Normal patterns of spontaneous activity are required for correct motor axon guidance and the expression of specific guidance molecules

In vivo calcium dynamics during neural crest cell migration and patterning using GCaMP3

Examining calcium dynamics within the neural crest (NC) has the potential to shed light on mechanisms that regulate complex cell migration and patterning events during embryogenesis. Unfortunately, typical calcium indicators are added to culture media or have low signal to noise after microinjection into tissue that severely limit analyses to cultured cells or superficial events. Here, we studied in vivo calcium dynamics during NC cell migration and patterning, using a genetically encoded calcium sensor, GCaMP3. We discovered that trunk NC cells displayed significantly more spontaneous calcium transients than cranial NC cells, and during cell aggregation versus cell migration events. Spontaneous calcium transients were more prevalent during NC cell aggregation into discrete sympathetic ganglia (SG). Blocking of N-cadherin activity in trunk NC cells near the presumptive SG led to a dramatic decrease in the frequency of spontaneous calcium transients. Detailed analysis and mathematical modeling of cell behaviors during SG formation showed NC cells aggregated into clusters after displaying a spontaneous calcium transient. This approach highlights the novel application of a genetically encoded calcium indicator to study subsets of cells during ventral events in embryogenesis.

α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the early postnatal mouse superior cervical ganglion

Heteropentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) mediate fast synaptic transmission in ganglia of the autonomic nervous system. It is undisputed that α3 and β4 are the predominant subunits in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG); however, reports on the presence of receptors that contain α4 have been controversial. Here, we have searched for the presence of α4-containing nAChRs in the postnatal rat and mouse SCG. We now show by immunoprecipitation combined with radioligand binding that α4-containing receptors constitute about 20% of hetero-oligomeric nAChRs in postnatal Day 3 (P3) mice. However, already by P9, the level of α4 approaches zero. In contrast, the number of α4-containing receptors is close to zero in the rat SCG at all times investigated. Deletion of the β2 subunit by using α5β2-double knockout (KO) mice removes all α4-containing receptors, suggesting that in the postnatal mouse SCG, α4 co-assembles only with β2 but not with β4. α4β2 receptors are, on the other hand, up-regulated in the SCG of P3 α5β4-double KO mice, where they make up about 50% of receptors that bind [(3) H]-epibatidine. Nonetheless, receptors on the surface of SCG neurons from α5β4-double KO mice maintained for one to two days in culture comprise <10% of α4β2 and >90% of α3β2, as determined by patch clamp recordings with α4β2- and α3β2-specific ligands. We propose that in the P3 SCG of wild type mice, α3β4 (±α5) represent about 62% of receptors, whereas 17% are α3β2β4, and 21% are α4β2 (±α5) receptors.

Transcriptional up-regulation of cell surface Na V 1.7 sodium channels by insulin-like growth factor-1 via inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in adrenal chromaffin cells: enhancement of 22Na+ influx, 45Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays important roles in the regulation of neuronal development. The electrical activity of Na(+) channels is crucial for the regulation of synaptic formation and maintenance/repair of neuronal circuits. Here, we examined the effects of chronic IGF-1 treatment on cell surface expression and function of Na(+) channels. In cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells expressing Na(V)1.7 isoform of voltage-dependent Na(+) channels, chronic IGF-1 treatment increased cell surface [(3)H]saxitoxin binding by 31%, without altering the Kd value. In cells treated with IGF-1, veratridine-induced (22)Na(+) influx, and subsequent (45)Ca(2+) influx and catecholamine secretion were augmented by 35%, 33%, 31%, respectively. Pharmacological properties of Na(+) channels characterized by neurotoxins were similar between nontreated and IGF-1-treated cells. IGF-1-induced up-regulation of [(3)H]saxitoxin binding was prevented by phosphatydil inositol-3 kinase inhibitors (LY204002 or wortmannin), or Akt inhibitor (Akt inhibitor IV). Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitors (LiCl, valproic acid, SB216763 or SB415286) also increased cell surface [(3)H]saxitoxin binding by ∼ 33%, whereas simultaneous treatment of IGF-1 with GSK-3 inhibitors did not produce additive increasing effect on [(3)H]saxitoxin binding. IGF-1 (100 nM) increased Ser(437)-phosphorylated Akt and Ser(9)-phosphorylated GSK-3β, and inhibited GSK-3β activity. Treatment with IGF-1, LiCl or SB216763 increased protein level of Na(+) channel α-subunit; it was prevented by cycloheximide. Either treatment increased α-subunit mRNA level by ∼ 48% and accelerated α-subunit gene transcription by ∼ 30% without altering α-subunit mRNA stability. Thus, inhibition of GSK-3β caused by IGF-1 up-regulates cell surface expression of functional Na(+) channels via acceleration of α-subunit gene transcription.

Maturation of the GABAergic transmission in normal and pathologic motoneurons

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acting on Cl⁻-permeable ionotropic type A (GABA_A) receptors (GABA_AR) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult central nervous system of vertebrates. In immature brain structures, GABA exerts depolarizing effects mostly contributing to the expression of spontaneous activities that are instructive for the construction of neural networks but GABA also acts as a potent trophic factor. In the present paper, we concentrate on brainstem and spinal motoneurons that are largely targeted by GABAergic interneurons, and we bring together data on the switch from excitatory to inhibitory effects of GABA, on the maturation of the GABAergic system and GABA_AR subunits. We finally discuss the role of GABA and its GABA_AR in immature hypoglossal motoneurons of the spastic (SPA) mouse, a model of human hyperekplexic syndrome.

Neuronal activity-regulated gene transcription in synapse development and cognitive function

Activity-dependent plasticity of vertebrate neurons allows the brain to respond to its environment. During brain development, both spontaneous and sensory-driven neural activity are essential for instructively guiding the process of synapse development. These effects of neuronal activity are transduced in part through the concerted regulation of a set of activity-dependent transcription factors that coordinate a program of gene expression required for the formation and maturation of synapses. Here we review the cellular signaling networks that regulate the activity of transcription factors during brain development and discuss the functional roles of specific activity-regulated transcription factors in specific stages of synapse formation, refinement, and maturation. Interestingly, a number of neurodevelopmental disorders have been linked to abnormalities in activity-regulated transcriptional pathways, indicating that these signaling networks are critical for cognitive development and function.

