1
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Chen YN, Kostka JK, Bitzenhofer SH, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Protocol for adeno-associated virus-mediated optogenetic activation of olfactory output neurons in neonatal mice. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103164. [PMID: 38968078 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103164] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic manipulation has proven a powerful tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying the function of neuronal networks, but implementing the technique on mammals during early development remains challenging. Here, we present a comprehensive workflow to specifically manipulate mitral/tufted cells (M/TCs), the output neurons in the olfactory circuit, mediated by adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction and light stimulation in neonatal mice and monitor neuronal and network activity with in vivo electrophysiology. This method represents an efficient approach to elucidate functional brain development. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Chen et al.1,2,3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Nan Chen
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Johanna K Kostka
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center of Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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2
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Kostka JK, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Olfactory-driven beta band entrainment of limbic circuitry during neonatal development. J Physiol 2023; 601:3605-3630. [PMID: 37434507 DOI: 10.1113/jp284401] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive processing relies on the functional refinement of the limbic circuitry during the first two weeks of life. During this developmental period, when the auditory, somatosensory and visual systems are still largely immature, the sense of olfaction acts as 'door to the world', providing an important source of environmental inputs. However, it is unknown whether early olfactory processing shapes the activity in the limbic circuitry during neonatal development. Here, we address this question by combining simultaneous in vivo recordings from the olfactory bulb (OB), lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), hippocampus (HP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) with olfactory stimulation as well as opto- and chemogenetic manipulations of mitral/tufted cells in the OB of non-anaesthetized neonatal mice of both sexes. We show that the neonatal OB synchronizes the limbic circuity in the beta frequency range. Moreover, it drives neuronal and network activity in LEC, as well as subsequently, HP and PFC via long-range projections from mitral cells to HP-projecting LEC neurons. Thus, OB activity shapes the communication within limbic circuits during neonatal development. KEY POINTS: During early postnatal development, oscillatory activity in the olfactory bulb synchronizes the limbic circuit. Olfactory stimulation boosts firing and beta synchronization along the olfactory bulb-lateral entorhinal cortex-hippocampal-prefrontal pathway. Mitral cells drive neuronal and network activity in the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), as well as subsequently, the hippocampus (HP) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via long-range projections from mitral cells to HP-projecting LEC neurons. Inhibition of vesicle release on LEC targeting mitral cell axons reveals direct involvement of LEC in the olfactory bulb-driven oscillatory entrainment of the limbic circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna K Kostka
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience (HCNS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience (HCNS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Ni CL, Lin YT, Lu LY, Wang JH, Liu WC, Kuo SH, Pan MK. Tracking motion kinematics and tremor with intrinsic oscillatory property of instrumental mechanics. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10432. [PMID: 36925695 PMCID: PMC10013767 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10432] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tracking kinematic details of motor behaviors is a foundation to study the neuronal mechanism and biology of motor control. However, most of the physiological motor behaviors and movement disorders, such as gait, balance, tremor, dystonia, and myoclonus, are highly dependent on the overall momentum of the whole-body movements. Therefore, tracking the targeted movement and overall momentum simultaneously is critical for motor control research, but it remains an unmet need. Here, we introduce the intrinsic oscillatory property (IOP), a fundamental mechanical principle of physics, as a method for motion tracking in a force plate. The overall kinetic energy of animal motions can be transformed into the oscillatory amplitudes at the designed IOP frequency of the force plate, while the target movement has its own frequency features and can be tracked simultaneously. Using action tremor as an example, we reported that force plate-based IOP approach has superior performance and reliability in detecting both tremor severity and tremor frequency, showing a lower level of coefficient of variation (CV) compared with video- and accelerometer-based motion tracking methods and their combination. Under the locomotor suppression effect of medications, therapeutic effects on tremor severity can still be quantified by dynamically adjusting the overall locomotor activity detected by IOP. We further validated IOP method in optogenetic-induced movements and natural movements, confirming that IOP can represent the intensity of general rhythmic and nonrhythmic movements, thus it can be generalized as a common approach to study kinematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lun Ni
- Department of Neurology Columbia University New York New York USA.,The Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor New York New York USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan.,Department of Psychology National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Liang-Yin Lu
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Jia-Huei Wang
