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Castro-Mendoza PB, Weaver CM, Chang W, Medalla M, Rockland KS, Lowery L, McDonough E, Varghese M, Hof PR, Meyer DE, Luebke JI. Proteomic features of gray matter layers and superficial white matter of the rhesus monkey neocortex: comparison of prefrontal area 46 and occipital area 17. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02819-y. [PMID: 38943018 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
In this novel large-scale multiplexed immunofluorescence study we comprehensively characterized and compared layer-specific proteomic features within regions of interest of the widely divergent dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (A46) and primary visual cortex (A17) of adult rhesus monkeys. Twenty-eight markers were imaged in rounds of sequential staining, and their spatial distribution precisely quantified within gray matter layers and superficial white matter. Cells were classified as neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, or endothelial cells. The distribution of fibers and blood vessels were assessed by quantification of staining intensity across regions of interest. This method revealed multivariate similarities and differences between layers and areas. Protein expression in neurons was the strongest determinant of both laminar and regional differences, whereas protein expression in glia was more important for intra-areal laminar distinctions. Among specific results, we observed a lower glia-to-neuron ratio in A17 than in A46 and the pan-neuronal markers HuD and NeuN were differentially distributed in both brain areas with a lower intensity of NeuN in layers 4 and 5 of A17 compared to A46 and other A17 layers. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes exhibited distinct marker-specific laminar distributions that differed between regions; notably, there was a high proportion of ALDH1L1-expressing astrocytes and of oligodendrocyte markers in layer 4 of A17. The many nuanced differences in protein expression between layers and regions observed here highlight the need for direct assessment of proteins, in addition to RNA expression, and set the stage for future protein-focused studies of these and other brain regions in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola B Castro-Mendoza
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Christina M Weaver
- Department of Mathematics, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, 17604, USA
| | - Wayne Chang
- Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Maria Medalla
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kathleen S Rockland
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lisa Lowery
- GE HealthCare Technology and Innovation Center, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | | | - Merina Varghese
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Center for Discovery and Innovation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Center for Discovery and Innovation, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Dan E Meyer
- GE HealthCare Technology and Innovation Center, Niskayuna, NY, 12309, USA
| | - Jennifer I Luebke
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Nakashima A, Takeuchi H. Shaping the olfactory map: cell type-specific activity patterns guide circuit formation. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1409680. [PMID: 38860141 PMCID: PMC11163119 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1409680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain constructs spatially organized sensory maps to represent sensory information. The formation of sensory maps has traditionally been thought to depend on synchronous neuronal activity. However, recent evidence from the olfactory system suggests that cell type-specific temporal patterns of spontaneous activity play an instructive role in shaping the olfactory glomerular map. These findings challenge traditional views and highlight the importance of investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activity to understand the development of complex neural circuits. This review discusses the implications of new findings in the olfactory system and outlines future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nakashima
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruki Takeuchi
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhang Q, Liu X, Gong L, He M. Combinatorial genetic strategies for dissecting cell lineages, cell types, and gene function in the mouse brain. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:546-553. [PMID: 37963088 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Research in neuroscience has greatly benefited from the development of genetic approaches that enable lineage tracing, cell type targeting, and conditional gene regulation. Recent advances in combinatorial strategies, which integrate multiple cellular features, have significantly enhanced the spatiotemporal precision and flexibility of these manipulations. In this minireview, we introduce the concept and design of these strategies and provide a few examples of their application in genetic fate mapping, cell type targeting, and reversible conditional gene regulation. These advancements have facilitated in-depth investigation into the developmental principles underlying the assembly of brain circuits, granting experimental access to highly specific cell lineages and subtypes, as well as offering valuable new tools for modeling and studying neurological diseases. Additionally, we discuss future directions aimed at expanding and improving the existing genetic toolkit for a better understanding of the development, structure, and function of healthy and diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lavekar SS, Patel MD, Montalvo-Parra MD, Krencik R. Asteroid impact: the potential of astrocytes to modulate human neural networks within organoids. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1305921. [PMID: 38075269 PMCID: PMC10702564 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1305921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a vital cellular component of the central nervous system that impact neuronal function in both healthy and pathological states. This includes intercellular signals to neurons and non-neuronal cells during development, maturation, and aging that can modulate neural network formation, plasticity, and maintenance. Recently, human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural aggregate cultures, known as neurospheres or organoids, have emerged as improved experimental platforms for basic and pre-clinical neuroscience compared to traditional approaches. Here, we summarize the potential capability of using organoids to further understand the mechanistic role of astrocytes upon neural networks, including the production of extracellular matrix components and reactive signaling cues. Additionally, we discuss the application of organoid models to investigate the astrocyte-dependent aspects of neuropathological diseases and to test astrocyte-inspired technologies. We examine the shortcomings of organoid-based experimental platforms and plausible improvements made possible by cutting-edge neuroengineering technologies. These advancements are expected to enable the development of improved diagnostic strategies and high-throughput translational applications regarding neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R. Krencik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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