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Craighero L. An embodied approach to fetal and newborn perceptual and sensorimotor development. Brain Cogn 2024; 179:106184. [PMID: 38843762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106184] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
The embodied approach argues that interaction with the environment plays a crucial role in brain development and that the presence of sensory effects generated by movements is fundamental. The movement of the fetus is initially random. Then, the repeated execution of the movement creates a link between it and its sensory effects, allowing the selection of movements that produce expected sensations. During fetal life, the brain develops from a transitory fetal circuit to the permanent cortical circuit, which completes development after birth. Accordingly, this process must concern the interaction of the fetus with the intrauterine environment and of the newborn with the new aerial environment, which provides a new sensory stimulation, light. The goal of the present review is to provide suggestions for neuroscientific research capable of shedding light on brain development process by describing from a functional point of view the relationship between the motor and sensory abilities of fetuses and newborns and the increasing complexity of their interaction with objects in the womb and outside of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Craighero
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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2
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Kaneko N, Hirai K, Oshima M, Yura K, Hattori M, Maeda N, Ohtaka-Maruyama C. ADAMTS2 promotes radial migration by activating TGF-β signaling in the developing neocortex. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3090-3115. [PMID: 38871984 PMCID: PMC11239934 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00174-x] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian neocortex is formed by sequential radial migration of newborn excitatory neurons. Migrating neurons undergo a multipolar-to-bipolar transition at the subplate (SP) layer, where extracellular matrix (ECM) components are abundantly expressed. Here, we investigate the role of the ECM at the SP layer. We show that TGF-β signaling-related ECM proteins, and their downstream effector, p-smad2/3, are selectively expressed in the SP layer. We also find that migrating neurons express a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 2 (ADAMTS2), an ECM metalloproteinase, just below the SP layer. Knockdown and knockout of Adamts2 suppresses the multipolar-to-bipolar transition of migrating neurons and disturbs radial migration. Time-lapse luminescence imaging of TGF-β signaling indicates that ADAMTS2 activates this signaling pathway in migrating neurons during the multipolar-to-bipolar transition at the SP layer. Overexpression of TGF-β2 in migrating neurons partially rescues migration defects in ADAMTS2 knockout mice. Our data suggest that ADAMTS2 secreted by the migrating multipolar neurons activates TGF-β signaling by ECM remodeling of the SP layer, which might drive the multipolar to bipolar transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Kaneko
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Hirai
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minori Oshima
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Yura
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Hattori
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Maeda
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ohtaka-Maruyama
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
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3
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Zavalin K, Hassan A, Zhang Y, Khera Z, Lagrange AH. Region and layer-specific expression of GABA A receptor isoforms and KCC2 in developing cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1390742. [PMID: 38894703 PMCID: PMC11184147 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1390742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors (GABAARs) are ligand-gated Cl-channels that mediate the bulk of inhibitory neurotransmission in the mature CNS and are targets of many drugs. During cortical development, GABAAR-mediated signals are significantly modulated by changing subunit composition and expression of Cl-transporters as part of developmental processes and early network activity. To date, this developmental evolution has remained understudied, particularly at the level of cortical layer-specific changes. In this study, we characterized the expression of nine major GABAAR subunits and K-Cl transporter 2 (KCC2) in mouse somatosensory cortex from embryonic development to postweaning maturity. Methods We evaluated expression of α1-5, β2-3, γ2, and δ GABAAR subunits using immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques, and expression of KCC2 using immunohistochemistry in cortices from E13.5 to P25 mice. Results We found that embryonic cortex expresses mainly α3, α5, β3, and γ2, while expression of α1, α2, α4, β2, δ, and KCC2 begins at later points in development; however, many patterns of nuanced expression can be found in specific lamina, cortical regions, and cells and structures. Discussion While the general pattern of expression of each subunit and KCC2 is similar to previous studies, we found a number of unique temporal, regional, and laminar patterns that were previously unknown. These findings provide much needed knowledge of the intricate developmental evolution in GABAAR composition and KCC2 expression to accommodate developmental signals that transition to mature neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Zavalin
