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El Hajj R, Al Sagheer T, Ballout N. Optogenetics in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, controlling the brain with light: A systematic review. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25321. [PMID: 38588013 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojine El Hajj
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tareq Al Sagheer
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nissrine Ballout
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Lin S, Du Y, Xia Y, Xie Y, Xiao L, Wang G. Advances in optogenetic studies of depressive-like behaviors and underlying neural circuit mechanisms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:950910. [PMID: 36159933 PMCID: PMC9492959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.950910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The neural circuit mechanisms underlying depression remain unclear. Recently optogenetics has gradually gained recognition as a novel technique to regulate the activity of neurons with light stimulation. Scientists are now transferring their focus to the function of brain regions and neural circuits in the pathogenic progress of depression. Deciphering the circuitry mechanism of depressive-like behaviors may help us better understand the symptomatology of depression. However, few studies have summarized current progress on optogenetic researches into the neural circuit mechanisms of depressive-like behaviors. AIMS This review aimed to introduce fundamental characteristics and methodologies of optogenetics, as well as how this technique achieves specific neuronal control with spatial and temporal accuracy. We mainly summarized recent progress in neural circuit discoveries in depressive-like behaviors using optogenetics and exhibited the potential of optogenetics as a tool to investigate the mechanism and possible optimization underlying antidepressant treatment such as ketamine and deep brain stimulation. METHODS A systematic review of the literature published in English mainly from 2010 to the present in databases was performed. The selected literature is then categorized and summarized according to their neural circuits and depressive-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Many important discoveries have been made utilizing optogenetics. These findings support optogenetics as a powerful and potential tool for studying depression. And our comprehension to the etiology of depression and other psychiatric disorders will also be more thorough with this rapidly developing technique in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumeng Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaohua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Huang CS, Wang GH, Chuang HH, Chuang AY, Yeh JY, Lai YC, Yang YC. Conveyance of cortical pacing for parkinsonian tremor-like hyperkinetic behavior by subthalamic dysrhythmia. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109007. [PMID: 33882305 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic symptoms. While increased subthalamic burst discharges have a direct causal relationship with the hypokinetic manifestations (e.g., rigidity and bradykinesia), the origin of the hyperkinetic symptoms (e.g., resting tremor and propulsive gait) has remained obscure. Neuronal burst discharges are presumed to be autonomous or less responsive to synaptic input, thereby interrupting the information flow. We, however, demonstrate that subthalamic burst discharges are dependent on cortical glutamatergic synaptic input, which is enhanced by A-type K+ channel inhibition. Excessive top-down-triggered subthalamic burst discharges then drive highly correlative activities bottom-up in the motor cortices and skeletal muscles. This leads to hyperkinetic behaviors such as tremors, which are effectively ameliorated by inhibition of cortico-subthalamic AMPAergic synaptic transmission. We conclude that subthalamic burst discharges play an imperative role in cortico-subcortical information relay, and they critically contribute to the pathogenesis of both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic parkinsonian symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Syuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Hsun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Medical Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Hao Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Yu Chuang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yu Yeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Lai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chin Yang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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Vachez YM, Creed MC. Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Modulates Reward-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:578564. [PMID: 33328933 PMCID: PMC7714911 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.578564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of movement disorders including Parkinson's Disease (PD). Despite its therapeutic benefits, STN-DBS has been associated with adverse effects on mood and cognition. Specifically, apathy, which is defined as a loss of motivation, has been reported to emerge or to worsen following STN-DBS. However, it is often challenging to disentangle the effects of STN-DBS per se from concurrent reduction of dopamine replacement therapy, from underlying PD pathology or from disease progression. To this end, pre-clinical models allow for the dissociation of each of these factors, and to establish neural substrates underlying the emergence of motivational symptoms following STN-DBS. Here, we performed a systematic analysis of rodent studies assessing the effects of STN-DBS on reward seeking, reward motivation and reward consumption across a variety of behavioral paradigms. We find that STN-DBS decreases reward seeking in the majority of experiments, and we outline how design of the behavioral task and DBS parameters can influence experimental outcomes. While an early hypothesis posited that DBS acts as a "functional lesion," an analysis of lesions and inhibition of the STN revealed no consistent pattern on reward-related behavior. Thus, we discuss alternative mechanisms that could contribute to the amotivational effects of STN-DBS. We also argue that optogenetic-assisted circuit dissection could yield important insight into the effects of the STN on motivated behavior in health and disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of STN-DBS on motivated behavior-will be critical for optimizing the clinical application of STN-DBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan M Vachez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Meaghan C Creed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Reimann HM, Niendorf T. The (Un)Conscious Mouse as a Model for Human Brain Functions: Key Principles of Anesthesia and Their Impact on Translational Neuroimaging. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:8. [PMID: 32508601 PMCID: PMC7248373 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, technical and procedural advances have brought functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to the field of murine neuroscience. Due to its unique capacity to measure functional activity non-invasively, across the entire brain, fMRI allows for the direct comparison of large-scale murine and human brain functions. This opens an avenue for bidirectional translational strategies to address fundamental questions ranging from neurological disorders to the nature of consciousness. The key challenges of murine fMRI are: (1) to generate and maintain functional brain states that approximate those of calm and relaxed human volunteers, while (2) preserving neurovascular coupling and physiological baseline conditions. Low-dose anesthetic protocols are commonly applied in murine functional brain studies to prevent stress and facilitate a calm and relaxed condition among animals. Yet, current mono-anesthesia has been shown to impair neural transmission and hemodynamic integrity. By linking the current state of murine electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging and fMRI of anesthetic effects to findings from human studies, this systematic review proposes general principles to design, apply and monitor anesthetic protocols in a more sophisticated way. The further development of balanced multimodal anesthesia, combining two or more drugs with complementary modes of action helps to shape and maintain specific brain states and relevant aspects of murine physiology. Functional connectivity and its dynamic repertoire as assessed by fMRI can be used to make inferences about cortical states and provide additional information about whole-brain functional dynamics. Based on this, a simple and comprehensive functional neurosignature pattern can be determined for use in defining brain states and anesthetic depth in rest and in response to stimuli. Such a signature can be evaluated and shared between labs to indicate the brain state of a mouse during experiments, an important step toward translating findings across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning M. Reimann
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Thoralf Niendorf
- Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HZ), Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation Between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Gittis AH, Yttri EA. Translating Insights From Optogenetics To Therapies For Parkinson's Disease. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 8:14-19. [PMID: 31903441 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease and dystonia are caused by neurological dysfunction, typically resulting from the loss of a neuronal input within a circuit. Neuromodulation, specifically deep brain stimulation (DBS), has proven to be a critical development in the treatment of movement disorders. Continuing efforts aim to improve DBS techniques, both in how they exert their effects and in the efficacy of the mechanism involved in eliciting those effects. While optogenetic stimulation is currently infeasible in human patients, opto-DBS research provides an indispensible avenue to understand the mechanisms of DBS therapeutic and adverse effects. We review the benefits of cell-type specific manipulations in understanding the root cause of movement disorders and how DBS might optimally combat those causes. We also explore new circuit-inspired applications of DBS suggested by thorough, high-throughput optogenetic techniques. Maximizing the efficacy and outcome of DBS requires a multi-tiered approach; research employing optogenetics provides the specificity and feasibility to uncover the mechanisms that will help realize these gains in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryn H Gittis
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eric A Yttri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Bhattacharya S, Ma Y, Dunn AR, Bradner JM, Scimemi A, Miller GW, Traynelis SF, Wichmann T. NMDA receptor blockade ameliorates abnormalities of spike firing of subthalamic nucleus neurons in a parkinsonian nonhuman primate. J Neurosci Res 2018; 96:1324-1335. [PMID: 29577359 PMCID: PMC5980712 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ion channels comprising tetrameric assemblies of GluN1 and GluN2 receptor subunits that mediate excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Of the four different GluN2 subunits, the GluN2D subunit-containing NMDARs have been suggested as a target for antiparkinsonian therapy because of their expression pattern in some of the basal ganglia nuclei that show abnormal firing patterns in the parkinsonian state, specifically the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In this study, we demonstrate that blockade of NMDARs altered spike firing in the STN in a male nonhuman primate that had been rendered parkinsonian by treatment with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. In accompanying experiments in male rodents, we found that GluN2D-NMDAR expression in the STN was reduced in acutely or chronically dopamine-depleted animals. Taken together, our data suggest that blockade of NMDARs in the STN may be a viable antiparkinsonian strategy, but that the ultimate success of this approach may be complicated by parkinsonism-associated changes in NMDAR expression in the STN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuxian Ma
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy R Dunn
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joshua M Bradner
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Annalisa Scimemi
- Department of Biology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Gary W Miller
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Thomas Wichmann
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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