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Kim EJ, Kong MS, Park S, Cho J, Kim JJ. Periaqueductal gray activates antipredatory neural responses in the amygdala of foraging rats. eLife 2024; 12:RP88733. [PMID: 39133827 PMCID: PMC11318971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88733] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Pavlovian fear conditioning research suggests that the interaction between the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) acts as a prediction error mechanism in the formation of associative fear memories. However, their roles in responding to naturalistic predatory threats, characterized by less explicit cues and the absence of reiterative trial-and-error learning events, remain unexplored. In this study, we conducted single-unit recordings in rats during an 'approach food-avoid predator' task, focusing on the responsiveness of dPAG and BLA neurons to a rapidly approaching robot predator. Optogenetic stimulation of the dPAG triggered fleeing behaviors and increased BLA activity in naive rats. Notably, BLA neurons activated by dPAG stimulation displayed immediate responses to the robot, demonstrating heightened synchronous activity compared to BLA neurons that did not respond to dPAG stimulation. Additionally, the use of anterograde and retrograde tracer injections into the dPAG and BLA, respectively, coupled with c-Fos activation in response to predatory threats, indicates that the midline thalamus may play an intermediary role in innate antipredatory-defensive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Mi-Seon Kong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Sanggeon Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Scranton College, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Brain Disease Research Institute, Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeiwon Cho
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Scranton College, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Brain Disease Research Institute, Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeansok John Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Program in Neuroscience, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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2
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Kul E, Okoroafor U, Dougherty A, Palkovic L, Li H, Valiño-Ramos P, Aberman L, Young SM. Development of adenoviral vectors that transduce Purkinje cells and other cerebellar cell-types in the cerebellum of a humanized mouse model. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101243. [PMID: 38605812 PMCID: PMC11007541 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Viral vector gene therapy has immense promise for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Although adeno-associated virus vectors (AAVs) have had success, their small packaging capacity limits their utility to treat the root cause of many CNS disorders. Adenoviral vectors (Ad) have tremendous potential for CNS gene therapy approaches. Currently, the most common vectors utilize the Group C Ad5 serotype capsid proteins, which rely on the Coxsackievirus-Adenovirus receptor (CAR) to infect cells. However, these Ad5 vectors are unable to transduce many neuronal cell types that are dysfunctional in many CNS disorders. The human CD46 (hCD46) receptor is widely expressed throughout the human CNS and is the primary attachment receptor for many Ad serotypes. Therefore, to overcome the current limitations of Ad vectors to treat CNS disorders, we created chimeric first generation Ad vectors that utilize the hCD46 receptor. Using a "humanized" hCD46 mouse model, we demonstrate these Ad vectors transduce cerebellar cell types, including Purkinje cells, that are refractory to Ad5 transduction. Since Ad vector transduction properties are dependent on their capsid proteins, these chimeric first generation Ad vectors open new avenues for high-capacity helper-dependent adenovirus (HdAd) gene therapy approaches for cerebellar disorders and multiple neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Kul
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Uchechi Okoroafor
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Cell Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Amanda Dougherty
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lauren Palkovic
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paula Valiño-Ramos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Leah Aberman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Samuel M. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Cell Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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3
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Xu F, Liu Q. Virus-Based Neural Circuit Tracing. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 41:113-131. [PMID: 39589712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-69188-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Abstract
Neural circuits provide an anatomical basis for functional networks. Therefore, dissecting the structure of neural circuits is an indispensable prerequisite to understanding how the brain functions. Knowing how the neural circuits organize and function under physiological conditions and their progressive alterations under pathophysiological conditions are key to understanding the underlying circuit mechanism of diseases, thus finding cures for the diseases. Recombinant neurotropic viruses are important tools for neural circuit tracing with many advantages over non-viral tracers: they allow for anterograde, retrograde, and trans-synaptic delivery of tracers in a cell-type-specific, circuit-selective manner. We herein summarize the recent developments in the viral tools for neural circuit tracing, discuss the key principles of using viral tools in neuroscience research, and highlight innovations for developing and optimizing viral tools for neural circuit tracing across diverse animal species, including nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Xu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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4
