signal-to-baseline ratio (SBR) with limited resolution for reporting subtle calcium transients. We report herein the development of a suite of calcium sensors, designated NEMO, with fast kinetics and wide dynamic ranges (>100-fold). NEMO indicators report Ca2+ transients with peak SBRs around 20-fold larger than the top-of-the-range GCaMP6 series. NEMO sensors further enable the quantification of absolution calcium concentration with ratiometric or photochromic imaging. Compared with GCaMP6s, NEMOs could detect single action potentials in neurons with a peak SBR two times higher and a median peak SBR four times larger in vivo, thereby outperforming most existing state-of-the-art GECIs. Given their high sensitivity and resolution to report intracellular Ca2+ signals, NEMO sensors may find broad applications in monitoring neuronal activities and other Ca2+-modulated physiological processes in both mammals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwei Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Hui Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjia Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Exercise Physiology and Neurobiology Laboratory, College of PE and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Liuqing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianlu Wang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Siyao Liu
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiajing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dajun Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Donald L Gill
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jiejie Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Hou
- Exercise Physiology and Neurobiology Laboratory, College of PE and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Youjun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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5
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Mukherjee D, Xue B, Chen CT, Chang M, Kao JPY, Kanold PO. Early retinal deprivation crossmodally alters nascent subplate circuits and activity in the auditory cortex during the precritical period. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529453. [PMID: 36865142 PMCID: PMC9980129 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Sensory perturbation in one modality results in adaptive reorganization of neural pathways within the spared modalities, a phenomenon known as "crossmodal plasticity", which has been examined during or after the classic 'critical period'. Because peripheral perturbations can alter auditory cortex (ACX) activity and functional connectivity of the ACX subplate neurons (SPNs) even before the classic critical period, called the precritical period, we investigated if retinal deprivation at birth crossmodally alters ACX activity and SPN circuits during the precritical period. We deprived newborn mice of visual inputs after birth by performing bilateral enucleation. We performed in vivo imaging in the ACX of awake pups during the first two postnatal weeks to investigate cortical activity. We found that enucleation alters spontaneous and sound-evoked activity in the ACX in an age-dependent manner. Next, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recording combined with laser scanning photostimulation in ACX slices to investigate circuit changes in SPNs. We found that enucleation alters the intracortical inhibitory circuits impinging on SPNs shifting the excitation-inhibition balance towards excitation and this shift persists after ear opening. Together, our results indicate that crossmodal functional changes exist in the developing sensory cortices at early ages before the onset of the classic critical period.
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6
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Lin D, Wang Z, Chen W, Shen T, Qiu X, Wei K, Li J, Yang D, Wang P, Li X, Yan J, Tang Z. Regional Downregulation of Dopamine Receptor D1 in Bilateral Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Monocular Form-Deprived Amblyopia Models. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:861529. [PMID: 35757538 PMCID: PMC9213678 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.861529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amblyopia is a common eye disease characterized by impaired best-corrected visual acuity. It starts in early childhood and leads to permanent vision reduction if left untreated. Even though many young patients with amblyopia are well treated in clinical practice, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated, which limits not only our understanding of this disease but also the therapeutic approach. To investigate the molecular mechanism of amblyopia, primate and rodent models of monocular-deprived amblyopia were created for mRNA screening and confirmation. We obtained 818 differentially expressed genes from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of a primate model of amblyopia. After Gene Ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, the main enriched pathways were related to neural development. Interestingly, a particular neurotransmitter pathway, the dopaminergic pathway, was identified. The downregulation of dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) was confirmed in both monkey and mouse samples. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence staining indicated that DRD1 expression was downregulated in both ventrolateral region of the contralateral dLGN and the dorsomedial region of the ipsilateral dLGN in the mouse model. The regions with downregulated expression of DRD1 were the downstream targets of the visual projection from the amblyopic eye. This study suggested that the downregulation of DRD1 in the LGN may be a cause for amblyopia. This may also be a reason for the failure of some clinical cases of levodopa combined with carbidopa applied to amblyopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyue Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Yang
- Jinan Purui Eye Hospital, Children's Eye Disease and Ocular Motor Institute of Purui Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Jinan Purui Eye Hospital, Children's Eye Disease and Ocular Motor Institute of Purui Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongshu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Li AA, Wang F, Wu S, Zhang X. Emergence of probabilistic representation in the neural network of primary visual cortex. iScience 2022; 25:103975. [PMID: 35310336 PMCID: PMC8924637 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the early development of the mammalian visual system, the distribution of neuronal preferred orientations in the primary visual cortex (V1) gradually shifts to match major orientation features of the environment, achieving its optimal representation. By combining computational modeling and electrophysiological recording, we provide a circuit plasticity mechanism that underlies the developmental emergence of such matched representation in the visual cortical network. Specifically, in a canonical circuit of densely-interconnected pyramidal cells and inhibitory parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) fast-spiking interneurons in V1 layer 2/3, our model successfully simulates the experimental observations and further reveals that the nonuniform inhibition plays a key role in shaping the network representation through spike timing-dependent plasticity. The experimental results suggest that PV + interneurons in V1 are capable of providing nonuniform inhibition shortly after vision onset. Our study elucidates a circuit mechanism for acquisition of prior knowledge of environment for optimal inference in sensory neural systems Computational and experimental methods are combined to representation in mice V1 Nonuniform inhibition plays a key role in shaping the network representation PV + interneurons provide nonuniform inhibition shortly after vision onset
