1
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Csemer A, Kovács A, Maamrah B, Pocsai K, Korpás K, Klekner Á, Szücs P, Nánási PP, Pál B. Astrocyte- and NMDA receptor-dependent slow inward currents differently contribute to synaptic plasticity in an age-dependent manner in mouse and human neocortex. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13939. [PMID: 37489544 PMCID: PMC10497838 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13939] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Slow inward currents (SICs) are known as excitatory events of neurons elicited by astrocytic glutamate via activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. By using slice electrophysiology, we tried to provide evidence that SICs can elicit synaptic plasticity. Age dependence of SICs and their impact on synaptic plasticity was also investigated in both on murine and human cortical slices. It was found that SICs can induce a moderate synaptic plasticity, with features similar to spike timing-dependent plasticity. Overall SIC activity showed a clear decline with aging in humans and completely disappeared above a cutoff age. In conclusion, while SICs contribute to a form of astrocyte-dependent synaptic plasticity both in mice and humans, this plasticity is differentially affected by aging. Thus, SICs are likely to play an important role in age-dependent physiological and pathological alterations of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Csemer
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Adrienn Kovács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Baneen Maamrah
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Krisztina Pocsai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Kristóf Korpás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Álmos Klekner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical CentreUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Péter Szücs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Péter P. Nánási
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Department of Dental Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
| | - Balázs Pál
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular MedicineUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
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2
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Driessens SLW, Galakhova AA, Heyer DB, Pieterse IJ, Wilbers R, Mertens EJ, Waleboer F, Heistek TS, Coenen L, Meijer JR, Idema S, de Witt Hamer PC, Noske DP, de Kock CPJ, Lee BR, Smith K, Ting JT, Lein ES, Mansvelder HD, Goriounova NA. Genes associated with cognitive ability and HAR show overlapping expression patterns in human cortical neuron types. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4188. [PMID: 37443107 PMCID: PMC10345092 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39946-9] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
GWAS have identified numerous genes associated with human cognition but their cell type expression profiles in the human brain are unknown. These genes overlap with human accelerated regions (HARs) implicated in human brain evolution and might act on the same biological processes. Here, we investigated whether these gene sets are expressed in adult human cortical neurons, and how their expression relates to neuronal function and structure. We find that these gene sets are preferentially expressed in L3 pyramidal neurons in middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Furthermore, neurons with higher expression had larger total dendritic length (TDL) and faster action potential (AP) kinetics, properties previously linked to intelligence. We identify a subset of genes associated with TDL or AP kinetics with predominantly synaptic functions and high abundance of HARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stan L W Driessens
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Anna A Galakhova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Djai B Heyer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Isabel J Pieterse
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - René Wilbers
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Eline J Mertens
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Femke Waleboer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Tim S Heistek
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Loet Coenen
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Julia R Meijer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Idema
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip C de Witt Hamer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David P Noske
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christiaan P J de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Brian R Lee
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 615 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Kimberly Smith
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 615 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jonathan T Ting
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 615 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 615 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Natalia A Goriounova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
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3
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Lube AJ, Ma X, Carlson BA. Spike timing-dependent plasticity alters electrosensory neuron synaptic strength in vitro but does not consistently predict changes in sensory tuning in vivo. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:1127-1144. [PMID: 37073981 PMCID: PMC10151048 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00498.2022] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
How do sensory systems optimize detection of behaviorally relevant stimuli when the sensory environment is constantly changing? We addressed the role of spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) in driving changes in synaptic strength in a sensory pathway and whether those changes in synaptic strength could alter sensory tuning. It is challenging to precisely control temporal patterns of synaptic activity in vivo and replicate those patterns in vitro in behaviorally relevant ways. This makes it difficult to make connections between STDP-induced changes in synaptic physiology and plasticity in sensory systems. Using the mormyrid species Brevimyrus niger and Brienomyrus brachyistius, which produce electric organ discharges for electrolocation and communication, we can precisely control the timing of synaptic input in vivo and replicate these same temporal patterns of synaptic input in vitro. In central electrosensory neurons in the electric communication pathway, using whole cell intracellular recordings in vitro, we paired presynaptic input with postsynaptic spiking at different delays. Using whole cell intracellular recordings in awake, behaving fish, we paired sensory stimulation with postsynaptic spiking using the same delays. We found that Hebbian STDP predictably alters sensory tuning in vitro and is mediated by NMDA receptors. However, the change in synaptic responses induced by sensory stimulation in vivo did not adhere to the direction predicted by the STDP observed in vitro. Further analysis suggests that this difference is influenced by polysynaptic activity, including inhibitory interneurons. Our findings suggest that STDP rules operating at identified synapses may not drive predictable changes in sensory responses at the circuit level.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We replicated behaviorally relevant temporal patterns of synaptic activity in vitro and used the same patterns during sensory stimulation in vivo. There was a Hebbian spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) pattern in vitro, but sensory responses in vivo did not shift according to STDP predictions. Analysis suggests that this disparity is influenced by differences in polysynaptic activity, including inhibitory interneurons. These results suggest that STDP rules at synapses in vitro do not necessarily apply to circuits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalee J Lube
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Bruce A Carlson
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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4
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Wang D, Parish G, Shapiro KL, Hanslmayr S. Interaction between Theta Phase and Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity Simulates Theta-Induced Memory Effects. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0333-22.2023. [PMID: 36810147 PMCID: PMC10012328 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0333-22.2023] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent studies suggest that spike timing relative to hippocampal theta activity determines whether potentiation or depression of synapses arise. Such changes also depend on spike timing between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, known as spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). STDP, together with theta phase-dependent learning, has inspired several computational models of learning and memory. However, evidence to elucidate how these mechanisms directly link to human episodic memory is lacking. In a computational model, we modulate long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of STDP, by opposing phases of a simulated theta rhythm. We fit parameters to a hippocampal cell culture study in which LTP and LTD were observed to occur in opposing phases of a theta rhythm. Further, we modulated two inputs by cosine waves with 0° and asynchronous phase offsets and replicate key findings in human episodic memory. Learning advantage was found for the in-phase condition, compared with the out-of-phase conditions, and was specific to theta-modulated inputs. Importantly, simulations with and without each mechanism suggest that both STDP and theta phase-dependent plasticity are necessary to replicate the findings. Together, the results indicate a role for circuit-level mechanisms, which bridge the gap between slice preparation studies and human memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danying Wang
- School for Psychology and Neuroscience and Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - George Parish
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kimron L Shapiro
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Hanslmayr
- School for Psychology and Neuroscience and Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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5
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Yeo XY, Lim YT, Chae WR, Park C, Park H, Jung S. Alterations of presynaptic proteins in autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1062878. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1062878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded use of hypothesis-free gene analysis methods in autism research has significantly increased the number of genetic risk factors associated with the pathogenesis of autism. A further examination of the implicated genes directly revealed the involvement in processes pertinent to neuronal differentiation, development, and function, with a predominant contribution from the regulators of synaptic function. Despite the importance of presynaptic function in synaptic transmission, the regulation of neuronal network activity, and the final behavioral output, there is a relative lack of understanding of the presynaptic contribution to the pathology of autism. Here, we will review the close association among autism-related mutations, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) phenotypes, and the altered presynaptic protein functions through a systematic examination of the presynaptic risk genes relating to the critical stages of synaptogenesis and neurotransmission.
