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Li F, Zheng X, Wang H, Meng L, Chen M, Hui Y, Liu D, Li Y, Xie K, Zhang J, Guo G. Mediodorsal thalamus projection to medial prefrontal cortical mediates social defeat stress-induced depression-like behaviors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1318-1329. [PMID: 38438592 PMCID: PMC11224337 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) may play an important role in the development of depression. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) participates in the pathological processes of depression remain unclear. Here, we show that in male chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mice, the calcium signaling activity of glutamatergic neurons in MD is reduced. By combining conventional neurotracer and transneuronal virus tracing techniques, we identify a synaptic circuit connecting MD and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the mouse. Brain slice electrophysiology and fiber optic recordings reveal that the reduced activity of MD glutamatergic neurons leads to an excitatory-inhibitory imbalance of pyramidal neurons in mPFC. Furthermore, activation of MD glutamatergic neurons restores the electrophysiological properties abnormal in mPFC. Optogenetic activation of the MD-mPFC circuit ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors in CSDS mice. Taken together, these data support the critical role of MD-mPFC circuit on CSDS-induced depression-like behavior and provide a potential mechanistic explanation for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuefeng Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hanjie Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lianghui Meng
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Meiying Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuqing Hui
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Danlei Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Keman Xie
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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2
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Leung BK, Chieng B, Becchi S, Balleine BW. A ventral pallidal-thalamocortical circuit mediates the cognitive control of instrumental action. Curr Biol 2024:S0960-9822(24)00763-2. [PMID: 38936365 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.011] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Predictive learning can engage a selective form of cognitive control that biases choice between actions based on information about future outcomes that the learning provides. This influence has been hypothesized to depend on a feedback circuit in the brain through which the basal ganglia modulate activity in the prefrontal cortex; however, direct evidence for this functional circuit has proven elusive. Here, using an animal model of cognitive control, we found that the influence of predictive learning on decision making is mediated by an inhibitory feedback circuit linking the medial ventral pallidum and the mediodorsal thalamus, the activation of which causes disinhibition of the orbitofrontal cortex via reduced activation of inhibitory parvalbumin interneurons during choice. Thus, we found that, for this function, the mediodorsal thalamus serves as a pallidal-cortical relay through which predictive learning controls action selection, which has important implications for understanding cognitive control and its vicissitudes in various psychiatric disorders and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice K Leung
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Billy Chieng
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Serena Becchi
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Bernard W Balleine
- Decision Neuroscience Lab, School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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3
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Scott DN, Mukherjee A, Nassar MR, Halassa MM. Thalamocortical architectures for flexible cognition and efficient learning. Trends Cogn Sci 2024:S1364-6613(24)00119-0. [PMID: 38886139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The brain exhibits a remarkable ability to learn and execute context-appropriate behaviors. How it achieves such flexibility, without sacrificing learning efficiency, is an important open question. Neuroscience, psychology, and engineering suggest that reusing and repurposing computations are part of the answer. Here, we review evidence that thalamocortical architectures may have evolved to facilitate these objectives of flexibility and efficiency by coordinating distributed computations. Recent work suggests that distributed prefrontal cortical networks compute with flexible codes, and that the mediodorsal thalamus provides regularization to promote efficient reuse. Thalamocortical interactions resemble hierarchical Bayesian computations, and their network implementation can be related to existing gating, synchronization, and hub theories of thalamic function. By reviewing recent findings and providing a novel synthesis, we highlight key research horizons integrating computation, cognition, and systems neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Scott
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Arghya Mukherjee
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Nassar
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael M Halassa
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Liu Y, Wang XJ. Flexible gating between subspaces in a neural network model of internally guided task switching. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.15.553375. [PMID: 37645801 PMCID: PMC10462002 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.15.553375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral flexibility relies on the brain's ability to switch rapidly between multiple tasks, even when the task rule is not explicitly cued but must be inferred through trial and error. The underlying neural circuit mechanism remains poorly understood. We investigated recurrent neural networks (RNNs) trained to perform an analog of the classic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The networks consist of two modules responsible for rule representation and sensorimotor mapping, respectively, where each module is comprised of a circuit with excitatory neurons and three major types of inhibitory neurons. We found that rule representation by self-sustained persistent activity across trials, error monitoring and gated sensorimotor mapping emerged from training. Systematic dissection of trained RNNs revealed a detailed circuit mechanism that is consistent across networks trained with different hyperparameters. The networks' dynamical trajectories for different rules resided in separate subspaces of population activity; the subspaces collapsed and performance was reduced to chance level when dendrite-targeting somatostatin-expressing interneurons were silenced, illustrating how a phenomenological description of representational subspaces is explained by a specific circuit mechanism.
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5
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Gonzalez-Burgos I, Valencia M, Redondo R, Janz P. Optogenetic inhibition of the limbic corticothalamic circuit does not alter spontaneous oscillatory activity, auditory-evoked oscillations, and deviant detection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13114. [PMID: 38849374 PMCID: PMC11161607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal circuit dynamics are at the core of complex neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia (SZ). Clinical assessment of the integrity of neuronal circuits in SZ has consistently described aberrant resting-state gamma oscillatory activity, decreased auditory-evoked gamma responses, and abnormal mismatch responses. We hypothesized that corticothalamic circuit manipulation could recapitulate SZ circuit phenotypes in rodent models. In this study, we optogenetically inhibited the mediodorsal thalamus-to-prefrontal cortex (MDT-to-PFC) or the PFC-to-MDT projection in rats and assessed circuit function through electrophysiological readouts. We found that MDT-PFC perturbation could not recapitulate SZ-linked phenotypes such as broadband gamma disruption, altered evoked oscillatory activity, and diminished mismatch negativity responses. Therefore, the induced functional impairment of the MDT-PFC pathways cannot account for the oscillatory abnormalities described in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Gonzalez-Burgos
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
- Program of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Valencia
- Program of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII 55, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roger Redondo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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6
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Kamalova A, Manoocheri K, Liu X, Casello SM, Huang M, Baimel C, Jang EV, Anastasiades PG, Collins DP, Carter AG. CCK+ Interneurons Contribute to Thalamus-Evoked Feed-Forward Inhibition in the Prelimbic Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0957232024. [PMID: 38697841 PMCID: PMC11154858 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0957-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) regulate local neural activity to influence cognitive, motivated, and emotional behaviors. Parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons are the primary mediators of thalamus-evoked feed-forward inhibition across the mouse cortex, including the anterior cingulate cortex, where they are engaged by inputs from the mediodorsal (MD) thalamus. In contrast, in the adjacent prelimbic (PL) cortex, we find that PV+ interneurons are scarce in the principal thalamorecipient layer 3 (L3), suggesting distinct mechanisms of inhibition. To identify the interneurons that mediate MD-evoked inhibition in PL, we combine slice physiology, optogenetics, and intersectional genetic tools in mice of both sexes. We find interneurons expressing cholecystokinin (CCK+) are abundant in L3 of PL, with cells exhibiting fast-spiking (fs) or non-fast-spiking (nfs) properties. MD inputs make stronger connections onto fs-CCK+ interneurons, driving them to fire more readily than nearby L3 pyramidal cells and other interneurons. CCK+ interneurons in turn make inhibitory, perisomatic connections onto L3 pyramidal cells, where they exhibit cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) mediated modulation. Moreover, MD-evoked feed-forward inhibition, but not direct excitation, is also sensitive to CB1R modulation. Our findings indicate that CCK+ interneurons contribute to MD-evoked inhibition in PL, revealing a mechanism by which cannabinoids can modulate MD-PFC communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aichurok Kamalova
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Kasra Manoocheri
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Xingchen Liu
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Sanne M Casello
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Matthew Huang
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Corey Baimel
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Emily V Jang
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | | | - David P Collins
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Adam G Carter
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
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7
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Negrón-Oyarzo I, Dib T, Chacana-Véliz L, López-Quilodrán N, Urrutia-Piñones J. Large-scale coupling of prefrontal activity patterns as a mechanism for cognitive control in health and disease: evidence from rodent models. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1286111. [PMID: 38638163 PMCID: PMC11024307 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1286111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive control of behavior is crucial for well-being, as allows subject to adapt to changing environments in a goal-directed way. Changes in cognitive control of behavior is observed during cognitive decline in elderly and in pathological mental conditions. Therefore, the recovery of cognitive control may provide a reliable preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, its neural basis is not completely understood. Cognitive control is supported by the prefrontal cortex, structure that integrates relevant information for the appropriate organization of behavior. At neurophysiological level, it is suggested that cognitive control is supported by local and large-scale synchronization of oscillatory activity patterns and neural spiking activity between the prefrontal cortex and distributed neural networks. In this review, we focus mainly on rodent models approaching the neuronal origin of these prefrontal patterns, and the cognitive and behavioral relevance of its coordination with distributed brain systems. We also examine the relationship between cognitive control and neural activity patterns in the prefrontal cortex, and its role in normal cognitive decline and pathological mental conditions. Finally, based on these body of evidence, we propose a common mechanism that may underlie the impaired cognitive control of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Negrón-Oyarzo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tatiana Dib