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang A Li
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Si Wu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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8
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Chan J, Hao X, Liu Q, Cang J, Gu Y. Closing the Critical Period Is Required for the Maturation of Binocular Integration in Mouse Primary Visual Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:749265. [PMID: 34899187 PMCID: PMC8663722 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.749265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Binocular matching of orientation preference between the two eyes is a common form of binocular integration that is regarded as the basis for stereopsis. How critical period plasticity enables binocular matching under the guidance of normal visual experience has not been fully demonstrated. To investigate how critical period closure affects the binocular matching, a critical period prolonged mouse model was constructed through the administration of bumetanide, an NKCC1 transporter antagonist. Using acute in vivo extracellular recording and molecular assay, we revealed that binocular matching was transiently disrupted due to heightened plasticity after the normal critical period, together with an increase in the density of spines and synapses, and the upregulation of GluA1 expression. Diazepam (DZ)/[(R, S)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl) propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP)] could reclose the extended critical period, and rescue the deficits in binocular matching. Furthermore, the extended critical period, alone, with normal visual experience is sufficient for the completion of binocular matching in amblyopic mice. Similarly, prolonging the critical period into adulthood by knocking out Nogo-66 receptor can prevent the normal maturation of binocular matching and depth perception. These results suggest that maintaining an optimal plasticity level during adolescence is most beneficial for the systemic maturation. Extending the critical period provides new clues for the maturation of binocular vision and may have critical implications for the treatment of amblyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangwen Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Cang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Zhang Y, Yao L, Li X, Meng M, Shang Z, Wang Q, Xiao J, Gu X, Xu Z, Zhang X. Schizophrenia risk-gene Crmp2 deficiency causes precocious critical period plasticity and deteriorated binocular vision. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:2225-2237. [PMID: 36654114 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Brain-specific loss of a microtubule-binding protein collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) in the mouse recapitulates many schizophrenia-like behaviors of human patients, possibly resulting from associated developmental deficits in neuronal differentiation, path-finding, and synapse formation. However, it is still unclear how the Crmp2 loss affects neuronal circuit function and plasticity. By conducting in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological recording in the mouse primary visual cortex (V1), we reveal that CRMP2 exerts a key regulation on the timing of postnatal critical period (CP) for experience-dependent circuit plasticity of sensory cortex. In the developing V1, the Crmp2 deficiency induces not only a delayed maturation of visual tuning functions but also a precocious CP for visual input-induced ocular dominance plasticity and its induction activity - coincident binocular inputs right after eye-opening. Mechanistically, the Crmp2 deficiency accelerates the maturation process of cortical inhibitory transmission and subsequently promotes an early emergence of balanced excitatory-inhibitory cortical circuits during the postnatal development. Moreover, the precocious CP plasticity results in deteriorated binocular depth perception in adulthood. Thus, these findings suggest that the Crmp2 deficiency dysregulates the timing of CP for experience-dependent refinement of circuit connections and further leads to impaired sensory perception in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Li Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Meizhen Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ziwei Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiaying Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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10
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Zhao Z, Shang Z, Vasconcelos Z, Li C, Jiang Y, Zu S, Zhang J, Wang F, Yao L, Jung JU, Brasil P, Moreira ME, Qin C, Kerin T, Nielsen‐Saines K, Cheng G, Zhang X, Xu Z. Zika Virus Infection Leads to Variable Defects in Multiple Neurological Functions and Behaviors in Mice and Children. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1901996. [PMID: 32999822 PMCID: PMC7509663 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has evolved into a global health threat because of its causal link to congenital Zika syndrome. ZIKV infection of pregnant women may cause a spectrum of abnormalities in children. In the studies in Brazil, a large cohort of children with perinatal exposure to ZIKV is followed, and a spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities is identified. In parallel, it is demonstrated that infection of the mouse neonatal brain by a contemporary ZIKV strain instead of an Asian ancestral strain can cause microcephaly and various abnormal neurological functions. These include defects in social interaction and depression, impaired learning and memory, in addition to severe motor defects, which are present in adult mice as well as in the prospective cohort of children. Importantly, although mouse brains infected later after birth do not have apparent abnormal brain structure, those mice still show significant impairments of visual cortical functions, circuit organization, and experience-dependent plasticity. Thus, the study suggests that special attention should be paid to all children born to ZIKV infected mothers for screening of abnormal behaviors and sensory function during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologySchool of Future TechnologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Ziwei Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & LearningIDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Zilton Vasconcelos
