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Alessandri M, Osorio-Forero A, Lüthi A, Chatton JY. The lactate receptor HCAR1: A key modulator of epileptic seizure activity. iScience 2024; 27:109679. [PMID: 38655197 PMCID: PMC11035371 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109679] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects millions globally with a significant portion exhibiting pharmacoresistance. Abnormal neuronal activity elevates brain lactate levels, which prompted the exploration of its receptor, the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) known to downmodulate neuronal activity in physiological conditions. This study revealed that HCAR1-deficient mice (HCAR1-KO) exhibited lowered seizure thresholds, and increased severity and duration compared to wild-type mice. Hippocampal and whole-brain electrographic seizure analyses revealed increased seizure severity in HCAR1-KO mice, supported by time-frequency analysis. The absence of HCAR1 led to uncontrolled inter-ictal activity in acute hippocampal slices, replicated by lactate dehydrogenase A inhibition indicating that the activation of HCAR1 is closely associated with glycolytic output. However, synthetic HCAR1 agonist administration in an in vivo epilepsy model did not modulate seizures, likely due to endogenous lactate competition. These findings underscore the crucial roles of lactate and HCAR1 in regulating circuit excitability to prevent unregulated neuronal activity and terminate epileptic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Alessandri
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Alejandro Osorio-Forero
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Anita Lüthi
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Yves Chatton
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
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Teng S, Wang W, Wen JJJ, Wang J, Turi GF, Peng Y. Expression of GCaMP6s in the dentate gyrus induces tonic-clonic seizures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8104. [PMID: 38582752 PMCID: PMC10998915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
GCaMP is a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) widely used in neuroscience research. It measures intracellular Ca2+ level by fluorescence changes as it directly binds to Ca2+. In this process, the effect of this calcium buffer on the intracellular calcium signaling and cell physiology is often not taken into consideration. However, growing evidence from calcium imaging studies shows GCaMP expression under certain conditions can generate aberrant activity, such as seizures. In this study, we examined the effect of GCaMP6 expression in the dentate gyrus (DG) on epileptogenesis. We found that viral expression of GCaMP6s but not GCaMP6f in the DG induces tonic-clonic seizures several weeks after viral injection. Cell-type specific expression of GCaMP6s revealed the granule cells (GCs) as the key player in GCaMP6s-induced epilepsy. Finally, by using slice electrophysiology, we demonstrated that GCaMP6s expression increases neuronal excitability in the GCs. Together, this study highlights the ability of GCaMP6s in DG-associated epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa Teng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Wanqi Wang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Jingxuan Wang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gergely F Turi
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yueqing Peng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Xiao W, Li P, Kong F, Kong J, Pan A, Long L, Yan X, Xiao B, Gong J, Wan L. Unraveling the Neural Circuits: Techniques, Opportunities and Challenges in Epilepsy Research. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:27. [PMID: 38443733 PMCID: PMC10914928 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, frequent recurrence, and potential drug resistance, profoundly affects millions of people globally. Understanding the microscopic mechanisms underlying seizures is crucial for effective epilepsy treatment, and a thorough understanding of the intricate neural circuits underlying epilepsy is vital for the development of targeted therapies and the enhancement of clinical outcomes. This review begins with an exploration of the historical evolution of techniques used in studying neural circuits related to epilepsy. It then provides an extensive overview of diverse techniques employed in this domain, discussing their fundamental principles, strengths, limitations, as well as their application. Additionally, the synthesis of multiple techniques to unveil the complexity of neural circuits is summarized. Finally, this review also presents targeted drug therapies associated with epileptic neural circuits. By providing a critical assessment of methodologies used in the study of epileptic neural circuits, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of these techniques, stimulate innovative approaches for unraveling epilepsy's complexities, and ultimately facilitate improved treatment and clinical translation for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peile Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fujiao Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingyi Kong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaoe Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Lily Wan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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Alcantara-Gonzalez D, Kennedy M, Criscuolo C, Botterill J, Scharfman HE. Increased excitability of dentate gyrus mossy cells occurs early in life in the Tg2576 model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579729. [PMID: 38645244 PMCID: PMC11027210 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyperexcitability in Alzheimer's disease (AD) emerge early and contribute to disease progression. The dentate gyrus (DG) is implicated in hyperexcitability in AD. We hypothesized that mossy cells (MCs), regulators of DG excitability, contribute to early hyperexcitability in AD. Indeed, MCs generate hyperexcitability in epilepsy. METHODS Using the Tg2576 model and WT mice (∼1month-old), we compared MCs electrophysiologically, assessed c-Fos activity marker, Aβ expression and mice performance in a hippocampal-dependent memory task. RESULTS Tg2576 MCs exhibit increased spontaneous excitatory events and decreased inhibitory currents, increasing the charge transfer excitation/inhibition ratio. Tg2576 MC intrinsic excitability was enhanced, and showed higher c-Fos, intracellular Aβ expression, and axon sprouting. Granule cells only showed changes in synaptic properties, without intrinsic changes. The effects occurred before a memory task is affected. DISCUSSION Early electrophysiological and morphological alterations in Tg2576 MCs are consistent with enhanced excitability, suggesting an early role in DG hyperexcitability and AD pathophysiology. HIGHLIGHTS ∘ MCs from 1 month-old Tg2576 mice had increased spontaneous excitatory synaptic input. ∘ Tg2576 MCs had reduced spontaneous inhibitory synaptic input. ∘ Several intrinsic properties were abnormal in Tg2576 MCs. ∘ Tg2576 GCs had enhanced synaptic excitation but no changes in intrinsic properties. ∘ Tg2576 MCs exhibited high c-Fos expression, soluble Aβ and axonal sprouting.