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica Taipei City Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Liu
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica Taipei City Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology Columbia University New York New York USA.,The Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor New York New York USA
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University Taipei City Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica Taipei City Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei City Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research National Taiwan University Hospital Taipei City Taiwan.,Cerebellar Research Center National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch Yun-Lin Taiwan
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4
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Chini M, Pfeffer T, Hanganu-Opatz I. An increase of inhibition drives the developmental decorrelation of neural activity. eLife 2022; 11:78811. [PMID: 35975980 PMCID: PMC9448324 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout development, the brain transits from early highly synchronous activity patterns to a mature state with sparse and decorrelated neural activity, yet the mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. The developmental transition has important functional consequences, as the latter state is thought to allow for more efficient storage, retrieval, and processing of information. Here, we show that, in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), neural activity during the first two postnatal weeks decorrelates following specific spatial patterns. This process is accompanied by a concomitant tilting of excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio toward inhibition. Using optogenetic manipulations and neural network modeling, we show that the two phenomena are mechanistically linked, and that a relative increase of inhibition drives the decorrelation of neural activity. Accordingly, in mice mimicking the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, subtle alterations in E-I ratio are associated with specific impairments in the correlational structure of spike trains. Finally, capitalizing on EEG data from newborn babies, we show that an analogous developmental transition takes place also in the human brain. Thus, changes in E-I ratio control the (de)correlation of neural activity and, by these means, its developmental imbalance might contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Chini
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Pfeffer
- Center for Brain and Cognition, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ileana Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Yamashiro K, Ikegaya Y, Matsumoto N. In Utero Electroporation for Manipulation of Specific Neuronal Populations. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12050513. [PMID: 35629839 PMCID: PMC9147339 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of brain functions is supported by the heterogeneity of brain tissue and millisecond-scale information processing. Understanding how complex neural circuits control animal behavior requires the precise manipulation of specific neuronal subtypes at high spatiotemporal resolution. In utero electroporation, when combined with optogenetics, is a powerful method for precisely controlling the activity of specific neurons. Optogenetics allows for the control of cellular membrane potentials through light-sensitive ion channels artificially expressed in the plasma membrane of neurons. Here, we first review the basic mechanisms and characteristics of in utero electroporation. Then, we discuss recent applications of in utero electroporation combined with optogenetics to investigate the functions and characteristics of specific regions, layers, and cell types. These techniques will pave the way for further advances in understanding the complex neuronal and circuit mechanisms that underlie behavioral outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Yamashiro
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (K.Y.); (Y.I.)
- Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Correspondence:
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6
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Akasov R, Khaydukov EV, Yamada M, Zvyagin AV, Leelahavanichkul A, Leanse LG, Dai T, Prow T. Nanoparticle enhanced blue light therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114198. [PMID: 35301045 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Waselenchuk Q, Ballanyi K. Autocrine Neuromodulation and Network Activity Patterns in the Locus Coeruleus of Newborn Rat Slices. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040437. [PMID: 35447969 PMCID: PMC9024645 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Already in newborns, the locus coeruleus (LC) controls multiple brain functions and may have a complex organization as in adults. Our findings in newborn rat brain slices indicate that LC neurons (i) generate at ~1 Hz a ~0.3 s-lasting local field potential (LFP) comprising summated phase-locked single spike discharge, (ii) express intrinsic ‘pacemaker’ or ‘burster’ properties and (iii) receive solely excitatory or initially excitatory−secondary inhibitory inputs. μ-opioid or ɑ2 noradrenaline receptor agonists block LFP rhythm at 100−250 nM whereas slightly lower doses transform its bell-shaped pattern into slower crescendo-shaped multipeak bursts. GABAA and glycine receptors hyperpolarize LC neurons to abolish rhythm which remains though unaffected by blocking them. Rhythm persists also during ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) inhibition whereas <10 mV depolarization during iGluR agonists accelerates spiking to cause subtype-specific fast (spindle-shaped) LFP oscillations. Similar modest neuronal depolarization causing a cytosolic Ca2+ rise occurs (without effect on neighboring astrocytes) during LFP acceleration by CNQX activating a TARP-AMPA-type iGluR complex. In contrast, noradrenaline lowers neuronal Ca2+ baseline via ɑ2 receptors, but evokes an ɑ1 receptor-mediated ‘concentric’ astrocytic Ca2+ wave. In summary, the neonatal LC has a complex (possibly modular) organization to enable discharge pattern transformations that might facilitate discrete actions on target circuits.