Contribution of the potassium-chloride co-transporter KCC2 to the modulation of lumbar spinal networks in mice

Spontaneous activity is observed in most developing neuronal circuits, such as the retina, hippocampus, brainstem and spinal cord. In the spinal cord, spontaneous activity is important for generating embryonic movements critical for the proper development of motor axons, muscles and synaptic connections. A spontaneous bursting activity can be recorded in vitro from ventral roots during perinatal development. The depolarizing action of the inhibitory amino acids γ-aminobutyric acid and glycine is widely proposed to contribute to spontaneous activity in several immature systems. During development, the intracellular chloride concentration decreases, leading to a shift of equilibrium potential for Cl(-) ions towards more negative values, and thereby to a change in glycine- and γ-aminobutyric acid-evoked potentials from depolarization/excitation to hyperpolarization/inhibition. The up-regulation of the outward-directed Cl(-) pump, the neuron-specific potassium-chloride co-transporter type 2 KCC2, has been shown to underlie this shift. Here, we investigated whether spontaneous and locomotor-like activities are altered in genetically modified mice that express only 8-20% of KCC2, compared with wild-type animals. We show that a reduced amount of KCC2 leads to a depolarized equilibrium potential for Cl(-) ions in lumbar motoneurons, an increased spontaneous activity and a faster locomotor-like activity. However, the left-right and flexor-extensor alternating pattern observed during fictive locomotion was not affected. We conclude that neuronal networks within the spinal cord are more excitable in KCC2 mutant mice, which suggests that KCC2 strongly modulates the excitability of spinal cord networks.

Sonic hedgehog signaling is decoded by calcium spike activity in the developing spinal cord

Evolutionarily conserved hedgehog proteins orchestrate the patterning of embryonic tissues, and dysfunctions in their signaling can lead to tumorigenesis. In vertebrates, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is essential for nervous system development, but the mechanisms underlying its action remain unclear. Early electrical activity is another developmental cue important for proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons. Here we demonstrate the interplay between Shh signaling and Ca(2+) dynamics in the developing spinal cord. Ca(2+) imaging of embryonic spinal cells shows that Shh acutely increases Ca(2+) spike activity through activation of the Shh coreceptor Smoothened (Smo) in neurons. Smo recruits a heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein-dependent pathway and engages both intracellular Ca(2+) stores and Ca(2+) influx. The dynamics of this signaling are manifested in synchronous Ca(2+) spikes and inositol triphosphate transients apparent at the neuronal primary cilium. Interaction of Shh and electrical activity modulates neurotransmitter phenotype expression in spinal neurons. These results indicate that electrical activity and second-messenger signaling mediate Shh action in embryonic spinal neurons.

Lateral superior olive function in congenital deafness

The development of cochlear implants for the treatment of patients with profound hearing loss has advanced considerably in the last few decades, particularly in the field of speech comprehension. However, attempts to provide not only sound decoding but also spatial hearing are limited by our understanding of circuit adaptations in the absence of auditory input. Here we investigate the lateral superior olive (LSO), a nucleus involved in interaural level difference (ILD) processing in the auditory brainstem using a mouse model of congenital deafness (the dn/dn mouse). An electrophysiological investigation of principal neurons of the LSO from the dn/dn mouse reveals a higher than normal proportion of single spiking (SS) neurons, and an increase in the hyperpolarisation-activated I(h) current. However, inhibitory glycinergic input to the LSO appears to develop normally both pre and postsynaptically in dn/dn mice despite the absence of auditory nerve activity. In combination with previous electrophysiological findings from the dn/dn mouse, we also compile a simple Hodgkin and Huxley circuit model in order to investigate possible computational deficits in ILD processing resulting from congenital hearing loss. We find that the predominance of SS neurons in the dn/dn LSO may compensate for upstream modifications and help to maintain a functioning ILD circuit in the dn/dn mouse. This could have clinical repercussions on the development of stimulation paradigms for spatial hearing with cochlear implants.

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in olfactory sensory neurons regulate axon extension and glomerular formation

Mechanisms influencing the development of olfactory bulb glomeruli are poorly understood. While odor receptors (ORs) play an important role in olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon targeting/coalescence (Mombaerts et al., 1996; Wang et al., 1998; Feinstein and Mombaerts, 2004), recent work showed that G protein activation alone is sufficient to induce OSN axon coalescence (Imai et al., 2006; Chesler et al., 2007), suggesting an activity-dependent mechanism in glomerular development. Consistent with these data, OSN axon projections and convergence are perturbed in mice deficient for adenylyl cyclase III, which is downstream from the OR and catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cAMP. However, in cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel knock-out mice OSN axons are only transiently perturbed (Lin et al., 2000), suggesting that the CNG channel may not be the sole target of cAMP. This prompted us to investigate an alternative channel, the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel (HCN), as a potential developmental target of cAMP in OSNs. Here, we demonstrate that HCN channels are developmentally precocious in OSNs and therefore are plausible candidates for affecting OSN axon development. Inhibition of HCN channels in dissociated OSNs significantly reduced neurite outgrowth. Moreover, in HCN1 knock-out mice the formation of glomeruli was delayed in parallel with perturbations of axon organization in the olfactory nerve. These data support the hypothesis that the outgrowth and coalescence of OSN axons is, at least in part, subject to activity-dependent mechanisms mediated via HCN channels.

Is epilepsy a preventable disorder? New evidence from animal models

Epilepsy accounts for 0.5% of the global burden of disease, and primary prevention of epilepsy represents one of the three 2007 NINDS Epilepsy Research Benchmarks. In the past decade, efforts to understand and intervene in the process of epileptogenesis have yielded fruitful preventative strategies in animal models.This article reviews the current understanding of epileptogenesis, introduces the concept of a "critical period" for epileptogenesis, and examines strategies for epilepsy prevention in animal models of both acquired and genetic epilepsies. We discuss specific animal models, which may yield important insights into epilepsy prevention including kindling, poststatus epilepticus, prolonged febrile seizures, traumatic brain injury, hypoxia, the tuberous sclerosis mouse model, and the WAG/Rij rat model of primary generalized epilepsy. Hopefully, further investigation of antiepileptogenesis in animal models will soon enable human therapeutic trials to be initiated, leading to long-term epilepsy prevention and improved patient quality of life.

Lack of dystrophin functionally affects α3β2/β4-nicotinic acethylcholine receptors in sympathetic neurons of dystrophic mdx mice

In the sympathetic superior cervical ganglion (SCG), nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission. We previously demonstrated that in SCG neurons of mdx mice, an animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lack of dystrophin causes a decrease, compared to the wild-type, in post-synaptic nAChRs containing the α3 subunit associated with β2 and/or β4 (α3β2/β4-nAChRs), but not in those containing the α7 subunit. Here we show, by whole cell patch-clamp recordings from cultured SCG neurons, that both nicotine and acetylcholine-evoked currents through α3β2/β4-nAChRs are significantly reduced in mdx mice compared to the wild-type, while those through α7-nAChR are unaffected. This reduction associates with that of protein levels of α3, β2 and β4 subunits. Therefore, we suggest that, in mdx mouse SCG neurons, lack of dystrophin, by specifically affecting membrane stabilization of α3β2/β4-nAChRs, could determine an increase in receptor internalization and degradation, with consequent reduction in the fast intraganglionic cholinergic transmission.