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Lorena Chacana-Véliz
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Nélida López-Quilodrán
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jocelyn Urrutia-Piñones
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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8
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Petersen D, Raudales R, Silva AK, Kellendonk C, Canetta S. Adolescent Thalamocortical Inhibition Alters Prefrontal Excitation-Inhibition Balance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.22.568048. [PMID: 38562790 PMCID: PMC10983865 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent inhibition of thalamo-cortical projections from postnatal day P20-50 leads to long lasting deficits in prefrontal cortex function and cognition in the adult mouse. While this suggests a role of thalamic activity in prefrontal cortex maturation, it is unclear how inhibition of these projections affects prefrontal circuit connectivity during adolescence. Here, we used chemogenetic tools to inhibit thalamo-prefrontal projections in the mouse from P20-35 and measured synaptic inputs to prefrontal pyramidal neurons by layer (either II/III or V/VI) and projection target twenty-four hours later using slice physiology. We found a decrease in the frequency of excitatory and inhibitory currents in layer II/III nucleus accumbens (NAc) and layer V/VI medio-dorsal thalamus projecting neurons while layer V/VI NAc-projecting neurons showed an increase in the amplitude of excitatory and inhibitory currents. Regarding cortical projections, the frequency of inhibitory but not excitatory currents was enhanced in contralateral mPFC-projecting neurons. Notably, despite these complex changes in individual levels of excitation and inhibition, the overall balance between excitation and inhibition in each cell was only changed in the contralateral mPFC projections. This finding suggests homeostatic regulation occurs within subcortically but not intracortical callosally-projecting neurons. Increased inhibition of intra-prefrontal connectivity may therefore be particularly important for prefrontal cortex circuit maturation. Finally, we observed cognitive deficits in the adult mouse using this narrowed window of thalamocortical inhibition (P20-P35).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Ricardo Raudales
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Ariadna Kim Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Christoph Kellendonk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Sarah Canetta
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032
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9
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Xiao H, Xi K, Wang K, Zhou Y, Dong B, Xie J, Xie Y, Zhang H, Ma G, Wang W, Feng D, Guo B, Wu S. Restoring the Function of Thalamocortical Circuit Through Correcting Thalamic Kv3.2 Channelopathy Normalizes Fear Extinction Impairments in a PTSD Mouse Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305939. [PMID: 38102998 PMCID: PMC10916658 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Impaired extinction of fear memory is one of the most common symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with limited therapeutic strategies due to the poor understanding of its underlying neural substrates. In this study, functional screening is performed and identified hyperactivity in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) during fear extinction. Furthermore, the encoding patterns of the hyperactivated MD is investigated during persistent fear responses using multiple machine learning algorithms. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is also identified as a functional downstream region of the MD that mediates the extinction of fear memory. The thalamocortical circuit is comprehensively analyzed and found that the MD-ACC parvalbumin interneurons circuit is preferentially enhanced in PTSD mice, disrupting the local excitatory and inhibitory balance. It is found that decreased phosphorylation of the Kv3.2 channel contributed to the hyperactivated MD, primarily to the malfunctioning thalamocortical circuit. Using a lipid nanoparticle-based RNA therapy strategy, channelopathy is corrected via a methoxylated siRNA targeting the protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit and restored fear memory extinction in PTSD mice. These findings highlight the function of the thalamocortical circuit in PTSD-related impaired extinction of fear memory and provide therapeutic insights into Kv3.2-targeted RNA therapy for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxiang Xiao
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Kaiwen Xi
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Kaifang Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyTangdu HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
- Eastern Theater Air Force Hospital of PLANanjing210000China
| | - Baowen Dong
- Department of NeurosurgeryTangdu HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Jinyi Xie
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Yuqiao Xie
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Guaiguai Ma
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Dayun Feng
- Department of NeurosurgeryTangdu HospitalFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an710032China
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10
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Rodriguez-Sabate C, Gonzalez A, Perez-Darias JC, Morales I, Sole-Sabater M, Rodriguez M. Causality methods to study the functional connectivity in brain networks: the basal ganglia - thalamus causal interactions. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:1-18. [PMID: 37823962 PMCID: PMC10844145 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00803-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
This study uses methods recently developed to study the complex evolution of atmospheric phenomena which have some similarities with the dynamics of the human brain. In both cases, it is possible to record the activity of particular centers (geographic regions or brain nuclei) but not to make an experimental modification of their state. The study of "causality", which is necessary to understand the dynamics of these complex systems and to develop robust models that can predict their evolution, is hampered by the experimental restrictions imposed by the nature of both systems. The study was performed with data obtained in the thalamus and basal ganglia of awake humans executing different tasks. This work studies the linear, non-linear and more complex relationships of these thalamic centers with the cortex and main BG nuclei, using three complementary techniques: the partial correlation regression method, the Gaussian process regression/distance correlation and a model-free method based on nearest-neighbor that computes the conditional mutual information. These causality methods indicated that the basal ganglia present a different functional relationship with the anterior-ventral (motor), intralaminar and medio-dorsal thalamic centers, and that more than 60% of these thalamus-basal ganglia relationships present a non-linear dynamic (35 of the 57 relationships found). These functional interactions were observed for basal ganglia nuclei with direct structural connections with the thalamus (primary somatosensory and motor cortex, striatum, internal globus pallidum and substantia nigra pars reticulata), but also for basal ganglia without structural connections with the thalamus (external globus pallidum and subthalamic nucleus). The motor tasks induced rapid modifications of the thalamus-basal ganglia interactions. These findings provide new perspectives of the thalamus - BG interactions, many of which may be supported by indirect functional relationships and not by direct excitatory/inhibitory interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Rodriguez-Sabate
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Experimental Neurology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Albano Gonzalez
- Department of Physics, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | | | - Ingrid Morales
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Experimental Neurology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sole-Sabater
- Department of Neurology, La Candelaria University Hospital, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Experimental Neurology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Huang S, Wu SJ, Sansone G, Ibrahim LA, Fishell G. Layer 1 neocortex: Gating and integrating multidimensional signals. Neuron 2024; 112:184-200. [PMID: 37913772 PMCID: PMC11180419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.041] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Layer 1 (L1) of the neocortex acts as a nexus for the collection and processing of widespread information. By integrating ascending inputs with extensive top-down activity, this layer likely provides critical information regulating how the perception of sensory inputs is reconciled with expectation. This is accomplished by sorting, directing, and integrating the complex network of excitatory inputs that converge onto L1. These signals are combined with neuromodulatory afferents and gated by the wealth of inhibitory interneurons that either are embedded within L1 or send axons from other cortical layers. Together, these interactions dynamically calibrate information flow throughout the neocortex. This review will primarily focus on L1 within the primary sensory cortex and will use these insights to understand L1 in other cortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhan Huang
- Harvard Medical School, Blavatnik Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sherry Jingjing Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Blavatnik Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Giulia Sansone
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Leena Ali Ibrahim
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gord Fishell
- Harvard Medical School, Blavatnik Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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12
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Wang YJ, Zan GY, Xu C, Li XP, Shu X, Yao SY, Xu XS, Qiu X, Chen Y, Jin K, Zhou QX, Ye JY, Wang Y, Xu L, Chen Z, Liu JG. The claustrum-prelimbic cortex circuit through dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor signaling underlies depression-like behaviors associated with social stress etiology. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7903. [PMID: 38036497 PMCID: PMC10689794 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ample evidence has suggested the stress etiology of depression, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. Here, we report that chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) attenuates the excitatory output of the claustrum (CLA) to the prelimbic cortex (PL) through the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) signaling, being critical for depression-related behaviors in male mice. The CSDS preferentially impairs the excitatory output from the CLA onto the parvalbumin (PV) of the PL, leading to PL micronetwork dysfunction by disinhibiting pyramidal neurons (PNs). Optogenetic activation or inhibition of this circuit suppresses or promotes depressive-like behaviors, which is reversed by chemogenetic inhibition or activation of the PV neurons. Notably, manipulating the dynorphin/KOR signaling in the CLA-PL projecting terminals controls depressive-like behaviors that is suppressed or promoted by optogenetic activation or inhibition of CLA-PL circuit. Thus, this study reveals both mechanism of the stress etiology of depression and possibly therapeutic interventions by targeting CLA-PL circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, 264117, China
| | - Gui-Ying Zan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Cenglin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Ping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xuelian Shu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Yu Yao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Xu
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yexiang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Qi-Xin Zhou
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Jia-Yu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, China.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, 100049, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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13