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Anjana Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Yueli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zain Khera
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Andre H. Lagrange
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Neurology, TVH VA Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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4
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Katayama R, Kumamoto T, Wada K, Hanashima C, Ohtaka-Maruyama C. Thalamic activity-dependent specification of sensory input neurons in the developing chick entopallium. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25627. [PMID: 38813969 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
During development, cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors play important roles in neuronal differentiation; however, the underlying mechanisms in nonmammalian species remain largely unknown. We here investigated the mechanisms responsible for the differentiation of sensory input neurons in the chick entopallium, which receives its primary visual input via the tectofugal pathway from the nucleus rotundus. The results obtained revealed that input neurons in the entopallium expressed Potassium Voltage-Gated Channel Subfamily H Member 5 (KCNH5/EAG2) mRNA from embryonic day (E) 11. On the other hand, the onset of protein expression was E20, which was 1 day before hatching. We confirm that entopallium input neurons in chicks were generated during early neurogenesis in the lateral and ventral ventricular zones. Notably, neurons derived from the lateral (LP) and ventral pallium (VP) exhibited a spatially distinct distribution along the rostro-caudal axis. We further demonstrated that the expression of EAG2 was directly regulated by input activity from thalamic axons. Collectively, the present results reveal that thalamic input activity is essential for specifying input neurons among LP- and VP-derived early-generated neurons in the developing chick entopallium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoka Katayama
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuma Kumamoto
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Wada
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Carina Hanashima
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ohtaka-Maruyama
- Developmental Neuroscience Project, Department of Brain & Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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5
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Barresi M, Hickmott RA, Bosakhar A, Quezada S, Quigley A, Kawasaki H, Walker D, Tolcos M. Toward a better understanding of how a gyrified brain develops. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae055. [PMID: 38425213 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae055] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The size and shape of the cerebral cortex have changed dramatically across evolution. For some species, the cortex remains smooth (lissencephalic) throughout their lifetime, while for other species, including humans and other primates, the cortex increases substantially in size and becomes folded (gyrencephalic). A folded cortex boasts substantially increased surface area, cortical thickness, and neuronal density, and it is therefore associated with higher-order cognitive abilities. The mechanisms that drive gyrification in some species, while others remain lissencephalic despite many shared neurodevelopmental features, have been a topic of investigation for many decades, giving rise to multiple perspectives of how the gyrified cerebral cortex acquires its unique shape. Recently, a structurally unique germinal layer, known as the outer subventricular zone, and the specialized cell type that populates it, called basal radial glial cells, were identified, and these have been shown to be indispensable for cortical expansion and folding. Transcriptional analyses and gene manipulation models have provided an invaluable insight into many of the key cellular and genetic drivers of gyrification. However, the degree to which certain biomechanical, genetic, and cellular processes drive gyrification remains under investigation. This review considers the key aspects of cerebral expansion and folding that have been identified to date and how theories of gyrification have evolved to incorporate this new knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela Barresi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Regent Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Ryan Alexander Hickmott
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Regent Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Abdulhameed Bosakhar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Sebastian Quezada
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Anita Quigley
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Regent Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Regent Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Takara-machi 13-1, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - David Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
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6