- Instituto Fernandes FigueiraFundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de JaneiroRJ 22250‐020Brazil
| | - Chunfeng Li
- Institute for ImmunityTransplantation, and InfectionStanford UniversityStanfordCA94305USA
| | - Yisheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologySchool of Future TechnologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Shulong Zu
- Center for Systems MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100005China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems MedicineSuzhouJiangsu215123China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & LearningIDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & LearningIDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Li Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & LearningIDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Jae U. Jung
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Division of Maternal‐Fetal MedicineDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeck School of MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaZilkha Neurogenetic InstituteLos AngelesCA90033USA
| | - Patricia Brasil
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Doenças Febris AgudasInstituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro ChagasFondação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)Rio de JaneiroRJ 21040‐360Brazil
| | | | - Cheng‐Feng Qin
- Department of VirologyState Key Laboratory of Pathogen and BiosecurityBeijing Institute of Microbiology and EpidemiologyBeijing100071China
| | - Tara Kerin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLAMattel Children's HospitalLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Karin Nielsen‐Saines
- Division of Pediatric Infectious DiseasesDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLAMattel Children's HospitalLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Center for Systems MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100005China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems MedicineSuzhouJiangsu215123China
- Department of MicrobiologyImmunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCA90095USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience & LearningIDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental BiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologySchool of Future TechnologyInstitute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Parkinson's Disease CenterBeijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijing100101China
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11
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Zhang Y, Zhang X. Portrait of visual cortical circuits for generating neural oscillation dynamics. Cogn Neurodyn 2020; 15:3-16. [PMID: 34109010 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-020-09623-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse primary visual cortex (V1) has emerged as a classical system to study neural circuit mechanisms underlying visual function and plasticity. A variety of efferent-afferent neuronal connections exists within the V1 and between the V1 and higher visual cortical areas or thalamic nuclei, indicating that the V1 system is more than a mere receiver in information processing. Sensory representations in the V1 are dynamically correlated with neural activity oscillations that are distributed across different cortical layers in an input-dependent manner. Circuits consisting of excitatory pyramidal cells (PCs) and inhibitory interneurons (INs) are the basis for generating neural oscillations. In general, INs are clustered with their adjacent PCs to form specific microcircuits that gate or filter the neural information. The interaction between these two cell populations has to be coordinated within a local circuit in order to preserve neural coding schemes and maintain excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance. Phasic alternations of the E-I balance can dynamically regulate temporal rhythms of neural oscillation. Accumulating experimental evidence suggests that the two major sub-types of INs, parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) cells and somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) INs, are active in controlling slow and fast oscillations, respectively, in the mouse V1. The review summarizes recent experimental findings on elucidating cellular or circuitry mechanisms for the generation of neural oscillations with distinct rhythms in either developing or matured mouse V1, mainly focusing on visual relaying circuits and distinct local inhibitory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875 China
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12
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Xu W, Löwel S, Schlüter OM. Silent Synapse-Based Mechanisms of Critical Period Plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:213. [PMID: 32765222 PMCID: PMC7380267 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical periods are postnatal, restricted time windows of heightened plasticity in cortical neural networks, during which experience refines principal neuron wiring configurations. Here, we propose a model with two distinct types of synapses, innate synapses that establish rudimentary networks with innate function, and gestalt synapses that govern the experience-dependent refinement process. Nascent gestalt synapses are constantly formed as AMPA receptor-silent synapses which are the substrates for critical period plasticity. Experience drives the unsilencing and stabilization of gestalt synapses, as well as synapse pruning. This maturation process changes synapse patterning and consequently the functional architecture of cortical excitatory networks. Ocular dominance plasticity (ODP) in the primary visual cortex (V1) is an established experimental model for cortical plasticity. While converging evidence indicates that the start of the critical period for ODP is marked by the maturation of local inhibitory circuits, recent results support our model that critical periods end through the progressive maturation of gestalt synapses. The cooperative yet opposing function of two postsynaptic signaling scaffolds of excitatory synapses, PSD-93 and PSD-95, governs the maturation of gestalt synapses. Without those proteins, networks do not progress far beyond their innate functionality, resulting in rather impaired perception. While cortical networks remain malleable throughout life, the cellular mechanisms and the scope of critical period and adult plasticity differ. Critical period ODP is initiated with the depression of deprived eye responses in V1, whereas adult ODP is characterized by an initial increase in non-deprived eye responses. Our model proposes the gestalt synapse-based mechanism for critical period ODP, and also predicts a different mechanism for adult ODP based on the sparsity of nascent gestalt synapses at that age. Under our model, early life experience shapes the boundaries (the gestalt) for network function, both for its optimal performance as well as for its pathological state. Thus, reintroducing nascent gestalt synapses as plasticity substrates into adults may improve the network gestalt to facilitate functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Siegrid Löwel
