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Maassen J, Guenther R, Hondrich TJJ, Cepkenovic B, Brinkmann D, Maybeck V, Offenhäusser A, Dittrich B, Müller A, Skazik-Voogt C, Kosel M, Baum C, Gutermuth A. In Vitro Simulated Neuronal Environmental Conditions Qualify Umbilical Cord Derived Highly Potent Stem Cells for Neuronal Differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w. [PMID: 37093520 PMCID: PMC10390376 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The healing of neuronal injuries is still an unachieved goal. Medicine-based therapies can only extend the survival of patients, but not finally lead to a healing process. Currently, a variety of stem cell-based tissue engineering developments are the subject of many research projects to bridge this gap. As yet, neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), embryonic cell lines, or neuronal stem cells could be accomplished and produce functional neuronally differentiated cells. However, clinical application of cells from these sources is hampered by ethical considerations. To overcome these hurdles numerous studies investigated the potential of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential stem cell source. Adult MSCs have been approved as cellular therapeutical products due to their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory properties. Only a few of these studies could demonstrate the capacity to differentiate MSCs into active firing neuron like cells. With this study we investigated the potential of Wharton's Jelly (WJ) derived stem cells and focused on the intrinsic pluripotent stem cell pool and their potential to differentiate into active neurons. With a comprehensive neuronal differentiation protocol comprised of mechanical and biochemical inductive cues, we investigated the capacity of spontaneously forming stem cell spheroids (SCS) from cultured WJ stromal cells in regard to their neuronal differentiation potential and compared them to undifferentiated spheroids or adherent MSCs. Spontaneously formed SCSs show pluripotent and neuroectodermal lineage markers, meeting the pre-condition for neuronal differentiation and contain a higher amount of cells which can be differentiated into cells whose functional phenotypes in calcium and voltage responsive electrical activity are similar to neurons. In conclusion we show that up-concentration of stem cells from WJ with pluripotent characteristics is a tool to generate neuronal cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Maassen
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Guenther
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm J J Hondrich
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Bogdana Cepkenovic
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dominik Brinkmann
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Maybeck
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Offenhäusser
- Institute for Biological Information Processing, IBI-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandtstrasse Station 71, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Barbara Dittrich
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna Müller
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudia Skazik-Voogt
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kosel
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christoph Baum
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Gutermuth
- Department for Applied Cell Biology, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstr. 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Szegedi V, Bakos E, Furdan S, Kovács BH, Varga D, Erdélyi M, Barzó P, Szücs A, Tamás G, Lamsa K. HCN channels at the cell soma ensure the rapid electrical reactivity of fast-spiking interneurons in human neocortex. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002001. [PMID: 36745683 PMCID: PMC9934405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that there are substantial species differences in the properties of mammalian neurons, yet theories on circuit activity and information processing in the human brain are based heavily on results obtained from rodents and other experimental animals. This knowledge gap may be particularly important for understanding the neocortex, the brain area responsible for the most complex neuronal operations and showing the greatest evolutionary divergence. Here, we examined differences in the electrophysiological properties of human and mouse fast-spiking GABAergic basket cells, among the most abundant inhibitory interneurons in cortex. Analyses of membrane potential responses to current input, pharmacologically isolated somatic leak currents, isolated soma outside-out patch recordings, and immunohistochemical staining revealed that human neocortical basket cells abundantly express hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channel isoforms HCN1 and HCN2 at the cell soma membrane, whereas these channels are sparse at the rodent basket cell soma membrane. Antagonist experiments showed that HCN channels in human neurons contribute to the resting membrane potential and cell excitability at the cell soma, accelerate somatic membrane potential kinetics, and shorten the lag between excitatory postsynaptic potentials and action potential generation. These effects are important because the soma of human fast-spiking neurons without HCN channels exhibit low persistent ion leak and slow membrane potential