1
|
Habicher J, Sanvido I, Bühler A, Sartori S, Piccoli G, Carl M. The Risk Genes for Neuropsychiatric Disorders negr1 and opcml Are Expressed throughout Zebrafish Brain Development. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:363. [PMID: 38540422 PMCID: PMC10969947 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The immunoglobulin LAMP/OBCAM/NTM (IgLON) family of cell adhesion molecules comprises five members known for their involvement in establishing neural circuit connectivity, fine-tuning, and maintenance. Mutations in IgLON genes result in alterations in these processes and can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. The two IgLON family members NEGR1 and OPCML share common links with several of them, such as schizophrenia, autism, and major depressive disorder. However, the onset and the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained largely unresolved, hampering progress in developing therapies. NEGR1 and OPCML are evolutionarily conserved in teleosts like the zebrafish (Danio rerio), which is excellently suited for disease modelling and large-scale screening for disease-ameliorating compounds. To explore the potential applicability of zebrafish for extending our knowledge on NEGR1- and OPCML-linked disorders and to develop new therapeutic strategies, we investigated the spatio-temporal expression of the two genes during early stages of development. negr1 and opcml are expressed maternally and subsequently in partially distinct domains of conserved brain regions. Other areas of expression in zebrafish have not been reported in mammals to date. Our results indicate that NEGR1 and OPCML may play roles in neural circuit development and function at stages earlier than previously anticipated. A detailed functional analysis of the two genes based on our findings could contribute to understanding the mechanistic basis of related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Habicher
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Ilaria Sanvido
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Anja Bühler
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Samuele Sartori
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Piccoli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Matthias Carl
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (J.H.); (I.S.); (A.B.); (S.S.); (G.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Messina A, Sovrano VA, Baratti G, Musa A, Gobbo A, Adiletta A, Sgadò P. Valproic acid exposure affects social visual lateralization and asymmetric gene expression in zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4474. [PMID: 38395997 PMCID: PMC10891151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral asymmetry is critical for typical brain function and development; at the same time, altered brain lateralization seems to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Zebrafish are increasingly emerging as model species to study brain lateralization, using asymmetric development of the habenula, a phylogenetically old brain structure associated with social and emotional processing, to investigate the relationship between brain asymmetry and social behavior. We exposed 5-h post-fertilization zebrafish embryos to valproic acid (VPA), a compound used to model the core signs of ASD in many vertebrate species, and assessed social interaction, visual lateralization and gene expression in the thalamus and the telencephalon. VPA-exposed zebrafish exhibit social deficits and a deconstruction of social visual laterality to the mirror. We also observe changes in the asymmetric expression of the epithalamic marker leftover and in the size of the dorsolateral part of the habenula in adult zebrafish. Our data indicate that VPA exposure neutralizes the animals' visual field bias, with a complete loss of the left-eye use bias in front of their own mirror image, and alters brain asymmetric gene expression and morphology, opening new perspectives to investigate brain lateralization and its link to atypical social cognitive development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Messina
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Valeria Anna Sovrano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
| | - Greta Baratti
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alessia Musa
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gobbo
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alice Adiletta
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Miguel Sanz C, Martinez Navarro M, Caballero Diaz D, Sanchez-Elexpuru G, Di Donato V. Toward the use of novel alternative methods in epilepsy modeling and drug discovery. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1213969. [PMID: 37719765 PMCID: PMC10501616 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1213969] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease and, considering the amount of people affected of all ages worldwide, one of the most common neurological disorders. Over 20 novel antiseizure medications (ASMs) have been released since 1993, yet despite substantial advancements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind epileptogenesis, over one-third of patients continue to be resistant to available therapies. This is partially explained by the fact that the majority of existing medicines only address seizure suppression rather than underlying processes. Understanding the origin of this neurological illness requires conducting human neurological and genetic studies. However, the limitation of sample sizes, ethical concerns, and the requirement for appropriate controls (many patients have already had anti-epileptic medication exposure) in human clinical trials underscore the requirement for supplemental models. So far, mammalian models of epilepsy have helped to shed light on the underlying causes of the condition, but the high costs related to breeding of the animals, low throughput, and regulatory restrictions on their research limit their usefulness in drug screening. Here, we present an overview of the state of art in epilepsy modeling describing gold standard animal models used up to date and review the possible alternatives for this research field. Our focus will be mainly on ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo larval zebrafish models contributing to the 3R in epilepsy modeling and drug screening. We provide a description of pharmacological and genetic methods currently available but also on the possibilities offered by the continued development in gene editing methodologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9-based, for high-throughput disease modeling and anti-epileptic drugs testing.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fu CW, Huang CH, Tong SK, Chu CY, Chou MY. Nicotine reduces social dominance and neutralizes experience-dependent effects during social conflicts in zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 894:164876. [PMID: 37343866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine, a psychoactive pollutant, binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and disrupts the cholinergic modulation and reward systems of the brain, leading to attention deficit, memory loss, and addiction. However, whether nicotine affects social behaviors remains unknown. We assessed the effects of nicotine on the fighting behavior of zebrafish. Adult zebrafish treated with 5 μM nicotine were used in dyadic fighting tests with size-matched control siblings. The results indicate that nicotine treatment not only significantly reduced the likelihood of winning but also impaired the winner-loser effects (winner and loser fish did not show higher winning and losing tendencies in the second fight, respectively, after treatment.) Nicotine led to a considerable increase in c-fos-positive signals in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) of the brain, indicating that nicotine induces neural activity in the habenula (Hb)-IPN circuit. We used transgenic fish in which the Hb-IPN circuit was silenced to verify whether nicotine impaired the winner-loser effect through the Hb-IPN pathway. Nicotine-treated fish in which the medial part of the dorsal Hb was silenced did not have a higher winning rate, and nicotine-treated fish in which the lateral part of the dorsal Hb was silenced did not have a higher loss rate. This finding suggests that nicotine impairs the winner-loser effect by modulating the Hb-IPN circuit. Therefore, in these zebrafish, nicotine exposure impaired social dominance and neutralized experience-dependent effects in social conflicts, and it may thereby disturb the social hierarchy and population stability of such fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Fu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | | | - Sok-Keng Tong
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Chou