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Guo F, Li A, Liu Q, Guo D, Chen K, Yao D, Cui Y, Xia Y. Disruption of TLE epileptiform activity retarded the seizure and reduced pathological HFOs. Brain Res Bull 2024; 207:110869. [PMID: 38184151 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the epileptogenic zones, such as the temporal lobe structure, could generate pathological high-frequency oscillations (pHFOs, 250-500 Hz) before the ictal period. These pHFOs have also been observed during the process of seizures in both TLE patients and animals, exhibiting a critical role as promising biomarkers for TLE seizures. TLE seizures could be modulated via regulating the neural excitability in epileptogenic zones, for that TLE is primarily associated with the excitation-inhibition imbalance. However, whether these kinds of modulations could also impact the pHFOs characteristics during TLE seizures is still unclear. For this purpose, we pharmaco-genetically inhibited the principal cells (PCs) in the mouse CA3 region and tracked the difference in the behavioral and electrophysiological features during LiCl-pilocarpine-induced TLE seizure between the hM4Di+CNO (experimental) mice and mCherry+CNO (control) mice. Delayed latency, decreased averaged duration, and reduced counts of the generalized seizure were observed in the experimental mice. Besides, the electrophysiological characteristics, such as the firing rate of PCs and the count of pHFO, exhibited significant decline in the CA3 and CA1 regions. During TLE seizure, there existed strong phase-coupling between pHFO and PCs spike timing in the control mice, while it was abolished in the experimental mice. In addition, we also found that the counts of pHFO were significantly associated with the behavioral features, indicating the close relationships within them. Collectively, our findings suggested that alterations in pHFO and the retardation of seizures may be attributed to disruptions in neuronal excitability, and the variations of electrophysiological features were related to seizure severity during TLE seizures. These results provide valuable insights into the role of pHFOs in TLE and shed light on the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengru Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Airui Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Qinjun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Daqing Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China.
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Bello ST, Xu S, Li X, Ren J, Jendrichovsky P, Jiang F, Xiao Z, Wan X, Chen X, He J. Visually or auditorily induced seizures involve the activation of nonhippocampal brain areas and hippocampal removal does not alleviate seizures in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2024; 65:218-237. [PMID: 38032046 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have attributed epileptic activities in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to the hippocampus; however, the participation of nonhippocampal neuronal networks in the development of TLE is often neglected. Here, we sought to understand how these nonhippocampal networks are involved in the pathology that is associated with TLE disease. METHODS A kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy was induced by injecting KA into dorsal hippocampus of C57BL/6J mice. Network activation after spontaneous seizure was assessed using c-Fos expression. Protocols to induce seizure using visual or auditory stimulation were developed, and seizure onset zone (SOZ) and frequency of epileptic spikes were evaluated using electrophysiology. The hippocampus was removed to assess seizure recurrence in the absence of hippocampus. RESULTS Our results showed that cortical and hippocampal epileptic networks are activated during spontaneous seizures. Perturbation of these networks using visual or auditory stimulation readily precipitates seizures in TLE mice; the frequency of the light-induced or noise-induced seizures depends on the induction modality adopted during the induction period. Localization of SOZ revealed the existence of cortical and hippocampal SOZ in light-induced and noise-induced seizures, and the development of local and remote epileptic spikes in TLE occurs during the early stage of the disease. Importantly, we further discovered that removal of the hippocampi does not stop seizure activities in TLE mice, revealing that seizures in TLE mice can occur independent of the hippocampus. SIGNIFICANCE This study has shown that the network pathology that evolves in TLE is not localized to the hippocampus; rather, remote brain areas are also recruited. The occurrence of light-induced or noise-induced seizures and epileptic discharges in epileptic mice is a consequence of the activation of nonhippocampal brain areas. This work therefore demonstrates the fundamental role of nonhippocampal epileptic networks in generating epileptic activities with or without the hippocampus in TLE disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Temitayo Bello
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Shenghui Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Junming Ren
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Jendrichovsky
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Feixu Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Zhoujian Xiao
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoxiao Wan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jufang He
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Gulfo MC, Lebowitz JJ, Ramos C, Hwang DW, Nasrallah K, Castillo PE. Dopamine D2 receptors in hilar mossy cells regulate excitatory transmission and hippocampal function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307509120. [PMID: 38064513 PMCID: PMC10723153 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307509120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hilar mossy cells (MCs) are principal excitatory neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) that play critical roles in hippocampal function and have been implicated in brain disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy. However, the mechanisms by which MCs contribute to DG function and disease are poorly understood. A defining feature of MCs is the promoter activity of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) gene (Drd2), and previous work indicates a key role for dopaminergic signaling in the DG. Additionally, the involvement of D2R signaling in cognition and neuropsychiatric conditions is well known. Surprisingly, though, the function of MC D2Rs remains largely unexplored. In this study, we show that selective and conditional removal of Drd2 from MCs of adult mice impaired spatial memory, promoted anxiety-like behavior, and was proconvulsant. To determine the subcellular expression of D2Rs in MCs, we used a D2R knockin mouse which revealed that D2Rs are enriched in the inner molecular layer of the DG, where MCs establish synaptic contacts with granule cells (GCs). D2R activation by exogenous and endogenous dopamine reduced MC to dentate GC synaptic transmission, most likely by a presynaptic mechanism. In contrast, exogenous dopamine had no significant impact on MC excitatory inputs and passive and active properties. Our findings support that MC D2Rs are essential for proper DG function by reducing MC excitatory drive onto GCs. Lastly, impairment of MC D2R signaling could promote anxiety and epilepsy, therefore highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C. Gulfo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Joseph J. Lebowitz