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Song C, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Dong Z, Kang X, Pan Y, Du J, Gao Y, Zhang H, Xi Y, Ding H, Kuang F, Wang W, Luo C, Zhang Z, Zhao Q, Yang J, Jiang W, Wu S, Gao F. Spatial Distribution of Parvalbumin-Positive Fibers in the Mouse Brain and Their Alterations in Mouse Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1683-1702. [PMID: 37523099 PMCID: PMC10603013 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin interneurons belong to the major types of GABAergic interneurons. Although the distribution and pathological alterations of parvalbumin interneuron somata have been widely studied, the distribution and vulnerability of the neurites and fibers extending from parvalbumin interneurons have not been detailly interrogated. Through the Cre recombinase-reporter system, we visualized parvalbumin-positive fibers and thoroughly investigated their spatial distribution in the mouse brain. We found that parvalbumin fibers are widely distributed in the brain with specific morphological characteristics in different regions, among which the cortex and thalamus exhibited the most intense parvalbumin signals. In regions such as the striatum and optic tract, even long-range thick parvalbumin projections were detected. Furthermore, in mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, parvalbumin fibers suffered both massive and subtle morphological alterations. Our study provides an overview of parvalbumin fibers in the brain and emphasizes the potential pathological implications of parvalbumin fiber alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgeng Song
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ziyi Dong
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuqi Pan
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jinle Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yiting Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ye Xi
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fang Kuang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zhengping Zhang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Qinpeng Zhao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Jiazhou Yang
- The Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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14
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Yarur HE, Casello SM, Tsai VS, Enriquez-Traba J, Kore R, Wang H, Arenivar M, Tejeda HA. Dynorphin / kappa-opioid receptor regulation of excitation-inhibition balance toggles afferent control of prefrontal cortical circuits in a pathway-specific manner. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4801-4813. [PMID: 37644172 PMCID: PMC10914606 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) controls behavior via connections with limbic excitatory afferents that engage various inhibitory motifs to shape mPFC circuit function. The dynorphin (Dyn) / kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system is highly enriched in the mPFC, and its dysregulation is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is unclear how the Dyn / KOR system modulates excitatory and inhibitory circuits that are integral for mPFC information processing and behavioral control. Here, we provide a circuit-based framework wherein mPFC Dyn / KOR signaling regulates excitation-inhibition balance by toggling which afferents drive mPFC neurons. Dyn / KOR regulation of afferent inputs is pathway-specific. Dyn acting on presynaptic KORs inhibits glutamate release from afferent inputs to the mPFC, including the basolateral amygdala (BLA), paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and contralateral cortex. The majority of excitatory synapses to mPFC neurons, including those from the ventral hippocampus (VH), do not express presynaptic KOR, rendering them insensitive to Dyn / KOR modulation. Dyn / KOR signaling also suppresses afferent-driven recruitment of specific inhibitory sub-networks, providing a basis for Dyn to disinhibit mPFC circuits. Specifically, Dyn / KOR signaling preferentially suppresses SST interneuron- relative to PV interneuron-mediated inhibition. Selective KOR action on afferents or within mPFC microcircuits gates how distinct limbic inputs drive spiking in mPFC neurons. Presynaptic Dyn / KOR signaling decreases KOR-positive input-driven (e.g. BLA) spiking of mPFC neurons. In contrast, KOR-negative input recruitment of mPFC neurons is enhanced by Dyn / KOR signaling via suppression of mPFC inhibitory microcircuits. Thus, by acting on distinct circuit elements, Dyn / KOR signaling shifts KOR-positive and negative afferent control of mPFC circuits, providing mechanistic insights into the role of neuropeptides in shaping mPFC function. Together, these findings highlight the utility of targeting the mPFC Dyn / KOR system as a means to treat neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by dysregulation in mPFC integration of long-range afferents with local inhibitory microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector E Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sanne M Casello
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Valerie S Tsai
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Enriquez-Traba
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NIH Graduate Partnership Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rufina Kore
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Huikun Wang
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Arenivar
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NIH Graduate Partnership Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hugo A Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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15
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Mizuno A, Karim HT, Ly MJ, Lopresti BJ, Cohen AD, Ali AA, Mathis CA, Klunk WE, Aizenstein HJ, Snitz BE. Low thalamic activity during a digit-symbol substitution task is associated with symptoms of subjective cognitive decline. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1242822. [PMID: 37743995 PMCID: PMC10511647 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1242822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent the earliest preclinical stage of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) for some older adults. However, the underlying neurobiology of SCD is not completely understood. Since executive function may be affected earlier than memory function in the progression of AD, we aimed to characterize SCD symptoms in terms of fMRI brain activity during the computerized digit-symbol substitution task (DSST), an executive function task. We also explored associations of DSST task performance with brain activation, SCD severity, and amyloid-ß (Aß) load. Methods We analyzed data from 63 cognitively normal older individuals (mean age 73.6 ± 7.2) with varying degree of SCD symptoms. Participants completed a computerized version of DSST in the MR scanner and a Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB)-PET scan to measure global cerebral Aß load. Results A voxel-wise analysis revealed that greater SCD severity was associated with lower dorsomedial thalamus activation. While task performance was not associated with brain activation nor Aß load, slower reaction time was associated with greater SCD severity. Discussion The observed lower dorsomedial thalamus activation may reflect declining familiarity-based working memory and the trans-thalamic executive function pathway in SCD. SCD symptoms may reflect altered neural function and subtle decline of executive function, while Aß load may have an indirect impact on neural function and performance. Self-perceived cognitive decline may serve as a psychological/subjective marker reflecting subtle brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Mizuno
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Helmet Talib Karim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Maria J. Ly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Brian J. Lopresti
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ann D. Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Areej A. Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Chester A. Mathis
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William E. Klunk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Howard J. Aizenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Beth E. Snitz
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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16
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Priest MF, Freda SN, Rieth IJ, Badong D, Dumrongprechachan V, Kozorovitskiy Y. Peptidergic and functional delineation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112992. [PMID: 37594894 PMCID: PMC10512657 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neuronal populations that release fast-acting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain also contain slower-acting neuropeptides. These facultative peptidergic cell types are common, but it remains uncertain whether neurons that solely release peptides exist. Our fluorescence in situ hybridization, genetically targeted electron microscopy, and electrophysiological characterization suggest that most neurons of the non-cholinergic, centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in mice are obligately peptidergic. We further show, using anterograde projection mapping, monosynaptic retrograde tracing, angled-tip fiber photometry, and chemogenetic modulation and genetically targeted ablation in conjunction with canonical assays for anxiety, that this peptidergic population activates in response to loss of motor control and promotes anxiety responses. Together, these findings elucidate an integrative, ethologically relevant role for the Edinger-Westphal nucleus and functionally align the nucleus with the periaqueductal gray, where it resides. This work advances our understanding of peptidergic modulation of anxiety and provides a framework for future investigations of peptidergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Priest
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sara N Freda
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Isabelle J Rieth
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Deanna Badong
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Vasin Dumrongprechachan
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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17
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Hervert EA, Birdsong W. The Endogenous Opioid Met-Enkephalin Modulates Thalamo-Cortical Excitation Inhibition Balance in a Medial Thalamus-Anterior Cingulate Cortex Circuit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.13.547220. [PMID: 37503144 PMCID: PMC10369945 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.547220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Activation of opioid receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) mediates aspects of analgesia induced by both exogenous and endogenous opioids. We have previously shown that opioid signaling disrupts both afferent excitatory and indirect inhibitory synaptic transmission from the medial thalamus (MThal) to the ACC, but the effects of endogenous opioids within this circuit remain poorly understood. The goal of the current study was to understand how the endogenous opioid, [Met]5-enkephalin (ME), modulates thalamic-driven excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto layer V pyramidal neurons in the ACC. We used pharmacology, brain slice electrophysiology and optogenetic stimulation to study opioid-mediated modulation of optically evoked glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission. The results revealed that ME inhibited both AMPA-mediated excitatory and GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission in the ACC. However, inhibitory transmission was more potently inhibited than excitatory transmission by ME. This preferential reduction in GABAA-mediated synaptic transmission was primarily due to the activation of delta opioid receptors by ME and resulted in a net disinhibition of MThal-ACC excitatory pathway. These results suggest that moderate concentrations of ME can lead to net excitation of ACC circuitry and that analgesia may be associated with disinhibition rather than inhibition of ACC subcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Birdsong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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18