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology & Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver M. Schlüter
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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13
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14
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Single 5 μm diameter needle electrode block modules for unit recordings in vivo. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35806. [PMID: 27779197 PMCID: PMC5078846 DOI: 10.1038/srep35806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations into mechanisms in various cortical areas can be greatly improved and supported by stable recording of single neuronal activity. In this study, fine silicon wire electrodes (diameter 3 μm, length 160 μm) are fabricated by vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth with the aim of stabilizing recording and reducing the invasiveness on the measurement procedure. The electrode is fabricated on a modular 1 × 1 mm2 conductive silicon block that can be assembled into a number of different device packages, for example on rigid or flexible printed circuit boards (PCB). After plating with a 5 μm diameter platinum black, the needle exhibits an electrical impedance of ~100 kΩ at 1 kHz in saline. The in vivo recording capability of the device is demonstrated using mice, and spike signals with peak-to-peak amplitudes of 200−300 μV in the range 0.5−3 kHz are stably detected, including single-unit activities in cortical layer 2/3. In addition, the device packaged with a flexible PCB shows stable unit recordings for 98.5 min (n = 4). Consequently, our modular, low-invasive needle electrode block devices present an effective route for single-unit recordings in vivo, as well as demonstrating adaptability in device design for a diverse range of experiments.
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15
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Hoppenrath K, Härtig W, Funke K. Intermittent Theta-Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Alters Electrical Properties of Fast-Spiking Neocortical Interneurons in an Age-Dependent Fashion. Front Neural Circuits 2016; 10:22. [PMID: 27065812 PMCID: PMC4811908 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2016.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of human cortical excitability by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) appears to be in part related to changed activity of inhibitory systems. Our own studies showed that intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) applied via rTMS to rat cortex primarily affects the parvalbumin-expressing (PV) fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs), evident via a strongly reduced PV expression. We further found the iTBS effect on PV to be age-dependent since no reduction in PV could be induced before the perineuronal nets (PNNs) of FSIs start to grow around postnatal day (PD) 30. To elucidate possible iTBS-induced changes in the electrical properties of FSIs and cortical network activity during cortical critical period, we performed ex vivo-in vitro whole-cell patch clamp recordings from pre-labeled FSIs in the current study. FSIs of verum iTBS-treated rats displayed a higher excitability than sham-treated controls at PD29-38, evident as higher rates of induced action potential firing at low current injections (100-200 pA) and a more depolarized resting membrane potential. This effect was absent in younger (PD26-28) and older animals (PD40-62). Slices of verum iTBS-treated rats further showed higher rates of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). Based on these and previous findings we conclude that FSIs are particularly sensitive to TBS during early cortical development, when FSIs show an activity-driven step of maturation which is paralleled by intense growth of the PNNs and subsequent closure of the cortical critical period. Although to be proven further, rTMS may be a possible early intervention to compensate for hypo-activity related mal-development of cortical neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Hoppenrath
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany; Rottendorf Pharma GmbHEnnigerloh, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Härtig
- Pathophysiology of Neuroglia, Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Funke
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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16
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Experience-dependent emergence of beta and gamma band oscillations in the primary visual cortex during the critical period. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17847. [PMID: 26648548 PMCID: PMC4673459 DOI: 10.1038/srep17847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural oscillatory activities have been shown to play important roles in neural information processing and the shaping of circuit connections during development. However, it remains unknown whether and how specific neural oscillations emerge during a postnatal critical period (CP), in which neuronal connections are most substantially modified by neural activity and experience. By recording local field potentials (LFPs) and single unit activity in developing primary visual cortex (V1) of head-fixed awake mice, we here demonstrate an emergence of characteristic oscillatory activities during the CP. From the pre-CP to CP, the peak frequency of spontaneous fast oscillatory activities shifts from the beta band (15–35 Hz) to the gamma band (40–70 Hz), accompanied by a decrease of cross-frequency coupling (CFC) and broadband spike-field coherence (SFC). Moreover, visual stimulation induced a large increase of beta-band activity but a reduction of gamma-band activity specifically from the CP onwards. Dark rearing of animals from the birth delayed this emergence of oscillatory activities during the CP, suggesting its dependence on early visual experience. These findings suggest that the characteristic neuronal oscillatory activities emerged specifically during the CP may represent as neural activity trait markers for the experience-dependent maturation of developing visual cortical circuits.