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Czarina Ramos
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Dong-Woo Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Kaoutsar Nasrallah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
| | - Pablo E. Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY10461
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Pelkey KA, Vargish GA, Pellegrini LV, Calvigioni D, Chapeton J, Yuan X, Hunt S, Cummins AC, Eldridge MAG, Pickel J, Chittajallu R, Averbeck BB, Tóth K, Zaghloul K, McBain CJ. Evolutionary conservation of hippocampal mossy fiber synapse properties. Neuron 2023; 111:3802-3818.e5. [PMID: 37776852 PMCID: PMC10841147 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Various specialized structural/functional properties are considered essential for contextual memory encoding by hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) synapses. Although investigated to exquisite detail in model organisms, synapses, including MFs, have undergone minimal functional interrogation in humans. To determine the translational relevance of rodent findings, we evaluated MF properties within human tissue resected to treat epilepsy. Human MFs exhibit remarkably similar hallmark features to rodents, including AMPA receptor-dominated synapses with small contributions from NMDA and kainate receptors, large dynamic range with strong frequency facilitation, NMDA receptor-independent presynaptic long-term potentiation, and strong cyclic AMP (cAMP) sensitivity of release. Array tomography confirmed the evolutionary conservation of MF ultrastructure. The astonishing congruence of rodent and human MF core features argues that the basic MF properties delineated in animal models remain critical to human MF function. Finally, a selective deficit in GABAergic inhibitory tone onto human MF postsynaptic targets suggests that unrestrained detonator excitatory drive contributes to epileptic circuit hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Pelkey
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Geoffrey A Vargish
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Leonardo V Pellegrini
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Daniela Calvigioni
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julio Chapeton
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Yuan
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Steven Hunt
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alex C Cummins
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark A G Eldridge
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James Pickel
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ramesh Chittajallu
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bruno B Averbeck
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katalin Tóth
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Kareem Zaghloul
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chris J McBain
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Wenzel M, Huberfeld G, Grayden DB, de Curtis M, Trevelyan AJ. A debate on the neuronal origin of focal seizures. Epilepsia 2023; 64 Suppl 3:S37-S48. [PMID: 37183507 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A critical question regarding how focal seizures start is whether we can identify particular cell classes that drive the pathological process. This was the topic for debate at the recent International Conference for Technology and Analysis of Seizures (ICTALS) meeting (July 2022, Bern, CH) that we summarize here. The debate has been fueled in recent times by the introduction of powerful new ways to manipulate subpopulations of cells in relative isolation, mostly using optogenetics. The motivation for resolving the debate is to identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions through a deeper understanding of the etiology of seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wenzel
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gilles Huberfeld
- Neurology Department, Hopital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - David B Grayden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S., Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew J Trevelyan
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Zhu ZA, Li YY, Xu J, Xue H, Feng X, Zhu YC, Xiong ZQ. CDKL5 deficiency in adult glutamatergic neurons alters synaptic activity and causes spontaneous seizures via TrkB signaling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113202. [PMID: 37777961 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy resulting from pathological mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. Despite significant progress in understanding the neuronal function of CDKL5, the molecular mechanisms underlying CDD-associated epileptogenesis are unknown. Here, we report that acute ablation of CDKL5 from adult forebrain glutamatergic neurons leads to elevated neural network activity in the dentate gyrus and the occurrence of early-onset spontaneous seizures via tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling. We observe increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced activation of its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus of Cdkl5-deficient mice prior to the onset of behavioral seizures. Moreover, reducing TrkB signaling in these mice rescues the altered synaptic activity and suppresses recurrent seizures. These results suggest that TrkB signaling mediates epileptogenesis in a mouse model of CDD and that targeting this pathway might be effective for treating epilepsy in patients affected by CDKL5 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ai Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hui Xue
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong-Chuan Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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11
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Borzello M, Ramirez S, Treves A, Lee I, Scharfman H, Stark C, Knierim JJ, Rangel LM. Assessments of dentate gyrus function: discoveries and debates. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:502-517. [PMID: 37316588 PMCID: PMC10529488 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00710-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable speculation regarding the function of the dentate gyrus (DG) - a subregion of the mammalian hippocampus - in learning and memory. In this Perspective article, we compare leading theories of DG function. We note that these theories all critically rely on the generation of distinct patterns of activity in the region to signal differences between experiences and to reduce interference between memories. However, these theories are divided by the roles they attribute to the DG during learning and recall and by the contributions they ascribe to specific inputs or cell types within the DG. These differences influence the information that the DG is thought to impart to downstream structures. We work towards a holistic view of the role of DG in learning and memory by first developing three critical questions to foster a dialogue between the leading theories. We then evaluate the extent to which previous studies address our questions, highlight remaining areas of conflict, and suggest future experiments to bridge these theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Borzello