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6
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Schmidt ERE, Polleux F. Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Evolution of Connectivity in the Human Cortex. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:787164. [PMID: 35069126 PMCID: PMC8777274 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.787164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most salient features defining modern humans is our remarkable cognitive capacity, which is unrivaled by any other species. Although we still lack a complete understanding of how the human brain gives rise to these unique abilities, the past several decades have witnessed significant progress in uncovering some of the genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms shaping the development and function of the human brain. These features include an expansion of brain size and in particular cortical expansion, distinct physiological properties of human neurons, and modified synaptic development. Together they specify the human brain as a large primate brain with a unique underlying neuronal circuit architecture. Here, we review some of the known human-specific features of neuronal connectivity, and we outline how novel insights into the human genome led to the identification of human-specific genetic modifiers that played a role in the evolution of human brain development and function. Novel experimental paradigms are starting to provide a framework for understanding how the emergence of these human-specific genomic innovations shaped the structure and function of neuronal circuits in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewoud R. E. Schmidt
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Ewoud R. E. Schmidt
| | - Franck Polleux
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Franck Polleux
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7
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Louth EL, Jørgensen RL, Korshoej AR, Sørensen JCH, Capogna M. Dopaminergic Neuromodulation of Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity in Mature Adult Rodent and Human Cortical Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:668980. [PMID: 33967700 PMCID: PMC8102156 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.668980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses in the cerebral cortex constantly change and this dynamic property regulated by the action of neuromodulators such as dopamine (DA), is essential for reward learning and memory. DA modulates spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a cellular model of learning and memory, in juvenile rodent cortical neurons. However, it is unknown whether this neuromodulation also occurs at excitatory synapses of cortical neurons in mature adult mice or in humans. Cortical layer V pyramidal neurons were recorded with whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and an extracellular stimulating electrode was used to induce STDP. DA was either bath-applied or optogenetically released in slices from mice. Classical STDP induction protocols triggered non-hebbian excitatory synaptic depression in the mouse or no plasticity at human cortical synapses. DA reverted long term synaptic depression to baseline in mouse via dopamine 2 type receptors or elicited long term synaptic potentiation in human cortical synapses. Furthermore, when DA was applied during an STDP protocol it depressed presynaptic inhibition in the mouse but not in the human cortex. Thus, DA modulates excitatory synaptic plasticity differently in human vs. mouse cortex. The data strengthens the importance of DA in gating cognition in humans, and may inform on therapeutic interventions to recover brain function from diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Louise Louth
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Marco Capogna
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,DANDRITE, The Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center for Proteins in Memory-PROMEMO, Danish National Research Foundation, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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8
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Astrocyte-mediated switch in spike timing-dependent plasticity during hippocampal development. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4388. [PMID: 32873805 PMCID: PMC7463247 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic spike timing-dependent long-term depression (t-LTD) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses is evident until the 3rd postnatal week in mice, disappearing during the 4th week. At more mature stages, we found that the protocol that induced t-LTD induced t-LTP. We characterized this form of t-LTP and the mechanisms involved in its induction, as well as that driving this switch from t-LTD to t-LTP. We found that this t-LTP is expressed presynaptically at CA3-CA1 synapses, as witnessed by coefficient of variation, number of failures, paired-pulse ratio and miniature responses analysis. Additionally, this form of presynaptic t-LTP does not require NMDARs but the activation of mGluRs and the entry of Ca2+ into the postsynaptic neuron through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Nitric oxide is also required as a messenger from the postsynaptic neuron. Crucially, the release of adenosine and glutamate by astrocytes is required for t-LTP induction and for the switch from t-LTD to t-LTP. Thus, we have discovered a developmental switch of synaptic transmission from t-LTD to t-LTP at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses in which astrocytes play a central role and revealed a form of presynaptic LTP and the rules for its induction. Presynaptic spike timing-dependent long-term depression at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses is evident until the third postnatal week in mice. The authors show that maturation beyond four weeks is associated with a switch to long-term potentiation in which astrocytes play a central role.
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9
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Qi G, Yang D, Ding C, Feldmeyer D. Unveiling the Synaptic Function and Structure Using Paired Recordings From Synaptically Coupled Neurons. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:5. [PMID: 32116641 PMCID: PMC7026682 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission between neurons is the basic mechanism for information processing in cortical microcircuits. To date, paired recording from synaptically coupled neurons is the most widely used method which allows a detailed functional characterization of unitary synaptic transmission at the cellular and synaptic level in combination with a structural characterization of both pre- and postsynaptic neurons at the light and electron microscopic level. In this review, we will summarize the many applications of paired recordings to investigate synaptic function and structure. Paired recordings have been used to study the detailed electrophysiological and anatomical properties of synaptically coupled cell pairs within a synaptic microcircuit; this is critical in order to understand the connectivity rules and dynamic properties of synaptic transmission. Paired recordings can also be adopted for quantal analysis of an identified synaptic connection and to study the regulation of synaptic transmission by neuromodulators such as acetylcholine, the monoamines, neuropeptides, and adenosine etc. Taken together, paired recordings from synaptically coupled neurons will remain a very useful approach for a detailed characterization of synaptic transmission not only in the rodent brain but also that of other species including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiao Qi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-10, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Danqing Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-10, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Chao Ding
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-10, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dirk Feldmeyer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-10, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance, Translational Brain Medicine (JARA Brain), Aachen, Germany
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10
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Mostajo-Radji MA, Schmitz MT, Montoya ST, Pollen AA. Reverse engineering human brain evolution using organoid models. Brain Res 2020; 1729:146582. [PMID: 31809699 PMCID: PMC7058376 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primate brains vary dramatically in size and organization, but the genetic and developmental basis for these differences has been difficult to study due to lack of experimental models. Pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids provide a potential opportunity for comparative and functional studies of evolutionary differences, particularly during the early stages of neurogenesis. However, many challenges remain, including isolating stem cell lines from additional great ape individuals and species to capture the breadth of ape genetic diversity, improving the reproducibility of organoid models to study evolved differences in cell composition and combining multiple brain regions to capture connectivity relationships. Here, we describe strategies for identifying evolved developmental differences between humans and non-human primates and for isolating the underlying cellular and genetic mechanisms using comparative analyses, chimeric organoid culture, and genome engineering. In particular, we focus on how organoid models could ultimately be applied beyond studies of progenitor cell evolution to decode the origin of recent changes in cellular organization, connectivity patterns, myelination, synaptic development, and physiology that have been implicated in human cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mostajo-Radji
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew T Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sebastian Torres Montoya
- Health Co-creation Laboratory, Medellin General Hospital, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia; Baskin School of Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Alex A Pollen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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11
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Lee K, Park TIH, Heppner P, Schweder P, Mee EW, Dragunow M, Montgomery JM. Human in vitro systems for examining synaptic function and plasticity in the brain. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:945-965. [PMID: 31995449 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00411.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain shows remarkable complexity in its cellular makeup and function, which are distinct from nonhuman species, signifying the need for human-based research platforms for the study of human cellular neurophysiology and neuropathology. However, the use of adult human brain tissue for research purposes is hampered by technical, methodological, and accessibility challenges. One of the major problems is the limited number of in vitro systems that, in contrast, are readily available from rodent brain tissue. With recent advances in the optimization of protocols for adult human brain preparations, there is a significant opportunity for neuroscientists to validate their findings in human-based systems. This review addresses the methodological aspects, advantages, and disadvantages of human neuron in vitro systems, focusing on the unique properties of human neurons and synapses in neocortical microcircuits. These in vitro models provide the incomparable advantage of being a direct representation of the neurons that have formed part of the human brain until the point of recording, which cannot be replicated by animal models nor human stem-cell systems. Important distinct cellular mechanisms are observed in human neurons that may underlie the higher order cognitive abilities of the human brain. The use of human brain tissue in neuroscience research also raises important ethical, diversity, and control tissue limitations that need to be considered. Undoubtedly however, these human neuron systems provide critical information to increase the potential of translation of treatments from the laboratory to the clinic in a way animal models are failing to provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I-H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Heppner