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Biro L, Miskolczi C, Szebik H, Bruzsik B, Varga ZK, Szente L, Toth M, Halasz J, Mikics E. Post-weaning social isolation in male mice leads to abnormal aggression and disrupted network organization in the prefrontal cortex: Contribution of parvalbumin interneurons with or without perineuronal nets. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 25:100546. [PMID: 37323648 PMCID: PMC10265620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse social experiences during childhood increase the risk of developing aggression-related psychopathologies. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a key regulator of social behavior, where experience-dependent network development is tied to the maturation of parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons. Maltreatment in childhood could impact PFC development and lead to disturbances in social behavior during later life. However, our knowledge regarding the impact of early-life social stress on PFC operation and PV+ cell function is still scarce. Here, we used post-weaning social isolation (PWSI) to model early-life social neglect in mice and to study the associated neuronal changes in the PFC, additionally distinguishing between the two main subpopulations of PV+ interneurons, i.e. those without or those enwrapped by perineuronal nets (PNN). For the first time to such detailed extent in mice, we show that PWSI induced disturbances in social behavior, including abnormal aggression, excessive vigilance and fragmented behavioral organization. PWSI mice showed altered resting-state and fighting-induced co-activation patterns between orbitofrontal and medial PFC (mPFC) subregions, with a particularly highly elevated activity in the mPFC. Surprisingly, aggressive interaction was associated with a higher recruitment of mPFC PV+ neurons that were surrounded by PNN in PWSI mice that seemed to mediate the emergence of social deficits. PWSI did not affect the number of PV+ neurons and PNN density, but enhanced PV and PNN intensity as well as cortical and subcortical glutamatergic drive onto mPFC PV+ neurons. Our results suggest that the increased excitatory input of PV+ cells could emerge as a compensatory mechanism for the PV+ neuron-mediated impaired inhibition of mPFC layer 5 pyramidal neurons, since we found lower numbers of GABAergic PV+ puncta on the perisomatic region of these cells. In conclusion, PWSI leads to altered PV-PNN activity and impaired excitatory/inhibitory balance in the mPFC, which possibly contributes to social behavioral disruptions seen in PWSI mice. Our data advances our understanding on how early-life social stress can impact the maturing PFC and lead to the development of social abnormalities in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Biro
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
| | - Christina Miskolczi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Ulloi ut 26., Hungary
| | - Huba Szebik
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Ulloi ut 26., Hungary
| | - Biborka Bruzsik
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
| | - Zoltan Kristof Varga
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szente
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
- Janos Szentagothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Ulloi ut 26., Hungary
| | - Mate Toth
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
| | - Jozsef Halasz
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
| | - Eva Mikics
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Translational Behavioural Neuroscience, 1083 Budapest, Szigony utca 43., Hungary
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19
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Qiu XT, Guo C, Ma LT, Li XN, Zhang QY, Huang FS, Zhang MM, Bai Y, Liang GB, Li YQ. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of the anterior cingulate cortex in neuropathic pain model rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1164426. [PMID: 37396788 PMCID: PMC10311218 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1164426] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) takes a heavy toll on individual life quality, yet gaps in its molecular characterization persist and effective therapy is lacking. This study aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge by combining transcriptomic and proteomic data of molecular correlates of NP in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a cortical hub responsible for affective pain processing. Methods The NP model was established by spared nerve injury (SNI) in Sprague-Dawley rats. RNA sequencing and proteomic data from the ACC tissue isolated from sham and SNI rats 2 weeks after surgery were integrated to compare their gene and protein expression profiles. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to figure out the functions and signaling pathways of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) enriched in. Results Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 788 DEGs (with 49 genes upregulated) after SNI surgery, while proteomic analysis found 222 DEPs (with 89 proteins upregulated). While Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of the DEGs suggested that most of the altered genes were involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, bioinformatics analysis of the DEPs revealed novel critical pathways associated with autophagy, mitophagy, and peroxisome. Notably, we noticed functionally important NP-related changes in the protein that occurred in the absence of corresponding changes at the level of transcription. Venn diagram analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic data identified 10 overlapping targets, among which only three genes (XK-related protein 4, NIPA-like domain-containing 3, and homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3) showed concordance in the directions of change and strong correlations between mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion The present study identified novel pathways in the ACC in addition to confirming previously reported mechanisms for NP etiology, and provided novel mechanistic insights for future research on NP treatment. These findings also imply that mRNA profiling alone fails to provide a complete landscape of molecular pain in the ACC. Therefore, explorations of changes at the level of protein are necessary to understand NP processes that are not transcriptionally modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Tong Qiu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Ning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi-Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Fen-Sheng Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ming-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Guo-Biao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
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20
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Mendez-Vazquez H, Roach RL, Nip K, Chanda S, Sathler MF, Garver T, Danzman RA, Moseley MC, Roberts JP, Koch ON, Steger AA, Lee R, Arikkath J, Kim S. The autism-associated loss of δ-catenin functions disrupts social behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300773120. [PMID: 37216537 PMCID: PMC10235948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300773120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
δ-catenin is expressed in excitatory synapses and functions as an anchor for the glutamatergic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA2 subunit in the postsynaptic density. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene has been found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and results in loss of δ-catenin functions at excitatory synapses, which is presumed to underlie ASD pathogenesis in humans. However, how the G34S mutation causes loss of δ-catenin functions to induce ASD remains unclear. Here, using neuroblastoma cells, we identify that the G34S mutation increases glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-dependent δ-catenin degradation to reduce δ-catenin levels, which likely contributes to the loss of δ-catenin functions. Synaptic δ-catenin and GluA2 levels in the cortex are significantly decreased in mice harboring the δ-catenin G34S mutation. The G34S mutation increases glutamatergic activity in cortical excitatory neurons while it is decreased in inhibitory interneurons, indicating changes in cellular excitation and inhibition. δ-catenin G34S mutant mice also exhibit social dysfunction, a common feature of ASD. Most importantly, pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β activity reverses the G34S-induced loss of δ-catenin function effects in cells and mice. Finally, using δ-catenin knockout mice, we confirm that δ-catenin is required for GSK3β inhibition-induced restoration of normal social behavior in δ-catenin G34S mutant animals. Taken together, we reveal that the loss of δ-catenin functions arising from the ASD-associated G34S mutation induces social dysfunction via alterations in glutamatergic activity and that GSK3β inhibition can reverse δ-catenin G34S-induced synaptic and behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regan L. Roach
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Kaila Nip
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
| | - Soham Chanda
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Matheus F. Sathler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Tyler Garver
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Rosaline A. Danzman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Madeleine C. Moseley
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jessica P. Roberts
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Olivia N. Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | | | - Rahmi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jyothi Arikkath
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munore-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Seonil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
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21
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Brady ES, Griffiths J, Andrianova L, Bielska M, Saito T, Saido TC, Randall AD, Tamagnini F, Witton J, Craig MT. Alterations to parvalbumin-expressing interneuron function and associated network oscillations in the hippocampal - medial prefrontal cortex circuit during natural sleep in App NL-G-F/NL-G-F mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106151. [PMID: 37172910 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the accumulation of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ) damages synapses and disrupts neuronal activity, leading to the disruption of neuronal oscillations associated with cognition. This is thought to be largely due to impairments in CNS synaptic inhibition, particularly via parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons that are essential for generating several key oscillations. Research in this field has largely been conducted in mouse models that over-express humanised, mutated forms of AD-associated genes that produce exaggerated pathology. This has prompted the development and use of knock-in mouse lines that express these genes at an endogenous level, such as the AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mouse model used in the present study. These mice appear to model the early stages of Aβ-induced network impairments, yet an in-depth characterisation of these impairments in currently lacking. Therefore, using 16 month-old AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice, we analysed neuronal oscillations found in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during awake behaviour, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep to assess the extent of network dysfunction. No alterations to gamma oscillations were found to occur in the hippocampus or mPFC during either awake behaviour, REM or NREM sleep. However, during NREM sleep an increase in the power of mPFC spindles and decrease in the power of hippocampal sharp-wave ripples was identified. The latter was accompanied by an increase in the synchronisation of PV-expressing interneuron activity, as measured using two-photon Ca2+ imaging, as well as a decrease in PV-expressing interneuron density. Furthermore, although changes were detected in local network function of mPFC and hippocampus, long-range communication between these regions appeared intact. Altogether, our results suggest that these NREM sleep-specific impairments represent the early stages of circuit breakdown in response to amyloidopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica S Brady
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, CA 91458, United States of America
| | - Jessica Griffiths
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6LA, UK
| | - Lilya Andrianova
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Monika Bielska
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Andrew D Randall
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Francesco Tamagnini
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6LA, UK
| | - Jonathan Witton
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK.
| | - Michael T Craig
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, England, UK; School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK.