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8
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Xu X, Song L, Kringel R, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Developmental decrease of entorhinal-hippocampal communication in immune-challenged DISC1 knockdown mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6810. [PMID: 34815409 PMCID: PMC8611076 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal-hippocampal dysfunction that underlies cognitive deficits in mental disorders emerges during early development. The lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) is tightly interconnected with both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP), yet its contribution to the early dysfunction is fully unknown. Here we show that mice that mimic the dual genetic (G) -environmental (E) etiology (GE mice) of psychiatric risk have poor LEC-dependent recognition memory at pre-juvenile age and abnormal communication within LEC-HP-PFC networks throughout development. These functional and behavioral deficits relate to sparser projections from LEC to CA1 and decreased efficiency of axonal terminals to activate the hippocampal circuits in neonatal GE mice. In contrast, the direct entorhinal drive to PFC is not affected, yet the PFC is indirectly compromised, as target of the under-activated HP. Thus, the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit is already impaired from neonatal age on in GE mice. The authors show that mice that mimic the dual genetic-environmental etiology of psychiatric risk have poor lateral entorhinal cortex-dependent recognition memory already at pre-juvenile age and abnormal communication within LECHP-PFC networks throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Xu
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kringel
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
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9
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Crespo EL, Prakash M, Bjorefeldt A, Medendorp WE, Shaner NC, Lipscombe D, Moore CI, Hochgeschwender U. Bioluminescent optogenetic (BL-OG) activation of neurons during mouse postnatal brain development. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100667. [PMID: 34286295 PMCID: PMC8273415 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) allows activation of photosensory proteins, such as opsins, by either fiberoptics or by administering a luciferin. BL-OG thus confers both optogenetic and chemogenetic access within the same genetically targeted neuron. This bimodality offers a powerful approach for non-invasive chemogenetic manipulation of neural activity during brain development and adult behaviors with standard optogenetic spatiotemporal precision. We detail protocols for bioluminescent stimulation of neurons in postnatally developing brain and its validation through bioluminescence imaging and electrophysiological recording in mice. For complete information on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Medendorp et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel L. Crespo
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Mansi Prakash
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Andreas Bjorefeldt
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - William E. Medendorp
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Nathan C. Shaner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diane Lipscombe
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
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10
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Bitzenhofer SH, Pöpplau JA, Chini M, Marquardt A, Hanganu-Opatz IL. A transient developmental increase in prefrontal activity alters network maturation and causes cognitive dysfunction in adult mice. Neuron 2021; 109:1350-1364.e6. [PMID: 33675685 PMCID: PMC8063718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Disturbed neuronal activity in neuropsychiatric pathologies emerges during development and might cause multifold neuronal dysfunction by interfering with apoptosis, dendritic growth, and synapse formation. However, how altered electrical activity early in life affects neuronal function and behavior in adults is unknown. Here, we address this question by transiently increasing the coordinated activity of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of neonatal mice and monitoring long-term functional and behavioral consequences. We show that increased activity during early development causes premature maturation of pyramidal neurons and affects interneuronal density. Consequently, altered inhibitory feedback by fast-spiking interneurons and excitation/inhibition imbalance in prefrontal circuits of young adults result in weaker evoked synchronization of gamma frequency. These structural and functional changes ultimately lead to poorer mnemonic and social abilities. Thus, prefrontal activity during early development actively controls the cognitive performance of adults and might be critical for cognitive symptoms in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Jastyn A Pöpplau
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mattia Chini
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annette Marquardt
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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11
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Optogenetics to Interrogate Neuron-Glia Interactions in Pups and Adults. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 32865743 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