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Patrick Schweder
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Edward W Mee
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Szegedi V, Paizs M, Baka J, Barzó P, Molnár G, Tamas G, Lamsa K. Robust perisomatic GABAergic self-innervation inhibits basket cells in the human and mouse supragranular neocortex. eLife 2020; 9:51691. [PMID: 31916939 PMCID: PMC6984819 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory autapses are self-innervating synaptic connections in GABAergic interneurons in the brain. Autapses in neocortical layers have not been systematically investigated, and their function in different mammalian species and specific interneuron types is poorly known. We investigated GABAergic parvalbumin-expressing basket cells (pvBCs) in layer 2/3 (L2/3) in human neocortical tissue resected in deep-brain surgery, and in mice as control. Most pvBCs showed robust GABAAR-mediated self-innervation in both species, but autapses were rare in nonfast-spiking GABAergic interneurons. Light- and electron microscopy analyses revealed pvBC axons innervating their own soma and proximal dendrites. GABAergic self-inhibition conductance was similar in human and mouse pvBCs and comparable to that of synapses from pvBCs to other L2/3 neurons. Autaptic conductance prolonged somatic inhibition in pvBCs after a spike and inhibited repetitive firing. Perisomatic autaptic inhibition is common in both human and mouse pvBCs of supragranular neocortex, where they efficiently control discharge of the pvBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Szegedi
- MTA-NAP Research Group for Inhibitory Interneurons and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Melinda Paizs
- MTA-NAP Research Group for Inhibitory Interneurons and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judith Baka
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Pál Barzó
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Molnár
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor Tamas
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Karri Lamsa
- MTA-NAP Research Group for Inhibitory Interneurons and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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13
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Gidon A, Zolnik TA, Fidzinski P, Bolduan F, Papoutsi A, Poirazi P, Holtkamp M, Vida I, Larkum ME. Dendritic action potentials and computation in human layer 2/3 cortical neurons. Science 2020; 367:83-87. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aax6239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The active electrical properties of dendrites shape neuronal input and output and are fundamental to brain function. However, our knowledge of active dendrites has been almost entirely acquired from studies of rodents. In this work, we investigated the dendrites of layer 2 and 3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons of the human cerebral cortex ex vivo. In these neurons, we discovered a class of calcium-mediated dendritic action potentials (dCaAPs) whose waveform and effects on neuronal output have not been previously described. In contrast to typical all-or-none action potentials, dCaAPs were graded; their amplitudes were maximal for threshold-level stimuli but dampened for stronger stimuli. These dCaAPs enabled the dendrites of individual human neocortical pyramidal neurons to classify linearly nonseparable inputs—a computation conventionally thought to require multilayered networks.
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14
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Prodromidou K, Matsas R. Species-Specific miRNAs in Human Brain Development and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:559. [PMID: 31920559 PMCID: PMC6930153 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the unique features of human brain development and function can be critical towards the elucidation of intricate processes such as higher cognitive functions and human-specific pathologies like neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders. The developing primate and human central nervous system (CNS) are distinguished by expanded progenitor zones and a protracted time course of neurogenesis, leading to the expansion in brain size, prominent gyral anatomy, distinctive synaptic properties, and complex neural circuits. Comparative genomic studies have revealed that adaptations of brain capacities may be partly explained by human-specific genetic changes that impact the function of proteins associated with neocortical expansion, synaptic function, and language development. However, the formation of complex gene networks may be most relevant for brain evolution. Indeed, recent studies identified distinct human-specific gene expression patterns across developmental time occurring in brain regions linked to cognition. Interestingly, such modules show species-specific divergence and are enriched in genes associated with neuronal development and synapse formation whilst also being implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases. microRNAs represent a powerful component of gene-regulatory networks by promoting spatiotemporal post-transcriptional control of gene expression in the human and primate brain. It has also been suggested that the divergence in miRNA expression plays an important role in shaping gene expression divergence among species. Primate-specific and human-specific miRNAs are principally involved in progenitor proliferation and neurogenic processes but also associate with human cognition, and neurological disorders. Human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids, permitting experimental access to neural cells and differentiation stages that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach in humans, are an essential means for studying species-specific brain miRNAs. Single-cell sequencing approaches can further decode refined miRNA-mRNA interactions during developmental transitions. Elucidating species-specific miRNA regulation will shed new light into the mechanisms that control spatiotemporal events during human brain development and disease, an important step towards fostering novel, holistic and effective therapeutic approaches for neural disorders. In this review, we discuss species-specific regulation of miRNA function, its contribution to the evolving features of the human brain and in neurological disease, with respect also to future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanella Prodromidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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15
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Kraus L, Hetsch F, Schneider UC, Radbruch H, Holtkamp M, Meier JC, Fidzinski P. Dimethylethanolamine Decreases Epileptiform Activity in Acute Human Hippocampal Slices in vitro. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:209. [PMID: 31551707 PMCID: PMC6743366 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of focal epilepsy with about 30% of patients developing pharmacoresistance. These patients continue to suffer from seizures despite polytherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and have an increased risk for premature death, thus requiring further efforts for the development of new antiepileptic therapies. The molecule dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) has been tested as a potential treatment in various neurological diseases, albeit the functional mechanism of action was never fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of DMEA on neuronal activity in single-cell recordings of primary neuronal cultures. DMEA decreased the frequency of spontaneous synaptic events in a concentration-dependent manner with no apparent effect on resting membrane potential (RMP) or action potential (AP) threshold. We further tested whether DMEA can exert antiepileptic effects in human brain tissue ex vivo. We analyzed the effect of DMEA on epileptiform activity in the CA1 region of the resected hippocampus of TLE patients in vitro by recording extracellular field potentials in the pyramidal cell layer. Epileptiform burst activity in resected hippocampal tissue from TLE patients remained stable over several hours and was pharmacologically suppressed by lacosamide, demonstrating the applicability of our platform to test antiepileptic efficacy. Similar to lacosamide, DMEA also suppressed epileptiform activity in the majority of samples, albeit with variable interindividual effects. In conclusion, DMEA might present a new approach for treatment in pharmacoresistant TLE and further studies will be required to identify its exact mechanism of action and the involved molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Kraus
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Florian Hetsch
- Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ulf C. Schneider
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurosurgery, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neuropathology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jochen C. Meier
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pawel Fidzinski
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Warming H, Pegasiou CM, Pitera AP, Kariis H, Houghton SD, Kurbatskaya K, Ahmed A, Grundy P, Vajramani G, Bulters D, Altafaj X, Deinhardt K, Vargas-Caballero M. A primate-specific short GluN2A-NMDA receptor isoform is expressed in the human brain. Mol Brain 2019; 12:64. [PMID: 31272478 PMCID: PMC6610962 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate receptors of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) family are coincident detectors of pre- and postsynaptic activity, allowing Ca2+ influx into neurons. These properties are central to neurological disease mechanisms and are proposed to be the basis of associative learning and memory. In addition to the well-characterised canonical GluN2A NMDAR isoform, large-scale open reading frames in human tissues had suggested the expression of a primate-specific short GluN2A isoform referred to as GluN2A-S. Here, we confirm the expression of both GluN2A transcripts in human and primate but not rodent brain tissue, and show that they are translated to two corresponding GluN2A proteins present in human brain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that recombinant GluN2A-S co-assembles with the obligatory NMDAR subunit GluN1 to form functional NMDA receptors. These findings suggest a more complex NMDAR repertoire in human brain than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Warming
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Chrysia-Maria Pegasiou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Aleksandra P Pitera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Hanna Kariis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Steven D Houghton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ksenia Kurbatskaya
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Aminul Ahmed