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Salamon I, Park Y, Miškić T, Kopić J, Matteson P, Page NF, Roque A, McAuliffe GW, Favate J, Garcia-Forn M, Shah P, Judaš M, Millonig JH, Kostović I, De Rubeis S, Hart RP, Krsnik Ž, Rasin MR. Celf4 controls mRNA translation underlying synaptic development in the prenatal mammalian neocortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6025. [PMID: 37758766 PMCID: PMC10533865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41730-8] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in neocortical and synaptic development are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing initial synapse formation in the prenatal neocortex remain poorly understood. Using polysome profiling coupled with snRNAseq on human cortical samples at various fetal phases, we identify human mRNAs, including those encoding synaptic proteins, with finely controlled translation in distinct cell populations of developing frontal neocortices. Examination of murine and human neocortex reveals that the RNA binding protein and translational regulator, CELF4, is expressed in compartments enriched in initial synaptogenesis: the marginal zone and the subplate. We also find that Celf4/CELF4-target mRNAs are encoded by risk genes for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes translating into synaptic proteins. Surprisingly, deleting Celf4 in the forebrain disrupts the balance of subplate synapses in a sex-specific fashion. This highlights the significance of RNA binding proteins and mRNA translation in evolutionarily advanced synaptic development, potentially contributing to sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Salamon
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Rutgers University, School of Graduate Studies, New Brunswick, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Yongkyu Park
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Terezija Miškić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Janja Kopić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Paul Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas F Page
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alfonso Roque
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Geoffrey W McAuliffe
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - John Favate
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Forn
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Premal Shah
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Miloš Judaš
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - James H Millonig
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Željka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
| | - Mladen-Roko Rasin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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7
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Horibe K, Taga G, Fujimoto K. Geodesic theory of long association fibers arrangement in the human fetal cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:9778-9786. [PMID: 37482884 PMCID: PMC10472492 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad243] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Association fibers connect different areas of the cerebral cortex over long distances and integrate information to achieve higher brain functions, particularly in humans. Prototyped association fibers are developed to the respective tangential direction throughout the cerebral hemispheres along the deepest border of the subplate during the fetal period. However, how guidance to remote areas is achieved is not known. Because the subplate is located below the cortical surface, the tangential direction of the fibers may be biased by the curved surface geometry due to Sylvian fissure and cortical poles. The fiber length can be minimized if the tracts follow the shortest paths (geodesics) of the curved surface. Here, we propose and examine a theory that geodesics guide the tangential direction of long association fibers by analyzing how geodesics are spatially distributed on the fetal human brains. We found that the geodesics were dense on the saddle-shaped surface of the perisylvian region and sparse on the dome-shaped cortical poles. The geodesics corresponded with the arrangement of five typical association fibers, supporting the theory. Thus, the geodesic theory provides directional guidance information for wiring remote areas and suggests that long association fibers emerge from minimizing their tangential length in fetal brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Horibe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-0043 Osaka, Japan
- Department of Systems Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-8531 Osaka, Japan
| | - Gentaro Taga
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Fujimoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, 560-0043 Osaka, Japan
- Program of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526 Hiroshima, Japan
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8
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Munz M, Bharioke A, Kosche G, Moreno-Juan V, Brignall A, Rodrigues TM, Graff-Meyer A, Ulmer T, Haeuselmann S, Pavlinic D, Ledergerber N, Gross-Scherf B, Rózsa B, Krol J, Picelli S, Cowan CS, Roska B. Pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multilayered circuits perturbed by autism-associated mutations at the inception of neocortex. Cell 2023; 186:1930-1949.e31. [PMID: 37071993 PMCID: PMC10156177 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Cortical circuits are composed predominantly of pyramidal-to-pyramidal neuron connections, yet their assembly during embryonic development is not well understood. We show that mouse embryonic Rbp4-Cre cortical neurons, transcriptomically closest to layer 5 pyramidal neurons, display two phases of circuit assembly in vivo. At E14.5, they form a multi-layered circuit motif, composed of only embryonic near-projecting-type neurons. By E17.5, this transitions to a second motif involving all three embryonic types, analogous to the three adult layer 5 types. In vivo patch clamp recordings and two-photon calcium imaging of embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons reveal active somas and neurites, tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated conductances, and functional glutamatergic synapses, from E14.5 onwards. Embryonic Rbp4-Cre neurons strongly express autism-associated genes and perturbing these genes interferes with the switch between the two motifs. Hence, pyramidal neurons form active, transient, multi-layered pyramidal-to-pyramidal circuits at the inception of neocortex, and studying these circuits could yield insights into the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Munz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arjun Bharioke