In just over 10 years, the use of optogenetic technologies in neuroscience has become widespread, having today a tremendous impact on our understanding of brain function. An extensive number of studies have implemented a variety of tools allowing for the manipulation of neurons with light, including light-activated ion channels or G protein-coupled receptors, among other innovations. In this context, the proper calibration of photostimulation in vivo remains crucial to dissect brain circuitry or investigate the effect of neuronal activity on specific subpopulations of neurons and glia. Depending on the scientific question, the design of specific stimulation protocols must consider from the choice of the animal model to the light stimulation pattern to be delivered. In this chapter, we describe a detailed framework to investigate neuron-glia interactions in both mouse pups and adults using an optogenetic approach.
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12
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Xu X, Song L, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Knock-Down of Hippocampal DISC1 in Immune-Challenged Mice Impairs the Prefrontal-Hippocampal Coupling and the Cognitive Performance Throughout Development. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1240-1258. [PMID: 33037815 PMCID: PMC7786359 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene represents an intracellular hub of developmental processes. When combined with early environmental stressors, such as maternal immune activation, but not in the absence of thereof, whole-brain DISC1 knock-down leads to memory and executive deficits as result of impaired prefrontal–hippocampal communication throughout development. While synaptic dysfunction in neonatal prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been recently identified as one source of abnormal long-range coupling, the contribution of hippocampus (HP) is still unknown. Here, we aim to fill this knowledge gap by combining in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics with morphological and behavioral assessment of immune-challenged mice with DISC1 knock-down either in the whole brain (GE) or restricted to pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA1 area (GHPE). We found abnormal network activity, sharp-waves, and neuronal firing in CA1 that complement the deficits in upper layer of PFC. Moreover, optogenetic activating CA1 pyramidal neurons fails to activate the prefrontal local circuits. These deficits that persist till prejuvenile age relate to dendrite sparsification and loss of spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons. As a long-term consequence, DISC1 knock-down in HP leads to poorer recognition memory at prejuvenile age. Thus, DISC1-controlled developmental processes in HP in immune-challenged mice are critical for circuit function and cognitive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaxia Xu
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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13
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Bitzenhofer SH, Pöpplau JA, Hanganu-Opatz I. Gamma activity accelerates during prefrontal development. eLife 2020; 9:e56795. [PMID: 33206597 PMCID: PMC7673781 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma oscillations are a prominent activity pattern in the cerebral cortex. While gamma rhythms have been extensively studied in the adult prefrontal cortex in the context of cognitive (dys)functions, little is known about their development. We addressed this issue by using extracellular recordings and optogenetic stimulations in mice across postnatal development. We show that fast rhythmic activity in the prefrontal cortex becomes prominent during the second postnatal week. While initially at about 15 Hz, fast oscillatory activity progressively accelerates with age and stabilizes within gamma frequency range (30-80 Hz) during the fourth postnatal week. Activation of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons drives fast oscillations throughout development, yet the acceleration of their frequency follows similar temporal dynamics as the maturation of fast-spiking interneurons. These findings uncover the development of prefrontal gamma activity and provide a framework to examine the origin of abnormal gamma activity in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Jastyn A Pöpplau
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Ileana Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermany
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14
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Functional interrogation of neural circuits with virally transmitted optogenetic tools. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 345:108905. [PMID: 32795553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate brain comprises a plethora of cell types connected by intertwined pathways. Optogenetics enriches the neuroscientific tool set for disentangling these neuronal circuits in a manner which exceeds the spatio-temporal precision of previously existing techniques. Technically, optogenetics can be divided in three types of optical and genetic combinations: (1) it is primarily understood as the manipulation of the activity of genetically modified cells (typically neurons) with light, i.e. optical actuators. (2) A second combination refers to visualizing the activity of genetically modified cells (again typically neurons), i.e. optical sensors. (3) A completely different interpretation of optogenetics refers to the light activated expression of a genetically induced construct. Here, we focus on the first two types of optogenetics, i.e. the optical actuators and sensors in an attempt to give an overview into the topic. We first cover methods to express opsins into neurons and introduce strategies of targeting specific neuronal populations in different animal species. We then summarize combinations of optogenetics with behavioral read out and neuronal imaging. Finally, we give an overview of the current state-of-the-art and an outlook on future perspectives.