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Paul Grundy
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Girish Vajramani
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Diederik Bulters
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Xavier Altafaj
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katrin Deinhardt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Mariana Vargas-Caballero
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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17
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Goriounova NA, Mansvelder HD. Genes, Cells and Brain Areas of Intelligence. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:44. [PMID: 30828294 PMCID: PMC6384251 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
What is the neurobiological basis of human intelligence? The brains of some people seem to be more efficient than those of others. Understanding the biological foundations of these differences is of great interest to basic and applied neuroscience. Somehow, the secret must lie in the cells in our brain with which we think. However, at present, research into the neurobiology of intelligence is divided between two main strategies: brain imaging studies investigate macroscopic brain structure and function to identify brain areas involved in intelligence, while genetic associations studies aim to pinpoint genes and genetic loci associated with intelligence. Nothing is known about how properties of brain cells relate to intelligence. The emergence of transcriptomics and cellular neuroscience of intelligence might, however, provide a third strategy and bridge the gap between identified genes for intelligence and brain function and structure. Here, we discuss the latest developments in the search for the biological basis of intelligence. In particular, the recent availability of very large cohorts with hundreds of thousands of individuals have propelled exciting developments in the genetics of intelligence. Furthermore, we discuss the first studies that show that specific populations of brain cells associate with intelligence. Finally, we highlight how specific genes that have been identified generate cellular properties associated with intelligence and may ultimately explain structure and function of the brain areas involved. Thereby, the road is paved for a cellular understanding of intelligence, which will provide a conceptual scaffold for understanding how the constellation of identified genes benefit cellular functions that support intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A. Goriounova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Huibert D. Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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18
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Goriounova NA, Heyer DB, Wilbers R, Verhoog MB, Giugliano M, Verbist C, Obermayer J, Kerkhofs A, Smeding H, Verberne M, Idema S, Baayen JC, Pieneman AW, de Kock CP, Klein M, Mansvelder HD. Large and fast human pyramidal neurons associate with intelligence. eLife 2018; 7:41714. [PMID: 30561325 PMCID: PMC6363383 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally assumed that human intelligence relies on efficient processing by neurons in our brain. Although grey matter thickness and activity of temporal and frontal cortical areas correlate with IQ scores, no direct evidence exists that links structural and physiological properties of neurons to human intelligence. Here, we find that high IQ scores and large temporal cortical thickness associate with larger, more complex dendrites of human pyramidal neurons. We show in silico that larger dendritic trees enable pyramidal neurons to track activity of synaptic inputs with higher temporal precision, due to fast action potential kinetics. Indeed, we find that human pyramidal neurons of individuals with higher IQ scores sustain fast action potential kinetics during repeated firing. These findings provide the first evidence that human intelligence is associated with neuronal complexity, action potential kinetics and efficient information transfer from inputs to output within cortical neurons. Our brains are made up of almost 100 billion brain cells. Each of them acts like a small chip: they collect, process and pass on information in the form of electrical signals. In brain areas that integrate different types of information, such as frontal and temporal lobes, brain cells have larger dendrites – long projections specialized to collect signals. Theoretical studies predict that larger dendrites help cells to initiate electrical signals faster. Because of difficulty in accessing human neurons, it has been unknown whether any of these features also relate to human intelligence. Previous studies have revealed that people with a higher IQ have a thicker outer layer (the cortex) in areas such as the frontal and temporal lobes. But does a thicker cortex also contain cells with larger dendrites and is their role different? To test whether smarter brains are equipped with faster and larger cells, Goriounova et al. studied 46 people who needed surgery for brain tumors or epilepsy. Each took an IQ test before the operation. To access the diseased tissue deep in the brain, the surgeon also removed small, undamaged samples of temporal lobe. These samples still contained living cells and their electrical signals were measured in the lab. The experiments showed that cells from people with a higher IQ had larger dendrites that transported information more quickly, especially when they are very active. Computer models were then used to understand how these findings can lead to more efficient information transfer in human neurons. Traditionally, research on human intelligence has focused on three main strategies: to study brain structure and function, to find genes associated with intelligence and to study the connection between our mind and behavior. Goriounova et al. are the first to take the single-cell perspective and link cell properties to human intelligence. The findings could help connect these separate approaches, and explain how genes for intelligence lead to thicker cortices and faster reaction times in people with higher IQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Goriounova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Djai B Heyer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Wilbers
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Giugliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Verbist
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joshua Obermayer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Kerkhofs
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harriët Smeding
- Department of Psychology, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Verberne
- Department of Psychology, Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Idema
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C Baayen
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton W Pieneman
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan Pj de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Klein
- Department of Medical Psychology, VU medical center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Kalmbach BE, Buchin A, Long B, Close J, Nandi A, Miller JA, Bakken TE, Hodge RD, Chong P, de Frates R, Dai K, Maltzer Z, Nicovich PR, Keene CD, Silbergeld DL, Gwinn RP, Cobbs C, Ko AL, Ojemann JG, Koch C, Anastassiou CA, Lein ES, Ting JT. h-Channels Contribute to Divergent Intrinsic Membrane Properties of Supragranular Pyramidal Neurons in Human versus Mouse Cerebral Cortex. Neuron 2018; 100:1194-1208.e5. [PMID: 30392798 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression studies suggest that differential ion channel expression contributes to differences in rodent versus human neuronal physiology. We tested whether h-channels more prominently contribute to the physiological properties of human compared to mouse supragranular pyramidal neurons. Single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing revealed ubiquitous HCN1-subunit expression in excitatory neurons in human, but not mouse, supragranular layers. Using patch-clamp recordings, we found stronger h-channel-related membrane properties in supragranular pyramidal neurons in human temporal cortex, compared to mouse supragranular pyramidal neurons in temporal association area. The magnitude of these differences depended upon cortical depth and was largest in pyramidal neurons in deep L3. Additionally, pharmacologically blocking h-channels produced a larger change in membrane properties in human compared to mouse neurons. Finally, using biophysical modeling, we provide evidence that h-channels promote the transfer of theta frequencies from dendrite-to-soma in human L3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, h-channels contribute to between-species differences in a fundamental neuronal property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Kalmbach
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Anatoly Buchin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jennie Close
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Anirban Nandi
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter Chong
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Kael Dai
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Zoe Maltzer
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel L Silbergeld
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ryder P Gwinn
- Epilepsy Surgery and Functional Neurosurgery, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Charles Cobbs
- The Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
| | - Andrew L Ko
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Ojemann
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Christof Koch
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Costas A Anastassiou
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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20
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Lateral inhibition by Martinotti interneurons is facilitated by cholinergic inputs in human and mouse neocortex. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4101. [PMID: 30291244 PMCID: PMC6173769 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06628-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of inhibitory pathways encompassing different interneuron types shape activity of neocortical pyramidal neurons. While basket cells (BCs) mediate fast lateral inhibition between pyramidal neurons, Somatostatin-positive Martinotti cells (MCs) mediate a delayed form of lateral inhibition. Neocortical circuits are under control of acetylcholine, which is crucial for cortical function and cognition. Acetylcholine modulates MC firing, however, precisely how cholinergic inputs affect cortical lateral inhibition is not known. Here, we find that cholinergic inputs selectively augment and speed up lateral inhibition between pyramidal neurons mediated by MCs, but not by BCs. Optogenetically activated cholinergic inputs depolarize MCs through activation of ß2 subunit-containing nicotinic AChRs, not muscarinic AChRs, without affecting glutamatergic inputs to MCs. We find that these mechanisms are conserved in human neocortex. Cholinergic inputs thus enable cortical pyramidal neurons to recruit more MCs, and can thereby dynamically highlight specific circuit motifs, favoring MC-mediated pathways over BC-mediated pathways. Parvalbumin and somatostatin expressing interneurons mediate lateral inhibition between cortical neurons. Here the authors report the mechanisms by which acetylcholine from the basal forebrain selectively augments lateral inhibition via Martinotti cells and show that this is conserved in humans.