Presynaptic activity and CaMKII modulate retrograde semaphorin signaling and synaptic refinement

Establishing synaptic connections often involves the activity-dependent withdrawal of off-target contacts. We describe an in vivo role for temporally patterned electrical activity, voltage-gated calcium channels, and CaMKII in modulating the response of Drosophila motoneurons to the chemorepellent Sema-2a during synaptic refinement. Mutations affecting the Sema-2a ligand, the plexin B receptor (plexB), the voltage-gated Ca(v)2.1 calcium channel (cac), or the voltage-gated Na(v)1 sodium channel (mle(nap-ts);tipE) each result in ectopic neuromuscular contacts. Sema-2a interacts genetically with both of the channel mutations. The cac phenotype is enhanced by the Sema-2a mutation and is suppressed by either plexB overexpression or patterned, low-frequency (0.01 Hz) bouts of electrical activity in the embryo. The calcium-dependent suppression of ectopic contacts also depends on the downstream activation of CaMKII. These results indicate a role for patterned electrical activity and presynaptic calcium signaling, acting through CaMKII, in modulating a retrograde signal during the refinement of synaptic connections.

Polarized targeting of L1-CAM regulates axonal and dendritic bundling in vitro

Proper axonal and dendritic bundling is essential for the establishment of neuronal connections and the synchronization of synaptic inputs, respectively. Cell adhesion molecules of the L1-CAM (L1-cell adhesion molecule) family regulate axon guidance and fasciculation, neuron migration, dendrite morphology, and synaptic plasticity. It remains unclear how these molecules play so many different roles. Here we show that polarized axon-dendrite targeting of an avian L1-CAM protein, NgCAM (neuron-glia cell adhesion molecule), can regulate the switch of bundling of the two major compartments of rat hippocampal neurons. Using a new in-vitro model for studying neurite-neurite interactions, we found that expressed axonal NgCAM induced robust axonal bundling via the trans-homophilic interaction of immunoglobulin domains. Interestingly, dendritic bundling was induced by the dendritic targeting of NgCAM, caused by either deleting its fibronectin repeats or blocking activities of protein kinases. Consistent with the NgCAM results, expression of mouse L1-CAM also induced axonal bundling and blocking kinase activities disrupted its axonal targeting. Furthermore, the trans-homophilic interaction stabilized the bundle formation, probably through recruiting NgCAM proteins to contact sites and promoting guided axon outgrowth. Taken together, our results suggest that precise localization of L1-CAM is important for establishing proper cell-cell contacts in neural circuits.

Motor axon pathfinding

Motor neurons are functionally related, but represent a diverse collection of cells that show strict preferences for specific axon pathways during embryonic development. In this article, we describe the ligands and receptors that guide motor axons as they extend toward their peripheral muscle targets. Motor neurons share similar guidance molecules with many other neuronal types, thus one challenge in the field of axon guidance has been to understand how the vast complexity of brain connections can be established with a relatively small number of factors. In the context of motor guidance, we highlight some of the temporal and spatial mechanisms used to optimize the fidelity of pathfinding and increase the functional diversity of the signaling proteins.

Neural map formation in the mouse olfactory system

Odor signals received by odorant receptors (ORs) in the olfactory epithelium are represented as an odor map of activated glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. In the mouse olfactory system, it appears that much of axon pathfinding and sorting occurs autonomously by olfactory neuron axons. Here, we review the recent progress on the study of olfactory map formation in rodents. We will discuss how neuronal identity is represented at axon termini and how the OR-instructed axonal projection is regulated.

Dipolar cortico-muscular electrical stimulation: a novel method that enhances motor function in both - normal and spinal cord injured mice

Background

Electrical stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems is a common tool that is used to improve functional recovery after neuronal injury.

Methods

Here we described a new configuration of electrical stimulation as it was tested in anesthetized control and spinal cord injury (SCI) mice. Constant voltage output was delivered through two electrodes. While the negative voltage output (ranging from -1.8 to -2.6 V) was delivered to the muscle via transverse wire electrodes (diameter, 500 μm) located at opposite ends of the muscle, the positive output (ranging from + 2.4 to +3.2 V) was delivered to the primary motor cortex (M1) (electrode tip, 100 μm). The configuration was named dipolar cortico-muscular stimulation (dCMS) and consisted of 100 pulses (1 ms pulse duration, 1 Hz frequency).

Results

In SCI animals, after dCMS, cortically-elicited muscle contraction improved markedly at the contralateral (456%) and ipsilateral (457%) gastrocnemius muscles. The improvement persisted for the duration of the experiment (60 min). The enhancement of cortically-elicited muscle contraction was accompanied by the reduction of M1 maximal threshold and the potentiation of spinal motoneuronal evoked responses at the contralateral (313%) and ipsilateral (292%) sides of the spinal cord. Moreover, spontaneous activity recorded from single spinal motoneurons was substantially increased contralaterally (121%) and ipsilaterally (54%). Interestingly, spinal motoneuronal responses and muscle twitches evoked by the test stimulation of non-treated M1 (received no dCMS) were significantly enhanced as well. Similar results obtained from normal animals albeit the changes were relatively smaller.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that dCMS could improve functionality of corticomotoneuronal pathway and thus it may have therapeutic potential.

In vivo activation of channelrhodopsin-2 reveals that normal patterns of spontaneous activity are required for motoneuron guidance and maintenance of guidance molecules

Spontaneous, highly rhythmic episodes of propagating bursting activity are present early during the development of chick and mouse spinal cords. Acetylcholine, and GABA and glycine, which are both excitatory at this stage, provide the excitatory drive. It was previously shown that a moderate decrease in the frequency of bursting activity, caused by in ovo application of the GABA(A) receptor blocker, picrotoxin, resulted in motoneurons making dorsal-ventral (D-V) pathfinding errors in the limb and in the altered expression of guidance molecules associated with this decision. To distinguish whether the pathfinding errors were caused by perturbation of the normal frequency of bursting activity or interference with GABA(A) receptor signaling, chick embryos were chronically treated in ovo with picrotoxin to block GABA(A) receptors, while light activation by channelrhodopsin-2 was used to restore bursting activity to the control frequency. The restoration of normal patterns of neural activity in the presence of picrotoxin prevented the D-V pathfinding errors in the limb and maintained the normal expression levels of EphA4, EphB1, and polysialic acid on neural cell adhesion molecule, three molecules previously shown to be necessary for this pathfinding choice. These observations demonstrate that developing spinal motor circuits are highly sensitive to the precise frequency and pattern of spontaneous activity, and that any drugs that alter this activity could result in developmental defects.