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Inah Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Helen Scharfman
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Physiology and Psychiatry and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Craig Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - James J Knierim
- Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lara M Rangel
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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12
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Jain S, LaFrancois JJ, Gerencer K, Botterill JJ, Kennedy M, Criscuolo C, Scharfman HE. Increasing adult neurogenesis protects mice from epilepsy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.08.548217. [PMID: 37502909 PMCID: PMC10369878 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.08.548217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, an area that contains neurons which are vulnerable to insults and injury, such as severe seizures. Previous studies showed that increasing adult neurogenesis reduced neuronal damage after these seizures. Because the damage typically is followed by chronic lifelong seizures (epilepsy), we asked if increasing adult neurogenesis would prevent epilepsy. Adult neurogenesis was selectively increased by deleting the pro-apoptotic gene Bax from Nestin-expressing progenitors. Tamoxifen was administered at 6 weeks of age to conditionally delete Bax in Nestin-CreERT2Baxfl/fl mice. Six weeks after tamoxifen administration, severe seizures (status epilepticus; SE) were induced by injection of the convulsant pilocarpine. Mice with increased adult neurogenesis exhibited fewer chronic seizures. Postictal depression was reduced also. These results were primarily female mice, possibly because they were the more affected by Bax deletion than males, consistent with sex differences in Bax in development. The female mice with enhanced adult neurogenesis also showed less neuronal loss of hilar mossy cells and hilar somatostatin-expressing neurons than wild type females or males, which is notable because these two cell types are implicated in epileptogenesis. The results suggest that increasing adult neurogenesis in the normal adult brain can reduce experimental epilepsy, and the effect shows a striking sex difference. The results are surprising in light of past studies showing that suppressing adult-born neurons can also reduce chronic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Jain
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
| | - John J. LaFrancois
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
| | - Kasey Gerencer
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
- Department of Psychology, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469
| | - Justin J. Botterill
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, & Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5
| | - Meghan Kennedy
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
| | - Chiara Criscuolo
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
| | - Helen E. Scharfman
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
- Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, Psychiatry, and the New York University, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016
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13
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Cheng H, Lou Q, Wang Y, Chen Z. Double-Edged Mossy Cells in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Evil in the Early Stage Through a BDNF-Dependent Strengthening Dentate Gyrus Circuit. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1031-1033. [PMID: 36719591 PMCID: PMC10264321 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01030-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heming Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Qiuwen Lou
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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14
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Gulfo MC, Lebowitz JJ, Ramos C, Hwang DW, Nasrallah K, Castillo PE. Dopamine D2 receptors in mossy cells reduce excitatory transmission and are essential for hippocampal function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.05.539468. [PMID: 37205586 PMCID: PMC10187294 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.05.539468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Hilar mossy cells (MCs) are principal excitatory neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) that play critical roles in hippocampal function and have been implicated in brain disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy. However, the mechanisms by which MCs contribute to DG function and disease are poorly understood. Expression from the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) gene (Drd2) promoter is a defining feature of MCs, and previous work indicates a key role for dopaminergic signaling in the DG. Additionally, the involvement of D2R signaling in cognition and neuropsychiatric conditions is well-known. Surprisingly, though, the function of MC D2Rs remain largely unexplored. In this study, we show that selective and conditional removal of Drd2 from MCs of adult mice impaired spatial memory, promoted anxiety-like behavior and was proconvulsant. To determine the subcellular expression of D2Rs in MCs, we used a D2R knockin mouse which revealed that D2Rs are enriched in the inner molecular layer of the DG, where MCs establish synaptic contacts with granule cells. D2R activation by exogenous and endogenous dopamine reduced MC to dentate granule cells (GC) synaptic transmission, most likely by a presynaptic mechanism. In contrast, removing Drd2 from MCs had no significant impact on MC excitatory inputs and passive and active properties. Our findings support that MC D2Rs are essential for proper DG function by reducing MC excitatory drive onto GCs. Lastly, impairment of MC D2R signaling could promote anxiety and epilepsy, therefore highlighting a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C. Gulfo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
| | - Joseph J. Lebowitz
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, U.S.A
| | - Czarina Ramos
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
| | - Dong-Woo Hwang
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
| | - Kaoutsar Nasrallah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