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21
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Koopmans F, Pandya NJ, Franke SK, Phillippens IHCMH, Paliukhovich I, Li KW, Smit AB. Comparative Hippocampal Synaptic Proteomes of Rodents and Primates: Differences in Neuroplasticity-Related Proteins. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:364. [PMID: 30333727 PMCID: PMC6176546 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Key to the human brain’s unique capacities are a myriad of neural cell types, specialized molecular expression signatures, and complex patterns of neuronal connectivity. Neurons in the human brain communicate via well over a quadrillion synapses. Their specific contribution might be key to the dynamic activity patterns that underlie primate-specific cognitive function. Recently, functional differences were described in transmission capabilities of human and rat synapses. To test whether unique expression signatures of synaptic proteins are at the basis of this, we performed a quantitative analysis of the hippocampal synaptic proteome of four mammalian species, two primates, human and marmoset, and two rodents, rat and mouse. Abundance differences down to 1.15-fold at an FDR-corrected p-value of 0.005 were reliably detected using SWATH mass spectrometry. The high measurement accuracy of SWATH allowed the detection of a large group of differentially expressed proteins between individual species and rodent vs. primate. Differentially expressed proteins between rodent and primate were found highly enriched for plasticity-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Koopmans
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nikhil J Pandya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sigrid K Franke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | | | - Iryna Paliukhovich
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Boldog E, Bakken TE, Hodge RD, Novotny M, Aevermann BD, Baka J, Bordé S, Close JL, Diez-Fuertes F, Ding SL, Faragó N, Kocsis ÁK, Kovács B, Maltzer Z, McCorrison JM, Miller JA, Molnár G, Oláh G, Ozsvár A, Rózsa M, Shehata SI, Smith KA, Sunkin SM, Tran DN, Venepally P, Wall A, Puskás LG, Barzó P, Steemers FJ, Schork NJ, Scheuermann RH, Lasken RS, Lein ES, Tamás G. Transcriptomic and morphophysiological evidence for a specialized human cortical GABAergic cell type. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:1185-1195. [PMID: 30150662 PMCID: PMC6130849 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe convergent evidence from transcriptomics, morphology, and physiology for a specialized GABAergic neuron subtype in human cortex. Using unbiased single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we identify ten GABAergic interneuron subtypes with combinatorial gene signatures in human cortical layer 1 and characterize a group of human interneurons with anatomical features never described in rodents, having large 'rosehip'-like axonal boutons and compact arborization. These rosehip cells show an immunohistochemical profile (GAD1+CCK+, CNR1-SST-CALB2-PVALB-) matching a single transcriptomically defined cell type whose specific molecular marker signature is not seen in mouse cortex. Rosehip cells in layer 1 make homotypic gap junctions, predominantly target apical dendritic shafts of layer 3 pyramidal neurons, and inhibit backpropagating pyramidal action potentials in microdomains of the dendritic tuft. These cells are therefore positioned for potent local control of distal dendritic computation in cortical pyramidal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Boldog
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | - Judith Baka
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Bordé
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Nóra Faragó
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes K Kocsis
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kovács
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoe Maltzer
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Gábor Molnár
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gáspár Oláh
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Ozsvár
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Márton Rózsa
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Abby Wall
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - László G Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Genetics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Frank J Steemers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Richard H Scheuermann
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Ed S Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Gábor Tamás
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
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23
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Eyal G, Verhoog MB, Testa-Silva G, Deitcher Y, Benavides-Piccione R, DeFelipe J, de Kock CPJ, Mansvelder HD, Segev I. Human Cortical Pyramidal Neurons: From Spines to Spikes via Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:181. [PMID: 30008663 PMCID: PMC6034553 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We present detailed models of pyramidal cells from human neocortex, including models on their excitatory synapses, dendritic spines, dendritic NMDA- and somatic/axonal Na+ spikes that provided new insights into signal processing and computational capabilities of these principal cells. Six human layer 2 and layer 3 pyramidal cells (HL2/L3 PCs) were modeled, integrating detailed anatomical and physiological data from both fresh and postmortem tissues from human temporal cortex. The models predicted particularly large AMPA- and NMDA-conductances per synaptic contact (0.88 and 1.31 nS, respectively) and a steep dependence of the NMDA-conductance on voltage. These estimates were based on intracellular recordings from synaptically-connected HL2/L3 pairs, combined with extra-cellular current injections and use of synaptic blockers, and the assumption of five contacts per synaptic connection. A large dataset of high-resolution reconstructed HL2/L3 dendritic spines provided estimates for the EPSPs at the spine head (12.7 ± 4.6 mV), spine base (9.7 ± 5.0 mV), and soma (0.3 ± 0.1 mV), and for the spine neck resistance (50–80 MΩ). Matching the shape and firing pattern of experimental somatic Na+-spikes provided estimates for the density of the somatic/axonal excitable membrane ion channels, predicting that 134 ± 28 simultaneously activated HL2/L3-HL2/L3 synapses are required for generating (with 50% probability) a somatic Na+ spike. Dendritic NMDA spikes were triggered in the model when 20 ± 10 excitatory spinous synapses were simultaneously activated on individual dendritic branches. The particularly large number of basal dendrites in HL2/L3 PCs and the distinctive cable elongation of their terminals imply that ~25 NMDA-spikes could be generated independently and simultaneously in these cells, as compared to ~14 in L2/3 PCs from the rat somatosensory cortex. These multi-sites non-linear signals, together with the large (~30,000) excitatory synapses/cell, equip human L2/L3 PCs with enhanced computational capabilities. Our study provides the most comprehensive model of any human neuron to-date demonstrating the biophysical and computational distinctiveness of human cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Eyal
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Guilherme Testa-Silva
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yair Deitcher
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Benavides-Piccione
- Departamento de Neurobiología Funcional y de Sistemas, Instituto Cajal (CSIC), and Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Departamento de Neurobiología Funcional y de Sistemas, Instituto Cajal (CSIC), and Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christiaan P J de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Idan Segev
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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24
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Olde Scheper TV, Meredith RM, Mansvelder HD, van Pelt J, van Ooyen A. Dynamic Hebbian Cross-Correlation Learning Resolves the Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity Conundrum. Front Comput Neurosci 2018; 11:119. [PMID: 29375358 PMCID: PMC5768644 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2017.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity has been found to assume many different forms. The classic STDP curve, with one potentiating and one depressing window, is only one of many possible curves that describe synaptic learning using the STDP mechanism. It has been shown experimentally that STDP curves may contain multiple LTP and LTD windows of variable width, and even inverted windows. The underlying STDP mechanism that is capable of producing such an extensive, and apparently incompatible, range of learning curves is still under investigation. In this paper, it is shown that STDP originates from a combination of two dynamic Hebbian cross-correlations of local activity at the synapse. The correlation of the presynaptic activity with the local postsynaptic activity is a robust and reliable indicator of the discrepancy between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron's activity. The second correlation is between the local postsynaptic activity with dendritic activity which is a good indicator of matching local synaptic and dendritic activity. We show that this simple time-independent learning rule can give rise to many forms of the STDP learning curve. The rule regulates synaptic strength without the need for spike matching or other supervisory learning mechanisms. Local differences in dendritic activity at the synapse greatly affect the cross-correlation difference which determines the relative contributions of different neural activity sources. Dendritic activity due to nearby synapses, action potentials, both forward and back-propagating, as well as inhibitory synapses will dynamically modify the local activity at the synapse, and the resulting STDP learning rule. The dynamic Hebbian learning rule ensures furthermore, that the resulting synaptic strength is dynamically stable, and that interactions between synapses do not result in local instabilities. The rule clearly demonstrates that synapses function as independent localized computational entities, each contributing to the global activity, not in a simply linear fashion, but in a manner that is appropriate to achieve local and global stability of the neuron and the entire dendritic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjeerd V Olde Scheper