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van der Plas TL, Tubiana J, Le Goc G, Migault G, Kunst M, Baier H, Bormuth V, Englitz B, Debrégeas G. Neural assemblies uncovered by generative modeling explain whole-brain activity statistics and reflect structural connectivity. eLife 2023; 12:83139. [PMID: 36648065 PMCID: PMC9940913 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Patterns of endogenous activity in the brain reflect a stochastic exploration of the neuronal state space that is constrained by the underlying assembly organization of neurons. Yet, it remains to be shown that this interplay between neurons and their assembly dynamics indeed suffices to generate whole-brain data statistics. Here, we recorded the activity from ∼40,000 neurons simultaneously in zebrafish larvae, and show that a data-driven generative model of neuron-assembly interactions can accurately reproduce the mean activity and pairwise correlation statistics of their spontaneous activity. This model, the compositional Restricted Boltzmann Machine (cRBM), unveils ∼200 neural assemblies, which compose neurophysiological circuits and whose various combinations form successive brain states. We then performed in silico perturbation experiments to determine the interregional functional connectivity, which is conserved across individual animals and correlates well with structural connectivity. Our results showcase how cRBMs can capture the coarse-grained organization of the zebrafish brain. Notably, this generative model can readily be deployed to parse neural data obtained by other large-scale recording techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thijs L van der Plas
- Computational Neuroscience Lab, Department of Neurophysiology, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP)ParisFrance
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Tubiana
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Guillaume Le Goc
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP)ParisFrance
| | - Geoffrey Migault
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP)ParisFrance
| | - Michael Kunst
- Department Genes – Circuits – Behavior, Max Planck Institute for Biological IntelligenceMartinsriedGermany
- Allen Institute for Brain ScienceSeattleUnited States
| | - Herwig Baier
- Department Genes – Circuits – Behavior, Max Planck Institute for Biological IntelligenceMartinsriedGermany
| | - Volker Bormuth
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP)ParisFrance
| | - Bernhard Englitz
- Computational Neuroscience Lab, Department of Neurophysiology, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud UniversityNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Georges Debrégeas
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Laboratoire Jean Perrin (LJP)ParisFrance
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bailly J, Allain F, Schwartz E, Tirel C, Dupuy C, Petit F, Diana MA, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Habenular Neurons Expressing Mu Opioid Receptors Promote Negative Affect in a Projection-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2022:S0006-3223(22)01594-3. [PMID: 36496267 PMCID: PMC10027626 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is central to hedonic balance and produces euphoria by engaging reward circuits. MOR signaling may also influence aversion centers, notably the habenula (Hb), where the receptor is highly dense. Our previous data suggest that the inhibitory activity of MOR in the Hb may limit aversive states. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested whether neurons expressing MOR in the Hb (Hb-MOR neurons) promote negative affect. METHODS Using Oprm1-Cre knockin mice, we combined tracing and optogenetics with behavioral testing to investigate consequences of Hb-MOR neuron stimulation for approach/avoidance (real-time place preference), anxiety-related responses (open field, elevated plus maze, and marble burying), and despair-like behavior (tail suspension). RESULTS Optostimulation of Hb-MOR neurons elicited avoidance behavior, demonstrating that these neurons promote aversive states. Anterograde tracing showed that, in addition to the interpeduncular nucleus, Hb-MOR neurons project to the dorsal raphe nucleus. Optostimulation of Hb-MOR/interpeduncular nucleus terminals triggered avoidance and despair-like responses with no anxiety-related effect, whereas light-activation of Hb-MOR/dorsal raphe nucleus terminals increased levels of anxiety with no effect on other behaviors, revealing 2 dissociable pathways controlling negative affect. CONCLUSIONS Together, the data demonstrate that Hb neurons expressing MOR facilitate aversive states via 2 distinct Hb circuits, contributing to despair-like behavior (Hb-MOR/interpeduncular nucleus) and anxiety (Hb-MOR/dorsal raphe nucleus). The findings support the notion that inhibition of these neurons by either endogenous or exogenous opioids may relieve negative affect, a mechanism that would have implications for hedonic homeostasis and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bailly
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Allain
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Schwartz
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Tirel
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Dupuy
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Petit
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco A Diana
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; INSERM U1114, Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Agostini C, Bühler A, Antico Calderone A, Aadepu N, Herder C, Loosli F, Carl M. Conserved and diverged asymmetric gene expression in the brain of teleosts. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1005776. [PMID: 36211473 PMCID: PMC9532764 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1005776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological left-right brain asymmetries are universal phenomena in animals. These features have been studied for decades, but the functional relevance is often unclear. Studies from the zebrafish dorsal diencephalon on the genetics underlying the establishment and function of brain asymmetries have uncovered genes associated with the development of functional brain asymmetries. To gain further insights, comparative studies help to investigate the emergence of asymmetries and underlying genetics in connection to functional adaptation. Evolutionarily distant isogenic medaka inbred lines, that show divergence of complex traits such as morphology, physiology and behavior, are a valuable resource to investigate intra-species variations in a given trait of interest. For a detailed study of asymmetry in the medaka diencephalon we generated molecular probes of ten medaka genes that are expressed asymmetrically in the zebrafish habenulae and pineal complex. We find expression of eight genes in the corresponding brain areas of medaka with differences in the extent of left-right asymmetry compared to zebrafish. Our marker gene analysis of the diverged medaka inbred strains revealed marked inter-strain size differences of the respective expression domains in the parapineal and the habenulae, which we hypothesize may result from strain-specific gene loss. Thus, our analysis reveals both inter-species differences but also intra-species plasticity of gene expression in the teleost dorsal diencephalon. These findings are a starting point showing the potential to identify the genetics underlying the emergence and modulations of asymmetries. They are also the prerequisite to examine whether variance in habenular gene expression may cause variation of behavioral traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Agostini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anja Bühler
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Narendar Aadepu
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cathrin Herder
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Felix Loosli
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- *Correspondence: Felix Loosli, ; Matthias Carl,
| | - Matthias Carl
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Felix Loosli, ; Matthias Carl,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ogawa S, Parhar IS. Role of Habenula in Social and Reproductive Behaviors in Fish: Comparison With Mammals. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:818782. [PMID: 35221943 PMCID: PMC8867168 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.818782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behaviors such as mating, parenting, fighting, and avoiding are essential functions as a communication tool in social animals, and are critical for the survival of individuals and species. Social behaviors are controlled by a complex circuitry that comprises several key social brain regions, which is called the social behavior network (SBN). The SBN further integrates social information with external and internal factors to select appropriate behavioral responses to social circumstances, called social decision-making. The social decision-making network (SDMN) and SBN are structurally, neurochemically and functionally conserved in vertebrates. The social decision-making process is also closely influenced by emotional assessment. The habenula has recently been recognized as a crucial center for emotion-associated adaptation behaviors. Here we review the potential role of the habenula in social function with a special emphasis on fish studies. Further, based on evolutional, molecular, morphological, and behavioral perspectives, we discuss the crucial role of the habenula in the vertebrate SDMN.