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Kirshenbaum GS, Chang CY, Bompolaki M, Bradford VR, Bell J, Kosmidis S, Shansky RM, Orlandi J, Savage LM, Harris AZ, David Leonardo E, Dranovsky A. Adult-born neurons maintain hippocampal cholinergic inputs and support working memory during aging. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5337-5349. [PMID: 37479778 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is reduced during aging and impaired in disorders of stress, memory, and cognition though its normal function remains unclear. Moreover, a systems level understanding of how a small number of young hippocampal neurons could dramatically influence brain function is lacking. We examined whether adult neurogenesis sustains hippocampal connections cumulatively across the life span. Long-term suppression of neurogenesis as occurs during stress and aging resulted in an accelerated decline in hippocampal acetylcholine signaling and a slow and progressing emergence of profound working memory deficits. These deficits were accompanied by compensatory reorganization of cholinergic dentate gyrus inputs with increased cholinergic innervation to the ventral hippocampus and recruitment of ventrally projecting neurons by the dorsal projection. While increased cholinergic innervation was dysfunctional and corresponded to overall decreases in cholinergic levels and signaling, it could be recruited to correct the resulting memory dysfunction even in old animals. Our study demonstrates that hippocampal neurogenesis supports memory by maintaining the septohippocampal cholinergic circuit across the lifespan. It also provides a systems level explanation for the progressive nature of memory deterioration during normal and pathological aging and indicates that the brain connectome is malleable by experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer S Kirshenbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Maria Bompolaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Victoria R Bradford
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Joseph Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stylianos Kosmidis
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Rebecca M Shansky
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Lisa M Savage
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Alexander Z Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - E David Leonardo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Alex Dranovsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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5
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Dranovsky A, Kirshenbaum G, Chang CY, Bompolaki M, Bradford V, Bell J, Kosmidis S, Shansky R, Orlandi J, Savage L, Leonardo E, Harris A. Adult-born neurons maintain hippocampal cholinergic inputs and support working memory during aging. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-1851645. [PMID: 36778445 PMCID: PMC9915786 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1851645/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is reduced during aging and impaired in disorders of stress, memory, and cognition though its normal function remains unclear. Moreover, a systems level understanding of how a small number of young hippocampal neurons could dramatically influence brain function is lacking. We examined whether adult neurogenesis sustains hippocampal connections cumulatively across the life span. Long-term suppression of neurogenesis as occurs during stress and aging resulted in an accelerated decline in hippocampal acetylcholine signaling and a slow and progressing emergence of profound working memory deficits. These deficits were accompanied by compensatory reorganization of cholinergic dentate gyrus inputs with increased cholinergic innervation to the ventral hippocampus and recruitment of ventrally projecting neurons by the dorsal projection. While increased cholinergic innervation was dysfunctional and corresponded to overall decreases in cholinergic levels and signaling, it could be recruited to correct the resulting memory dysfunction even in old animals. Our study demonstrates that hippocampal neurogenesis supports memory by maintaining the septohippocampal cholinergic circuit across the lifespan. It also provides a systems level explanation for the progressive nature of memory deterioration during normal and pathological aging and indicates that the brain connectome is malleable by experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dranovsky
- Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Bell
- Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | | | | | - Javier Orlandi
- Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute
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6
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Thakre PP, Rana S, Benevides ES, Fuller DD. Targeting drug or gene delivery to the phrenic motoneuron pool. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:144-158. [PMID: 36416447 PMCID: PMC9829468 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00432.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Phrenic motoneurons (PhrMNs) innervate diaphragm myofibers. Located in the ventral gray matter (lamina IX), PhrMNs form a column extending from approximately the third to sixth cervical spinal segment. Phrenic motor output and diaphragm activation are impaired in many neuromuscular diseases, and targeted delivery of drugs and/or genetic material to PhrMNs may have therapeutic application. Studies of phrenic motor control and/or neuroplasticity mechanisms also typically require targeting of PhrMNs with drugs, viral vectors, or tracers. The location of the phrenic motoneuron pool, however, poses a challenge. Selective PhrMN targeting is possible with molecules that move retrogradely upon uptake into phrenic axons subsequent to diaphragm or phrenic nerve delivery. However, nonspecific approaches that use intrathecal or intravenous delivery have considerably advanced the understanding of PhrMN control. New opportunities for targeted PhrMN gene expression may be possible with intersectional genetic methods. This article provides an overview of methods for targeting the phrenic motoneuron pool for studies of PhrMNs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal P Thakre
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sabhya Rana
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ethan S Benevides
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Gainesville, Florida
| | - David D Fuller
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Gainesville, Florida
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7