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22
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Ince S, Steward T, Harrison BJ, Jamieson AJ, Davey CG, Agathos JA, Moffat BA, Glarin RK, Felmingham KL. Subcortical contributions to salience network functioning during negative emotional processing. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119964. [PMID: 36822252 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Core regions of the salience network (SN), including the anterior insula (aINS) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), coordinate rapid adaptive changes in attentional and autonomic processes in response to negative emotional events. In doing so, the SN incorporates bottom-up signals from subcortical brain regions, such as the amygdala and periaqueductal gray (PAG). However, the precise influence of these subcortical regions is not well understood. Using ultra-high field 7-Tesla functional magnetic resonance imaging, this study investigated the bottom-up interactions of the amygdala and PAG with the SN during negative emotional salience processing. Thirty-seven healthy participants completed an emotional oddball paradigm designed to elicit a salient negative emotional response via the presentation of random, task-irrelevant negative emotional images. Negative emotional processing was associated with prominent activation in the SN, spanning the amygdala, PAG, aINS, and dACC. Consistent with previous research, analysis using dynamic causal modelling revealed an excitatory influence from the amygdala to the aINS, dACC, and PAG. In contrast, the PAG showed an inhibitory influence on amygdala, aINS and dACC activity. Our findings suggest that the amygdala may amplify the processing of negative emotional stimuli in the SN to enable upstream access to attentional resources. In comparison, the inhibitory influence of the PAG possibly reflects its involvement in modulating sympathetic-parasympathetic autonomic arousal mediated by the SN. This PAG-mediated effect may be driven by amygdala input and facilitate bottom-up processing of negative emotional stimuli. Overall, our results show that the amygdala and PAG modulate divergent functions of the SN during negative emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevil Ince
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Trevor Steward
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ben J Harrison
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Alec J Jamieson
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher G Davey
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - James A Agathos
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Bradford A Moffat
- The Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Glarin
- The Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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23
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Ferguson B, Glick C, Huguenard JR. Prefrontal PV interneurons facilitate attention and are linked to attentional dysfunction in a mouse model of absence epilepsy. eLife 2023; 12:e78349. [PMID: 37014118 PMCID: PMC10072875 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78349] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Absence seizures are characterized by brief periods of unconsciousness accompanied by lapses in motor function that can occur hundreds of times throughout the day. Outside of these frequent moments of unconsciousness, approximately a third of people living with the disorder experience treatment-resistant attention impairments. Convergent evidence suggests prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction may underlie attention impairments in affected patients. To examine this, we use a combination of slice physiology, fiber photometry, electrocorticography (ECoG), optogenetics, and behavior in the Scn8a+/-mouse model of absence epilepsy. Attention function was measured using a novel visual attention task where a light cue that varied in duration predicted the location of a food reward. In Scn8a+/-mice, we find altered parvalbumin interneuron (PVIN) output in the medial PFC (mPFC) in vitro and PVIN hypoactivity along with reductions in gamma power during cue presentation in vivo. This was associated with poorer attention performance in Scn8a+/-mice that could be rescued by gamma-frequency optogenetic stimulation of PVINs. This highlights cue-related PVIN activity as an important mechanism for attention and suggests PVINs may represent a therapeutic target for cognitive comorbidities in absence epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brielle Ferguson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Program in Neurobiology and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Cameron Glick
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - John R Huguenard
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
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24
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Hanganu-Opatz IL, Klausberger T, Sigurdsson T, Nieder A, Jacob SN, Bartos M, Sauer JF, Durstewitz D, Leibold C, Diester I. Resolving the prefrontal mechanisms of adaptive cognitive behaviors: A cross-species perspective. Neuron 2023; 111:1020-1036. [PMID: 37023708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) enables a staggering variety of complex behaviors, such as planning actions, solving problems, and adapting to new situations according to external information and internal states. These higher-order abilities, collectively defined as adaptive cognitive behavior, require cellular ensembles that coordinate the tradeoff between the stability and flexibility of neural representations. While the mechanisms underlying the function of cellular ensembles are still unclear, recent experimental and theoretical studies suggest that temporal coordination dynamically binds prefrontal neurons into functional ensembles. A so far largely separate stream of research has investigated the prefrontal efferent and afferent connectivity. These two research streams have recently converged on the hypothesis that prefrontal connectivity patterns influence ensemble formation and the function of neurons within ensembles. Here, we propose a unitary concept that, leveraging a cross-species definition of prefrontal regions, explains how prefrontal ensembles adaptively regulate and efficiently coordinate multiple processes in distinct cognitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Klausberger
- Center for Brain Research, Division of Cognitive Neurobiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Torfi Sigurdsson
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Nieder
- Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon N Jacob
- Translational Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlene Bartos
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Daniel Durstewitz
- Department of Theoretical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health & Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Leibold
- Faculty of Biology, Bernstein Center Freiburg, BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ilka Diester
- Optophysiology - Optogenetics and Neurophysiology, IMBIT // BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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25
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Jaeckel ER, Arias-Hervert ER, Perez-Medina AL, Herrera YN, Schulz S, Birdsong WT. Chronic morphine induces adaptations in opioid receptor signaling in a thalamo-cortico-striatal circuit that are projection-dependent, sex-specific and regulated by mu opioid receptor phosphorylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528057. [PMID: 36824766 PMCID: PMC9949156 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic opioid exposure induces tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of opioids but sensitization to some other effects. While the occurrence of these adaptations is well-understood, the underlying cellular mechanisms are less clear. This study aimed to determine how chronic treatment with morphine, a prototypical opioid agonist, induced adaptations to subsequent morphine signaling in different subcellular contexts. Opioids acutely inhibit glutamatergic transmission from medial thalamic (MThal) inputs to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) via activity at μ-opioid receptors (MORs). MORs are present in somatic and presynaptic compartments of MThal neurons terminating in both the DMS and ACC. We investigated the effects of chronic morphine treatment on subsequent morphine signaling at MThal-DMS synapses, MThal-ACC synapses, and MThal cell bodies in male and female mice. Surprisingly, chronic morphine treatment increased subsequent morphine inhibition of MThal-DMS synaptic transmission (morphine facilitation), but decreased subsequent morphine inhibition of transmission at MThal-ACC synapses (morphine tolerance) in a sex-specific manner; these adaptations were present in male but not female mice. Additionally, these adaptations were not observed in knockin mice expressing phosphorylation-deficient MORs, suggesting a role of MOR phosphorylation in mediating both facilitation and tolerance to morphine within this circuit. The results of this study suggest that the effects of chronic morphine exposure are not ubiquitous; rather adaptations in MOR function may be determined by multiple factors such as subcellular receptor distribution, influence of local circuitry and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yoani N. Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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26
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Li J, Zheng S, Dong Y, Xu H, Zhu Y, Weng J, Sun D, Wang S, Xiao L, Jiang Y. Histone Methyltransferase SETDB1 Regulates the Development of Cortical Htr3a-Positive Interneurons and Mood Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:279-290. [PMID: 36335068 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) interneurons (INs) are highly heterogeneous, and Htr3a labels a subpopulation of cortical INs originating from the embryonic caudal ganglionic eminence. SETDB1 is one of the histone H3K9 methyltransferases and plays an essential role in the excitatory neurons, but its role in regulating cortical inhibitory INs remains largely unknown. METHODS In this study, we generated transgenic mice with conditional knockout of Setdb1 in neural progenitor cells (Setdb1-NS-cKO) and GABAergic neurons (Setdb1-Gad2-cKO). In addition, we performed RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, luciferase assay, chromatin conformation capture, and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/dCas9 to study the epigenetic mechanism underlying SETDB1-mediated transcriptional regulation of Htr3a. We also performed in situ hybridization and whole-cell recording to evaluate the functional properties of cortical Htr3a+ INs and behavioral tests for mood. RESULTS We detected significant upregulation of Htr3a expression in the embryonic ganglionic eminence of Setdb1-NS-cKO and identified the endogenous retroviral sequence RMER21B as a new target of SETDB1. RMER21B showed enhancer activity and formed distal chromatin interaction with the promoter of Htr3a. In addition, we observed an increased number and enhanced excitability of Htr3a+ INs in the knockout cortex. Moreover, Setdb1-Gad2-cKO mice exhibited anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, which were partially reversed by a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that SETDB1 represses Htr3a transcription via RMER21B-mediated distal chromatin interaction in the embryonic ganglionic eminence and regulates the development of cortical Htr3a+ INs and mood behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenghui Zheng
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Dong
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyan Zhu
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Weng
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daijing Sun
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Lei Xiao
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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27
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Anticevic A, Halassa MM. The thalamus in psychosis spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1163600. [PMID: 37123374 PMCID: PMC10133512 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1163600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosis spectrum disorder (PSD) affects 1% of the world population and results in a lifetime of chronic disability, causing devastating personal and economic consequences. Developing new treatments for PSD remains a challenge, particularly those that target its core cognitive deficits. A key barrier to progress is the tenuous link between the basic neurobiological understanding of PSD and its clinical phenomenology. In this perspective, we focus on a key opportunity that combines innovations in non-invasive human neuroimaging with basic insights into thalamic regulation of functional cortical connectivity. The thalamus is an evolutionary conserved region that forms forebrain-wide functional loops critical for the transmission of external inputs as well as the construction and update of internal models. We discuss our perspective across four lines of evidence: First, we articulate how PSD symptomatology may arise from a faulty network organization at the macroscopic circuit level with the thalamus playing a central coordinating role. Second, we discuss how recent animal work has mechanistically clarified the properties of thalamic circuits relevant to regulating cortical dynamics and cognitive function more generally. Third, we present human neuroimaging evidence in support of thalamic alterations in PSD, and propose that a similar "thalamocortical dysconnectivity" seen in pharmacological imaging (under ketamine, LSD and THC) in healthy individuals may link this circuit phenotype to the common set of symptoms in idiopathic and drug-induced psychosis. Lastly, we synthesize animal and human work, and lay out a translational path for biomarker and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Anticevic
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Alan Anticevic,
| | - Michael M. Halassa
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Michael M. Halassa,
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28
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Yang C, Xiao K, Ao Y, Cui Q, Jing X, Wang Y. The thalamus is the causal hub of intervention in patients with major depressive disorder: Evidence from the Granger causality analysis. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103295. [PMID: 36549233 PMCID: PMC9795532 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading mental disorder and afflicts more than 350 million people worldwide. The underlying neural mechanisms of MDD remain unclear, hindering the accurate treatment. Recent brain imaging studies have observed functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions in patients with MDD, identifying core brain regions is the key to locating potential therapeutic targets for MDD. The Granger causality analysis (GCA) measures directional effects between brain regions and, therefore, can track causal hubs as potential intervention targets for MDD. We reviewed literature employing GCA to investigate abnormal brain connections in patients with MDD. The total degree of effective connections in the thalamus (THA) is more than twice that in traditional targets such as the superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex. Altered causal connections in patients with MDD mainly included enhanced bottom-up connections from the thalamus to various cortical and subcortical regions and reduced top-down connections from these regions to the THA, indicating excessive uplink sensory information and insufficient downlink suppression information for negative emotions. We suggest that the thalamus is the most crucial causal hub for MDD, which may serve as the downstream target for non-invasive brain stimulation and medication approaches in MDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiao Yang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunchen Xiao
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Ao
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Cui
- School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xiujuan Jing
- Tianfu College of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.