In vivo evidence for transdifferentiation of peripheral neurons

It is commonly thought that differentiated neurons do not give rise to new cells, severely limiting the potential for regeneration and repair of the mature nervous system. However, we have identified cells in zebrafish larvae that first differentiate into dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons but later acquire a sympathetic neuron phenotype. These transdifferentiating neurons are present in wild-type zebrafish. However, they are increased in number in larvae that have a mutant voltage-gated sodium channel gene, scn8aa. Sodium channel knock-down promotes migration of differentiated sensory neurons away from the ganglia. Once in a new environment, sensory neurons transdifferentiate regardless of sodium channel expression. These findings reveal an unsuspected plasticity in differentiated neurons that points to new strategies for treatment of nervous system disease.

Integrins and ion channels in cell migration: implications for neuronal development, wound healing and metastatic spread

Cells migration is necessary for proper embryonic development and adult tissue remodeling. Its mechanisms determine the physiopathology of processes such as neuronal targeting, inflammation, wound healing and metastatic spread. Crawling of cells onto solid surfaces requires a controlled sequence of cell protrusions and retractions that mainly depends on sophisticated regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, although the contribution of microtubules should not be neglected. This process is triggered and modulated by a combination of diffusible and fixed environmental signals. External cues are sensed and integrated by membrane receptors, including integrins, which transduce these signals into cellular signaling pathways, often centered on the small GTPase proteins belonging to the Rho family. These pathways regulate the coordinated cytoskeletal rearrangements necessary for proper timing of adhesion, contraction and detachement at the front and rear side of cells finding their way through the extracellular spaces. The overall process involves continuous modulation of cell motility, shape and volume, in which ion channels play major roles. In particular, Ca2+ signals have both global and local regulatory effects on cell motility, because they target the contractile proteins as well as many regulatory proteins. After reviewing the fundamental mechanisms of eukaryotic cell migration onto solid substrates, we briefly describe how integrin receptors and ion channels are involved in cell movement. We next examine a few processes in which these mechanisms have been studied in depth. We thus illustrate how integrins and K+ channels control cell volume and migration, how intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis affects the motility of neuronal growth cones and what is known about the ion channel roles in epithelial cell migration. These mechanisms are implicated in a variety of pathological processes, such as the disruption of neural circuits and wound healing. Finally, we describe the interaction between neoplastic cells and their local environment and how derangement of adhesion can lead to metastatic spread. It is likely that the cellular mechanisms controlled by integrin receptors, ion channels or both participate in the entire metastatic process. Until now, however, evidence is limited to a few steps of the metastatic cascade, such as brain tumor invasiveness.

Peri-pubertal emergence of UNC-5 homologue expression by dopamine neurons in rodents

Puberty is a critical period in mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system development, particularly for the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) projection which achieves maturity in early adulthood. The guidance cue netrin-1 organizes neuronal networks by attracting or repelling cellular processes through DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) and UNC-5 homologue (UNC5H) receptors, respectively. We have shown that variations in netrin-1 receptor levels lead to selective reorganization of mPFC DA circuitry, and changes in DA-related behaviors, in transgenic mice and in rats. Significantly, these effects are only observed after puberty, suggesting that netrin-1 mediated effects on DA systems vary across development. Here we report on the normal expression of DCC and UNC5H in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by DA neurons from embryonic life to adulthood, in both mice and rats. We show a dramatic and enduring pubertal change in the ratio of DCC:UNC5H receptors, reflecting a shift toward predominant UNC5H function. This shift in DCC:UNC5H ratio coincides with the pubertal emergence of UNC5H expression by VTA DA neurons. Although the distribution of DCC and UNC5H by VTA DA neurons changes during puberty, the pattern of netrin-1 immunoreactivity in these cells does not. Together, our findings suggest that DCC:UNC5H ratios in DA neurons at critical periods may have important consequences for the organization and function of mesocorticolimbic DA systems.

cJun integrates calcium activity and tlx3 expression to regulate neurotransmitter specification

Neuronal differentiation is accomplished through cascades of intrinsic genetic factors initiated in neuronal progenitors by external gradients of morphogens. Activity was thought to be important only late in development, but recent evidence indicates that activity also regulates early neuronal differentiation. Activity in post-mitotic neurons prior to synapse formation can regulate phenotypic specification, including neurotransmitter choice, but the mechanisms are not clear. Here we identify a mechanism that links endogenous calcium spike activity with an intrinsic genetic pathway to specify neurotransmitter choice in neurons in the dorsal embryonic spinal cord of Xenopus tropicalis. Early activity modulates transcription of the GABAergic/glutamatergic selection gene tlx3 and requires a variant cAMP response element (CRE) in its promoter. The cJun transcription factor binds to this CRE site, modulates transcription, and regulates neurotransmitter phenotype through its transactivation domain. Calcium signals through cJun N-terminal phosphorylation, thus integrating activity-dependent and intrinsic neurotransmitter specification. This mechanism provides a basis for early activity to regulate genetic pathways at critical decision points, switching the phenotype of developing neurons.

Electrical activity suppresses axon growth through Ca(v)1.2 channels in adult primary sensory neurons

BACKGROUND

Primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) regenerate their spinal cord axon if the peripheral nerve axon has previously been cut. This conditioning lesion confers axon growth competence to the neurons. However, the signal that is sensed by the cell upon peripheral lesion to initiate the regenerative response remains elusive.

RESULTS

We show here that loss of electrical activity following peripheral deafferentiation is an important signal to trigger axon regrowth. We first verified that firing in sensory fibers, as recorded from dorsal roots in vivo, declined after peripheral lesioning but was not altered after central lesioning. We found that electrical activity strongly inhibited axon outgrowth in cultured adult sensory neurons. The inhibitory effect depended on the L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel current and involved transcriptional changes. After a peripheral lesion, the L-type current was consistently diminished and the L-type pore-forming subunit, Ca(v)1.2, was downregulated. Genetic ablation of Ca(v)1.2 in the nervous system caused an increase in axon outgrowth from dissociated DRG neurons and enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that cessation of electrical activity after peripheral lesion contributes to the regenerative response observed upon conditioning and might be necessary to promote regeneration after central nervous system injury.