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Liu Q, Wu Y, Wang H, Jia F, Xu F. Viral Tools for Neural Circuit Tracing. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1508-1518. [PMID: 36136267 PMCID: PMC9723069 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00949-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits provide an anatomical basis for functional networks. Therefore, dissecting the structure of neural circuits is essential to understanding how the brain works. Recombinant neurotropic viruses are important tools for neural circuit tracing with many advantages over non-viral tracers: they allow for anterograde, retrograde, and trans-synaptic delivery of tracers in a cell type-specific, circuit-selective manner. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the viral tools for neural circuit tracing, discuss the key principles of using viral tools in neuroscience research, and highlight innovations for developing and optimizing viral tools for neural circuit tracing across diverse animal species, including nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huadong Wang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fan Jia
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan Center for Magnetic Resonance, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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8
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Feasibility of Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV2) Based Vector for the Locus Coeruleus Optogenetic Activation in Non-Transgenic Rats: Implications for Functional Studies. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070904. [PMID: 35884711 PMCID: PMC9319986 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system modulates many visceral and cognitive functions, while LC-NE dysfunction leads to neurological and neurodegenerative conditions such as sleep disorders, depression, ADHD, or Alzheimer's disease. Innovative viral-vector and gene-engineering technology combined with the availability of cell-specific promoters enabled regional targeting and selective control over phenotypically specific populations of neurons. We transduced the LC-NE neurons in adult male rats by delivering the canine adenovirus type 2-based vector carrying the NE-specific promoter PRSx8 and a light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 receptor (ChR2) directly in the LC or retrogradely from the LC targets. The highest ChR2 expression level was achieved when the virus was delivered medially to the trigeminal pathway and ~100 μm lateral to the LC. The injections close or directly in the LC compromised the tissue integrity and NE cell phenotype. Retrograde labeling was more optimal given the transduction of projection-selective subpopulations. Our results highlight a limited inference of ChR2 expression from representative cases to the entire population of targeted cells. The actual fraction of manipulated neurons appears most essential for an adequate interpretation of the study outcome. The actual fraction of manipulated neurons appears most essential for an adequate interpretation of the study outcome. Thus, besides the cell-type specificity and the transduction efficiency, the between-subject variability in the proportion of the remaining viral-transduced targeted cell population must be considered in any functional connectivity study.
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Swanson JL, Chin PS, Romero JM, Srivastava S, Ortiz-Guzman J, Hunt PJ, Arenkiel BR. Advancements in the Quest to Map, Monitor, and Manipulate Neural Circuitry. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:886302. [PMID: 35719420 PMCID: PMC9204427 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.886302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits and the cells that comprise them represent the functional units of the brain. Circuits relay and process sensory information, maintain homeostasis, drive behaviors, and facilitate cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Creating a functionally-precise map of the mammalian brain requires anatomically tracing neural circuits, monitoring their activity patterns, and manipulating their activity to infer function. Advancements in cell-type-specific genetic tools allow interrogation of neural circuits with increased precision. This review provides a broad overview of recombination-based and activity-driven genetic targeting approaches, contemporary viral tracing strategies, electrophysiological recording methods, newly developed calcium, and voltage indicators, and neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosensors currently being used to investigate circuit architecture and function. Finally, it discusses methods for acute or chronic manipulation of neural activity, including genetically-targeted cellular ablation, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and over-expression of ion channels. With this ever-evolving genetic toolbox, scientists are continuing to probe neural circuits with increasing resolution, elucidating the structure and function of the incredibly complex mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Swanson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pey-Shyuan Chin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Juan M. Romero
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patrick J. Hunt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Benjamin R. Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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10
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Functional interrogation of neural circuits with virally transmitted optogenetic tools. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 345:108905. [PMID: 32795553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate brain comprises a plethora of cell types connected by intertwined pathways. Optogenetics enriches the neuroscientific tool set for disentangling these neuronal circuits in a manner which exceeds the spatio-temporal precision of previously existing techniques. Technically, optogenetics can be divided in three types of optical and genetic combinations: (1) it is primarily understood as the manipulation of the activity of genetically modified cells (typically neurons) with light, i.e. optical actuators. (2) A second combination refers to visualizing the activity of genetically modified cells (again typically neurons), i.e. optical sensors. (3) A completely different interpretation of optogenetics refers to the light activated expression of a genetically induced construct. Here, we focus on the first two types of optogenetics, i.e. the optical actuators and sensors in an attempt to give an overview into the topic. We first cover methods to express opsins into neurons and introduce strategies of targeting specific neuronal populations in different animal species. We then summarize combinations of optogenetics with behavioral read out and neuronal imaging. Finally, we give an overview of the current state-of-the-art and an outlook on future perspectives.
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