Collapse
|
9
|
Corradi L, Filosa A. Neuromodulation and Behavioral Flexibility in Larval Zebrafish: From Neurotransmitters to Circuits. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:718951. [PMID: 34335183 PMCID: PMC8319623 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.718951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals adapt their behaviors to their ever-changing needs. Internal states, such as hunger, fear, stress, and arousal are important behavioral modulators controlling the way an organism perceives sensory stimuli and reacts to them. The translucent zebrafish larva is an ideal model organism for studying neuronal circuits regulating brain states, owning to the possibility of easy imaging and manipulating activity of genetically identified neurons while the animal performs stereotyped and well-characterized behaviors. The main neuromodulatory circuits present in mammals can also be found in the larval zebrafish brain, with the advantage that they contain small numbers of neurons. Importantly, imaging and behavioral techniques can be combined with methods for generating targeted genetic modifications to reveal the molecular underpinnings mediating the functions of such circuits. In this review we discuss how studying the larval zebrafish brain has contributed to advance our understanding of circuits and molecular mechanisms regulating neuromodulation and behavioral flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corradi
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Filosa
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang GT, Pan HY, Lang WH, Yu YD, Hsieh CH, Kuan YS. Three-dimensional multi-gene expression maps reveal cell fate changes associated with laterality reversal of zebrafish habenula. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1632-1645. [PMID: 33638209 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24806] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The conserved bilateral habenular nuclei (HA) in vertebrate diencephalon develop into compartmentalized structures containing neurons derived from different cell lineages. Despite extensive studies demonstrated that zebrafish larval HA display distinct left-right (L-R) asymmetry in gene expression and connectivity, the spatial gene expression domains were mainly obtained from two-dimensional (2D) snapshots of colorimetric RNA in situ hybridization staining which could not properly reflect different HA neuronal lineages constructed in three-dimension (3D). Combing the tyramide-based fluorescent mRNA in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy and customized imaging processing procedures, we have created spatial distribution maps of four genes for 4-day-old zebrafish and in sibling fish whose L-R asymmetry was spontaneously reversed. 3D volumetric analyses showed that ratios of cpd2, lov, ron, and nrp1a expression in L-R reversed HA were reversed according to the parapineal positions. However, the quantitative changes of gene expression in reversed larval brains do not mirror the gene expression level in the obverse larval brains. There were a total 87.78% increase in lov+ nrp1a+ and a total 12.45% decrease in lov+ ron+ double-positive neurons when the L-R asymmetry of HA was reversed. Thus, our volumetric analyses of the 3D maps indicate that changes of HA neuronal cell fates are associated with the reversal of HA laterality. These changes likely account for the behavior changes associated with HA laterality alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Tzau Wang
- National Center for High-Performance Computing, Hsinchu, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - He-Yen Pan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Wei-Han Lang
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Yuan-Ding Yu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Chang-Huain Hsieh
- National Center for High-Performance Computing, Hsinchu, Taiwan R.O.C
| | - Yung-Shu Kuan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.,Neuroscience Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bühler A, Carl M. Zebrafish Tools for Deciphering Habenular Network-Linked Mental Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020324. [PMID: 33672636 PMCID: PMC7924194 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Everything that we think, feel or do depends on the function of neural networks in the brain. These are highly complex structures made of cells (neurons) and their interconnections (axons), which develop dependent on precisely coordinated interactions of genes. Any gene mutation can result in unwanted alterations in neural network formation and concomitant brain disorders. The habenula neural network is one of these important circuits, which has been linked to autism, schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Studies using the zebrafish have uncovered genes involved in the development of this network. Intriguingly, some of these genes have also been identified as risk genes of human brain disorders highlighting the power of this animal model to link risk genes and the affected network to human disease. But can we use the advantages of this model to identify new targets and compounds with ameliorating effects on brain dysfunction? In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on techniques to manipulate the habenula neural network to study the consequences on behavior. Moreover, we give an overview of existing behavioral test to mimic aspects of mental disorders and critically discuss the applicability of the zebrafish model in this field of research. Abstract The prevalence of patients suffering from mental disorders is substantially increasing in recent years and represents a major burden to society. The underlying causes and neuronal circuits affected are complex and difficult to unravel. Frequent disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder share links to the habenular neural circuit. This conserved neurotransmitter system relays cognitive information between different brain areas steering behaviors ranging from fear and anxiety to reward, sleep, and social behaviors. Advances in the field using the zebrafish model organism have uncovered major genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of the habenular neural circuit. Some of the identified genes involved in regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling have previously been suggested as risk genes of human mental disorders. Hence, these studies on habenular genetics contribute to a better understanding of brain diseases. We are here summarizing how the gained knowledge on the mechanisms underlying habenular neural circuit development can be used to introduce defined manipulations into the system to study the functional behavioral consequences. We further give an overview of existing behavior assays to address phenotypes related to mental disorders and critically discuss the power but also the limits of the zebrafish model for identifying suitable targets to develop therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Bühler
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
| | - Matthias Carl
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ogawa S, Pfaff DW, Parhar IS. Fish as a model in social neuroscience: conservation and diversity in the social brain network. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:999-1020. [PMID: 33559323 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms for fish social behaviours involve a social brain network (SBN) which is evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates. However, considerable diversity is observed in the actual behaviour patterns amongst nearly 30000 fish species. The huge variation found in socio-sexual behaviours and strategies is likely generated by a morphologically and genetically well-conserved small forebrain system. Hence, teleost fish provide a useful model to study the fundamental mechanisms underlying social brain functions. Herein we review the foundations underlying fish social behaviours including sensory, hormonal, molecular and neuroanatomical features. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons clearly play important roles, but the participation of vasotocin and isotocin is also highlighted. Genetic investigations of developing fish brain have revealed the molecular complexity of neural development of the SBN. In addition to straightforward social behaviours such as sex and aggression, new experiments have revealed higher order and unique phenomena such as social eavesdropping and social buffering in fish. Finally, observations interpreted as 'collective cognition' in fish can likely be explained by careful observation of sensory determinants and analyses using the dynamics of quantitative scaling. Understanding of the functions of the SBN in fish provide clues for understanding the origin and evolution of higher social functions in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, U.S.A
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roman E, Weininger J, Lim B, Roman M, Barry D, Tierney P, O'Hanlon E, Levins K, O'Keane V, Roddy D. Untangling the dorsal diencephalic conduction system: a review of structure and function of the stria medullaris, habenula and fasciculus retroflexus. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1437-1458. [PMID: 32367265 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The often-overlooked dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDCS) is a highly conserved pathway linking the basal forebrain and the monoaminergic brainstem. It consists of three key structures; the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus. The first component of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, is a discrete bilateral tract composed of fibers from the basal forebrain that terminate in the triangular eminence of the stalk of the pineal gland, known as the habenula. The habenula acts as a relay hub where incoming signals from the stria medullaris are processed and subsequently relayed to the midbrain and hindbrain monoaminergic nuclei through the fasciculus retroflexus. As a result of its wide-ranging connections, the DDCS has recently been implicated in a wide range of behaviors related to reward processing, aversion and motivation. As such, an understanding of the structure and connections of the DDCS may help illuminate the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction and pain. This is the first review of all three components of the DDCS, the stria medullaris, the habenula and the fasciculus retroflexus, with particular focus on their anatomy, function and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Joshua Weininger
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Basil Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Game Design, Technological University Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marin Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Tierney