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29
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Kupferschmidt DA, Cummings KA, Joffe ME, MacAskill A, Malik R, Sánchez-Bellot C, Tejeda HA, Yarur Castillo H. Prefrontal Interneurons: Populations, Pathways, and Plasticity Supporting Typical and Disordered Cognition in Rodent Models. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8468-8476. [PMID: 36351822 PMCID: PMC9665918 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1136-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex (PFC) inhibitory microcircuits regulate the gain and timing of pyramidal neuron firing, coordinate neural ensemble interactions, and gate local and long-range neural communication to support adaptive cognition and contextually tuned behavior. Accordingly, perturbations of PFC inhibitory microcircuits are thought to underlie dysregulated cognition and behavior in numerous psychiatric diseases and relevant animal models. This review, based on a Mini-Symposium presented at the 2022 Society for Neuroscience Meeting, highlights recent studies providing novel insights into: (1) discrete medial PFC (mPFC) interneuron populations in the mouse brain; (2) mPFC interneuron connections with, and regulation of, long-range mPFC afferents; and (3) circuit-specific plasticity of mPFC interneurons. The contributions of such populations, pathways, and plasticity to rodent cognition are discussed in the context of stress, reward, motivational conflict, and genetic mutations relevant to psychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Kupferschmidt
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Kirstie A Cummings
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233
| | - Max E Joffe
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213
| | - Andrew MacAskill
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, WC1E 6BT
| | - Ruchi Malik
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94158
| | - Candela Sánchez-Bellot
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, WC1E 6BT
- Laboratorio de Circuitos Neuronales, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain, 28002
| | - Hugo A Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Hector Yarur Castillo
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
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30
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Lee JHA, Chen Q, Zhuo M. Synaptic Plasticity in the Pain-Related Cingulate and Insular Cortex. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2745. [PMID: 36359264 PMCID: PMC9687873 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulative animal and human studies have consistently demonstrated that two major cortical regions in the brain, namely the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insular cortex (IC), play critical roles in pain perception and chronic pain. Neuronal synapses in these cortical regions of adult animals are highly plastic and can undergo long-term potentiation (LTP), a phenomenon that is also reported in brain areas for learning and memory (such as the hippocampus). Genetic and pharmacological studies show that inhibiting such cortical LTP can help to reduce behavioral sensitization caused by injury as well as injury-induced emotional changes. In this review, we will summarize recent progress related to synaptic mechanisms for different forms of cortical LTP and their possible contribution to behavioral pain and emotional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Alex Lee
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Qiyu Chen
- Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao 266199, China
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao 266199, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325000, China
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31
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Gärtner M, de Rover M, Václavů L, Scheidegger M, van Osch MJP, Grimm S. Increase in thalamic cerebral blood flow is associated with antidepressant effects of ketamine in major depressive disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:643-652. [PMID: 34985394 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2020900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine is a promising treatment option for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and has become an important research tool to investigate antidepressant mechanisms of action. However, imaging studies attempting to characterise ketamine's mechanism of action using blood oxygen level-dependent signal (BOLD) imaging have yielded inconsistent results- at least partly due to intrinsic properties of the BOLD contrast, which measures a complex signal related to neural activity. To circumvent the limitations associated with the BOLD signal, we used arterial spin labelling (ASL) as an unambiguous marker of neuronal activity-related changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF). We measured CBF in 21 MDD patients at baseline and 24 h after receiving a single intravenous infusion of subanesthetic ketamine and examined relationships with clinical outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that increase in thalamus perfusion 24 h after ketamine administration is associated with greater improvement of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, lower thalamus perfusion at baseline is associated both with larger increases in perfusion 24 h after ketamine administration and with stronger reduction of depressive symptoms. These findings indicate that ASL is not only a useful tool to broaden our understanding of ketamine's mechanism of action but might also have the potential to inform treatment decisions based on CBF-defined regional disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Gärtner
- MSB-Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mischa de Rover
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lena Václavů
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Milan Scheidegger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias J P van Osch
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Simone Grimm
- MSB-Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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32
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Benoit LJ, Canetta S, Kellendonk C. Thalamocortical Development: A Neurodevelopmental Framework for Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:491-500. [PMID: 35550792 PMCID: PMC9999366 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of increased vulnerability for the development of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) undergoes substantial maturation during this period, and PFC dysfunction is central to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. As a result, impaired adolescent maturation of the PFC has been proposed as a mechanism in the etiology of the disorder and its cognitive symptoms. In adulthood, PFC function is tightly linked to its reciprocal connections with the thalamus, and acutely inhibiting thalamic inputs to the PFC produces impairments in PFC function and cognitive deficits. Here, we propose that thalamic activity is equally important during adolescence because it is required for proper PFC circuit development. Because thalamic abnormalities have been observed early in the progression of schizophrenia, we further postulate that adolescent thalamic dysfunction can have long-lasting consequences for PFC function and cognition in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Benoit
- Graduate Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sarah Canetta
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Christoph Kellendonk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
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Orth L, Meeh J, Gur RC, Neuner I, Sarkheil P. Frontostriatal circuitry as a target for fMRI-based neurofeedback interventions: A systematic review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:933718. [PMID: 36092647 PMCID: PMC9449529 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.933718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated frontostriatal circuitries are viewed as a common target for the treatment of aberrant behaviors in various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Accordingly, experimental neurofeedback paradigms have been applied to modify the frontostriatal circuitry. The human frontostriatal circuitry is topographically and functionally organized into the “limbic,” the “associative,” and the “motor” subsystems underlying a variety of affective, cognitive, and motor functions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding functional magnetic resonance imaging-based neurofeedback studies that targeted brain activations within the frontostriatal circuitry. Seventy-nine published studies were included in our survey. We assessed the efficacy of these studies in terms of imaging findings of neurofeedback intervention as well as behavioral and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the neurofeedback targets of the studies could be assigned to the identifiable frontostriatal subsystems. The majority of studies that targeted frontostriatal circuitry functions focused on the anterior cingulate cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the supplementary motor area. Only a few studies (n = 14) targeted the connectivity of the frontostriatal regions. However, post-hoc analyses of connectivity changes were reported in more cases (n = 32). Neurofeedback has been frequently used to modify brain activations within the frontostriatal circuitry. Given the regulatory mechanisms within the closed loop of the frontostriatal circuitry, the connectivity-based neurofeedback paradigms should be primarily considered for modifications of this system. The anatomical and functional organization of the frontostriatal system needs to be considered in decisions pertaining to the neurofeedback targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Orth
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Linda Orth
| | - Johanna Meeh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Irene Neuner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Pegah Sarkheil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Mair RG, Francoeur MJ, Krell EM, Gibson BM. Where Actions Meet Outcomes: Medial Prefrontal Cortex, Central Thalamus, and the Basal Ganglia. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:928610. [PMID: 35864847 PMCID: PMC9294389 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.928610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) interacts with distributed networks that give rise to goal-directed behavior through afferent and efferent connections with multiple thalamic nuclei and recurrent basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits. Recent studies have revealed individual roles for different thalamic nuclei: mediodorsal (MD) regulation of signaling properties in mPFC neurons, intralaminar control of cortico-basal ganglia networks, ventral medial facilitation of integrative motor function, and hippocampal functions supported by ventral midline and anterior nuclei. Large scale mapping studies have identified functionally distinct cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical subnetworks that provide a structural basis for understanding information processing and functional heterogeneity within the basal ganglia. Behavioral analyses comparing functional deficits produced by lesions or inactivation of specific thalamic nuclei or subregions of mPFC or the basal ganglia have elucidated the interdependent roles of these areas in adaptive goal-directed behavior. Electrophysiological recordings of mPFC neurons in rats performing delayed non-matching-to position (DNMTP) and other complex decision making tasks have revealed populations of neurons with activity related to actions and outcomes that underlie these behaviors. These include responses related to motor preparation, instrumental actions, movement, anticipation and delivery of action outcomes, memory delay, and spatial context. Comparison of results for mPFC, MD, and ventral pallidum (VP) suggest critical roles for mPFC in prospective processes that precede actions, MD for reinforcing task-relevant responses in mPFC, and VP for providing feedback about action outcomes. Synthesis of electrophysiological and behavioral results indicates that different networks connecting mPFC with thalamus and the basal ganglia are organized to support distinct functions that allow organisms to act efficiently to obtain intended outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Mair
- Department of Psychology, The University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Miranda J. Francoeur
- Neural Engineering and Translation Labs, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Erin M. Krell
- Department of Psychology, The University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Brett M. Gibson
- Department of Psychology, The University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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35
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Nashef A, Cohen O, Perlmutter SI, Prut Y. A cerebellar origin of feedforward inhibition to the motor cortex in non-human primates. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110803. [PMID: 35545040 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Voluntary movements are driven by coordinated activity across a large population of motor cortical neurons. Formation of this activity is controlled by local interactions and long-range inputs. How remote areas of the brain communicate with motor cortical neurons to effectively drive movement remains unclear. We address this question by studying the cerebellar-thalamocortical system. We find that thalamic input to the motor cortex triggers feedforward inhibition by contacting inhibitory cells via highly effective GluR2-lacking AMPA receptors and that, during task performance, the activity of parvalbumin (PV) and pyramidal cells exhibits relations comparable with movement parameters. We also find that the movement-related activity of PV interneurons precedes firing of pyramidal cells. This counterintuitive sequence of events, where inhibitory cells are recruited more strongly and before excitatory cells, may amplify the cortical effect of cerebellar signals in a way that exceeds their sheer synaptic efficacy by suppressing other inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulraheem Nashef
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, IMRIC and ELSC, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Oren Cohen
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, IMRIC and ELSC, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Steve I Perlmutter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics and Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Box 357330, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yifat Prut
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, IMRIC and ELSC, The Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
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36
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Pathway-specific inhibition of critical projections from the mediodorsal thalamus to the frontal cortex controls kindled seizures. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 214:102286. [PMID: 35537572 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a large unmet need for improved treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); circuit-specific manipulation that disrupts the initiation and propagation of seizures is promising in this regard. The midline thalamus, including the mediodorsal nucleus (MD) is a critical distributor of seizure activity, but its afferent and efferent pathways that mediate seizure activity are unknown. Here, we used chemogenetics to silence input and output projections of the MD to discrete regions of the frontal cortex in the kindling model of TLE in rats. Chemogenetic inhibition of the projection from the amygdala to the MD abolished seizures, an effect that was replicated using optogenetic inhibition. Chemogenetic inhibition of projections from the MD to the prelimbic cortex likewise abolished seizures. By contrast, inhibition of projections from the MD to other frontal regions produced partial (orbitofrontal cortex, infralimbic cortex) or no (cingulate, insular cortex) attenuation of behavioral or electrographic seizure activity. These results highlight the particular importance of projections from MD to prelimbic cortex in the propagation of amygdala-kindled seizures.