| | - Pablo E. Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, U.S.A
- Lead contact
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15
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Mundrucz L, Kecskés A, Henn-Mike N, Kóbor P, Buzás P, Vennekens R, Kecskés M. TRPM4 regulates hilar mossy cell loss in temporal lobe epilepsy. BMC Biol 2023; 21:96. [PMID: 37101159 PMCID: PMC10134545 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mossy cells comprise a large fraction of excitatory neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and their loss is one of the major hallmarks of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The vulnerability of mossy cells in TLE is well known in animal models as well as in patients; however, the mechanisms leading to cellular death is unclear. RESULTS Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is a Ca2+-activated non-selective cation channel regulating diverse physiological functions of excitable cells. Here, we identified that TRPM4 is present in hilar mossy cells and regulates their intrinsic electrophysiological properties including spontaneous activity and action potential dynamics. Furthermore, we showed that TRPM4 contributes to mossy cells death following status epilepticus and therefore modulates seizure susceptibility and epilepsy-related memory deficits. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence for the role of TRPM4 in MC excitability both in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mundrucz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Angéla Kecskés
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Nóra Henn-Mike
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentagothai Research Centre, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Kóbor
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Buzás
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Rudi Vennekens
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Biomedical Sciences Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven, Louvain, 3000, Belgium
| | - Miklós Kecskés
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
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16
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Maroto IB, Costas-Insua C, Berthoux C, Moreno E, Ruiz-Calvo A, Montero-Fernández C, Macías-Camero A, Martín R, García-Font N, Sánchez-Prieto J, Marsicano G, Bellocchio L, Canela EI, Casadó V, Galve-Roperh I, Núñez Á, Fernández de Sevilla D, Rodríguez-Crespo I, Castillo PE, Guzmán M. Control of a hippocampal recurrent excitatory circuit by cannabinoid receptor-interacting protein Gap43. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2303. [PMID: 37085487 PMCID: PMC10121561 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) is widely expressed in excitatory and inhibitory nerve terminals, and by suppressing neurotransmitter release, its activation modulates neural circuits and brain function. While the interaction of CB1R with various intracellular proteins is thought to alter receptor signaling, the identity and role of these proteins are poorly understood. Using a high-throughput proteomic analysis complemented with an array of in vitro and in vivo approaches in the mouse brain, we report that the C-terminal, intracellular domain of CB1R interacts specifically with growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP43). The CB1R-GAP43 interaction occurs selectively at mossy cell axon boutons, which establish excitatory synapses with dentate granule cells in the hippocampus. This interaction impairs CB1R-mediated suppression of mossy cell to granule cell transmission, thereby inhibiting cannabinoid-mediated anti-convulsant activity in mice. Thus, GAP43 acts as a synapse type-specific regulatory partner of CB1R that hampers CB1R-mediated effects on hippocampal circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene B Maroto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Costas-Insua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Coralie Berthoux
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Ruiz-Calvo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Montero-Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Macías-Camero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Martín
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria García-Font
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Sánchez-Prieto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and University of Bordeaux, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U1215, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Enric I Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology and Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ismael Galve-Roperh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Núñez
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Autónoma University, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Fernández de Sevilla
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Autónoma University, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Rodríguez-Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo E Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica (IUIN), Complutense University, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Lutzu S, Alviña K, Puente N, Grandes P, Castillo PE. Target cell-specific plasticity rules of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1068472. [PMID: 37091922 PMCID: PMC10113460 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1068472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term potentiation and depression of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission (NMDAR LTP/LTD) can significantly impact synapse function and information transfer in several brain areas. However, the mechanisms that determine the direction of NMDAR plasticity are poorly understood. Here, using physiologically relevant patterns of presynaptic and postsynaptic burst activities, whole-cell patch clamp recordings, 2-photon laser calcium imaging in acute rat hippocampal slices and immunoelectron microscopy, we tested whether distinct calcium dynamics and group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (I-mGluR) subtypes control the sign of NMDAR plasticity. We found that postsynaptic calcium transients (CaTs) in response to hippocampal MF stimulation were significantly larger during the induction of NMDAR-LTP compared to NMDAR-LTD at the MF-to-CA3 pyramidal cell (MF-CA3) synapse. This difference was abolished by pharmacological blockade of mGluR5 and was significantly reduced by depletion of intracellular calcium stores, whereas blocking mGluR1 had no effect on these CaTs. In addition, we discovered that MF to hilar mossy cell (MF-MC) synapses, which share several structural and functional commonalities with MF-CA3 synapses, also undergoes NMDAR plasticity. To our surprise, however, we found that the postsynaptic distribution of I-mGluR subtypes at these two synapses differ, and the same induction protocol that induces NMDAR-LTD at MF-CA3 synapses, only triggered NMDAR-LTP at MF-MC synapses, despite a comparable calcium dynamics. Thus, postsynaptic calcium dynamics alone cannot predict the sign of NMDAR plasticity, indicating that both postsynaptic calcium rise and the relative contribution of I-mGluR subtypes likely determine the learning rules of NMDAR plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lutzu