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15
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The early overgrowth theory of autism spectrum disorder: Insight into convergent mechanisms from valproic acid exposure and translational models. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 32711813 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The development of new approaches for the clinical management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can only be realized through a better understanding of the neurobiological changes associated with ASD. One strategy for gaining deeper insight into the neurobiological mechanisms associated with ASD is to identify converging pathogenic processes associated with human idiopathic clinicopathology that are conserved in translational models of ASD. In this chapter, we first present the early overgrowth theory of ASD. Second, we introduce valproic acid (VPA), one of the most robust and well-known environmental risk factors associated with ASD, and we summarize the rapidly growing body of animal research literature using VPA as an ASD translational model. Lastly, we will detail the mechanisms of action of VPA and its impact on functional neural systems, as well as discuss future research directions that could have a lasting impact on the field.
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16
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Abstract
Cre-mediated recombination has become a powerful tool to confine gene deletions (conditional knockouts) or overexpression of genes (conditional knockin/overexpression). By spatiotemporal restriction of genetic manipulations, major problems of classical knockouts such as embryonic lethality or pleiotropy can be circumvented. Furthermore, Cre-mediated recombination has broad applications in the analysis of the cellular behavior of subpopulations and cell types as well as for genetic fate mapping. This chapter gives an overview about applications for the Cre/LoxP system and their execution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius F Kratochwil
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Filippo M Rijli
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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Transient Knock-Down of Prefrontal DISC1 in Immune-Challenged Mice Causes Abnormal Long-Range Coupling and Cognitive Dysfunction throughout Development. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1222-1235. [PMID: 30617212 PMCID: PMC6381232 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2170-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Compromised brain development has been hypothesized to account for mental illness. This concept was underpinned by the function of the molecule disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), which represents an intracellular hub of developmental processes and has been related to cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Mice with whole-brain DISC1 knock-down show impaired prefrontal–hippocampal function and cognitive abilities throughout development and at adulthood, especially when combined with early environmental stressors, such as maternal immune activation (MIA). However, the contribution of abnormal DISC1-driven maturation of either prefrontal cortex (PFC) or hippocampus (HP) to these deficits is still unknown. Here, we use in utero electroporation to restrict the DISC1 knock-down to prefrontal layer II/III pyramidal neurons during perinatal development and expose these mice to MIA as an environmental stressor (dual-hit GPFCE mice, both sexes). Combining in vivo electrophysiology and neuroanatomy with behavioral testing, we show that GPFCE mice at neonatal age have abnormal patterns of oscillatory activity and firing in PFC, but not HP. Abnormal firing rates in PFC of GPFCE mice relate to sparser dendritic arborization and lower spine density. Moreover, the long-range coupling within prefrontal–hippocampal networks is decreased at this age. The transient prefrontal DISC1 knock-down was sufficient to permanently perturb the prefrontal–hippocampal communication and caused poorer recognition memory performance at pre-juvenile age. Thus, developmental dysfunction of prefrontal circuitry causes long-lasting disturbances related to mental illness. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hypofrontality is considered a main cause of cognitive deficits in mental disorders, yet the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. During development, long before the emergence of disease symptoms, the functional coupling within the prefrontal–hippocampal network, which is the core brain circuit involved in cognitive processing, is reduced. To assess to which extent impaired prefrontal development contributes to the early dysfunction, immune-challenged mice with transient DISC1 knock-down confined to PFC were investigated in their prefrontal–hippocampal communication throughout development by in vivo electrophysiology and behavioral testing. We show that perturbing developmental processes of prefrontal layer II/III pyramidal neurons is sufficient to diminish prefrontal–hippocampal coupling and decrease the cognitive performance throughout development.