kinetics, compared with mouse fast-spiking neurons. HCN channels speed up human cell membrane potential kinetics and help attain an input-output rate close to that of rodent cells. Computational modeling demonstrated that HCN channel activity at the human fast-spiking cell soma membrane is sufficient to accelerate the input-output function as observed in cell recordings. Thus, human and mouse fast-spiking neurons exhibit functionally significant differences in ion channel composition at the cell soma membrane to set the speed and fidelity of their input-output function. These HCN channels ensure fast electrical reactivity of fast-spiking cells in human neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Szegedi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human neuron physiology and therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Emőke Bakos
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human neuron physiology and therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabina Furdan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human neuron physiology and therapy, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint H. Kovács
- Department of Optics and Quantum Electronics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Varga
- Department of Optics and Quantum Electronics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Miklós Erdélyi
- Department of Optics and Quantum Electronics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Pál Barzó
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Szücs
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human neuron physiology and therapy, Szeged, Hungary
- Neuronal Cell Biology Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Tamás
- MTA-SZTE Research Group for Cortical Microcircuits, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Karri Lamsa
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine Research Group for Human neuron physiology and therapy, Szeged, Hungary
- * E-mail: ,
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Intrinsic Excitability in Layer IV-VI Anterior Insula to Basolateral Amygdala Projection Neurons Correlates with the Confidence of Taste Valence Encoding. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0302-22.2022. [PMID: 36635250 PMCID: PMC9850927 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0302-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoiding potentially harmful, and consuming safe food is crucial for the survival of living organisms. However, the perceived valence of sensory information can change following conflicting experiences. Pleasurability and aversiveness are two crucial parameters defining the perceived valence of a taste and can be impacted by novelty. Importantly, the ability of a given taste to serve as the conditioned stimulus (CS) in conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is dependent on its valence. Activity in anterior insula (aIC) Layer IV-VI pyramidal neurons projecting to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is correlated with and necessary for CTA learning and retrieval, as well as the expression of neophobia toward novel tastants, but not learning taste familiarity. Yet, the cellular mechanisms underlying the updating of taste valence representation in this specific pathway are poorly understood. Here, using retrograde viral tracing and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in trained mice, we demonstrate that the intrinsic properties of deep-lying Layer IV-VI, but not superficial Layer I-III aIC-BLA neurons, are differentially modulated by both novelty and valence, reflecting the subjective predictability of taste valence arising from prior experience. These correlative changes in the profile of intrinsic properties of LIV-VI aIC-BLA neurons were detectable following both simple taste experiences, as well as following memory retrieval, extinction learning, and reinstatement.
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Obray JD, Landin JD, Vaughan DT, Scofield MD, Chandler LJ. Adolescent alcohol exposure reduces dopamine 1 receptor modulation of prelimbic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens and basolateral amygdala. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 4:100044. [PMID: 36643604 PMCID: PMC9836047 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence is highly prevalent despite increasing evidence of its long-term impact on behaviors associated with modulation of behavioral flexibility by the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In the present study, male and female rats underwent adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure by vapor inhalation. After aging to adulthood, retrograde bead labelling and viral tagging were used to identify populations of neurons in the prelimbic region (PrL) of the mPFC that project to specific subcortical targets. Electrophysiological recording from bead-labelled neurons in PrL slices revealed that AIE did not alter the intrinsic excitability of PrL neurons that projected to either the NAc or the BLA. Similarly, recordings of spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory post-synaptic currents revealed no AIE-induced changes in synaptic drive onto either population of projection neurons. In contrast, AIE exposure was associated with a loss of dopamine receptor 1 (D1), but no change in dopamine receptor 2 (D2), modulation of evoked firing of both populations of projection neurons. Lastly, confocal imaging of proximal and apical dendritic tufts of viral-labelled PrL neurons that projected to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) revealed AIE did not alter the density of dendritic spines. Together, these observations provide evidence that AIE exposure results in disruption of D1 receptor modulation of PrL inputs to at least two major subcortical target regions that have been implicated in AIE-induced long-term changes in behavioral control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Daniel Obray