Guidance of postural motoneurons requires MAPK/ERK signaling downstream of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1

Identification of intracellular signaling pathways necessary for appropriate axon guidance is challenging because many CNS populations used to study these events contain multiple cell types. Here, we resolve this issue by using mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells that were directed to differentiate into a population of motoneurons that exclusively innervate epaxial muscles [medial median motor column (MMCm) motoneurons]. These ES cell-derived MMCm motoneurons, like their endogenous counterparts, express fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and selectively extend axons toward the epaxial trophin FGF8. Unlike wild-type MMCm motoneurons, FGFR1(-/-) MMCm motoneurons show guidance defects when transplanted into the neural tube of chick embryos. Furthermore, activation of FGFR1 selectively signals through mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) for appropriate guidance in vitro, whereas overexpression of constitutively active MAPK/ERK in transplanted, or endogenous chick, MMCm cells causes guidance defects in vivo. These results indicate that MAPK/ERK activation downstream of FGFR1 is necessary for MMCm motor axon guidance and that ES cell-derived neurons provide an important tool for dissecting intracellular pathways required for axon guidance.

APCDD1 is a novel Wnt inhibitor mutated in hereditary hypotrichosis simplex

Hereditary hypotrichosis simplex is a rare autosomal dominant form of hair loss characterized by hair follicle miniaturization. Using genetic linkage analysis, we mapped a new locus for the disease to chromosome 18p11.22, and identified a mutation (Leu9Arg) in the adenomatosis polyposis down-regulated 1 (APCDD1) gene in three families. We show that APCDD1 is a membrane-bound glycoprotein that is abundantly expressed in human hair follicles, and can interact in vitro with WNT3A and LRP5-two essential components of Wnt signalling. Functional studies show that APCDD1 inhibits Wnt signalling in a cell-autonomous manner and functions upstream of beta-catenin. Moreover, APCDD1 represses activation of Wnt reporters and target genes, and inhibits the biological effects of Wnt signalling during both the generation of neurons from progenitors in the developing chick nervous system, and axis specification in Xenopus laevis embryos. The mutation Leu9Arg is located in the signal peptide of APCDD1, and perturbs its translational processing from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. APCDD1(L9R) probably functions in a dominant-negative manner to inhibit the stability and membrane localization of the wild-type protein. These findings describe a novel inhibitor of the Wnt signalling pathway with an essential role in human hair growth. As APCDD1 is expressed in a broad repertoire of cell types, our findings indicate that APCDD1 may regulate a diversity of biological processes controlled by Wnt signalling.

The specification of glycinergic neurons and the role of glycinergic transmission in development

Glycine's role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate nervous system has been well characterized in a number of different model organisms. However, a full understanding of glycinergic transmission requires a knowledge of how glycinergic synapses emerge and the role of glycinergic signaling during development. Recent literature has provided a detailed picture of the developmental expression of many of the molecular components that comprise the glycinergic phenotype, namely the glycine transporters and the glycine receptor subunits; the transcriptional networks leading to the expression of this important neurotransmitter phenotype are also being elucidated. An equally important focus of research has revealed the critical role of glycinergic signaling in sculpting many different aspects of neural development. This review examines the current literature detailing the expression patterns of the components of the glycinergic phenotype in various vertebrate model organisms over the course of development and the molecular mechanisms governing the expression of the glycinergic phenotype. The review then surveys the recent work on the role of glycinergic signaling in the developing nervous system and concludes with an overview of areas for further research.

Pharmacological manipulation of GABA-driven activity in ovo disrupts the development of dendritic morphology but not the maturation of spinal cord network activity

Background

In the adult nervous system, GABA acts as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter; however, at early stages of neurodevelopment, GABA receptor activation leads to membrane depolarization and accumulation of [Ca²⁺]_i. The role of excitatory GABAergic neurotransmission in the development of the nervous system is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of excitatory GABA-driven activity in regulating the dendritic morphology and network function in the developing chicken spinal cord.

Results

Both bicuculline, a GABA receptor antagonist, and muscimol, a GABA agonist, inhibit the generation of spontaneous network activity in the isolated spinal cord at E8 or E10, indicating that altering GABA receptor activation disrupts the generation of spontaneous network activity in the chicken spinal cord. Treatment of chicken embryos with bicuculline or muscimol between E5 and E8 (or between E8 and E10), inhibits the dendritic outgrowth of motoneurons when compared to vehicle-treated embryos. The inhibitory effect of bicuculline or muscimol on the dendritic morphology of motoneurons was likely due to inhibition of GABA-driven network activity since a similar effect was also observed following reduction of network activity by Kir2.1 overexpression in the spinal cord. The inhibitory effect of bicuculline or muscimol was not caused by an adverse effect on cell survival. Surprisingly, chronic treatment of chicken embryos with bicuculline or muscimol has no effect on the shape and duration of the episodes of spontaneous activity, suggesting that maturation of network activity is not altered by disruption of the dendritic outgrowth of motoneurons.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings indicate that excitatory GABA receptor activation regulates the maturation of dendritic morphology in the developing spinal cord by an activity-dependent mechanism. However, inhibition of dendritic outgrowth caused by disruption of GABA-driven activity does not alter the maturation of spontaneous electrical activity generated by spinal cord networks, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms can reverse any adverse effect of dendritic morphology on network function.

Role of pre- and postsynaptic activity in thalamocortical axon branching

Axonal branching is thought to be regulated not only by genetically defined programs but also by neural activity in the developing nervous system. Here we investigated the role of pre- and postsynaptic activity in axon branching in the thalamocortical (TC) projection using organotypic coculture preparations of the thalamus and cortex. Individual TC axons were labeled with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein by transfection into thalamic neurons. To manipulate firing activity, a vector encoding an inward rectifying potassium channel (Kir2.1) was introduced into either thalamic or cortical cells. Firing activity was monitored with multielectrode dishes during culturing. We found that axon branching was markedly suppressed in Kir2.1-overexpressing thalamic cells, in which neural activity was silenced. Similar suppression of TC axon branching was also found when cortical cell activity was reduced by expressing Kir2.1. These results indicate that both pre- and postsynaptic activity is required for TC axon branching during development.

EphA4 signaling in juveniles establishes topographic specificity of structural plasticity in the hippocampus

The formation and loss of synapses is involved in learning and memory. Distinct subpopulations of permanent and plastic synapses coexist in the adult brain, but the principles and mechanisms underlying the establishment of these distinctions remain unclear. Here we show that in the hippocampus, terminal arborizations (TAs) with high plasticity properties are specified at juvenile stages, and account for most synapse turnover of adult mossy fibers. Out of 9-12 giant terminals along CA3, distinct subpopulations of granule neurons revealed by mouse reporter lines exhibit 0, 1, or >2 TAs. TA specification involves a topographic rule based on cell body position and EphA4 signaling. Upon disruption of EphA4 signaling or PSA-NCAM in juvenile circuits, single-TA mossy fibers establish >2 TAs, suggesting that intra-axonal competition influences plasticity site selection. Therefore, plastic synapse specification in juveniles defines sites of synaptic remodeling in the adult, and hippocampal circuit plasticity follows unexpected topographic principles.