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18
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Ortolani D, Manot-Saillet B, Orduz D, Ortiz FC, Angulo MC. In vivo Optogenetic Approach to Study Neuron-Oligodendroglia Interactions in Mouse Pups. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:477. [PMID: 30574070 PMCID: PMC6291523 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic and pharmacogenetic techniques have been effective to analyze the role of neuronal activity in controlling oligodendroglia lineage cells in behaving juvenile and adult mice. This kind of studies is also of high interest during early postnatal (PN) development since important changes in oligodendroglia dynamics occur during the first two PN weeks. Yet, neuronal manipulation is difficult to implement at an early age because high-level, specific protein expression is less reliable in neonatal mice. Here, we describe a protocol allowing for an optogenetic stimulation of neurons in awake mouse pups with the purpose of investigating the effect of neuronal activity on oligodendroglia dynamics during early PN stages. Since GABAergic interneurons contact oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) through bona fide synapses and maintain a close relationship with these progenitors during cortical development, we used this relevant example of neuron-oligodendroglia interaction to implement a proof-of-principle optogenetic approach. First, we tested Nkx2.1-Cre and Parvalbumin (PV)-Cre lines to drive the expression of the photosensitive ion channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in subpopulations of interneurons at different developmental stages. By using patch-clamp recordings and photostimulation of ChR2-positive interneurons in acute somatosensory cortical slices, we analyzed the level of functional expression of ChR2 in these neurons. We found that ChR2 expression was insufficient in PV-Cre mouse at PN day 10 (PN10) and that this channel needs to be expressed from embryonic stages (as in the Nkx2.1-Cre line) to allow for a reliable photoactivation in mouse pups. Then, we implemented a stereotaxic surgery to place a mini-optic fiber at the cortical surface in order to photostimulate ChR2-positive interneurons at PN10. In vivo field potentials were recorded in Layer V to verify that photostimulation reaches deep cortical layers. Finally, we analyzed the effect of the photostimulation on the layer V oligodendroglia population by conventional immunostainings. Neither the total density nor a proliferative fraction of OPCs were affected by increasing interneuron activity in vivo, complementing previous findings showing the lack of effect of GABAergic synaptic activity on OPC proliferation. The methodology described here should provide a framework for future investigation of the role of early cellular interactions during PN brain maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domiziana Ortolani
- INSERM U894, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM U1128, Paris, France
| | - Blandine Manot-Saillet
- INSERM U894, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM U1128, Paris, France
| | | | - Fernando C Ortiz
- INSERM U1128, Paris, France.,mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Lab, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Cecilia Angulo
- INSERM U894, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM U1128, Paris, France
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19
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Sileo L, Bitzenhofer SH, Spagnolo B, Pöpplau JA, Holzhammer T, Pisanello M, Pisano F, Bellistri E, Maglie E, De Vittorio M, Ruther P, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Pisanello F. Tapered Fibers Combined With a Multi-Electrode Array for Optogenetics in Mouse Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:771. [PMID: 30416424 PMCID: PMC6212654 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics offers many advantages in terms of cell-type specificity, allowing to investigate functional connectivity between different brain areas at high spatial and neural population selectivity. In order to obtain simultaneous optical control and electrical readout of neural activity, devices called "optrodes" are employed. They are typically composed of a linear array of microelectrodes integrated on a slender probe shafts combined with flat-cleaved optical fibers (FF) placed above the recording sites. However, due to tissue absorption and scattering, light delivered by the FF unevenly illuminates the region of interest. This issue is of particular relevance when cellular populations are disposed along the dorso-ventral axis, such as in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) where cortical layers are aligned vertically. The study presented here aims at using tapered optical fibers (TFs) in combination with a 16-electrode neural probe to better access neural populations distributed along the dorso-ventral axis in the mPFC of newborn mice, restricting light delivery over a specific portion of the cortical layer of interest. Half of the TF surface is coated with a reflecting metal blocking the light to enable light delivery from one side of the probe's shaft only, with the probe base being designed to host the fiber without interfering with the wire-bonds that connect the recording sites to a printed circuit board. Monte-Carlo simulations have been implemented to define the relative TF-probe position and to identify the light intensity distribution above the recording sites. In vivo recordings indicate that simultaneous optical stimulation and electrical readout of neural activity in the mPFC benefit from the use of the engineered TF-based optrode in terms of a more uniform light distribution along the dorso-ventral axis and the possibility of restricting light delivery to a subset of electrical recording sites of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Sileo