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17
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Trachtenberg JT. Competition, inhibition, and critical periods of cortical plasticity. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2015; 35:44-8. [PMID: 26126153 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maturation of cortical inhibition just after eye opening is a necessary precedent for the emergence of competitive, experience-dependent ocular dominance plasticity in the visual cortex. What inhibition is doing in this context, though, is not clear. Here I outline new hypotheses on the roles of somatic and dendritic inhibition in the opening and closure of critical periods, and their roles in the competitive processes therein.
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18
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Nys J, Scheyltjens I, Arckens L. Visual system plasticity in mammals: the story of monocular enucleation-induced vision loss. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:60. [PMID: 25972788 PMCID: PMC4412011 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The groundbreaking work of Hubel and Wiesel in the 1960’s on ocular dominance plasticity instigated many studies of the visual system of mammals, enriching our understanding of how the development of its structure and function depends on high quality visual input through both eyes. These studies have mainly employed lid suturing, dark rearing and eye patching applied to different species to reduce or impair visual input, and have created extensive knowledge on binocular vision. However, not all aspects and types of plasticity in the visual cortex have been covered in full detail. In that regard, a more drastic deprivation method like enucleation, leading to complete vision loss appears useful as it has more widespread effects on the afferent visual pathway and even on non-visual brain regions. One-eyed vision due to monocular enucleation (ME) profoundly affects the contralateral retinorecipient subcortical and cortical structures thereby creating a powerful means to investigate cortical plasticity phenomena in which binocular competition has no vote.In this review, we will present current knowledge about the specific application of ME as an experimental tool to study visual and cross-modal brain plasticity and compare early postnatal stages up into adulthood. The structural and physiological consequences of this type of extensive sensory loss as documented and studied in several animal species and human patients will be discussed. We will summarize how ME studies have been instrumental to our current understanding of the differentiation of sensory systems and how the structure and function of cortical circuits in mammals are shaped in response to such an extensive alteration in experience. In conclusion, we will highlight future perspectives and the clinical relevance of adding ME to the list of more longstanding deprivation models in visual system research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Nys
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lutgarde Arckens
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Kozai TDY, Du Z, Gugel ZV, Smith MA, Chase SM, Bodily LM, Caparosa EM, Friedlander RM, Cui XT. Comprehensive chronic laminar single-unit, multi-unit, and local field potential recording performance with planar single shank electrode arrays. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 242:15-40. [PMID: 25542351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracortical electrode arrays that can record extracellular action potentials from small, targeted groups of neurons are critical for basic neuroscience research and emerging clinical applications. In general, these electrode devices suffer from reliability and variability issues, which have led to comparative studies of existing and emerging electrode designs to optimize performance. Comparisons of different chronic recording devices have been limited to single-unit (SU) activity and employed a bulk averaging approach treating brain architecture as homogeneous with respect to electrode distribution. NEW METHOD In this study, we optimize the methods and parameters to quantify evoked multi-unit (MU) and local field potential (LFP) recordings in eight mice visual cortices. RESULTS These findings quantify the large recording differences stemming from anatomical differences in depth and the layer dependent relative changes to SU and MU recording performance over 6-months. For example, performance metrics in Layer V and stratum pyramidale were initially higher than Layer II/III, but decrease more rapidly. On the other hand, Layer II/III maintained recording metrics longer. In addition, chronic changes at the level of layer IV are evaluated using visually evoked current source density. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) The use of MU and LFP activity for evaluation and tracking biological depth provides a more comprehensive characterization of the electrophysiological performance landscape of microelectrodes. CONCLUSIONS A more extensive spatial and temporal insight into the chronic electrophysiological performance over time will help uncover the biological and mechanical failure mechanisms of the neural electrodes and direct future research toward the elucidation of design optimization for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi D Y Kozai
- Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, United States.