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karina Alviña
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Nagore Puente
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Pedro Grandes
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Pablo E. Castillo
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Pablo E. Castillo,
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18
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Kitchigina V, Shubina L. Oscillations in the dentate gyrus as a tool for the performance of the hippocampal functions: Healthy and epileptic brain. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110759. [PMID: 37003419 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) is part of the hippocampal formation and is essential for important cognitive processes such as navigation and memory. The oscillatory activity of the DG network is believed to play a critical role in cognition. DG circuits generate theta, beta, and gamma rhythms, which participate in the specific information processing performed by DG neurons. In the temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), cognitive abilities are impaired, which may be due to drastic alterations in the DG structure and network activity during epileptogenesis. The theta rhythm and theta coherence are especially vulnerable in dentate circuits; disturbances in DG theta oscillations and their coherence may be responsible for general cognitive impairments observed during epileptogenesis. Some researchers suggested that the vulnerability of DG mossy cells is a key factor in the genesis of TLE, but others did not support this hypothesis. The aim of the review is not only to present the current state of the art in this field of research but to help pave the way for future investigations by highlighting the gaps in our knowledge to completely appreciate the role of DG rhythms in brain functions. Disturbances in oscillatory activity of the DG during TLE development may be a diagnostic marker in the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Kitchigina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region 142290, Russia.
| | - Liubov Shubina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region 142290, Russia
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19
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Stieve BJ, Smith MM, Krook-Magnuson E. LINCs Are Vulnerable to Epileptic Insult and Fail to Provide Seizure Control via On-Demand Activation. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0195-22.2022. [PMID: 36725340 PMCID: PMC9933934 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0195-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is notoriously pharmacoresistant, and identifying novel therapeutic targets for controlling seizures is crucial. Long-range inhibitory neuronal nitric oxide synthase-expressing cells (LINCs), a population of hippocampal neurons, were recently identified as a unique source of widespread inhibition in CA1, able to elicit both GABAA-mediated and GABAB-mediated postsynaptic inhibition. We therefore hypothesized that LINCs could be an effective target for seizure control. LINCs were optogenetically activated for on-demand seizure intervention in the intrahippocampal kainate (KA) mouse model of chronic TLE. Unexpectedly, LINC activation at 1 month post-KA did not substantially reduce seizure duration in either male or female mice. We tested two different sets of stimulation parameters, both previously found to be effective with on-demand optogenetic approaches, but neither was successful. Quantification of LINCs following intervention revealed a substantial reduction of LINC numbers compared with saline-injected controls. We also observed a decreased number of LINCs when the site of initial insult (i.e., KA injection) was moved to the amygdala [basolateral amygdala (BLA)-KA], and correspondingly, no effect of light delivery on BLA-KA seizures. This indicates that LINCs may be a vulnerable population in TLE, regardless of the site of initial insult. To determine whether long-term circuitry changes could influence outcomes, we continued testing once a month for up to 6 months post-KA. However, at no time point did LINC activation provide meaningful seizure suppression. Altogether, our results suggest that LINCs are not a promising target for seizure inhibition in TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany J Stieve
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Madison M Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Esther Krook-Magnuson
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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20
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Yan M, Wang L, Wu Y, Wang L, Lu Y. Three-dimensional highly porous hydrogel scaffold for neural circuit dissection and modulation. Acta Biomater 2023; 157:252-262. [PMID: 36521677 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetic brain structures and artificial neural networks have provided a simplified strategy for quantitatively investigating the complex structural and functional characteristics of highly interconnected neural networks. To achieve this, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture approaches have attracted much attention, which can mimic cell-cell interactions at the organism level and help better understand the function of specific neurons and neuronal networks than traditional two-dimensional cell culture methods. However, 3D scaffolds similar to the natural extracellular matrix to support the culturing, recording, and manipulation of neurons have long been an unresolved challenge. To resolve this, 3D hydrogel scaffolds can be fabricated via an innovative thermal treatment followed by an esterification process. A highly porous microstructure was formed within the bulk hydrogel scaffold, which showed a high porosity of 91% and a low Young's modulus of 6.11 kPa. Due to the merits of the fabricated hydrogel scaffolds, we constructed 3D neural networks and detected spontaneous action potentials in vitro. We successfully induced seizure-like waveforms in 3D cultured neurons and suppressed hyperactivated discharges by selectively activating γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) interneurons. These results prove the advantages of our hydrogel scaffolds and demonstrate their application potential in the accurate dissection of neural circuits, which may help develop effective treatments for various neurological disorders. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: While 3D cell culture approaches have attracted much attention and offer more advantages than two-dimensional cell culture methods, 3D scaffolds similar to the natural extracellular matrix to support the culturing, recording, and manipulation of neurons have long been an unresolved challenge. Herein, we developed a simplified and low-cost strategy for fabricating highly porous and cytocompatible hydrogel scaffolds for the construction of three-dimensional (3D) neural networks in vitro. The cultured 3D neural networks can mimic the in vivo connection among different neuron subgroups and help accurately dissect and manipulate the structure and function of specific neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yiyong Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yi Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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21