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kosche
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Verónica Moreno-Juan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Brignall
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tiago M Rodrigues
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Graff-Meyer
- Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Talia Ulmer
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Haeuselmann
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dinko Pavlinic
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ledergerber
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brigitte Gross-Scherf
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Balázs Rózsa
- Two-Photon Imaging Center, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jacek Krol
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Picelli
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cameron S Cowan
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Botond Roska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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9
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Luhmann HJ. Malformations-related neocortical circuits in focal seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106018. [PMID: 36706927 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106018] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article gives an overview on the molecular, cellular and network mechanisms underlying focal seizures in neocortical networks with developmental malformations. Neocortical malformations comprise a large variety of structural abnormalities associated with epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Genetic or acquired disorders of neocortical cell proliferation, neuronal migration and/or programmed cell death may cause pathologies ranging from the expression of dysmorphic neurons and heterotopic cell clusters to abnormal layering and cortical misfolding. After providing a brief overview on the pathogenesis and structure of neocortical malformations in humans, animal models are discussed and how they contributed to our understanding on the mechanisms of neocortical hyperexcitability associated with developmental disorders. State-of-the-art molecular biological and electrophysiological techniques have been also used in humans and on resectioned neocortical tissue of epileptic patients and provide deep insights into the subcellular, cellular and network mechanisms contributing to focal seizures. Finally, a brief outlook is given how novel models and methods can shape translational research in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko J Luhmann
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, Mainz, Germany.
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10
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Mukherjee D, Kanold PO. Changing subplate circuits: Early activity dependent circuit plasticity. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 16:1067365. [PMID: 36713777 PMCID: PMC9874351 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1067365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Early neural activity in the developing sensory system comprises spontaneous bursts of patterned activity, which is fundamental for sculpting and refinement of immature cortical connections. The crude early connections that are initially refined by spontaneous activity, are further elaborated by sensory-driven activity from the periphery such that orderly and mature connections are established for the proper functioning of the cortices. Subplate neurons (SPNs) are one of the first-born mature neurons that are transiently present during early development, the period of heightened activity-dependent plasticity. SPNs are well integrated within the developing sensory cortices. Their structural and functional properties such as relative mature intrinsic membrane properties, heightened connectivity via chemical and electrical synapses, robust activation by neuromodulatory inputs-place them in an ideal position to serve as crucial elements in monitoring and regulating spontaneous endogenous network activity. Moreover, SPNs are the earliest substrates to receive early sensory-driven activity from the periphery and are involved in its modulation, amplification, and transmission before the maturation of the direct adult-like thalamocortical connectivity. Consequently, SPNs are vulnerable to sensory manipulations in the periphery. A broad range of early sensory deprivations alters SPN circuit organization and functions that might be associated with long term neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of SPN function in activity-dependent development during early life and integrate recent findings on the impact of early sensory deprivation on SPNs that could eventually lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didhiti Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Patrick O. Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Patrick O. Kanold ✉
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11