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston SC 29425, USA
| | - Justine D. Landin
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston SC 29425, USA
| | - Dylan T. Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston SC 29425, USA
| | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston SC 29425, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
| | - L. Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston SC 29425, USA,Corresponding author. (L.J. Chandler)
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Snyder RR, Blitz DM. Multiple intrinsic membrane properties are modulated in a switch from single- to dual-network activity. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:1181-1198. [PMID: 36197020 PMCID: PMC9621714 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00337.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural network flexibility includes changes in neuronal participation between networks, such as the switching of neurons between single- and dual-network activity. We previously identified a neuron that is recruited to burst in time with an additional network via modulation of its intrinsic membrane properties, instead of being recruited synaptically into the second network. However, the modulated intrinsic properties were not determined. Here, we use small networks in the Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) to examine modulation of intrinsic properties underlying neuropeptide (Gly1-SIFamide)-elicited neuronal switching. The lateral posterior gastric neuron (LPG) switches from exclusive participation in the fast pyloric (∼1 Hz) network, due to electrical coupling, to dual-network activity that includes periodic escapes from the fast rhythm via intrinsically generated oscillations at the slower gastric mill network frequency (∼0.1 Hz). We isolated LPG from both networks by pharmacology and hyperpolarizing current injection. Gly1-SIFamide increased LPG intrinsic excitability and rebound from inhibition and decreased spike frequency adaptation, which can all contribute to intrinsic bursting. Using ion substitution and channel blockers, we found that a hyperpolarization-activated current, a persistent sodium current, and calcium or calcium-related current(s) appear to be primary contributors to Gly1-SIFamide-elicited LPG intrinsic bursting. However, this intrinsic bursting was more sensitive to blocking currents when LPG received rhythmic electrical coupling input from the fast network than in the isolated condition. Overall, a switch from single- to dual-network activity can involve modulation of multiple intrinsic properties, while synaptic input from a second network can shape the contributions of these properties.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuropeptide-elicited intrinsic bursting was recently determined to switch a neuron from single- to dual-network participation. Here we identified multiple intrinsic properties modulated in the dual-network state and candidate ion channels underlying the intrinsic bursting. Bursting at the second network frequency was more sensitive to blocking currents in the dual-network state than when neurons were synaptically isolated from their home network. Thus, synaptic input can shape the contributions of modulated intrinsic properties underlying dual-network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Snyder
- Department of Biology and Center for Neuroscience, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Dawn M Blitz
- Department of Biology and Center for Neuroscience, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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Schrott R, Greeson KW, King D, Crow KMS, Easley CA, Murphy SK. Cannabis alters DNA methylation at maternally imprinted and autism candidate genes in spermatogenic cells. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:357-369. [PMID: 35687495 PMCID: PMC10032331 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2073292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use in the United States is increasing, with highest consumption among men at their peak reproductive years. We previously demonstrated widespread changes in sperm DNA methylation with cannabis exposure in humans and rats, including genes important in neurodevelopment. Here, we use an in vitro human spermatogenesis model to recapitulate chronic cannabis use and assess DNA methylation at imprinted and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) candidate genes in spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)- and spermatid-like cells. Methylation at maternally imprinted genes SGCE and GRB10 was significantly altered in SSC- and spermatid-like cells, respectively, while PEG3 was significantly differentially methylated in spermatid-like cells. Two of ten randomly selected ASD candidate genes, HCN1 and NR4A2, had significantly altered methylation with cannabis exposure in SSC-like cells. These results support our findings in human cohorts and provide a new tool with which to gain mechanistic insights into the association between paternal cannabis use and risk of ASD in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Katherine W. Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Dillon King