New insights into the regulation of ion channels by integrins

By controlling cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, integrin receptors regulate processes as diverse as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and synaptic stability. Because the underlying mechanisms are generally accompanied by changes in transmembrane ion flow, a complex interplay occurs between integrins, ion channels, and other membrane transporters. This reciprocal interaction regulates bidirectional signal transduction across the cell surface and may take place at all levels of control, from transcription to direct conformational coupling. In particular, it is becoming increasingly clear that integrin receptors form macromolecular complexes with ion channels. Besides contributing to the membrane localization of the channel protein, the integrin/channel complex can regulate a variety of downstream signaling pathways, centered on regulatory proteins like tyrosine kinases and small GTPases. In turn, the channel protein usually controls integrin activation and expression. We review some recent advances in the field, with special emphasis on hematology and neuroscience. Some oncological implications are also discussed.

Pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuronal activity supports the axon development of callosal projection neurons during different post-natal periods in the mouse cerebral cortex

Callosal projection neurons, one of the major types of projection neurons in the mammalian cerebral cortex, require neuronal activity for their axonal projections [H. Mizuno et al. (2007) J. Neurosci., 27, 6760-6770; C. L. Wang et al. (2007) J. Neurosci., 27, 11334-11342]. Here we established a method to label a few callosal axons with enhanced green fluorescent protein in the mouse cerebral cortex and examined the effect of pre-synaptic/post-synaptic neuron silencing on the morphology of individual callosal axons. Pre-synaptic/post-synaptic neurons were electrically silenced by Kir2.1 potassium channel overexpression. Single axon tracing showed that, after reaching the cortical innervation area, green fluorescent protein-labeled callosal axons underwent successive developmental stages: axon growth, branching, layer-specific targeting and arbor formation between post-natal day (P)5 and P9, and the subsequent elaboration of axon arbors between P9 and P15. Reducing pre-synaptic neuronal activity disturbed axon growth and branching before P9, as well as arbor elaboration afterwards. In contrast, silencing post-synaptic neurons disturbed axon arbor elaboration between P9 and P15. Thus, pre-synaptic neuron silencing affected significantly earlier stages of callosal projection neuron axon development than post-synaptic neuron silencing. Silencing both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons impaired callosal axon projections, suggesting that certain levels of firing activity in pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons are required for callosal axon development. Our findings provide in-vivo evidence that pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuronal activities play critical, and presumably differential, roles in axon growth, branching, arbor formation and elaboration during cortical axon development.

Switching retinogeniculate axon laterality leads to normal targeting but abnormal eye-specific segregation that is activity dependent

Partial decussation of sensory pathways allows neural inputs from both sides of the body to project to the same target region where these signals will be integrated. Here, to better understand mechanisms of eye-specific targeting, we studied how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons terminate in their thalamic target, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), when crossing at the optic chiasm midline is altered. In models with gain- and loss-of-function of EphB1, the receptor that directs the ipsilateral projection at the optic chiasm, misrouted RGCs target the appropriate retinotopic zone in the opposite dLGN. However, in EphB1(-/-) mice, the misrouted axons do not intermingle with normally projecting RGC axons and segregate instead into a distinct patch. We also revisited the role of retinal activity on eye-specific targeting by blocking correlated waves of activity with epibatidine into both eyes. We show that, in wild-type mice, retinal waves are necessary during the first postnatal week for both proper distribution and eye-specific segregation of ipsilateral axons in the mature dLGN. Moreover, in EphB1(-/-) mice, refinement of ipsilateral axons is perturbed in control conditions and is further impaired after epibatidine treatment. Finally, retinal waves are required for the formation of the segregated patch of misrouted axons in EphB1(-/-) mice. These findings implicate molecular determinants for targeting of eye-specific zones that are independent of midline guidance cues and that function in concert with correlated retinal activity to sculpt retinogeniculate projections.

Development of motor rhythms in zebrafish embryos

The nervous system can generate rhythms of various frequencies; on the low-frequency side, we have the circuits regulating circadian rhythms with a 24-h period, while on the high-frequency side we have the motor circuits that underlie flight in a hummingbird. Given the ubiquitous nature of rhythms, it is surprising that we know very little of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that produce them in the embryos and of their potential role during the development of neuronal circuits. Recently, zebrafish has been developed as a vertebrate model to study the genetics of neural development. Zebrafish offer several advantages to the study of nervous system development including optical and electrophysiological analysis of neuronal activity even at the earliest embryonic stages. This unique combination of physiology and genetics in the same animal model has led to insights into the development of neuronal networks. This chapter reviews work on the development of zebrafish motor rhythms and speculates on birth and maturation of the circuits that produce them.

Characterization of rhythmic Ca2+ transients in early embryonic chick motoneurons: Ca2+ sources and effects of altered activation of transmitter receptors

In the nervous system, spontaneous Ca(2+) transients play important roles in many developmental processes. We previously found that altering the frequency of electrically recorded rhythmic spontaneous bursting episodes in embryonic chick spinal cords differentially perturbed the two main pathfinding decisions made by motoneurons, dorsal-ventral and pool-specific, depending on the sign of the frequency alteration. Here, we characterized the Ca(2+) transients associated with these bursts and showed that at early stages while motoneurons are still migrating and extending axons to the base of the limb bud, they display spontaneous, highly rhythmic, and synchronized Ca(2+) transients. Some precursor cells in the ependymal layer displayed similar transients. T-type Ca(2+) channels and a persistent Na(+) current were essential to initiate spontaneous bursts and associated transients. However, subsequent propagation of activity throughout the cord resulted from network-driven chemical transmission mediated presynaptically by Ca(2+) entry through N-type Ca(2+) channels and postsynaptically by acetylcholine acting on nicotinic receptors. The increased [Ca(2+)](i) during transients depended primarily on L-type and T-type channels with a modest contribution from TRP (transient receptor potential) channels and ryanodine-sensitive internal stores. Significantly, the drugs used previously to produce pathfinding errors altered transient frequency but not duration or amplitude. These observations imply that different transient frequencies may differentially modulate motoneuron pathfinding. However, the duration of the Ca(2+) transients differed significantly between pools, potentially enabling additional distinct pool-specific downstream signaling. Many early events in spinal motor circuit formation are thus potentially sensitive to the rhythmic Ca(2+) transients we have characterized and to any drugs that perturb them.