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Sebastian H. Bitzenhofer
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Spagnolo
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Jastyn A. Pöpplau
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Holzhammer
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- ATLAS Neuroengineering bvba, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marco Pisanello
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Filippo Pisano
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Elisa Bellistri
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maglie
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione, UniversitaÌ del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Massimo De Vittorio
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione, UniversitaÌ del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrick Ruther
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ileana L. Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ferruccio Pisanello
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
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20
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He CX, Arroyo ED, Cantu DA, Goel A, Portera-Cailliau C. A Versatile Method for Viral Transfection of Calcium Indicators in the Neonatal Mouse Brain. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:56. [PMID: 30083093 PMCID: PMC6064716 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The first three postnatal weeks in rodents are a time when sensory experience drives the maturation of brain circuits, an important process that is not yet well understood. Alterations in this critical period of experience-dependent circuit assembly and plasticity contribute to several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Therefore, techniques for recording network activity and tracing neuronal connectivity over this time period are necessary for delineating circuit refinement in typical development and how it deviates in disease. Calcium imaging with GCaMP6 and other genetically encoded indicators is rapidly becoming the preferred method for recording network activity at the single-synapse and single-cell level in vivo, especially in genetically identified neuronal populations. We describe a protocol for intracortical injection of recombinant adeno-associated viruses in P1 neonatal mice and demonstrate its use for longitudinal imaging of GCaMP6s in the same neurons over several weeks to characterize the developmental desynchronization of cortical network activity. Our approach is ideally suited for chronic in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal activity from synapses to entire networks during the early postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia X He
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Erica D Arroyo
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel A Cantu
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anubhuti Goel
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Carlos Portera-Cailliau
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Shah R, Courtiol E, Castellanos FX, Teixeira CM. Abnormal Serotonin Levels During Perinatal Development Lead to Behavioral Deficits in Adulthood. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:114. [PMID: 29928194 PMCID: PMC5997829 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the best-studied modulatory neurotransmitters with ubiquitous presynaptic release and postsynaptic reception. 5-HT has been implicated in a wide variety of brain functions, ranging from autonomic regulation, sensory perception, feeding and motor function to emotional regulation and cognition. The role of this neuromodulator in neuropsychiatric diseases is unquestionable with important neuropsychiatric medications, e.g., most antidepressants, targeting this system. Importantly, 5-HT modulates neurodevelopment and changes in its levels during development can have life-long consequences. In this mini-review, we highlight that exposure to both low and high serotonin levels during the perinatal period can lead to behavioral deficits in adulthood. We focus on three exogenous factors that can change 5-HT levels during the critical perinatal period: dietary tryptophan depletion, exposure to serotonin-selective-reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs) and poor early life care. We discuss the effects of each of these on behavioral deficits in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relish Shah
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Emmanuelle Courtiol
- CNRS UMR 5292 - INSERM U1028, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Francisco X Castellanos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Clinical Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Catia M Teixeira