- Anatomy Department, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre , Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kirk Levins
- Department of Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hashikawa Y, Hashikawa K, Rossi MA, Basiri ML, Liu Y, Johnston NL, Ahmad OR, Stuber GD. Transcriptional and Spatial Resolution of Cell Types in the Mammalian Habenula. Neuron 2020; 106:743-758.e5. [PMID: 32272058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The habenula complex is appreciated as a critical regulator of motivated and pathological behavioral states via its output to midbrain nuclei. Despite this, transcriptional definition of cell populations that comprise both the medial habenular (MHb) and lateral habenular (LHb) subregions in mammals remain undefined. To resolve this, we performed single-cell transcriptional profiling and highly multiplexed in situ hybridization experiments of the mouse habenula complex in naive mice and those exposed to an acute aversive stimulus. Transcriptionally distinct neuronal cell types identified within the MHb and LHb, were spatially defined, differentially engaged by aversive stimuli, and had distinct electrophysiological properties. Cell types identified in mice also displayed a high degree of transcriptional similarity to those previously described in zebrafish, highlighting the well-conserved nature of habenular cell types across the phylum. These data identify key molecular targets within habenular cell types and provide a critical resource for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Hashikawa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Koichi Hashikawa
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mark A Rossi
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marcus L Basiri
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yuejia Liu
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nathan L Johnston
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Omar R Ahmad
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Miletto Petrazzini ME, Sovrano VA, Vallortigara G, Messina A. Brain and Behavioral Asymmetry: A Lesson From Fish. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:11. [PMID: 32273841 PMCID: PMC7113390 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that the left and right hemispheres of human brains display both anatomical and functional asymmetries. For more than a century, brain and behavioral lateralization have been considered a uniquely human feature linked to language and handedness. However, over the past decades this idea has been challenged by an increasing number of studies describing structural asymmetries and lateralized behaviors in non-human species extending from primates to fish. Evidence suggesting that a similar pattern of brain lateralization occurs in all vertebrates, humans included, has allowed the emergence of different model systems to investigate the development of brain asymmetries and their impact on behavior. Among animal models, fish have contributed much to the research on lateralization as several fish species exhibit lateralized behaviors. For instance, behavioral studies have shown that the advantages of having an asymmetric brain, such as the ability of simultaneously processing different information and perform parallel tasks compensate the potential costs associated with poor integration of information between the two hemispheres thus helping to better understand the possible evolutionary significance of lateralization. However, these studies inferred how the two sides of the brains are differentially specialized by measuring the differences in the behavioral responses but did not allow to directly investigate the relation between anatomical and functional asymmetries. With respect to this issue, in recent years zebrafish has become a powerful model to address lateralization at different level of complexity, from genes to neural circuitry and behavior. The possibility of combining genetic manipulation of brain asymmetries with cutting-edge in vivo imaging technique and behavioral tests makes the zebrafish a valuable model to investigate the phylogeny and ontogeny of brain lateralization and its relevance for normal brain function and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Anna Sovrano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Messina
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Guglielmi L, Bühler A, Moro E, Argenton F, Poggi L, Carl M. Temporal control of Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron diversity and brain asymmetry. Development 2020; 147:147/6/dev182865. [PMID: 32179574 DOI: 10.1242/dev.182865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Precise temporal coordination of signaling processes is pivotal for cellular differentiation during embryonic development. A vast number of secreted molecules are produced and released by cells and tissues, and travel in the extracellular space. Whether they induce a signaling pathway and instruct cell fate, however, depends on a complex network of regulatory mechanisms, which are often not well understood. The conserved bilateral left-right asymmetrically formed habenulae of the zebrafish are an excellent model for investigating how signaling control facilitates the generation of defined neuronal populations. Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron type specification, asymmetry and axonal connectivity. The temporal regulation of this pathway and the players involved have, however, have remained unclear. We find that tightly regulated temporal restriction of Wnt signaling activity in habenular precursor cells is crucial for the diversity and asymmetry of habenular neuron populations. We suggest a feedback mechanism whereby the tumor suppressor Wnt inhibitory factor Wif1 controls the Wnt dynamics in the environment of habenular precursor cells. This mechanism might be common to other cell types, including tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guglielmi
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Anja Bühler
- University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Enrico Moro
- University of Padova, Department of Molecular Medicine, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Poggi
- University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Matthias Carl
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. ,University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), 38123 Trento, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Boulos LJ, Ben Hamida S, Bailly J, Maitra M, Ehrlich AT, Gavériaux-Ruff C, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Mu opioid receptors in the medial habenula contribute to naloxone aversion. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:247-255. [PMID: 31005059 PMCID: PMC6901535 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The medial habenula (MHb) is considered a brain center regulating aversive states. The mu opioid receptor (MOR) has been traditionally studied at the level of nociceptive and mesolimbic circuits, for key roles in pain relief and reward processing. MOR is also densely expressed in MHb, however, MOR function at this brain site is virtually unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that MOR in the MHb (MHb-MOR) also regulates aversion processing. We used chnrb4-Cre driver mice to delete the Oprm1 gene in chnrb4-neurons, predominantly expressed in the MHb. Conditional mutant (B4MOR) mice showed habenula-specific reduction of MOR expression, restricted to chnrb4-neurons (50% MHb-MORs). We tested B4MOR mice in behavioral assays to evaluate effects of MOR activation by morphine, and MOR blockade by naloxone. Locomotor, analgesic, rewarding, and motivational effects of morphine were preserved in conditional mutants. In contrast, conditioned place aversion (CPA) elicited by naloxone was reduced in both naïve (high dose) and morphine-dependent (low dose) B4MOR mice. Further, physical signs of withdrawal precipitated by either MOR (naloxone) or nicotinic receptor (mecamylamine) blockade were attenuated. These data suggest that MORs expressed in MHb B4-neurons contribute to aversive effects of naloxone, including negative effect and aversive effects of opioid withdrawal. MORs are inhibitory receptors, therefore we propose that endogenous MOR signaling normally inhibits chnrb4-neurons of the MHb and moderates their known aversive activity, which is unmasked upon receptor blockade. Thus, in addition to facilitating reward at several brain sites, tonic MOR activity may also limit aversion within the MHb circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L. J. Boulos
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada ,0000 0004 0638 2716grid.420255.4Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg, France ,0000 0001 2157 9291grid.11843.3fUniversité de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104 Illkirch, France ,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U 1258 Illkirch, France
| | - S. Ben Hamida
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada ,0000 0004 0638 2716grid.420255.4Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg, France ,0000 0001 2157 9291grid.11843.3fUniversité de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104 Illkirch, France ,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U 1258 Illkirch, France
| | - J. Bailly
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - M. Maitra
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - A. T. Ehrlich
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada ,0000 0004 0638 2716grid.420255.4Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg, France ,0000 0001 2157 9291grid.11843.3fUniversité de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104 Illkirch, France ,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U 1258 Illkirch, France
| | - C. Gavériaux-Ruff
- 0000 0004 0638 2716grid.420255.4Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg, France ,0000 0001 2157 9291grid.11843.3fUniversité de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104 Illkirch, France ,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U 1258 Illkirch, France
| | - E. Darcq
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - B. L. Kieffer