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Krista M. Symosko Crow
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Charles A. Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
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Okamura K, Yoshino H, Ogawa Y, Yamamuro K, Kimoto S, Yamaguchi Y, Nishihata Y, Ikehara M, Makinodan M, Saito Y, Kishimoto T. Juvenile social isolation immediately affects the synaptic activity and firing property of fast-spiking parvalbumin-expressing interneuron subtype in mouse medial prefrontal cortex. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:3591-3606. [PMID: 35945688 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of juvenile social experience causes various behavioral impairments and brain dysfunction, especially in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Our previous studies revealed that juvenile social isolation for 2 weeks immediately after weaning affects the synaptic inputs and intrinsic excitability of fast-spiking parvalbumin-expressing (FSPV) interneurons as well as a specific type of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal cells, which we termed prominent h-current (PH) cells, in the mPFC. However, since these changes were observed at the adult age of postnatal day 65 (P65), the primary cause of these changes to neurons immediately after juvenile social isolation (postnatal day 35) remains unknown. Here, we investigated the immediate effects of juvenile social isolation on the excitability and synaptic inputs of PH pyramidal cells and FSPV interneurons at P35 using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. We observed that excitatory inputs to FSPV interneurons increased immediately after juvenile social isolation. We also found that juvenile social isolation increases the firing reactivity of a subtype of FSPV interneurons, whereas only a fractional effect was detected in PH pyramidal cells. These findings suggest that juvenile social isolation primarily disturbs the developmental rebuilding of circuits involving FSPV interneurons and eventually affects the circuits involving PH pyramidal cells in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Okamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan.,Mie Prefectural Mental Medical Center, Tsu, Mie 514-0818, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ogawa
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Sohei Kimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yasunari Yamaguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nishihata
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Minobu Ikehara
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Saito
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Distinct Roles for Prefrontal Dopamine D1 and D2 Neurons in Social Hierarchy. J Neurosci 2022; 42:313-324. [PMID: 34844989 PMCID: PMC8802944 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0741-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) controls dominance hierarchies in groups of animals. Dopamine (DA) strongly modulates PFC activity mainly through D1 receptors (D1Rs) and D2 receptors (D2Rs). Still, it is unclear how these two subpopulations of DA receptor-expressing neurons in the PFC regulate social dominance hierarchy. Here, we demonstrate distinct roles for prefrontal D1R- and D2R-expressing neurons in establishing social hierarchy, with D1R+ neurons determining dominance and D2R+ neurons for subordinate. Ex vivo whole-cell recordings revealed that the dominant status of male mice correlates with rectifying AMPAR transmission and stronger excitatory synaptic strength onto D1R+ neurons in PFC pyramidal neurons. In contrast, the submissive status is associated with higher neuronal excitability in D2R+ neurons. Moreover, simultaneous manipulations of synaptic efficacy of D1R+ neurons in dominant male mice and neuronal excitability of D2R+ neurons of their male subordinates switch their dominant-subordinate relationship. These results reveal that prefrontal D1R+ and D2R+ neurons have distinct but synergistic functions in the dominance hierarchy, and DA-mediated regulation of synaptic strengths acts as a powerful behavioral determinant of intermale social rank.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dominance hierarchy exists widely among animals who confront social conflict. Studies have indicated that social status largely relies on the neuronal activity in the PFC, but how dopamine influences social hierarchy via subpopulation of prefrontal neurons is still elusive. Here, we explore the cell type-specific role of dopamine receptor-expressing prefrontal neurons in the dominance-subordinate relationship. We found that the synaptic strength of D1 receptor-expressing neurons determines the dominant status, whereas hyperactive D2-expressing neurons are associated with the subordinate status. These findings highlight how social conflicts recruit distinct cortical microcircuits to drive different behaviors and reveal how D1- and D2-receptor enriched neurocircuits in the PFC establish a social hierarchy.