Recurrent spatiotemporal firing patterns in large spiking neural networks with ontogenetic and epigenetic processes

Neural development and differentiation are characterized by an overproduction of cells and a transient exuberant number of connections followed by cell death and selective synaptic pruning. We simulated large spiking neural networks (10,000 units at its maximum size) with and without an ontogenetic process corresponding to a brief initial phase of apoptosis driven by an excessive firing rate mimicking cell death due to glutamatergic neurotoxicity and glutamate-triggered apoptosis. This phase was followed by the onset of spike timing dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP), driven by spatiotemporal patterns of stimulation. Despite the reduction in cell counts the apoptosis tended to increase the excitatory/inhibitory ratio because the inhibitory cells were affected at first. Recurrent spatiotemporal firing patterns emerged in both developmental condition but they differed in dynamics. They were less numerous but repeated more often after apoptosis. The results suggest that initial cell death may be necessary for the emergence of stable cell assemblies, able to sustain and process temporal information, from the initially randomly connected networks.

Excitotoxic motoneuron degeneration induced by glutamate receptor agonists and mitochondrial toxins in organotypic cultures of chick embryo spinal cord

Glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction appear to play an important role in motoneuron (MN) degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the present study we used an organotypic slice culture of chick embryo spinal cord to explore the responsiveness of mature MNs to different excitotoxic stimuli and mitrochondrial inhibition. We found that, in this system, MNs are highly vulnerable to excitotoxins such as glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kainate (KA), and that the neuroprotective drug riluzole rescues MNs from KA-mediated excitotoxic death. MNs are also sensitive to chronic mitochondrial inhibition induced by malonate and 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) in a dose-dependent manner. MN degeneration induced by treatment with mitochondrial toxins displays structural changes similar to those seen following excitotoxicity and can be prevented by applying either the antiexcitotoxic drug 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione disodium (CNQX) or riluzole. Excitotoxicity results in an increased frequency of normal spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in MNs, which is followed by a sustained deregulation of intracellular Ca2+. Tolerance to excitotoxic MN death resulting from chronic exposure to excitotoxins correlates with a reduced excitotoxin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ and increased thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores.

Zebrafish motor neuron subtypes differ electrically prior to axonal outgrowth

Different muscle targets and transcription factor expression patterns reveal the presence of motor neuron subtypes. However, it is not known whether these subtypes also differ with respect to electrical membrane properties. To address this question, we studied primary motor neurons (PMNs) in the spinal cord of zebrafish embryos. PMN genesis occurs during gastrulation and gives rise to a heterogeneous set of motor neurons that differ with respect to transcription factor expression, muscle targets, and soma location within each spinal cord segment. The unique subtype-specific soma locations and axonal trajectories of two PMNs-MiP (middle) and CaP (caudal)-allowed their identification in situ as early as 17 h postfertilization (hpf), prior to axon genesis. Between 17 and 48 hpf, CaPs and MiPs displayed subtype-specific electrical membrane properties. Voltage-dependent inward and outward currents differed significantly between MiPs and CaPs. Moreover, by 48 hpf, CaPs and MiPs displayed subtype-specific firing behaviors. Our results demonstrate that motor neurons that differ with respect to muscle targets and transcription factor expression acquire subtype-specific electrical membrane properties. Moreover, the differences are evident prior to axon genesis and persist to the latest stage studied, 2 days postfertilization.

Atoh1-lineal neurons are required for hearing and for the survival of neurons in the spiral ganglion and brainstem accessory auditory nuclei

Atoh1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor necessary for the specification of inner ear hair cells and central auditory system neurons derived from the rhombic lip. We used the Cre-loxP system and two Cre-driver lines (Egr2(Cre) and Hoxb1(Cre)) to delete Atoh1 from different regions of the cochlear nucleus (CN) and accessory auditory nuclei (AAN). Adult Atoh1-conditional knock-out mice (Atoh1(CKO)) are behaviorally deaf, have diminished auditory brainstem evoked responses, and have disrupted CN and AAN morphology and connectivity. In addition, Egr2; Atoh1(CKO) mice lose spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea and AAN neurons during the first 3 d of life, revealing a novel critical period in the development of these neurons. These new mouse models of predominantly central deafness illuminate the importance of the CN for support of a subset of peripheral and central auditory neurons.

Variations in ventral root axon morphology and locomotor behavior components across different inbred strains of mice

Locomotion is a complex behavior affected by many different brain- and spinal cord systems, as well as by variations in the peripheral nervous system. Recently, we found increased gene expression for EphA4, a gene intricately involved in motor neuron development, between high-active parental strain C57BL/6J and the low-active chromosome substitution strain 1 (CSS1). CSS1 mice carry chromosome 1 from A/J mice in a C57BL/6J genetic background, allowing localization of quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 1. To find out whether differences in motor neuron anatomy, possibly related to the changes in EphA4 expression, are involved in the motor activity differences observed in these strains, motor performance in various behavioral paradigms and anatomical differences in the ventral roots were investigated. To correlate the behavioral profiles to the spinal motor neuron morphology, not only CSS1 and its parental strains C57BL/6J (host) and A/J (donor) were examined, but also a set of other mouse inbred strains (AKR/J, 129x1/SvJ and DBA/2J). Significant differences were found between inbred strains on home cage motor activity levels, the beam balance test, grip test performance, and on alternating versus synchronous hind limb movement (hind limb hopping). Also, considerable differences were found in spinal motor neuron morphology, with A/J and CSS1 showing smaller, possibly less developed, motor neuron axons compared to all other inbred strains. For CSS1 and C57BL/6J, only genetically different for chromosome 1, a correlation was found between motor activity levels, synchronous hind limb movement and neuro-anatomical differences in spinal motor neurons. Inclusion of the other inbred strains, however, did not show this direct correlation. These data verifies the complex nature of the mammalian motor system that may be further dissected using genetic mapping populations derived from these inbred strains.

From Guidance Signals to Movement: Signaling Molecules Governing Growth Cone Turning

Directed growth cone movements in response to external guidance signals are required for the establishment of functional neuronal connections during development, adult nerve regeneration, and adult neurogenesis. Growth cone intrinsic properties permit different growth cone responses (e.g., attraction or repulsion) to a guidance signal, and alterations to these intrinsic properties often result in opposite growth cone responses. This article reviews the current knowledge of growth cone signaling, emphasizing the dependency of Ca2+ signaling on membrane potential shifts, and cyclic nucleotide and phosphoinositide signaling pathways during growth cone turning in response to guidance signals. We also discuss how asymmetrical growth cone signaling is achieved for the fine-tuned growth cone movement.