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, Canada ,0000 0004 0638 2716grid.420255.4Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Strasbourg, France ,0000 0001 2157 9291grid.11843.3fUniversité de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France ,0000 0001 2112 9282grid.4444.0Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104 Illkirch, France ,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U 1258 Illkirch, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ringler E, Coates M, Cobo-Cuan A, Harris NG, Narins PM. MEMRI for visualizing brain activity after auditory stimulation in frogs. Behav Neurosci 2019; 133:329-340. [PMID: 31045394 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anuran amphibians are common model organisms in bioacoustics and neurobiology. To date, however, most available methods for studying auditory processing in frogs are highly invasive and thus do not allow for longitudinal study designs, nor do they provide a global view of the brain, which substantially limits the questions that can be addressed. The goal of this study was to identify areas in the frog brain that are responsible for auditory processing using in vivo manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI). We were interested in determining if the neural processing of socially relevant acoustic stimuli (e.g., species-specific calls) engages a specific pattern of brain activation that differs from patterns elicited by less- or nonrelevant acoustic signals. We thus designed an experiment, in which we presented three different types of acoustic stimuli (species-specific calls, band-limited noise, or silence) to fully awake northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and then conducted MEMRI T1-weighted imaging to investigate differences in signal intensity due to manganese uptake as an indication of brain activity across all three conditions. We found the greatest change in signal intensity within the torus semicircularis (the principal central auditory region), the habenula, and the paraphysis of frogs that had been exposed to conspecific calls compared with noise or silence conditions. Stimulation with noise did not result in the same activation patterns, indicating that signals with contrasting social relevance are differentially processed in these areas of the amphibian brain. MEMRI provides a powerful approach to studying brain activity with high spatial resolution in frogs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ringler
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Friocourt F, Kozulin P, Belle M, Suárez R, Di‐Poï N, Richards LJ, Giacobini P, Chédotal A. Shared and differential features of Robo3 expression pattern in amniotes. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2009-2029. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Kozulin
- The Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Morgane Belle
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS Institut de la Vision Paris France
| | - Rodrigo Suárez
- The Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Nicolas Di‐Poï
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Linda J. Richards
- The Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- University of Lille, UMR‐S 1172, Centre de Recherche Jean‐Pierre AUBERT Lille France
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain INSERM, UMR‐S 1172 Lille France
- FHU 1,000 Days for Health School of Medicine Lille France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS Institut de la Vision Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
do Carmo Silva RX, Lima-Maximino MG, Maximino C. The aversive brain system of teleosts: Implications for neuroscience and biological psychiatry. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:123-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
21
|
Left/right asymmetric collective migration of parapineal cells is mediated by focal FGF signaling activity in leading cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E9812-E9821. [PMID: 30282743 PMCID: PMC6196547 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812016115] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to collectively interpret surrounding environmental signals underpins their capacity to coordinate their migration in various contexts, including embryonic development and cancer metastasis. One tractable model for studying collective migration is the parapineal, a left-sided group of neurons that arises from bilaterally positioned precursors that undergo a collective migration to the left side of the brain. In zebrafish, the migration of these cells requires Fgf8 and, in this study, we resolve how FGF signaling correlates with-and impacts the migratory dynamics of-the parapineal cell collective. The temporal and spatial dynamics of an FGF reporter transgene reveal that FGF signaling is activated in only few parapineal cells usually located at the leading edge of the parapineal during its migration. Overexpressing a constitutively active Fgf receptor compromises parapineal migration in wild-type embryos, while it partially restores both parapineal migration and mosaic expression of the FGF reporter transgene in fgf8 -/- mutant embryos. Focal activation of FGF signaling in few parapineal cells is sufficient to promote the migration of the whole parapineal collective. Finally, we show that asymmetric Nodal signaling contributes to the restriction and leftwards bias of FGF pathway activation. Our data indicate that the first overt morphological asymmetry in the zebrafish brain is promoted by FGF pathway activation in cells that lead the collective migration of the parapineal to the left. This study shows that cell-state differences in FGF signaling in front versus rear cells is required to promote migration in a model of FGF-dependent collective migration.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhao YW, Pan YQ, Tang MM, Lin WJ. Blocking p38 Signaling Reduces the Activation of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and the Phosphorylation of p38 in the Habenula and Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviors Induced by Neuroinflammation. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:511. [PMID: 29867510 PMCID: PMC5962764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that neuroinflammation contributes to the development of depressive-like behaviors, in both animal models and human patients; however, the brain areas and signaling pathways involved are still elusive. Recent studies have suggested novel roles of the habenula in the onset of depression and other psychiatric disorders; however, there is no evidence for whether the habenula has a function in neuroinflammation-induced depression. Using an animal model of depression, which is induced by the repeated central administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we examined whether cytokine expression and p38 signal activation in the habenula were involved in the depressive-like behaviors. Body weight, saccharin preference test, and tail suspension test were used to measure depressive-like behaviors. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and western blot were used to measure the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and the phosphorylation of p38 in the habenula. The results showed that central LPS administration induced depressive-like behaviors, characterized by anhedonia in the saccharin preference test and increased immobility in the tail suspension test. Central LPS administration also significantly increased the p-p38 level in microglial cells and increased TNF-α expression in the habenula. Treatment with fluoxetine, a widely prescribed antidepressant, or SB203580, a p38-specific inhibitor, reversed the depressive-like behaviors, normalized the alterations in p-p38 and TNF-α levels and increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the habenula. The present findings suggest that the habenula is involved in the pathophysiology of behavioral depression induced by neuroinflammation, and the p38 pathway may serve as a novel mechanism-based target for the treatment of inflammation-related depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Ming Tang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Juan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Roddy DW, Roman E, Rooney S, Andrews S, Farrell C, Doolin K, Levins KJ, Tozzi L, Tierney P, Barry D, Frodl T, O'Keane V, O'Hanlon E. Awakening Neuropsychiatric Research Into the Stria Medullaris: Development of a Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Tractography Protocol of This Key Limbic Structure. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:39. [PMID: 29867378 PMCID: PMC5952041 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Stria medullaris (SM) Thalami is a discrete white matter tract that directly connects frontolimbic areas to the habenula, allowing the forebrain to influence midbrain monoaminergic output. Habenular dysfunction has been shown in various neuropsychiatric conditions. However, there exists a paucity of research into the habenula’s principal afferent tract, the SM. Diffusion-weighted tractography may provide insights into the properties of the SM in vivo, opening up investigation of this tract in conditions of monoamine dysregulation such as depression, schizophrenia, addiction and pain. We present a reliable method for reconstructing the SM using diffusion-weighted imaging, and examine the effects of age and gender on tract diffusion metrics. We also investigate reproducibility of the method through inter-rater comparisons. In consultation with neuroanatomists, a Boolean logic gate protocol was developed for use in ExploreDTI to extract the SM from constrained spherical deconvolution based whole brain tractography. Particular emphasis was placed on the reproducibility of the tract, attention to crossing white matter tract proximity and anatomical consistency of anterior and posterior boundaries. The anterior commissure, pineal gland and mid point of the thalamus were defined as anatomical fixed points used for reconstruction. Fifty subjects were scanned using High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging (HARDI; 61 directions, b-value 1500 mm3). Following constrained spherical deconvolution whole brain tractography, two independent raters isolated the SM. Each output was checked, examined and cleaned for extraneous streamlines inconsistent with known anatomy of the tract by the rater and a neuroanatomist. A second neuroanatomist assessed tracts for face validity. The SM was reconstructed with excellent inter-rater reliability for dimensions and diffusion metrics. Gender had no effect on the dimensions or diffusion metrics, however radial diffusivity (RD) showed a positive correlation with age. Reliable identification and quantification of diffusion metrics of the SM invites further exploration of this key habenula linked structure in neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain and addiction. The accurate anatomical localization of the SM may also aid preoperative stereotactic localization of the tract for deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren W Roddy
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Rooney