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37
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Learning-related congruent and incongruent changes of excitation and inhibition in distinct cortical areas. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001667. [PMID: 35639787 PMCID: PMC9187120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory and inhibitory neurons in diverse cortical regions are likely to contribute differentially to the transformation of sensory information into goal-directed motor plans. Here, we investigate the relative changes across mouse sensorimotor cortex in the activity of putative excitatory and inhibitory neurons—categorized as regular spiking (RS) or fast spiking (FS) according to their action potential (AP) waveform—comparing before and after learning of a whisker detection task with delayed licking as perceptual report. Surprisingly, we found that the whisker-evoked activity of RS versus FS neurons changed in opposite directions after learning in primary and secondary whisker motor cortices, while it changed similarly in primary and secondary orofacial motor cortices. Our results suggest that changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition in local circuits concurrent with changes in the long-range synaptic inputs in distinct cortical regions might contribute to performance of delayed sensory-to-motor transformation. A study of mouse sensorimotor cortex during a whisker detection task shows that learning of a goal-directed sensorimotor transformation is accompanied by differential changes in excitation and inhibition in distinct neocortical regions, helping to link sensory cortex and motor cortex for correct task performance.
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38
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Lee KG, Rajakumar N. Partial ablation of frontal cortical subplate leads to developmental abnormalities in KCC2 in the prefrontal cortex. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103733. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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39
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Alfieri V, Mattera A, Baldassarre G. Neural Circuits Underlying Social Fear in Rodents: An Integrative Computational Model. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:841085. [PMID: 35350477 PMCID: PMC8957808 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.841085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social avoidance in rodents arises from a complex interplay between the prefrontal cortex and subcortical structures, such as the ventromedial hypothalamus and the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter. Experimental studies are revealing the contribution of these areas, but an integrative view and model of how they interact to produce adaptive behavior are still lacking. Here, we present a computational model of social avoidance, proposing a set of integrated hypotheses on the possible macro organization of the brain system underlying this phenomenon. The model is validated by accounting for several different empirical findings and produces predictions to be tested in future experiments.
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40
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Xue M, Shi W, Zhou S, Li Y, Wu F, Chen QY, Liu RH, Zhou Z, Zhang YX, Chen Y, Xu F, Bi G, Li X, Lu J, Zhuo M. Mapping thalamic-anterior cingulate monosynaptic inputs in adult mice. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221087034. [PMID: 35240879 PMCID: PMC9009153 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221087034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is located in the frontal part of the
cingulate cortex, and plays important roles in pain perception and emotion. The
thalamocortical pathway is the major sensory input to the ACC. Previous studies
have show that several different thalamic nuclei receive projection fibers from
spinothalamic tract, that in turn send efferents to the ACC by using neural
tracers and optical imaging methods. Most of these studies were performed in
monkeys, cats, and rats, few studies were reported systematically in adult mice.
Adult mice, especially genetically modified mice, have provided molecular and
synaptic mechanisms for cortical plasticity and modulation in the ACC. In the
present study, we utilized rabies virus-based retrograde tracing system to map
thalamic-anterior cingulate monosynaptic inputs in adult mice. We also combined
with a new high-throughput VISoR imaging technique to generate a
three-dimensional whole-brain reconstruction, especially the thalamus. We found
that cortical neurons in the ACC received direct projections from different
sub-nuclei in the thalamus, including the anterior, ventral, medial, lateral,
midline, and intralaminar thalamic nuclei. These findings provide key anatomic
evidences for the connection between the thalamus and ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Xue
- 12480Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | | | - Sibo Zhou
- 528996Xi'an Jiaotong University Frontier Institute of Science and Technology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Min Zhuo
- Qingdao International Academician Park
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41
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Ouhaz Z, Perry BAL, Nakamura K, Mitchell AS. Mediodorsal Thalamus Is Critical for Updating during Extradimensional Shifts But Not Reversals in the Attentional Set-Shifting Task. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0162-21.2022. [PMID: 35105661 PMCID: PMC8906789 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0162-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility, attributed to frontal cortex, is vital for navigating the complexities of everyday life. The mediodorsal thalamus (MD), interconnected to frontal cortex, may influence cognitive flexibility. Here, male rats performed an attentional set-shifting task measuring intradimensional (ID) and extradimensional (ED) shifts in sensory discriminations. MD lesion rats needed more trials to learn the rewarded sensory dimension. However, once the choice response strategy was established, learning further two-choice discriminations in the same sensory dimension, and reversals of the reward contingencies in the same dimension, were unimpaired. Critically though, MD lesion rats were impaired during the ED shift, when they must rapidly update the optimal choice response strategy. Behavioral analyses showed MD lesion rats had significantly reduced correct within-trial second choice responses. This evidence shows that transfer of information via the MD is critical when rapid within-trial updates in established choice response strategies are required after a rule change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Ouhaz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
- Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de la Santé, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Brook A L Perry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
| | - Kouichi Nakamura
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TH, United Kingdom
| | - Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SR, United Kingdom
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Folschweiller S, Sauer JF. Phase-specific pooling of sparse assembly activity by respiration-related brain oscillations. J Physiol 2022; 600:1991-2011. [PMID: 35218015 DOI: 10.1113/jp282631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal assemblies activate phase-coupled to ongoing respiration-related oscillations (RROs) in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice. The phase coupling strength of assemblies exceeds that of individual neurons. Assemblies preferentially activate during the descending phase of RRO. Despite higher assembly frequency during descending RRO, overlap between active assemblies remains constant across RRO phase. Putative GABAergic interneurons are preferentially recruited by assembly neurons during descending RRO, suggesting that interneurons might contribute to the segregation of active assemblies during the descending phase of RRO. ABSTRACT: Nasal breathing affects cognitive functions, but it has remained largely unclear how respiration-driven inputs shape information processing in neuronal circuits. Current theories emphasize the role of neuronal assemblies, coalitions of transiently active pyramidal cells, as the core unit of cortical network computations. Here, we show that the phase of respiration-related oscillations (RROs) influences the likelihood of activation of a subset of neuronal assemblies in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of awake mice. RROs bias the activation of neuronal assemblies more efficiently than that of individual neurons by entraining the coactivity of assembly neurons. Moreover, the activation of assemblies is moderately biased towards the descending phase of RROs. Despite the enriched activation of assemblies during descending RRO, the overlap between individual assemblies remains constant across RRO phases. Putative GABAergic interneurons are shown to coactivate with assemblies and receive enhanced excitatory drive from assembly neurons during descending RRO, suggesting that the phase-specific recruitment of putative interneurons might help to keep the activation of different assemblies separated from each other during times of preferred assembly activation. Our results thus identify respiration-synchronized brain rhythms as drivers of neuronal assemblies and point to a role of RROs in defining time windows of enhanced yet segregated assembly activity. Abstract figure legend. Nasal breathing affects cognitive functions, but it has remained largely unclear how respiration-driven inputs shape information processing in neuronal circuits. We show that the phase of respiration-related oscillations (RROs) influences the likelihood of the activation of a subset of neuronal assemblies in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of awake mice. The activation of assemblies is moderately biased towards the descending phase of RROs, while the overlap between individual assemblies remains constant across RRO phases. Putative GABAergic interneurons are shown to coactivate with assemblies and receive enhanced excitatory drive from assembly neurons during descending RRO, suggesting that the phase-specific recruitment of putative interneurons might help to keep the activation of different assemblies separated from each other. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Folschweiller
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 7, Freiburg, D-79104, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, Freiburg, D-79104, Germany
| | - Jonas-Frederic Sauer
- Institute for Physiology I, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 7, Freiburg, D-79104, Germany
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Pathway-specific contribution of parvalbumin interneuron NMDARs to synaptic currents and thalamocortical feedforward inhibition. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:5124-5134. [PMID: 36075962 PMCID: PMC9763122 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01747-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a site of information convergence important for behaviors relevant to psychiatric disorders. Despite the importance of inhibitory GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons to PFC circuit function and decades of interest in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in these neurons, examples of defined circuit functions that depend on PV+ interneuron NMDARs have been elusive. Indeed, it remains controversial whether all PV+ interneurons contain functional NMDARs in adult PFC, which has major consequences for hypotheses of the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Using a combination of fluorescent in situ hybridization, pathway-specific optogenetics, cell-type-specific gene ablation, and electrophysiological recordings from PV+ interneurons, here we resolve this controversy. We found that nearly 100% of PV+ interneurons in adult medial PFC (mPFC) express transcripts encoding GluN1 and GluN2B, and they have functional NMDARs. By optogenetically stimulating corticocortical and thalamocortical inputs to mPFC, we show that synaptic NMDAR contribution to PV+ interneuron EPSCs is pathway-specific, which likely explains earlier reports of PV+ interneurons without synaptic NMDAR currents. Lastly, we report a major contribution of NMDARs in PV+ interneurons to thalamus-mediated feedforward inhibition in adult mPFC circuits, suggesting molecular and circuit-based mechanisms for cognitive impairment under conditions of reduced NMDAR function. These findings represent an important conceptual advance that has major implications for hypotheses of the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