| | - Zhanhong Du
- Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Zhannetta V Gugel
- Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, United States
| | - Matthew A Smith
- Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Steven M Chase
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, United States; Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, United States
| | - Lance M Bodily
- Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | | | | | - X Tracy Cui
- Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, United States
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20
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Conditional deletion of Mecp2 in parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic cells results in the absence of critical period plasticity. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5036. [PMID: 25297674 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked gene encoding the transcriptional modulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) impair postnatal development of the brain. Here we use neuronal-type specific gene deletion in mice to show that conditional Mecp2 deletion in GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing (PV) cells (PV-Mecp2(-/y)) does not cause most Rett-syndrome-like behaviours, but completely abolishes experience-dependent critical period plasticity of primary visual cortex (V1) that develops normal visual functions. However, selective loss of Mecp2 in GABAergic somatostatin-expressing cells or glutamatergic pyramidal cells does not affect the critical period plasticity. MeCP2-deficient PV cells exhibit high intrinsic excitability, selectively reduced efficacy of recurrent excitatory synapses in V1 layer 4 circuits, and decreased evoked visual responses in vivo. Enhancing cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibition with diazepam infusion can restore critical period plasticity in both young and adult PV-Mecp2(-/y) mice. Thus, MeCP2 expression in inhibitory PV cells during the critical period is essential for local circuit functions underlying experience-dependent cortical plasticity.
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21
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Aerts J, Nys J, Arckens L. A highly reproducible and straightforward method to perform in vivo ocular enucleation in the mouse after eye opening. J Vis Exp 2014:e51936. [PMID: 25350746 PMCID: PMC4841293 DOI: 10.3791/51936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Enucleation or the surgical removal of an eye can generally be considered as a model for nerve deafferentation. It provides a valuable tool to study the different aspects of visual, cross-modal and developmental plasticity along the mammalian visual system1-4. Here, we demonstrate an elegant and straightforward technique for the removal of one or both eyes in the mouse, which is validated in mice of 20 days old up to adults. Briefly, a disinfected curved forceps is used to clamp the optic nerve behind the eye. Subsequently, circular movements are performed to constrict the optic nerve and remove the eyeball. The advantages of this technique are high reproducibility, minimal to no bleeding, rapid post-operative recovery and a very low learning threshold for the experimenter. Hence, a large amount of animals can be manipulated and processed with minimal amount of effort. The nature of the technique may induce slight damage to the retina during the procedure. This side effect makes this method less suitable as compared to Mahajan et al. (2011)5 if the goal is to collect and analyze retinal tissue. Also, our method is limited to post-eye opening ages (mouse: P10 - 13 onwards) since the eyeball needs to be displaced from the socket without removing the eyelids. The in vivo enucleation technique described in this manuscript has recently been successfully applied with minor modifications in rats and appears useful to study the afferent visual pathway of rodents in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Aerts
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven
| | - Julie Nys
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven
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23
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Griffen TC, Maffei A. GABAergic synapses: their plasticity and role in sensory cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:91. [PMID: 24723851 PMCID: PMC3972456 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian neocortex is composed of a variety of cell types organized in a highly interconnected circuit. GABAergic neurons account for only about 20% of cortical neurons. However, they show widespread connectivity and a high degree of diversity in morphology, location, electrophysiological properties and gene expression. In addition, distinct populations of inhibitory neurons have different sensory response properties, capacities for plasticity and sensitivities to changes in sensory experience. In this review we summarize experimental evidence regarding the properties of GABAergic neurons in primary sensory cortex. We will discuss how distinct GABAergic neurons and different forms of GABAergic inhibitory plasticity may contribute to shaping sensory cortical circuit activity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor C Griffen
- SUNY Eye Research Consortium Buffalo, NY, USA ; Program in Neuroscience, SUNY - Stony Brook Stony Brook, NY, USA ; Medical Scientist Training Program, SUNY - Stony Brook Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Arianna Maffei
- SUNY Eye Research Consortium Buffalo, NY, USA ; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY - Stony Brook Stony Brook, NY, USA
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