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinaoife Andrews
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chloe Farrell
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly Doolin
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kirk J Levins
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonardo Tozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Paul Tierney
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- REDEEM Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fakhoury M. The dorsal diencephalic conduction system in reward processing: Spotlight on the anatomy and functions of the habenular complex. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:115-126. [PMID: 29684476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDC) is a highly conserved pathway in vertebrates that provides a route for the neural information to flow from forebrain to midbrain structures. It contains the bilaterally paired habenular nuclei along with two fiber tracts, the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus. The habenula is the principal player in mediating the dialogue between forebrain and midbrain regions, and functional abnormalities in this structure have often been attributed to pathologies like mood disorders and substance use disorder. Following Matsumoto and Hikosaka seminal work on the lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals, the last decade has witnessed a great surge of interest in the role of the DDC in reward-related processes. However, despite significant progress in research, much work remains to unfold the behavioral functions of this intriguing, yet complex, pathway. This review describes the current state of knowledge on the DDC with respect to its anatomy, connectivity, and functions in reward and aversion processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fakhoury
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, H3C3J7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pandey S, Shekhar K, Regev A, Schier AF. Comprehensive Identification and Spatial Mapping of Habenular Neuronal Types Using Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Curr Biol 2018; 28:1052-1065.e7. [PMID: 29576475 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The identification of cell types and marker genes is critical for dissecting neural development and function, but the size and complexity of the brain has hindered the comprehensive discovery of cell types. We combined single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) with anatomical brain registration to create a comprehensive map of the zebrafish habenula, a conserved forebrain hub involved in pain processing and learning. Single-cell transcriptomes of ∼13,000 habenular cells with 4× cellular coverage identified 18 neuronal types and dozens of marker genes. Registration of marker genes onto a reference atlas created a resource for anatomical and functional studies and enabled the mapping of active neurons onto neuronal types following aversive stimuli. Strikingly, despite brain growth and functional maturation, cell types were retained between the larval and adult habenula. This study provides a gene expression atlas to dissect habenular development and function and offers a general framework for the comprehensive characterization of other brain regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shristi Pandey
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - Karthik Shekhar
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Emotion-related responses, such as fear and anxiety, are important behavioral phenomena in most animal species, as well as in humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of fear and anxiety in animals and in humans are still largely unknown, and anxiety disorders continue to represent a large unmet medical need in the human clinic. Animal models may speed up discovery of these mechanisms and may also lead to betterment of human health. Herein, we report the identification of a chemokine-like gene family, samdori (sam), and present functional characterization of sam2. We observed increased anxiety-related responses in both zebrafish and mouse knockout models. Taken together, these results support a crucial and evolutionarily conserved role of sam2 in regulating anxiety-like behavior. Emotional responses, such as fear and anxiety, are fundamentally important behavioral phenomena with strong fitness components in most animal species. Anxiety-related disorders continue to represent a major unmet medical need in our society, mostly because we still do not fully understand the mechanisms of these diseases. Animal models may speed up discovery of these mechanisms. The zebrafish is a highly promising model organism in this field. Here, we report the identification of a chemokine-like gene family, samdori (sam), and present functional characterization of one of its members, sam2. We show exclusive mRNA expression of sam2 in the CNS, predominantly in the dorsal habenula, telencephalon, and hypothalamus. We found knockout (KO) zebrafish to exhibit altered anxiety-related responses in the tank, scototaxis and shoaling assays, and increased crh mRNA expression in their hypothalamus compared with wild-type fish. To investigate generalizability of our findings to mammals, we developed a Sam2 KO mouse and compared it to wild-type littermates. Consistent with zebrafish findings, homozygous KO mice exhibited signs of elevated anxiety. We also found bath application of purified SAM2 protein to increase inhibitory postsynaptic transmission onto CRH neurons of the paraventricular nucleus. Finally, we identified a human homolog of SAM2, and were able to refine a candidate gene region encompassing SAM2, among 21 annotated genes, which is associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder in the 12q14.1 deletion syndrome. Taken together, these results suggest a crucial and evolutionarily conserved role of sam2 in regulating mechanisms associated with anxiety.
Collapse
|
27
|
A little rein on addiction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 78:120-129. [PMID: 28986065 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rewarding and aversive experiences influence emotions, motivate specific behaviors, and modify future action in animals. Multiple conserved vertebrate neural circuits have been discovered that act in a species-specific manner to reinforce behaviors that are rewarding, while attenuating those with an adverse outcome. A growing body of research now suggests that malfunction of the same circuits is an underlying cause for many human disorders and mental ailments. The habenula (Latin for "little rein") complex, an epithalamic structure that regulates midbrain monoaminergic activity has emerged in recent years as one such region in the vertebrate brain that modulates behavior. Its dysfunction, on the other hand, is implicated in a spectrum of psychiatric disorders in humans such as schizophrenia, depression and addiction. Here, I review the progress in identification of potential mechanisms involving the habenula in addiction.
Collapse
|
28
|
Güntürkün O, Ocklenburg S. Ontogenesis of Lateralization. Neuron 2017; 94:249-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
29
|
Boulos LJ, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Translating the Habenula-From Rodents to Humans. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:296-305. [PMID: 27527822 PMCID: PMC5143215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a central structure connecting forebrain to midbrain regions. This microstructure regulates monoaminergic systems, notably dopamine and serotonin, and integrates cognitive with emotional and sensory processing. Early preclinical data have described Hb as a brain nucleus activated in anticipation of aversive outcomes. Evidence has now accumulated to show that the Hb encodes both rewarding and aversive aspects of external stimuli, thus driving motivated behaviors and decision making. Human Hb research is still nascent but develops rapidly, alongside with the growth of neuroimaging and deep brain stimulation techniques. Not surprisingly, Hb dysfunction has been associated with psychiatric disorders, and studies in patients have established evidence for Hb involvement in major depression, addiction, and schizophrenia, as well as in pain and analgesia. Here, we summarize current knowledge from animal research and overview the existing human literature on anatomy and function of the Hb. We also discuss challenges and future directions in targeting this small brain structure in both rodents and humans. By combining animal data and human experimental studies, this review addresses the translational potential of preclinical Hb research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Joy Boulos
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lina Kieffer
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Early Commissural Diencephalic Neurons Control Habenular Axon Extension and Targeting. Curr Biol 2017; 27:270-278. [PMID: 28065605 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Most neuronal populations form on both the left and right sides of the brain. Their efferent axons appear to grow synchronously along similar pathways on each side, although the neurons or their environment often differ between the two hemispheres [1-4]. How this coordination is controlled has received little attention. Frequently, neurons establish interhemispheric connections, which can function to integrate information between brain hemispheres (e.g., [5]). Such commissures form very early, suggesting their potential developmental role in coordinating ipsilateral axon navigation during embryonic development [4]. To address the temporal-spatial control of bilateral axon growth, we applied long-term time-lapse imaging to visualize the formation of the conserved left-right asymmetric habenular neural circuit in the developing zebrafish embryo [6]. Although habenular neurons are born at different times across brain hemispheres [7], we found that elongation of habenular axons occurs synchronously. The initiation of axon extension is not controlled within the habenular network itself but through an early developing proximal diencephalic network. The commissural neurons of this network influence habenular axons both ipsilaterally and contralaterally. Their unilateral absence impairs commissure formation and coordinated habenular axon elongation and causes their subsequent arrest on both sides of the brain. Thus, habenular neural circuit formation depends on a second intersecting commissural network, which facilitates the exchange of information between hemispheres required for ipsilaterally projecting habenular axons. This mechanism of network formation may well apply to other circuits, and has only remained undiscovered due to technical limitations.