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Ahlbeck J, Song L, Chini M, Bitzenhofer SH, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Glutamatergic drive along the septo-temporal axis of hippocampus boosts prelimbic oscillations in the neonatal mouse. eLife 2018; 7:33158. [PMID: 29631696 PMCID: PMC5896876 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-range coupling within prefrontal-hippocampal networks that account for cognitive performance emerges early in life. The discontinuous hippocampal theta bursts have been proposed to drive the generation of neonatal prefrontal oscillations, yet the cellular substrate of these early interactions is still unresolved. Here, we selectively target optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic projection neurons in the CA1 area of either dorsal or intermediate/ventral hippocampus at neonatal age to elucidate their contribution to the emergence of prefrontal oscillatory entrainment. We show that despite stronger theta and ripples power in dorsal hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex is mainly coupled with intermediate/ventral hippocampus by phase-locking of neuronal firing via dense direct axonal projections. Theta band-confined activation by light of pyramidal neurons in intermediate/ventral but not dorsal CA1 that were transfected by in utero electroporation with high-efficiency channelrhodopsin boosts prefrontal oscillations. Our data causally elucidate the cellular origin of the long-range coupling in the developing brain. When memories are stored, or mental tasks performed, different parts of the brain need to communicate with each other to process and extract information from the environment. For example, the communication between two brain areas called the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex is essential for memory and attention. However, it is still unclear how these interactions are established when the brain develops. Now, by looking at how the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex ‘work’ together in newborn mouse pups, Ahlbeck et al. hope to understand how these brain areas start to connect. In particular, the groups of neurons that kick start the development of the circuits required for information processing need to be identified. Recording the brains of the pups revealed that electrical activity in a particular sub-division of the hippocampus activated neurons in the prefrontal cortex. In fact, a specific population of neurons in this area was needed for the circuits in the prefrontal cortex to mature. In further experiments, the neurons from this population in the hippocampus were manipulated so they could be artificially activated in the brain using light. When stimulated, these neurons generated electrical activity, which was then relayed through the neurons all the way to the prefrontal cortex. There, this signal triggered local neuronal circuits. Thanks to this activation, these circuits could ‘wire’ together, and start establishing the connections necessary for mental tasks or memory in adulthood. The brain of the mouse pups used by Ahlbeck et al. was approximately in the same developmental state as the brain of human fetuses in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. These findings may therefore inform on how the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex start connecting in humans. Problems in the way brain areas interact during early development could be partly responsible for certain neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Understanding these processes at the cellular level may therefore be the first step towards finding potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Ahlbeck
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lingzhen Song
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mattia Chini
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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23
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Del Rio-Bermudez C, Blumberg MS. Active Sleep Promotes Functional Connectivity in Developing Sensorimotor Networks. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1700234. [PMID: 29508913 PMCID: PMC6247910 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A ubiquitous feature of active (REM) sleep in mammals and birds is its relative abundance in early development. In rat pups across the first two postnatal weeks, active sleep promotes the expression of synchronized oscillatory activity within and between cortical and subcortical sensorimotor structures. Sensory feedback from self-generated myoclonic twitches - which are produced exclusively during active sleep - also triggers neural oscillations in those structures. We have proposed that one of the functions of active sleep in early infancy is to provide a context for synchronizing developing structures. Specifically, neural oscillations contribute to a variety of neurodevelopmental processes, including synapse formation, neuronal differentiation and migration, apoptosis, and the refinement of topographic maps. In addition, synchronized oscillations promote functional connectivity between distant brain areas. Consequently, any condition or manipulation that restricts active sleep can, in turn, deprive the infant animal of substantial sensory experience, resulting in atypical developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Del Rio-Bermudez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
- Delta Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
| | - Mark S Blumberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
- Delta Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52245, Iowa, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, Iowa, USA
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