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Computing and Communication Technologies, Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon M Meredith
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Pelt
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arjen van Ooyen
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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25
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Eyal G, Verhoog MB, Testa-Silva G, Deitcher Y, Lodder JC, Benavides-Piccione R, Morales J, DeFelipe J, de Kock CP, Mansvelder HD, Segev I. Unique membrane properties and enhanced signal processing in human neocortical neurons. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27710767 PMCID: PMC5100995 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The advanced cognitive capabilities of the human brain are often attributed to our recently evolved neocortex. However, it is not known whether the basic building blocks of the human neocortex, the pyramidal neurons, possess unique biophysical properties that might impact on cortical computations. Here we show that layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons from human temporal cortex (HL2/3 PCs) have a specific membrane capacitance (Cm) of ~0.5 µF/cm2, half of the commonly accepted 'universal' value (~1 µF/cm2) for biological membranes. This finding was predicted by fitting in vitro voltage transients to theoretical transients then validated by direct measurement of Cm in nucleated patch experiments. Models of 3D reconstructed HL2/3 PCs demonstrated that such low Cm value significantly enhances both synaptic charge-transfer from dendrites to soma and spike propagation along the axon. This is the first demonstration that human cortical neurons have distinctive membrane properties, suggesting important implications for signal processing in human neocortex. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16553.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Eyal
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guilherme Testa-Silva
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yair Deitcher
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Johannes C Lodder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth Benavides-Piccione
- Instituto Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Morales
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Instituto Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christiaan Pj de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Idan Segev
- Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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26
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Layer-specific cholinergic control of human and mouse cortical synaptic plasticity. Nat Commun 2016; 7:12826. [PMID: 27604129 PMCID: PMC5025530 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual cortical layers have distinct roles in information processing. All layers receive cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain (BF), which is crucial for cognition. Acetylcholinergic receptors are differentially distributed across cortical layers, and recent evidence suggests that different populations of BF cholinergic neurons may target specific prefrontal cortical (PFC) layers, raising the question of whether cholinergic control of the PFC is layer dependent. Here we address this issue and reveal dendritic mechanisms by which endogenous cholinergic modulation of synaptic plasticity is opposite in superficial and deep layers of both mouse and human neocortex. Our results show that in different cortical layers, spike timing-dependent plasticity is oppositely regulated by the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) either located on dendrites of principal neurons or on GABAergic interneurons. Thus, layer-specific nAChR expression allows functional layer-specific control of cortical processing and plasticity by the BF cholinergic system, which is evolutionarily conserved from mice to humans.
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27
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Kuzmin NV, Wesseling P, Hamer PCDW, Noske DP, Galgano GD, Mansvelder HD, Baayen JC, Groot ML. Third harmonic generation imaging for fast, label-free pathology of human brain tumors. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 7:1889-904. [PMID: 27231629 PMCID: PMC4871089 DOI: 10.1364/boe.7.001889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In brain tumor surgery, recognition of tumor boundaries is key. However, intraoperative assessment of tumor boundaries by the neurosurgeon is difficult. Therefore, there is an urgent need for tools that provide the neurosurgeon with pathological information during the operation. We show that third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy provides label-free, real-time images of histopathological quality; increased cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, and rarefaction of neuropil in fresh, unstained human brain tissue could be clearly recognized. We further demonstrate THG images taken with a GRIN objective, as a step toward in situ THG microendoscopy of tumor boundaries. THG imaging is thus a promising tool for optical biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. V. Kuzmin
- LaserLab Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P. Wesseling
- Dept. of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Dept. of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain Tumor Center, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P. C. de Witt Hamer
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain Tumor Center, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D. P. Noske
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain Tumor Center, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G. D. Galgano
- LaserLab Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H. D. Mansvelder
- Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. C. Baayen
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. L. Groot
- LaserLab Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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28
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Mohan H, Verhoog MB, Doreswamy KK, Eyal G, Aardse R, Lodder BN, Goriounova NA, Asamoah B, B Brakspear ABC, Groot C, van der Sluis S, Testa-Silva G, Obermayer J, Boudewijns ZSRM, Narayanan RT, Baayen JC, Segev I, Mansvelder HD, de Kock CPJ. Dendritic and Axonal Architecture of Individual Pyramidal Neurons across Layers of Adult Human Neocortex. Cereb Cortex 2015; 25:4839-53. [PMID: 26318661 PMCID: PMC4635923 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The size and shape of dendrites and axons are strong determinants of neuronal information processing. Our knowledge on neuronal structure and function is primarily based on brains of laboratory animals. Whether it translates to human is not known since quantitative data on "full" human neuronal morphologies are lacking. Here, we obtained human brain tissue during resection surgery and reconstructed basal and apical dendrites and axons of individual neurons across all cortical layers in temporal cortex (Brodmann area 21). Importantly, morphologies did not correlate to etiology, disease severity, or disease duration. Next, we show that human L(ayer) 2 and L3 pyramidal neurons have 3-fold larger dendritic length and increased branch complexity with longer segments compared with temporal cortex neurons from macaque and mouse. Unsupervised cluster analysis classified 88% of human L2 and L3 neurons into human-specific clusters distinct from mouse and macaque neurons. Computational modeling of passive electrical properties to assess the functional impact of large dendrites indicates stronger signal attenuation of electrical inputs compared with mouse. We thus provide a quantitative analysis of "full" human neuron morphologies and present direct evidence that human neurons are not "scaled-up" versions of rodent or macaque neurons, but have unique structural and functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth Mohan
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Keerthi K Doreswamy
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Guy Eyal
- Department of Neurobiology and Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Romy Aardse
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Brendan N Lodder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Natalia A Goriounova
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Boateng Asamoah
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - A B Clementine B Brakspear
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Colin Groot
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie van der Sluis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Section Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guilherme Testa-Silva
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Joshua Obermayer
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Zimbo S R M Boudewijns
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Rajeevan T Narayanan
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C Baayen
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Idan Segev
- Department of Neurobiology and Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan P J de Kock
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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29