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Pouchelon G, Dwivedi D, Bollmann Y, Agba CK, Xu Q, Mirow AMC, Kim S, Qiu Y, Sevier E, Ritola KD, Cossart R, Fishell G. The organization and development of cortical interneuron presynaptic circuits are area specific. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109993. [PMID: 34758329 PMCID: PMC8832360 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin and somatostatin inhibitory interneurons gate information flow in discrete cortical areas that compute sensory and cognitive functions. Despite the considerable differences between areas, individual interneuron subtypes are genetically invariant and are thought to form canonical circuits regardless of which area they are embedded in. Here, we investigate whether this is achieved through selective and systematic variations in their afferent connectivity during development. To this end, we examined the development of their inputs within distinct cortical areas. We find that interneuron afferents show little evidence of being globally stereotyped. Rather, each subtype displays characteristic regional connectivity and distinct developmental dynamics by which this connectivity is achieved. Moreover, afferents dynamically regulated during development are disrupted by early sensory deprivation and in a model of fragile X syndrome. These data provide a comprehensive map of interneuron afferents across cortical areas and reveal the logic by which these circuits are established during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Pouchelon
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Deepanjali Dwivedi
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yannick Bollmann
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, INMED, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Chimuanya K Agba
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Qing Xu
- Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Andrea M C Mirow
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sehyun Kim
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yanjie Qiu
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Elaine Sevier
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kimberly D Ritola
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Rosa Cossart
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, INMED, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Gord Fishell
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute, Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Schizophrenia-associated LRRTM1 regulates cognitive behavior through controlling synaptic function in the mediodorsal thalamus. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6912-6925. [PMID: 33981006 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Reduced activity of the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and abnormal functional connectivity of the MD with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) cause cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, the molecular basis of MD hypofunction in schizophrenia is not known. Here, we identified leucine-rich-repeat transmembrane neuronal protein 1 (LRRTM1), a postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecule, as a key regulator of excitatory synaptic function and excitation-inhibition balance in the MD. LRRTM1 is strongly associated with schizophrenia and is highly expressed in the thalamus. Conditional deletion of Lrrtm1 in the MD in adult mice reduced excitatory synaptic function and caused a parallel reduction in the afferent synaptic activity of the PFC, which was reversed by the reintroduction of LRRTM1 in the MD. Our results indicate that chronic reduction of synaptic strength in the MD by targeted deletion of Lrrtm1 functionally disengages the MD from the PFC and may account for cognitive, social, and sensorimotor gating deficits, reminiscent of schizophrenia.
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Berger JJ, Harris IM, Whittingham KM, Terpening Z, Watson JDG. Sharing the load: How a personally coloured calculator for grapheme-colour synaesthetes can reduce processing costs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257713. [PMID: 34551015 PMCID: PMC8457480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaesthesia refers to a diverse group of perceptions. These unusual perceptions are defined by the experience of concurrents; these are conscious experiences that are catalysed by attention to some normally unrelated stimulus, the inducer. In grapheme-colour synaesthesia numbers, letters, and words can all cause colour concurrents, and these are independent of the actual colour with which the graphemes are displayed. For example, when seeing the numeral '3' a person with synaesthesia might experience green as the concurrent irrespective of whether the numeral is printed in blue, black, or red. As a trait, synaesthesia has the potential to cause both positive and negative effects. However, regardless of the end effect, synaesthesia incurs an initial cost when compared with its equivalent example from normal perception; this is the additional processing cost needed to generate the information on the concurrent. We contend that this cost can be reduced by mirroring the concurrent in the environment. We designed the Digital-Colour Calculator (DCC) app, allowing each user to personalise and select the colours with which it displays its digits; it is the first reported example of a device/approach that leverages the concurrent. In this article we report on the reactions to the DCC for a sample of fifty-three synaesthetes and thirty-five non-synaesthetes. The synaesthetes showed a strong preference for the DCC over its normal counterpart. The non-synaesthetes showed no obvious preference. When using the DCC a subsample of the synaesthete group showed consistent improvement in task speed (around 8%) whereas no synaesthete showed a decrement in their speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J. Berger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Irina M. Harris
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Zoe Terpening
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John D. G. Watson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Nakajima M. Neuronal identity and cognitive control dynamics in the PFC. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 129:14-21. [PMID: 34535385 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive behavior is supported by context-dependent cognitive control that enables stable and flexible sensorimotor transformations. Impairments in this type of control are often attributed to dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, the underlying circuit principles of PFC function that support cognitive control have remained elusive. While the complex, diverse responses of PFC neurons to cognitive variables have been studied both from the perspective of individual cell activity and overall population dynamics, these two levels have often been investigated separately. This review discusses two specific cell groups, context/brain state responsive interneuron subtypes and output decoder neurons, that might bridge conceptual frameworks derived from these two research approaches. I highlight the unique properties and functions of these cell groups and discuss how future studies leveraging their features are likely to provide a new understanding of PFC dynamics combining single-neuron and network perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Nakajima
- Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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48
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Mease RA, Gonzalez AJ. Corticothalamic Pathways From Layer 5: Emerging Roles in Computation and Pathology. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:730211. [PMID: 34566583 PMCID: PMC8458899 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.730211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Large portions of the thalamus receive strong driving input from cortical layer 5 (L5) neurons but the role of this important pathway in cortical and thalamic computations is not well understood. L5-recipient "higher-order" thalamic regions participate in cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuits that are increasingly recognized to be (1) anatomically and functionally distinct from better-studied "first-order" CTC networks, and (2) integral to cortical activity related to learning and perception. Additionally, studies are beginning to elucidate the clinical relevance of these networks, as dysfunction across these pathways have been implicated in several pathological states. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding L5 CTC networks across sensory modalities and brain regions, particularly studies leveraging cell-type-specific tools that allow precise experimental access to L5 CTC circuits. We aim to provide a focused and accessible summary of the anatomical, physiological, and computational properties of L5-originating CTC networks, and outline their underappreciated contribution in pathology. We particularly seek to connect single-neuron and synaptic properties to network (dys)function and emerging theories of cortical computation, and highlight information processing in L5 CTC networks as a promising focus for computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Mease
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Cummings KA, Lacagnina AF, Clem RL. GABAergic microcircuitry of fear memory encoding. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 184:107504. [PMID: 34425220 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm of fear conditioning is largely responsible for our current understanding of how memories are encoded at the cellular level. Its most fundamental underlying mechanism is considered to be plasticity of synaptic connections between excitatory projection neurons (PNs). However, recent studies suggest that while PNs execute critical memory functions, their activity at key stages of learning and recall is extensively orchestrated by a diverse array of GABAergic interneurons (INs). Here we review the contributions of genetically-defined INs to processing of threat-related stimuli in fear conditioning, with a particular focus on how synaptic interactions within interconnected networks of INs modulates PN activity through both inhibition and disinhibition. Furthermore, we discuss accumulating evidence that GABAergic microcircuits are an important locus for synaptic plasticity during fear learning and therefore a viable substrate for long-term memory. These findings suggest that further investigation of INs could unlock unique conceptual insights into the organization and function of fear memory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie A Cummings
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Anthony F Lacagnina
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Roger L Clem
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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50
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McQuail JA, Beas BS, Kelly KB, Hernandez CM, Bizon JL, Frazier CJ. Attenuated NMDAR signaling on fast-spiking interneurons in prefrontal cortex contributes to age-related decline of cognitive flexibility. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108720. [PMID: 34273386 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ionotropic glutamate receptors of the NMDA and AMPA subtypes transduce excitatory signaling on neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in support of cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is reliably observed to decline at advanced ages, coinciding with changes in PFC glutamate receptor expression and neuronal physiology. However, the relationship between age-related impairment of cognitive flexibility and changes to excitatory signaling on distinct classes of PFC neurons is not known. In this study, one cohort of young adult (4 months) and aged (20 months) male F344 rats were characterized for cognitive flexibility on an operant set-shifting task. Expression of the essential NMDAR subunit, NR1, was correlated with individual differences in set-shifting abilities such that lower NR1 in the aged PFC was associated with worse set-shifting. In contrast, lower expression of two AMPAR subunits, GluR1 and GluR2, was not associated with set-shift abilities in aging. As NMDARs are expressed by both pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons (FSI) in PFC, whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed in a second cohort of age-matched rats to compare age-associated changes on these neuronal subtypes. Evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents were generated using a bipolar stimulator while AMPAR vs. NMDAR-mediated components were isolated using pharmacological tools. The results revealed a clear increase in AMPA/NMDA ratio in FSIs that was not present in pyramidal neurons. Together, these data indicate that loss of NMDARs on interneurons in PFC contributes to age-related impairment of cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A McQuail
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - B Sofia Beas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA; Unit on the Neurobiology of Affective Memory, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kyle B Kelly
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Caesar M Hernandez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA; Department of Cellular, Development, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Charles J Frazier
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA; Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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