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Kopić J, Junaković A, Salamon I, Rasin MR, Kostović I, Krsnik Ž. Early Regional Patterning in the Human Prefrontal Cortex Revealed by Laminar Dynamics of Deep Projection Neuron Markers. Cells 2023; 12:231. [PMID: 36672166 PMCID: PMC9856843 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Early regional patterning and laminar position of cortical projection neurons is determined by activation and deactivation of transcriptional factors (TFs) and RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate spatiotemporal framework of neurogenetic processes (proliferation, migration, aggregation, postmigratory differentiation, molecular identity acquisition, axonal growth, dendritic development, and synaptogenesis) within transient cellular compartments. Deep-layer projection neurons (DPN), subplate (SPN), and Cajal-Retzius neurons (CRN) are early-born cells involved in the establishment of basic laminar and regional cortical architecture; nonetheless, laminar dynamics of their molecular transcriptional markers remain underexplored. Here we aimed to analyze laminar dynamics of DPN markers, i.e., transcription factors TBR1, CTIP2, TLE4, SOX5, and RBP CELF1 on histological serial sections of the human frontal cortex between 7.5-15 postconceptional weeks (PCW) in reference to transient proliferative, migratory, and postmigratory compartments. The subtle signs of regional patterning were seen during the late preplate phase in the pattern of sublaminar organization of TBR1+/Reelin+ CRN and TBR1+ pioneering SPN. During the cortical plate (CP)-formation phase, TBR1+ neurons became radially aligned, forming continuity from a well-developed subventricular zone to CP showing clear lateral to medial regional gradients. The most prominent regional patterning was seen during the subplate formation phase (around 13 PCW) when a unique feature of the orbitobasal frontal cortex displays a "double plate" pattern. In other portions of the frontal cortex (lateral, dorsal, medial) deep portion of CP becomes loose and composed of TBR1+, CTIP2+, TLE4+, and CELF1+ neurons of layer six and later-born SPN, which later become constituents of the expanded SP (around 15 PCW). Overall, TFs and RBPs mark characteristic regional laminar dynamics of DPN, SPN, and CRN subpopulations during remarkably early fetal phases of the highly ordered association cortex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Kopić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alisa Junaković
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Salamon
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mladen-Roko Rasin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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12
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Petanjek Z, Banovac I, Sedmak D, Hladnik A. Dendritic Spines: Synaptogenesis and Synaptic Pruning for the Developmental Organization of Brain Circuits. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:143-221. [PMID: 37962796 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic overproduction and elimination is a regular developmental event in the mammalian brain. In the cerebral cortex, synaptic overproduction is almost exclusively correlated with glutamatergic synapses located on dendritic spines. Therefore, analysis of changes in spine density on different parts of the dendritic tree in identified classes of principal neurons could provide insight into developmental reorganization of specific microcircuits.The activity-dependent stabilization and selective elimination of the initially overproduced synapses is a major mechanism for generating diversity of neural connections beyond their genetic determination. The largest number of overproduced synapses was found in the monkey and human cerebral cortex. The highest (exceeding adult values by two- to threefold) and most protracted overproduction (up to third decade of life) was described for associative layer IIIC pyramidal neurons in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.Therefore, the highest proportion and extraordinarily extended phase of synaptic spine overproduction is a hallmark of neural circuitry in human higher-order associative areas. This indicates that microcircuits processing the most complex human cognitive functions have the highest level of developmental plasticity. This finding is the backbone for understanding the effect of environmental impact on the development of the most complex, human-specific cognitive and emotional capacities, and on the late onset of human-specific neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Banovac
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Hladnik
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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13
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Corrales-Hernández MG, Ortiz-Vergara MC, Cormane-Alfaro V, Luque-Bernal RM, Calderon-Ospina CA, Cediel-Becerra JF. Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Neurodevelopment, Neurological Diseases, and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2237. [PMID: 36140338 PMCID: PMC9496069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092237] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for proper embryonic development and its dysfunction may lead to disease. Recent research has drawn attention to a new group of molecules called connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs). Cxs have been described for more than forty years as pivotal regulators of embryogenesis; however, the exact mechanism by which they provide this regulation has not been clearly elucidated. Consequently, Cxs and Panxs have been linked to congenital neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and, more recently, chronic hemichannel opening has been associated with adult neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions formed by hexameric assemblies of Cxs, known as connexons, is believed to be a crucial component in developmental regulation. As for Panxs, despite being topologically similar to Cxs, they predominantly seem to form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space and, despite recent research into Panx1 (Pannexin 1) expression in different regions of the brain during the embryonic phase, it has been studied to a lesser degree. When it comes to the nervous system, Cxs and Panxs play an important role in early stages of neuronal development with a wide span of action ranging from cellular migration during early stages to neuronal differentiation and system circuitry formation. In this review, we describe the most recent available evidence regarding the molecular and structural aspects of Cx and Panx channels, their role in neurodevelopment, congenital and adult neurological diseases, and finally propose how pharmacological modulation of these channels could modify the pathogenesis of some diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Valeria Cormane-Alfaro
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal
- Anatomy and Embriology Units, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- GENIUROS Research Group, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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14
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Genescu I, Aníbal-Martínez M, Kouskoff V, Chenouard N, Mailhes-Hamon C, Cartonnet H, Lokmane L, Rijli FM, López-Bendito G, Gambino F, Garel S. Dynamic interplay between thalamic activity and Cajal-Retzius cells regulates the wiring of cortical layer 1. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110667. [PMID: 35417707 PMCID: PMC9035679 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical wiring relies on guidepost cells and activity-dependent processes that are thought to act sequentially. Here, we show that the construction of layer 1 (L1), a main site of top-down integration, is regulated by crosstalk between transient Cajal-Retzius cells (CRc) and spontaneous activity of the thalamus, a main driver of bottom-up information. While activity was known to regulate CRc migration and elimination, we found that prenatal spontaneous thalamic activity and NMDA receptors selectively control CRc early density, without affecting their demise. CRc density, in turn, regulates the distribution of upper layer interneurons and excitatory synapses, thereby drastically impairing the apical dendrite activity of output pyramidal neurons. In contrast, postnatal sensory-evoked activity had a limited impact on L1 and selectively perturbed basal dendrites synaptogenesis. Collectively, our study highlights a remarkable interplay between thalamic activity and CRc in L1 functional wiring, with major implications for our understanding of cortical development. Prenatal thalamic waves of activity regulate CRc density in L1 Prenatal and postnatal CRc manipulations alter specific interneuron populations Postnatal CRc shape L5 apical dendrite structural and functional properties Early sensory activity selectively regulates L5 basal dendrite spine formation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Genescu
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Mar Aníbal-Martínez
- Instituto de Neurosciencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Vladimir Kouskoff
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicolas Chenouard
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Mailhes-Hamon
- Acute Transgenesis Facility, Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hugues Cartonnet
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ludmilla Lokmane
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Filippo M Rijli
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Frédéric Gambino
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sonia Garel
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France; Collège de France, 75005 Paris, France.
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15
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Physiological Electric Field: A Potential Construction Regulator of Human Brain Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073877. [PMID: 35409232 PMCID: PMC8999182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids can reproduce the regional three-dimensional (3D) tissue structure of human brains, following the in vivo developmental trajectory at the cellular level; therefore, they are considered to present one of the best brain simulation model systems. By briefly summarizing the latest research concerning brain organoid construction methods, the basic principles, and challenges, this review intends to identify the potential role of the physiological electric field (EF) in the construction of brain organoids because of its important regulatory function in neurogenesis. EFs could initiate neural tissue formation, inducing the neuronal differentiation of NSCs, both of which capabilities make it an important element of the in vitro construction of brain organoids. More importantly, by adjusting the stimulation protocol and special/temporal distributions of EFs, neural organoids might be created following a predesigned 3D framework, particularly a specific neural network, because this promotes the orderly growth of neural processes, coordinate neuronal migration and maturation, and stimulate synapse and myelin sheath formation. Thus, the application of EF for constructing brain organoids in a3D matrix could be a promising future direction in neural tissue engineering.