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van Huijstee AN, Mansvelder HD. Glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in the mesocorticolimbic system in addiction. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:466. [PMID: 25653591 PMCID: PMC4299443 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Addictive drugs remodel the brain’s reward circuitry, the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system, by inducing widespread adaptations of glutamatergic synapses. This drug-induced synaptic plasticity is thought to contribute to both the development and the persistence of addiction. This review highlights the synaptic modifications that are induced by in vivo exposure to addictive drugs and describes how these drug-induced synaptic changes may contribute to the different components of addictive behavior, such as compulsive drug use despite negative consequences and relapse. Initially, exposure to an addictive drug induces synaptic changes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This drug-induced synaptic potentiation in the VTA subsequently triggers synaptic changes in downstream areas of the mesocorticolimbic system, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), with further drug exposure. These glutamatergic synaptic alterations are then thought to mediate many of the behavioral symptoms that characterize addiction. The later stages of glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in the NAc and in particular in the PFC play a role in maintaining addiction and drive relapse to drug-taking induced by drug-associated cues. Remodeling of PFC glutamatergic circuits can persist into adulthood, causing a lasting vulnerability to relapse. We will discuss how these neurobiological changes produced by drugs of abuse may provide novel targets for potential treatment strategies for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aile N van Huijstee
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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30
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Verwer RWH, Sluiter AA, Balesar RA, Baaijen JC, de Witt Hamer PC, Speijer D, Li Y, Swaab DF. Injury Response of Resected Human Brain Tissue In Vitro. Brain Pathol 2014; 25:454-68. [PMID: 25138544 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain injury affects a significant number of people each year. Organotypic cultures from resected normal neocortical tissue provide unique opportunities to study the cellular and neuropathological consequences of severe injury of adult human brain tissue in vitro. The in vitro injuries caused by resection (interruption of the circulation) and aggravated by the preparation of slices (severed neuronal and glial processes and blood vessels) reflect the reaction of human brain tissue to severe injury. We investigated this process using immunocytochemical markers, reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Essential features were rapid shrinkage of neurons, loss of neuronal marker expression and proliferation of reactive cells that expressed Nestin and Vimentin. Also, microglia generally responded strongly, whereas the response of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes appeared to be more variable. Importantly, some reactive cells also expressed both microglia and astrocytic markers, thus confounding their origin. Comparison with post-mortem human brain tissue obtained at rapid autopsies suggested that the reactive process is not a consequence of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald W H Verwer
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arja A Sluiter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rawien A Balesar
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C Baaijen
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dave Speijer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yichen Li
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Testa-Silva G, Verhoog MB, Linaro D, de Kock CPJ, Baayen JC, Meredith RM, De Zeeuw CI, Giugliano M, Mansvelder HD. High bandwidth synaptic communication and frequency tracking in human neocortex. PLoS Biol 2014; 12:e1002007. [PMID: 25422947 PMCID: PMC4244038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal firing, synaptic transmission, and its plasticity form the building blocks for processing and storage of information in the brain. It is unknown whether adult human synapses are more efficient in transferring information between neurons than rodent synapses. To test this, we recorded from connected pairs of pyramidal neurons in acute brain slices of adult human and mouse temporal cortex and probed the dynamical properties of use-dependent plasticity. We found that human synaptic connections were purely depressing and that they recovered three to four times more swiftly from depression than synapses in rodent neocortex. Thereby, during realistic spike trains, the temporal resolution of synaptic information exchange in human synapses substantially surpasses that in mice. Using information theory, we calculate that information transfer between human pyramidal neurons exceeds that of mouse pyramidal neurons by four to nine times, well into the beta and gamma frequency range. In addition, we found that human principal cells tracked fine temporal features, conveyed in received synaptic inputs, at a wider bandwidth than for rodents. Action potential firing probability was reliably phase-locked to input transients up to 1,000 cycles/s because of a steep onset of action potentials in human pyramidal neurons during spike trains, unlike in rodent neurons. Our data show that, in contrast to the widely held views of limited information transfer in rodent depressing synapses, fast recovering synapses of human neurons can actually transfer substantial amounts of information during spike trains. In addition, human pyramidal neurons are equipped to encode high synaptic information content. Thus, adult human cortical microcircuits relay information at a wider bandwidth than rodent microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Testa-Silva
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs B. Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele Linaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Johannes C. Baayen
- Department of Neurosurgery, VU University Medical Center, Neuroscience Campus, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhiannon M. Meredith
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Giugliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Huibert D. Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tully PJ, Hennig MH, Lansner A. Synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity approximating probabilistic inference. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2014; 6:8. [PMID: 24782758 PMCID: PMC3986567 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning and memory operations in neural circuits are believed to involve molecular cascades of synaptic and nonsynaptic changes that lead to a diverse repertoire of dynamical phenomena at higher levels of processing. Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity, neuromodulation, and intrinsic excitability all conspire to form and maintain memories. But it is still unclear how these seemingly redundant mechanisms could jointly orchestrate learning in a more unified system. To this end, a Hebbian learning rule for spiking neurons inspired by Bayesian statistics is proposed. In this model, synaptic weights and intrinsic currents are adapted on-line upon arrival of single spikes, which initiate a cascade of temporally interacting memory traces that locally estimate probabilities associated with relative neuronal activation levels. Trace dynamics enable synaptic learning to readily demonstrate a spike-timing dependence, stably return to a set-point over long time scales, and remain competitive despite this stability. Beyond unsupervised learning, linking the traces with an external plasticity-modulating signal enables spike-based reinforcement learning. At the postsynaptic neuron, the traces are represented by an activity-dependent ion channel that is shown to regulate the input received by a postsynaptic cell and generate intrinsic graded persistent firing levels. We show how spike-based Hebbian-Bayesian learning can be performed in a simulated inference task using integrate-and-fire (IAF) neurons that are Poisson-firing and background-driven, similar to the preferred regime of cortical neurons. Our results support the view that neurons can represent information in the form of probability distributions, and that probabilistic inference could be a functional by-product of coupled synaptic and nonsynaptic mechanisms operating over several timescales. The model provides a biophysical realization of Bayesian computation by reconciling several observed neural phenomena whose functional effects are only partially understood in concert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Tully
- Department of Computational Biology, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Stockholm, Sweden ; Stockholm Brain Institute, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden ; School of Informatics, Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias H Hennig
- School of Informatics, Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anders Lansner
- Department of Computational Biology, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Stockholm, Sweden ; Stockholm Brain Institute, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Sweden ; Department of Numerical Analysis and Computer Science, Stockholm University Stockholm, Sweden
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Mechanisms underlying the rules for associative plasticity at adult human neocortical synapses. J Neurosci 2013; 33:17197-208. [PMID: 24155324 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3158-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neocortex in our brain stores long-term memories by changing the strength of connections between neurons. To date, the rules and mechanisms that govern activity-induced synaptic changes at human cortical synapses are poorly understood and have not been studied directly at a cellular level. Here, we made whole-cell recordings of human pyramidal neurons in slices of brain tissue resected during neurosurgery to investigate spike timing-dependent synaptic plasticity in the adult human neocortex. We find that human cortical synapses can undergo bidirectional modifications in strength throughout adulthood. Both long-term potentiation and long-term depression of synapses was dependent on postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Interestingly, we find that human cortical synapses can associate presynaptic and postsynaptic events in a wide temporal window, and that rules for synaptic plasticity in human neocortex are reversed compared with what is generally found in the rodent brain. We show this is caused by dendritic L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels that are prominently activated during action potential firing. Activation of these channels determines whether human synapses strengthen or weaken. These findings provide a synaptic basis for the timing rules observed in human sensory and motor plasticity in vivo, and offer insights into the physiological role of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the human brain.