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Brewster AL. Mossy Cells and Epileptogenesis: From Synaptic Strengthening to Seizures. Epilepsy Curr 2023; 23:50-52. [PMID: 36923346 PMCID: PMC10009121 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221137210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure-Induced Strengthening of a Recurrent Excitatory Circuit in the Dentate Gyrus Is Proconvulsant Nasrallah K, Frechou MA, Yoon YJ, Persaud S, Gonçalves JT, Castillo PE. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2022;119(32):e2201151119. doi:10.1073/pnas.2201151119 Epilepsy is a devastating brain disorder for which effective treatments are very limited. There is growing interest in early intervention, which requires a better mechanistic understanding of the early stages of this disorder. While diverse brain insults can lead to epileptic activity, a common cellular mechanism relies on uncontrolled recurrent excitatory activity. In the dentate gyrus, excitatory mossy cells (MCs) project extensively onto granule cells (GCs) throughout the hippocampus, thus establishing a recurrent MC-GC-MC excitatory loop. MCs are implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy, a common form of epilepsy, but their role during initial seizures (i.e., before the characteristic MC loss that occurs in late stages) is unclear. Here, we show that initial seizures acutely induced with an intraperitoneal kainic acid (KA) injection in adult mice, a well-established model that leads to experimental epilepsy, not only increased MC and GC activity in vivo but also triggered a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) at MC-GC excitatory synapses. Moreover, in vivo induction of MC-GC LTP using MC-selective optogenetic stimulation worsened KA-induced seizures. Conversely, Bdnf genetic removal from GCs, which abolishes LTP, and selective MC silencing were both anticonvulsant. Thus, initial seizures are associated with MC-GC synaptic strengthening, which may promote later epileptic activity. Our findings reveal a potential mechanism of epileptogenesis that may help in developing therapeutic strategies for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Brewster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University
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22
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Whitebirch AC, LaFrancois JJ, Jain S, Leary P, Santoro B, Siegelbaum SA, Scharfman HE. Enhanced excitability of the hippocampal CA2 region and its contribution to seizure activity in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuron 2022; 110:3121-3138.e8. [PMID: 35987207 PMCID: PMC9547935 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampal CA2 region, an area important for social memory, has been suspected to play a role in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) because of its resistance to degeneration observed in neighboring CA1 and CA3 regions in both humans and rodent models of TLE. However, little is known about whether alterations in CA2 properties promote seizure generation or propagation. Here, we addressed the role of CA2 using the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus model of TLE. Ex vivo electrophysiological recordings from acute hippocampal slices revealed a set of coordinated changes that enhance CA2 PC intrinsic excitability, reduce CA2 inhibitory input, and increase CA2 excitatory output to its major CA1 synaptic target. Moreover, selective chemogenetic silencing of CA2 pyramidal cells caused a significant decrease in the frequency of spontaneous seizures measured in vivo. These findings provide the first evidence that CA2 actively contributes to TLE seizure activity and may thus be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Whitebirch
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - John J LaFrancois
- The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Swati Jain
- The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Paige Leary
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Bina Santoro
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Steven A Siegelbaum
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Department of Child Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA; The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA.
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23
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Avoli M, de Curtis M, Lévesque M, Librizzi L, Uva L, Wang S. GABAA signaling, focal epileptiform synchronization and epileptogenesis. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:984802. [PMID: 36275847 PMCID: PMC9581276 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.984802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, neuronal network synchronization leads to different oscillatory EEG patterns that are associated with specific behavioral and cognitive functions. Excessive synchronization can, however, lead to focal or generalized epileptiform activities. It is indeed well established that in both epileptic patients and animal models, focal epileptiform EEG patterns are characterized by interictal and ictal (seizure) discharges. Over the last three decades, employing in vitro and in vivo recording techniques, several experimental studies have firmly identified a paradoxical role of GABAA signaling in generating interictal discharges, and in initiating—and perhaps sustaining—focal seizures. Here, we will review these experiments and we will extend our appraisal to evidence suggesting that GABAA signaling may also contribute to epileptogenesis, i.e., the development of plastic changes in brain excitability that leads to the chronic epileptic condition. Overall, we anticipate that this information should provide the rationale for developing new specific pharmacological treatments for patients presenting with focal epileptic disorders such as mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Massimo Avoli,
| | - Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maxime Lévesque
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Librizzi
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Uva
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Siyan Wang
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal, QC, Canada
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24
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Abstract
The fundamental commonality across pharmacotherapies for the epilepsies
is the modulation of neuronal excitability. This poses a clear
challenge—patterned neuronal excitation is essential to normal
function, thus disrupting this activity leads to side effects.