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16
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Oproescu AM, Han S, Schuurmans C. New Insights Into the Intricacies of Proneural Gene Regulation in the Embryonic and Adult Cerebral Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:642016. [PMID: 33658912 PMCID: PMC7917194 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.642016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, the mammalian brain was thought to lack stem cells as no new neurons were found to be made in adulthood. That dogma changed ∼25 years ago with the identification of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult rodent forebrain. However, unlike rapidly self-renewing mature tissues (e.g., blood, intestinal crypts, skin), the majority of adult NSCs are quiescent, and those that become 'activated' are restricted to a few neurogenic zones that repopulate specific brain regions. Conversely, embryonic NSCs are actively proliferating and neurogenic. Investigations into the molecular control of the quiescence-to-proliferation-to-differentiation continuum in the embryonic and adult brain have identified proneural genes encoding basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) as critical regulators. These bHLH TFs initiate genetic programs that remove NSCs from quiescence and drive daughter neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to differentiate into specific neural cell subtypes, thereby contributing to the enormous cellular diversity of the adult brain. However, new insights have revealed that proneural gene activities are context-dependent and tightly regulated. Here we review how proneural bHLH TFs are regulated, with a focus on the murine cerebral cortex, drawing parallels where appropriate to other organisms and neural tissues. We discuss upstream regulatory events, post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitinylation), protein-protein interactions, epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms that govern bHLH TF expression, stability, localization, and consequent transactivation of downstream target genes. These tight regulatory controls help to explain paradoxical findings of changes to bHLH activity in different cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Oproescu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sisu Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Tsai SH, Tsao CY, Lee LJ. Altered White Matter and Layer VIb Neurons in Heterozygous Disc1 Mutant, a Mouse Model of Schizophrenia. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:605029. [PMID: 33384588 PMCID: PMC7769951 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.605029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased white matter neuron density has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. However, the pathogenic features of these neurons are still largely unknown. Subplate neurons, the earliest generated neurons in the developing cortex have also been associated with schizophrenia and autism. The link between these neurons and mental disorders is also not well established. Since cortical layer VIb neurons are believed to be the remnant of subplate neurons in the adult rodent brain, in this study, we aimed to examine the cytoarchitecture of neurons in cortical layer VIb and the underlying white matter in heterozygous Disc1 mutant (Het) mice, a mouse model of schizophrenia. In the white matter, the number of NeuN-positive neurons was quite low in the external capsule; however, the density of these cells was found increased (54%) in Het mice compared with wildtype (WT) littermates. The density of PV-positive neurons was unchanged in the mutants. In the cortical layer VIb, the density of CTGF-positive neurons increased (21.5%) in Het mice, whereas the number of Cplx3-positive cells reduced (16.1%) in these mutants, compared with WT mice. Layer VIb neurons can be classified by their morphological characters. The morphology of Type I pyramidal neurons was comparable between genotypes while the dendritic length and complexity of Type II multipolar neurons were significantly reduced in Het mice. White matter neurons and layer VIb neurons receive synaptic inputs and modulate the process of sensory information and sleep/arousal pattern. Aberrances of these neurons in Disc1 mutants implies altered brain functions in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Hwa Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yu Tsao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jen Lee
- School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Medvedeva VP, Pierani A. How Do Electric Fields Coordinate Neuronal Migration and Maturation in the Developing Cortex? Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:580657. [PMID: 33102486 PMCID: PMC7546860 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.580657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During development the vast majority of cells that will later compose the mature cerebral cortex undergo extensive migration to reach their final position. In addition to intrinsically distinct migratory behaviors, cells encounter and respond to vastly different microenvironments. These range from axonal tracts to cell-dense matrices, electrically active regions and extracellular matrix components, which may all change overtime. Furthermore, migrating neurons themselves not only adapt to their microenvironment but also modify the local niche through cell-cell contacts, secreted factors and ions. In the radial dimension, the developing cortex is roughly divided into dense progenitor and cortical plate territories, and a less crowded intermediate zone. The cortical plate is bordered by the subplate and the marginal zone, which are populated by neurons with high electrical activity and characterized by sophisticated neuritic ramifications. Neuronal migration is influenced by these boundaries resulting in dramatic changes in migratory behaviors as well as morphology and electrical activity. Modifications in the levels of any of these parameters can lead to alterations and even arrest of migration. Recent work indicates that morphology and electrical activity of migrating neuron are interconnected and the aim of this review is to explore the extent of this connection. We will discuss on one hand how the response of migrating neurons is altered upon modification of their intrinsic electrical properties and whether, on the other hand, the electrical properties of the cellular environment can modify the morphology and electrical activity of migrating cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera P Medvedeva
- Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alessandra Pierani
- Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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