Collapse
|
31
|
Halluin C, Madelaine R, Naye F, Peers B, Roussigné M, Blader P. Habenular Neurogenesis in Zebrafish Is Regulated by a Hedgehog, Pax6 Proneural Gene Cascade. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158210. [PMID: 27387288 PMCID: PMC4936704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenulae are highly conserved nuclei in the dorsal diencephalon that connect the forebrain to the midbrain and hindbrain. These nuclei have been implicated in a broad variety of behaviours in humans, primates, rodents and zebrafish. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms that control the genesis and differentiation of neural progenitors in the habenulae remain relatively unknown. We have previously shown that, in zebrafish, the timing of habenular neurogenesis is left-right asymmetric and that in the absence of Nodal signalling this asymmetry is lost. Here, we show that habenular neurogenesis requires the homeobox transcription factor Pax6a and the redundant action of two proneural bHLH factors, Neurog1 and Neurod4. We present evidence that Hedgehog signalling is required for the expression of pax6a, which is in turn necessary for the expression of neurog1 and neurod4. Finally, we demonstrate by pharmacological inhibition that Hedgehog signalling is required continuously during habenular neurogenesis and by cell transplantation experiments that pathway activation is required cell autonomously. Our data sheds light on the mechanism underlying habenular development that may provide insights into how Nodal signalling imposes asymmetry on the timing of habenular neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Halluin
- Université de Toulouse III, UPS, Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- CNRS, CBD UMR 5547, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, 269–279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Romain Madelaine
- Université de Toulouse III, UPS, Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- CNRS, CBD UMR 5547, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, 269–279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - François Naye
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, University of Liège, GIGA-R, B34, Avenue de l'Hôpital 1, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Peers
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, University of Liège, GIGA-R, B34, Avenue de l'Hôpital 1, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Myriam Roussigné
- Université de Toulouse III, UPS, Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- CNRS, CBD UMR 5547, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- * E-mail: (MR); (PB)
| | - Patrick Blader
- Université de Toulouse III, UPS, Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- CNRS, CBD UMR 5547, F-31062 Toulouse, France
- * E-mail: (MR); (PB)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Moreno-Bravo JA, Martinez-Lopez JE, Madrigal MP, Kim M, Mastick GS, Lopez-Bendito G, Martinez S, Puelles E. Developmental guidance of the retroflex tract at its bending point involves Robo1-Slit2-mediated floor plate repulsion. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 221:665-78. [PMID: 25366972 PMCID: PMC4485949 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The retroflex tract contains medial habenula efferents that target the hindbrain interpeduncular complex and surrounding areas. This tract displays a singular course. Initially, habenular axons extend ventralwards in front of the pretectum until they reach the basal plate. Next, they avoid crossing the local floor plate, sharply changing course caudalwards (the retroflexion alluded by the tract name) and navigate strictly antero-posteriorly across basal pretectum, midbrain and isthmus. Once they reach rhombomere 1, the habenular axons criss-cross the floor plate several times within the interpeduncular nuclear complex as they innervate it. Here we described the timing and details of growth phenomena as these axons navigate to their target. The first dorsoventral course apparently obeys Ntn1 attraction. We checked the role of local floor plate signaling in the decision to avoid the thalamic floor plate and bend caudalwards. Analyzing the altered floor and basal plates of Gli2 knockout mice, we found a contralateral projection of most habenular axons, plus ulterior bizarre navigation rostralwards. This crossing phenotype was due to a reduced expression of Slit repulsive cues, suggesting involvement of the floor-derived Robo-Slit system in the normal guidance of this tract. Using Slit and Robo mutant mice, open neural tube and co-culture assays, we determined that Robo1-Slit2 interaction is specifically required for impeding that medial habenular axons cross the thalamic floor plate. This pathfinding mechanism is essential to establish the functionally important habenulo-interpeduncular connection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Moreno-Bravo
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jesus E Martinez-Lopez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - M Pilar Madrigal
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Minkyung Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Grant S Mastick
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Guillermina Lopez-Bendito
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biomédica IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Puelles
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550, Alicante, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gutierrez-Triana JA, Herget U, Lichtner P, Castillo-Ramírez LA, Ryu S. A vertebrate-conserved cis-regulatory module for targeted expression in the main hypothalamic regulatory region for the stress response. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 14:41. [PMID: 25427861 PMCID: PMC4248439 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-014-0041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The homeodomain transcription factor orthopedia (Otp) is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of neuronal fates. In vertebrates, Otp is necessary for the proper development of different regions of the brain and is required in the diencephalon to specify several hypothalamic cell types, including the cells that control the stress response. To understand how this widely expressed transcription factor accomplishes hypothalamus-specific functions, we performed a comprehensive screening of otp cis-regulatory regions in zebrafish. Results Here, we report the identification of an evolutionarily conserved vertebrate enhancer module with activity in a restricted area of the forebrain, which includes the region of the hypothalamus that controls the stress response. This region includes neurosecretory cells producing Corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), Oxytocin (Oxt) and Arginine vasopressin (Avp), which are key components of the stress axis. Lastly, expression of the bacterial nitroreductase gene under this specific enhancer allowed pharmacological attenuation of the stress response in zebrafish larvae. Conclusion Vertebrates share many cellular and molecular components of the stress response and our work identified a striking conservation at the cis-regulatory level of a key hypothalamic developmental gene. In addition, this enhancer provides a useful tool to manipulate and visualize stress-regulatory hypothalamic cells in vivo with the long-term goal of understanding the ontogeny of the stress axis in vertebrates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-014-0041-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Arturo Gutierrez-Triana
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Current address: Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Herget
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Patrick Lichtner
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Luis A Castillo-Ramírez
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,The Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Soojin Ryu
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Belle M, Godefroy D, Dominici C, Heitz-Marchaland C, Zelina P, Hellal F, Bradke F, Chédotal A. A simple method for 3D analysis of immunolabeled axonal tracts in a transparent nervous system. Cell Rep 2014; 9:1191-201. [PMID: 25456121 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clearing techniques have been developed to transparentize mouse brains, thereby preserving 3D structure, but their complexity has limited their use. Here, we show that immunolabeling of axonal tracts followed by optical clearing with solvents (3DISCO) and light-sheet microscopy reveals brain connectivity in mouse embryos and postnatal brains. We show that the Robo3 receptor is selectively expressed by medial habenula axons forming the fasciculus retroflexus (FR) and analyzed the development of this commissural tract in mutants of the Slit/Robo and DCC/Netrin pathways. Netrin-1 and DCC are required to attract FR axons to the midline, but the two mutants exhibit specific and heterogeneous axon guidance defects. Moreover, floor-plate-specific deletion of Slit ligands with a conditional Slit2 allele perturbs not only midline crossing by FR axons but also their anteroposterior distribution. In conclusion, this method represents a unique and powerful imaging tool to study axonal connectivity in mutant mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Belle
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - David Godefroy
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Chloé Dominici
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Céline Heitz-Marchaland
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Pavol Zelina
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Farida Hellal
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Axon Growth and Regeneration, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Bradke
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Axon Growth and Regeneration, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; INSERM, UMRS 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR 7210, Paris 75012, France.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hüsken U, Stickney HL, Gestri G, Bianco IH, Faro A, Young RM, Roussigne M, Hawkins TA, Beretta CA, Brinkmann I, Paolini A, Jacinto R, Albadri S, Dreosti E, Tsalavouta M, Schwarz Q, Cavodeassi F, Barth AK, Wen L, Zhang B, Blader P, Yaksi E, Poggi L, Zigman M, Lin S, Wilson SW, Carl M. Tcf7l2 is required for left-right asymmetric differentiation of habenular neurons. Curr Biol 2014; 24:2217-27. [PMID: 25201686 PMCID: PMC4194317 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although left-right asymmetries are common features of nervous systems, their developmental bases are largely unknown. In the zebrafish epithalamus, dorsal habenular neurons adopt medial (dHbm) and lateral (dHbl) subnuclear character at very different frequencies on the left and right sides. The left-sided parapineal promotes the elaboration of dHbl character in the left habenula, albeit by an unknown mechanism. Likewise, the genetic pathways acting within habenular neurons to control their asymmetric differentiated character are unknown. RESULTS In a forward genetic screen for mutations that result in loss of habenular asymmetry, we identified two mutant alleles of tcf7l2, a gene that encodes a transcriptional regulator of Wnt signaling. In tcf7l2 mutants, most neurons on both sides differentiate with dHbl identity. Consequently, the habenulae develop symmetrically, with both sides adopting a pronounced leftward character. Tcf7l2 acts cell automously in nascent equipotential neurons, and on the right side, it promotes dHbm and suppresses dHbl differentiation. On the left, the parapineal prevents this Tcf7l2-dependent process, thereby promoting dHbl differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Tcf7l2 is essential for lateralized fate selection by habenular neurons that can differentiate along two alternative pathways, thereby leading to major neural circuit asymmetries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Hüsken