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Function and Plasticity of Electrical Synapses in the Mammalian Brain: Role of Non-Junctional Mechanisms. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11010081. [PMID: 35053079 PMCID: PMC8773336 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Relevant brain functions, such as perception, organization of behavior, and cognitive processes, are the outcome of information processing by neural circuits. Within these circuits, communication between neurons mainly relies on two modalities of synaptic transmission: chemical and electrical. Moreover, changes in the strength of these connections, aka synaptic plasticity, are believed to underlie processes of learning and memory, and its dysfunction has been suggested to underlie a variety of neurological disorders. While the relevance of chemical transmission and its plastic changes are known in great detail, analogous mechanisms and functional impact of their electrical counterparts were only recently acknowledged. In this article, we review the basic physical principles behind electrical transmission between neurons, the plethora of functional operations supported by this modality of neuron-to-neuron communication, as well as the basic principles of plasticity at these synapses. Abstract Electrical transmission between neurons is largely mediated by gap junctions. These junctions allow the direct flow of electric current between neurons, and in mammals, they are mostly composed of the protein connexin36. Circuits of electrically coupled neurons are widespread in these animals. Plus, experimental and theoretical evidence supports the notion that, beyond synchronicity, these circuits are able to perform sophisticated operations such as lateral excitation and inhibition, noise reduction, as well as the ability to selectively respond upon coincident excitatory inputs. Although once considered stereotyped and unmodifiable, we now know that electrical synapses are subject to modulation and, by reconfiguring neural circuits, these modulations can alter relevant operations. The strength of electrical synapses depends on the gap junction resistance, as well as on its functional interaction with the electrophysiological properties of coupled neurons. In particular, voltage and ligand gated channels of the non-synaptic membrane critically determine the efficacy of transmission at these contacts. Consistently, modulatory actions on these channels have been shown to represent relevant mechanisms of plasticity of electrical synaptic transmission. Here, we review recent evidence on the regulation of electrical synapses of mammals, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the possible ways in which they affect circuit function.
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10
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Li Y, Jiang Q, Wang L. Appetite Regulation of TLR4-Induced Inflammatory Signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:777997. [PMID: 34899611 PMCID: PMC8664591 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.777997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Appetite is the basis for obtaining food and maintaining normal metabolism. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important receptor expressed in the brain that induces inflammatory signaling after activation. Inflammation is considered to affect the homeostatic and non-homeostatic systems of appetite, which are dominated by hypothalamic and mesolimbic dopamine signaling. Although the pathological features of many types of inflammation are known, their physiological functions in appetite are largely unknown. This review mainly addresses several key issues, including the structures of the homeostatic and non-homeostatic systems. In addition, the mechanism by which TLR4-induced inflammatory signaling contributes to these two systems to regulate appetite is also discussed. This review will provide potential opportunities to develop new therapeutic interventions that control appetite under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lina Wang, ; Qingyan Jiang,
| | - Lina Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lina Wang, ; Qingyan Jiang,
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11
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Salling MC, Harrison NL. Constitutive Genetic Deletion of Hcn1 Increases Alcohol Preference during Adolescence. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110763. [PMID: 33105624 PMCID: PMC7690419 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN), which underlies the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih), has diverse roles in regulating neuronal excitability across cell types and brain regions. Recently, HCN channels have been implicated in preclinical models of substance abuse including alcohol. In the prefrontal cortex of rodents, HCN expression and Ih magnitude are developmentally regulated during adolescence and may be vulnerable to alcohol’s effects. In mice, binge alcohol consumption during the adolescent period results in a sustained reduction in Ih that coincides with increased alcohol consumption in adulthood, yet the direct role HCN channels have on alcohol consumption are unknown. Here, we show that the genetic deletion of Hcn1 causes an increase in alcohol preference on intermittent 2-bottle choice task in homozygous null (HCN1−/−) male mice compared to wild-type littermates without affecting saccharine or quinine preference. The targeted viral deletion of HCN1 in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex resulted in a gradual loss of Hcn1 expression and a reduction in Ih magnitude during adolescence, however, this did not significantly affect alcohol consumption or preference. We conclude that while HCN1 regulates alcohol preference, the genetic deletion of Hcn1 in the medial prefrontal cortex does not appear to be the locus for this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Salling
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Neil L. Harrison
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
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Disruption of Critical Period Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5495-5509. [PMID: 32527982 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2235-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with physical and cognitive problems. The cognitive issues are thought to arise from increased release of the neurotransmitter GABA. Modulating the signaling pathways causing increased GABA release in a mouse model of NF1 reverts deficits in hippocampal learning. However, clinical trials based on these approaches have so far been unsuccessful. We therefore used a combination of slice electrophysiology, in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, and optical imaging of intrinsic signal in a mouse model of NF1 to investigate whether cortical development is affected in NF1, possibly causing lifelong consequences that cannot be rescued by reducing inhibition later in life. We find that, in NF1 mice of both sexes, inhibition increases strongly during the development of the visual cortex and remains high. While this increase in cortical inhibition does not affect spontaneous cortical activity patterns during early cortical development, the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity is shortened in NF1 mice due to its early closure but unaltered onset. Notably, after environmental enrichment, differences in inhibitory innervation and ocular dominance plasticity between NF1 mice and WT littermates disappear. These results provide the first evidence for critical period dysregulation in NF1 and suggest that treatments aimed at normalizing levels of inhibition will need to start at early stages of development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurofibromatosis type 1 is associated with cognitive problems for which no treatment is currently available. This study shows that, in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1, cortical inhibition is increased during development and critical period regulation is disturbed. Rearing the mice in an environment that stimulates cognitive function overcomes these deficits. These results uncover critical period dysregulation as a novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1. This suggests that targeting the affected signaling pathways in neurofibromatosis type 1 for the treatment of cognitive disabilities may have to start at a much younger age than has so far been tested in clinical trials.