Three patterns of oscillatory activity differentially synchronize developing neocortical networks in vivo

Coordinated patterns of electrical activity are important for the early development of sensory systems. The spatiotemporal dynamics of these early activity patterns and the role of the peripheral sensory input for their generation are essentially unknown. We performed extracellular multielectrode recordings in the somatosensory cortex of postnatal day 0 to 7 rats in vivo and observed three distinct patterns of synchronized oscillatory activity. (1) Spontaneous and periphery-driven spindle bursts of 1-2 s in duration and approximately 10 Hz in frequency occurred approximately every 10 s. (2) Spontaneous and sensory-driven gamma oscillations of 150-300 ms duration and 30-40 Hz in frequency occurred every 10-30 s. (3) Long oscillations appeared only every approximately 20 min and revealed the largest amplitude (250-750 microV) and longest duration (>40 s). These three distinct patterns of early oscillatory activity differently synchronized the neonatal cortical network. Whereas spindle bursts and gamma oscillations did not propagate and synchronized a local neuronal network of 200-400 microm in diameter, long oscillations propagated with 25-30 microm/s and synchronized 600-800 microm large ensembles. All three activity patterns were triggered by sensory activation. Single electrical stimulation of the whisker pad or tactile whisker activation elicited neocortical spindle bursts and gamma activity. Long oscillations could be only evoked by repetitive sensory stimulation. The neonatal oscillatory patterns in vivo depended on NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission and gap junctional coupling. Whereas spindle bursts and gamma oscillations may represent an early functional columnar-like pattern, long oscillations may serve as a propagating activation signal consolidating these immature neuronal networks.

Precocious locomotor behavior begins in the egg: development of leg muscle patterns for stepping in the chick

BACKGROUND

The chicken is capable of adaptive locomotor behavior within hours after hatching, yet little is known of the processes leading to this precocious skill. During the final week of incubation, chick embryos produce distinct repetitive limb movements that until recently had not been investigated. In this study we examined the leg muscle patterns at 3 time points as development of these spontaneous movements unfolds to determine if they exhibit attributes of locomotion reported in hatchlings. We also sought to determine whether the deeply flexed posture and movement constraint imposed by the shell wall modulate the muscle patterns.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Synchronized electromyograms for leg muscles, force and video were recorded continuously from embryos while in their naturally flexed posture at embryonic day (E) 15, E18 and E20. We tested for effects of leg posture and constraint by removing shell wall anterior to the foot. Results indicated that by E18, burst onset time distinguished leg muscle synergists from antagonists across a 10-fold range in burst frequencies (1-10 Hz), and knee extensors from ankle extensors in patterns comparable to locomotion at hatching. However, burst durations did not scale with step cycle duration in any of the muscles recorded. Despite substantially larger leg movements after shell removal, the knee extensor was the only muscle to vary its activity, and extensor muscles often failed to participate. To further clarify if the repetitive movements are likely locomotor-related, we examined bilateral coordination of ankle muscles during repetitive movements at E20. In all cases ankle muscles exhibited a bias for left/right alternation.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, the findings lead us to conclude that the repetitive leg movements in late stage embryos are locomotor-related and a fundamental link in the establishment of precocious locomotor skill. The potential importance of differences between embryonic and posthatching locomotion is discussed.

Circuits controlling vertebrate locomotion: moving in a new direction

Neurobiologists have long sought to understand how circuits in the nervous system are organized to generate the precise neural outputs that underlie particular behaviours. The motor circuits in the spinal cord that control locomotion, commonly referred to as central pattern generator networks, provide an experimentally tractable model system for investigating how moderately complex ensembles of neurons generate select motor behaviours. The advent of novel molecular and genetic techniques coupled with recent advances in our knowledge of spinal cord development means that a comprehensive understanding of how the motor circuitry is organized and operates may be within our grasp.

Suck Predicts Neuromotor Integrity and Developmental Outcomes

Neonatal motor behavior predicts both current neurological status and future neurodevelopmental outcomes. For speech pathologists, the earliest observable patterned oromotor behavior is suck. Suck production requires effective coordination of an infant's oral sensorimotor system and is subject to a variety of neuromodulatory inputs. Demonstration and practice of coordinated suck serves as a biomarker for oral feeding skills neural integrity and is being assessed for its relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes (speech, cognition, and learning) by research teams in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Brazil. Suck may also serve as an intervention point to prevent feeding disorders and mitigate speech-language delays and disorders.

GABAergic and glycinergic interneuron expression during spinal cord development: dynamic interplay between inhibition and excitation in the control of ventral network outputs

A key objective of neuroscience research is to understand the processes leading to mature neural circuitries in the central nervous system (CNS) that enable the control of different behaviours. During development, network-constitutive neurons undergo dramatic rearrangements, involving their intrinsic properties, such as the blend of ion channels governing their firing activity, and their synaptic interactions. The spinal cord is no exception to this rule; in fact, in the ventral horn the maturation of motor networks into functional circuits is a complex process where several mechanisms cooperate to achieve the development of motor control. Elucidating such a process is crucial in identifying neurons more vulnerable to degenerative or traumatic diseases or in developing new strategies aimed at rebuilding damaged tissue. The focus of this review is on recent advances in understanding the spatio-temporal expression of the glycinergic/GABAergic system and on the contribution of this system to early network function and to motor pattern transformation along with spinal maturation. During antenatal development, the operation of mammalian spinal networks strongly depends on the activity of glycinergic/GABAergic neurons, whose action is often excitatory until shortly before birth when locomotor networks acquire the ability to generate alternating motor commands between flexor and extensor motor neurons. At this late stage of prenatal development, GABA-mediated excitation is replaced by synaptic inhibition mediated by glycine and/or GABA. At this stage of spinal maturation, the large majority of GABAergic neurons are located in the dorsal horn. We propose that elucidating the role of inhibitory systems in development will improve our knowledge on the processes regulating spinal cord maturation.

The CREB/CREM transcription factors negatively regulate early synaptogenesis and spontaneous network activity

The family of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) transcription factors are involved in a variety of biological processes including the development and plasticity of the nervous system. In the maturing and adult brain, CREB genes are required for activity-dependent processes, including synaptogenesis, refinement of connections and long-term potentiation. Here, we use CREB1(Nescre)CREM(-/-) (cAMP-responsive element modulator) mutants to investigate the role of these genes in stimulus-independent patterns of neural activity at early stages. We show that lack of CREB/CREM genes specifically in neural tissue leads to increased synaptogenesis and to a dramatic increase in the levels of spontaneous network activity at embryonic stages. Thus, the functions of CREB/CREM genes in neural activity differ in distinct periods of neural development.