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heather L Stickney
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gaia Gestri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Isaac H Bianco
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ana Faro
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Rodrigo M Young
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Myriam Roussigne
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Centre de Biologie du Développement (CDB), UPS, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, France; CNRS, CDB UMR 5547, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas A Hawkins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Carlo A Beretta
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Irena Brinkmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alessio Paolini
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Raquel Jacinto
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shahad Albadri
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Dreosti
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Neuroelectronics Research Flanders, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matina Tsalavouta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Quenten Schwarz
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Florencia Cavodeassi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anukampa K Barth
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lu Wen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Patrick Blader
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CDB), UPS, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, France; CNRS, CDB UMR 5547, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Emre Yaksi
- Neuroelectronics Research Flanders, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Poggi
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mihaela Zigman
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Genomics, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shuo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephen W Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Matthias Carl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13-17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
deCarvalho TN, Subedi A, Rock J, Harfe BD, Thisse C, Thisse B, Halpern ME, Hong E. Neurotransmitter map of the asymmetric dorsal habenular nuclei of zebrafish. Genesis 2014; 52:636-55. [PMID: 24753112 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of the habenular nuclei in modulating fear and reward pathways has sparked a renewed interest in this conserved forebrain region. The bilaterally paired habenular nuclei, each consisting of a medial/dorsal and lateral/ventral nucleus, can be further divided into discrete subdomains whose neuronal populations, precise connectivity, and specific functions are not well understood. An added complexity is that the left and right habenulae show pronounced morphological differences in many non-mammalian species. Notably, the dorsal habenulae of larval zebrafish provide a vertebrate genetic model to probe the development and functional significance of brain asymmetry. Previous reports have described a number of genes that are expressed in the zebrafish habenulae, either in bilaterally symmetric patterns or more extensively on one side of the brain than the other. The goal of our study was to generate a comprehensive map of the zebrafish dorsal habenular nuclei, by delineating the relationship between gene expression domains, comparing the extent of left-right asymmetry at larval and adult stages, and identifying potentially functional subnuclear regions as defined by neurotransmitter phenotype. Although many aspects of habenular organization appear conserved with rodents, the zebrafish habenulae also possess unique properties that may underlie lateralization of their functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tagide N deCarvalho
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Gerlai R. Zebrafish as an emerging model for studying complex brain disorders. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:63-75. [PMID: 24412421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in pharmacogenetics and neuropharmacology. Both larval and adult zebrafish are currently used to increase our understanding of brain function, dysfunction, and their genetic and pharmacological modulation. Here we review the developing utility of zebrafish in the analysis of complex brain disorders (including, e.g., depression, autism, psychoses, drug abuse, and cognitive deficits), also covering zebrafish applications towards the goal of modeling major human neuropsychiatric and drug-induced syndromes. We argue that zebrafish models of complex brain disorders and drug-induced conditions are a rapidly emerging critical field in translational neuroscience and pharmacology research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Erpelding N, Sava S, Simons LE, Lebel A, Serrano P, Becerra L, Borsook D. Habenula functional resting-state connectivity in pediatric CRPS. J Neurophysiol 2013; 111:239-47. [PMID: 24155006 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00405.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a small brain structure located in the posterior end of the medial dorsal thalamus and through medial (MHb) and lateral (LHb) Hb connections, it acts as a conduit of information between forebrain and brainstem structures. The role of the Hb in pain processing is well documented in animals and recently also in acute experimental pain in humans. However, its function remains unknown in chronic pain disorders. Here, we investigated Hb resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) compared with healthy controls. Twelve pediatric patients with unilateral lower-extremity CRPS (9 females; 10-17 yr) and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy controls provided informed consent to participate in the study. In healthy controls, Hb functional connections largely overlapped with previously described anatomical connections in cortical, subcortical, and brainstem structures. Compared with controls, patients exhibited an overall Hb rsFC reduction with the rest of the brain and, specifically, with the anterior midcingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor cortex, primary motor cortex, and premotor cortex. Our results suggest that Hb rsFC parallels anatomical Hb connections in the healthy state and that overall Hb rsFC is reduced in patients, particularly connections with forebrain areas. Patients' decreased Hb rsFC to brain regions implicated in motor, affective, cognitive, and pain inhibitory/modulatory processes may contribute to their symptomatology.
Collapse
|
39
|
Saidel WM. Nucleus rostrolateralis: an expansion of the epithalamus in some actinopterygii. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 296:1594-602. [PMID: 23956021 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The diencephalic nucleus rostrolateralis (RL) in the African butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi) is a brain nucleus identified in fewer than a dozen of the ∼25,000 species of actinopterygian fishes. Located in the rostrolateral diencephalon, this nucleus in Pantodon receives direct and indirect visual input from the superior visual field. Its lack of precedent or consistent phylogenetic expression creates a difficulty in interpreting the functional role of this nucleus within the visual system. By tracing experiments, RL was found to be afferent to nucleus interpeduncularis (IP) and the target of cells from the subpallium of the telencephalon. RL is a component of a descending telencephalic pathway involved in at least one behavior at the intersection of limbic and somatic activities--feeding. The parallelism between the ventral telencephalon--RL--IP and the limbic/striatal--habenula--IP pathway (the dorsal diencephalic conduction system, DDCS) suggests that RL is a component within the DDCS. Moreover, the hodological connections of RL suggest that RL is likely a hypertrophy of the lateral habenula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Saidel
- Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nair SG, Strand NS, Neumaier JF. DREADDing the lateral habenula: a review of methodological approaches for studying lateral habenula function. Brain Res 2012; 1511:93-101. [PMID: 23085473 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is part of the habenular complex in the dorsal diencephalon. The LHb is an important regulator of several neurotransmitter systems in the midbrain; disturbances in this regulation may contribute to mood disorders, abnormalities in cognition, drive, and addiction. Owing to the critical role this nucleus plays in modulating activity of midbrain nuclei, there has been a rapid increase in studies targeting the LHb in the recent years. In this review, we describe studies using traditional approaches to elucidate the function of this brain region, such as lesion, electrical and chemical stimulation, electrophysiology and in vivo microdialysis. We have selected a variety of illustrative studies to discuss each of these methods. Next, we describe studies using methods that are based upon recent advances in molecular biology techniques including recent results from our laboratory using the Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug (DREADD) technology. Using a Gi/o-coupled DREADD, we found that inhibition of the LHb reduces depression-like behavior in the forced swim test in a manner that suggests enhanced serotonergic activity. The emerging picture reveals that the LHb is likely to be a critical node in the network of subcortical nuclei that regulate aversive learning, motivation, stress responses, etc. We describe how recently developed methods have advanced the study of the LHb and are leading research of this brain region in promising new directions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Optogenetics (7th BRES).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunila G Nair
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hüsken U, Carl M. The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway establishes neuroanatomical asymmetries and their laterality. Mech Dev 2012; 130:330-5. [PMID: 23022991 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate brain is an immensely complex structure, which exhibits numerous morphological and functional asymmetries. The best described brain asymmetries are found in the diencephalic epithalamus, where the habenulae and the dorso-laterally adjacent pineal complex are lateralized in many species. Research in the past decade has shed light on the establishment of the laterality of these structures as well as their asymmetry per se. In particular work in zebrafish (Danio rerio) has substantially contributed to our understanding, which genetic pathways are involved in these processes. The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has turned out to play a pivotal role in the regulation of brain laterality and asymmetry and acts reiteratively during embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Hüsken
- Department of Cell- and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|