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Kroon T, van Hugte E, van Linge L, Mansvelder HD, Meredith RM. Early postnatal development of pyramidal neurons across layers of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5037. [PMID: 30911152 PMCID: PMC6433913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian neocortex is a highly layered structure. Each layer is populated by distinct subtypes of principal cells that are born at different times during development. While the differences between principal cells across layers have been extensively studied, it is not known how the developmental profiles of neurons in different layers compare. Here, we provide a detailed morphological and functional characterisation of pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC during the first postnatal month, corresponding to known critical periods for synapse and neuron formation in mouse sensory neocortex. Our data demonstrate similar maturation profiles of dendritic morphology and intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons in both deep and superficial layers. In contrast, the balance of synaptic excitation and inhibition differs in a layer-specific pattern from one to four postnatal weeks of age. Our characterisation of the early development and maturation of pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC not only demonstrates a comparable time course of postnatal maturation to that in other neocortical circuits, but also implies that consideration of layer- and time-specific changes in pyramidal neurons may be relevant for studies in mouse models of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kroon
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Eline van Hugte
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Cognitive Neurosciences, Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 10 Noord, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lola van Linge
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhiannon M Meredith
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics & Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ornelas LC, Keele NB. Sex Differences in the Physiological Response to Ethanol of Rat Basolateral Amygdala Neurons Following Single-Prolonged Stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:219. [PMID: 30108486 PMCID: PMC6079253 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Females are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than males. Also, symptoms of PTSD frequently precede alcohol abuse in females. Stressful, threat-related stimuli are evaluated by the amygdala, which is critical for establishing the emotional salience of environmental stimuli. Ethanol and stress have been shown to modify amygdala excitability, but effects of acute ethanol on neurons of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in both males and females exposed to stress is unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine stress-induced changes in membrane properties of BLA neurons and to determine how ethanol modulates these changes in male and female rats. Whole-cell recordings were obtained from BLA neurons of both male and female rats exposed to single-prolonged stress (SPS). Neuronal excitability, quantified as the number of action potentials, was determined in current clamp mode by applying a series of depolarizing current steps. Hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) was elicited in voltage clamp. Excitability and Ih amplitude were determined before and during the superfusion of ethanol (EtOH; 30 mM) in BLA neurons from SPS-treated male and female rats. SPS alone did not alter the firing properties of BLA neurons from either males or females. However, following SPS, BLA neurons from males and females respond differently to ethanol. Superfusion of EtOH (30 mM) inhibited spike firing in BLA neurons from rats exposed to SPS, and EtOH-induced inhibition was greater in females than in males exposed to stress. Also, EtOH (30 mM) selectively decreased Ih amplitude in BLA neurons from SPS-treated male rats from 171 ± 46 pA in (pre-EtOH) control to 53 ± 51 pA in the presence of EtOH (30 mM). EtOH did not reduce Ih in BLA neurons from SPS-treated females. Together, these suggest important sex differences in the physiological responses to EtOH in stress disorders such as PTSD, that have high comorbidity with alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Ornelas
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - N B Keele
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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