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Piantoni G, Cheung BLP, Van Veen BD, Romeijn N, Riedner BA, Tononi G, Van Der Werf YD, Van Someren EJW. Disrupted directed connectivity along the cingulate cortex determines vigilance after sleep deprivation. Neuroimage 2013; 79:213-22. [PMID: 23643925 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cingulate cortex is regarded as the backbone of structural and functional connectivity of the brain. While its functional connectivity has been intensively studied, little is known about its effective connectivity, its modulation by behavioral states, and its involvement in cognitive performance. Given the previously reported effects on cingulate functional connectivity, we investigated how eye-closure and sleep deprivation changed cingulate effective connectivity, estimated from resting-state high-density electroencephalography (EEG) using a novel method to calculate Granger Causality directly in source space. Effective connectivity along the cingulate cortex was dominant in the forward direction. Eyes-open connectivity in the forward direction was greater compared to eyes-closed, in well-rested participants. The difference between eyes-open and eyes-closed connectivity was attenuated and no longer significant after sleep deprivation. Individual variability in the forward connectivity after sleep deprivation predicted subsequent task performance, such that those subjects who showed a greater increase in forward connectivity between the eyes-open and the eyes-closed periods also performed better on a sustained attention task. Effective connectivity in the opposite, backward, direction was not affected by whether the eyes were open or closed or by sleep deprivation. These findings indicate that the effective connectivity from posterior to anterior cingulate regions is enhanced when a well-rested subject has his eyes open compared to when they are closed. Sleep deprivation impairs this directed information flow, proportional to its deleterious effect on vigilance. Therefore, sleep may play a role in the maintenance of waking effective connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Piantoni
- Dept of Sleep and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Nicotine exposure during adolescence leads to short- and long-term changes in spike timing-dependent plasticity in rat prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci 2012; 32:10484-93. [PMID: 22855798 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5502-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period of brain development during which maturation of areas involved in cognitive functioning, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), is still ongoing. Tobacco smoking during this age can compromise the normal course of prefrontal development and lead to cognitive impairments in later life. Recently, we reported that nicotine exposure during adolescence results in a short-term increase and lasting reduction in synaptic mGluR2 levels in the rat mPFC, causing attention deficits during adulthood. It is unknown how changed synaptic mGluR2 levels after adolescent nicotine exposure affect the ability of mPFC synapses to undergo long-term synaptic plasticity. Here, we addressed this question. To model nicotine exposure, adolescent (P34-P43) or adult (P60-P69) rats were treated with nicotine injections three times per day for 10 d. We found that, both during acute activation of nicotinic receptors in the adolescent mPFC as well as immediately following nicotine treatment during adolescence, long-term plasticity in response to timed presynaptic and postsynaptic activity (tLTP) was strongly reduced. In contrast, in the mPFC of adult rats 5 weeks after they received nicotine treatment during adolescence, but not during adulthood, tLTP was increased. Short- and long-term adaptation of mPFC synaptic plasticity after adolescent nicotine exposure could be explained by changed mGluR2 signaling. Blocking mGluR2s augmented tLTP, whereas activating mGluR2s reduced tLTP. Our findings suggest neuronal mechanisms by which exposure to nicotine during adolescence alters the rules for spike timing-dependent plasticity in prefrontal networks that may explain the observed deficits in cognitive performance in later life.
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Nitsche MA, Müller-Dahlhaus F, Paulus W, Ziemann U. The pharmacology of neuroplasticity induced by non-invasive brain stimulation: building models for the clinical use of CNS active drugs. J Physiol 2012; 590:4641-62. [PMID: 22869014 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.232975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The term neuroplasticity encompasses structural and functional modifications of neuronal connectivity. Abnormal neuroplasticity is involved in various neuropsychiatric diseases, such as dystonia, epilepsy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, fronto-temporal degeneration, schizophrenia, and post cerebral stroke. Drugs affecting neuroplasticity are increasingly used as therapeutics in these conditions. Neuroplasticity was first discovered and explored in animal experimentation. However, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has enabled researchers recently to induce and study similar processes in the intact human brain. Plasticity induced by NIBS can be modulated by pharmacological interventions, targeting ion channels, or neurotransmitters. Importantly, abnormalities of plasticity as studied by NIBS are directly related to clinical symptoms in neuropsychiatric diseases. Therefore, a core theme of this review is the hypothesis that NIBS-induced plasticity can explore and potentially predict the therapeutic efficacy of CNS-acting drugs in neuropsychiatric diseases. We will (a) review the basics of neuroplasticity, as explored in animal experimentation, and relate these to our knowledge about neuroplasticity induced in humans by NIBS techniques. We will then (b) discuss pharmacological modulation of plasticity in animals and humans. Finally, we will (c) review abnormalities of plasticity in neuropsychiatric diseases, and discuss how the combination of NIBS with pharmacological intervention may improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of abnormal plasticity in these diseases and their purposeful pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Nitsche
- M. A. Nitsche: Georg-August-University, University Medical Centre, Dept Clinical Neurophysiology, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
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Verhoog MB, Mansvelder HD. Presynaptic ionotropic receptors controlling and modulating the rules for spike timing-dependent plasticity. Neural Plast 2011; 2011:870763. [PMID: 21941664 PMCID: PMC3173883 DOI: 10.1155/2011/870763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout life, activity-dependent changes in neuronal connection strength enable the brain to refine neural circuits and learn based on experience. In line with predictions made by Hebb, synapse strength can be modified depending on the millisecond timing of action potential firing (STDP). The sign of synaptic plasticity depends on the spike order of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, such as NMDA receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are intimately involved in setting the rules for synaptic strengthening and weakening. In addition, timing rules for STDP within synapses are not fixed. They can be altered by activation of ionotropic receptors located at, or close to, synapses. Here, we will highlight studies that uncovered how network actions control and modulate timing rules for STDP by activating presynaptic ionotropic receptors. Furthermore, we will discuss how interaction between different types of ionotropic receptors may create "timing" windows during which particular timing rules lead to synaptic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs B. Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Room C-440, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D. Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Room C-440, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lisman J, Spruston N. Questions about STDP as a General Model of Synaptic Plasticity. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2010; 2:140. [PMID: 21423526 PMCID: PMC3059684 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2010.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
According to spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), the timing of the Na+ spike relative to the EPSP determines whether LTP or LTD will occur. Here, we review our reservations about STDP. Most investigations of this process have been done under conditions in which the spike is evoked by postsynaptic current injection. Under more realistic conditions, in which the spike is evoked by the EPSP, the results do not generally support STDP. For instance, low-frequency stimulation of a group of synapses can cause LTD, not the LTP predicted by the pre-before-post sequence in STDP; this is true regardless of whether or not the EPSP is large enough to produce a Na+ spike. With stronger or more frequent stimulation, LTP can be induced by the same pre-before-post timing, but in this case block of Na+ spikes does not necessarily prevent LTP induction. Thus, Na+ spikes may facilitate LTP and/or LTD under some conditions, but they are not necessary, a finding consistent with their small size relative to the EPSP in many parts of pyramidal cell dendrites. The nature of the dendritic depolarizing events that control bidirectional plasticity is of central importance to understanding neural function. There are several candidates, including backpropagating action potentials, but also dendritic Ca2+ spikes, the AMPA receptor-mediated EPSP, and NMDA receptor-mediated EPSPs or spikes. These often appear to be more important than the Na+ spike in providing the depolarization necessary for plasticity. We thus feel that it is premature to accept STDP-like processes as the major determinant of LTP/LTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lisman
- Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University Waltham, MA, USA
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Müller-Dahlhaus F, Ziemann U, Classen J. Plasticity resembling spike-timing dependent synaptic plasticity: the evidence in human cortex. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2010; 2:34. [PMID: 21423520 PMCID: PMC3059695 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2010.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) has been studied extensively in a variety of animal models during the past decade but whether it can be studied at the systems level of the human cortex has been a matter of debate. Only recently newly developed non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have made it possible to induce and assess timing dependent plasticity in conscious human subjects. This review will present a critical synopsis of these experiments, which suggest that several of the principal characteristics and molecular mechanisms of TMS-induced plasticity correspond to those of STDP as studied at a cellular level. TMS combined with a second phasic stimulation modality can induce bidirectional long-lasting changes in the excitability of the stimulated cortex, whose polarity depends on the order of the associated stimulus-evoked events within a critical time window of tens of milliseconds. Pharmacological evidence suggests an NMDA receptor mediated form of synaptic plasticity. Studies in human motor cortex demonstrated that motor learning significantly modulates TMS-induced timing dependent plasticity, and, conversely, may be modulated bidirectionally by prior TMS-induced plasticity, providing circumstantial evidence that long-term potentiation-like mechanisms may be involved in motor learning. In summary, convergent evidence is being accumulated for the contention that it is now possible to induce STDP-like changes in the intact human central nervous system by means of TMS to study and interfere with synaptic plasticity in neural circuits in the context of behavior such as learning and memory.
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