Moreover, the efficacy of current pharmacotherapy remains incomplete
despite decades of drug development. Approaches that allow for the
selective targeting of critical populations of cells and particular
pathways in the brain have the potential to both avoid side effects
and improve efficacy. Chemogenetic methods, which combine the
selective expression of designer receptors with designer drugs, have
rapidly grown in use in the neurosciences, including in epilepsy. This
review will briefly highlight the history of chemogenetics, their
applications to date in epilepsy, and the potential (and potential
hurdles to overcome) for future translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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25
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Kecskés A, Czéh B, Kecskés M. Mossy cells of the dentate gyrus: Drivers or inhibitors of epileptic seizures? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119279. [PMID: 35526721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mossy cells (MCs) are glutamatergic cells of the dentate gyrus with an important role in temporal lobe epilepsy. Under physiological conditions MCs can control both network excitations via direct synapses to granule cells and inhibition via connections to GABAergic interneurons innervating granule cells. In temporal lobe epilepsy mossy cell loss is one of the major hallmarks, but whether the surviving MCs drive or inhibit seizure initiation and generalization is still a debate. The aim of the present review is to summarize the latest findings on the role of mossy cells in healthy and overexcited hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angéla Kecskés
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentagothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School & Szentagothai Research Centre, Histology and Light Microscopy Core Facility, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kecskés
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School & Szentagothai Research Centre, Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
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26
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Seizure-induced strengthening of a recurrent excitatory circuit in the dentate gyrus is proconvulsant. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201151119. [PMID: 35930664 PMCID: PMC9371717 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201151119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a devastating brain disorder for which effective treatments are very limited. There is growing interest in early intervention, which requires a better mechanistic understanding of the early stages of this disorder. While diverse brain insults can lead to epileptic activity, a common cellular mechanism relies on uncontrolled recurrent excitatory activity. In the dentate gyrus, excitatory mossy cells (MCs) project extensively onto granule cells (GCs) throughout the hippocampus, thus establishing a recurrent MC-GC-MC excitatory loop. MCs are implicated in temporal lobe epilepsy, a common form of epilepsy, but their role during initial seizures (i.e., before the characteristic MC loss that occurs in late stages) is unclear. Here, we show that initial seizures acutely induced with an intraperitoneal kainic acid (KA) injection in adult mice, a well-established model that leads to experimental epilepsy, not only increased MC and GC activity in vivo but also triggered a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) at MC-GC excitatory synapses. Moreover, in vivo induction of MC-GC LTP using MC-selective optogenetic stimulation worsened KA-induced seizures. Conversely, Bdnf genetic removal from GCs, which abolishes LTP, and selective MC silencing were both anticonvulsant. Thus, initial seizures are associated with MC-GC synaptic strengthening, which may promote later epileptic activity. Our findings reveal a potential mechanism of epileptogenesis that may help in developing therapeutic strategies for early intervention.
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27
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Upadhya D, Attaluri S, Liu Y, Hattiangady B, Castro OW, Shuai B, Dong Y, Zhang SC, Shetty AK. Grafted hPSC-derived GABA-ergic interneurons regulate seizures and specific cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:38. [PMID: 35915118 PMCID: PMC9343458 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interneuron loss/dysfunction contributes to spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and interneuron grafting into the epileptic hippocampus reduces SRS and improves cognitive function. This study investigated whether graft-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid positive (GABA-ergic) interneurons directly regulate SRS and cognitive function in a rat model of chronic TLE. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived medial ganglionic eminence-like GABA-ergic progenitors, engineered to express hM4D(Gi), a designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) through CRISPR/Cas9 technology, were grafted into hippocampi of chronically epileptic rats to facilitate the subsequent silencing of graft-derived interneurons. Such grafting substantially reduced SRS and improved hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. Remarkably, silencing of graft-derived interneurons with a designer drug increased SRS and induced location memory impairment but did not affect pattern separation function. Deactivation of DREADDs restored both SRS control and object location memory function. Thus, transplanted GABA-ergic interneurons could directly regulate SRS and specific cognitive functions in TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.,Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bharathi Hattiangady
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Olagide W Castro
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.,Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal Univ of Alagoas (UFAL), Maceio, AL, Brazil
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA. .,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA.
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28
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Vicente-Silva W, Silva-Freitas FR, Beserra-Filho JIA, Cardoso GN, Silva-Martins S, Sarno TA, Silva SP, Soares-Silva B, Dos Santos JR, da Silva RH, Prado CM, Ueno AK, Lago JHG, Ribeiro AM. Sakuranetin exerts anticonvulsant effect in bicuculline-induced seizures. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 36:663-673. [PMID: 35156229 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by an abnormal, spontaneous, and synchronized neuronal hyperactivity. Therapeutic approaches for controlling epileptic seizures are associated with pharmacoresistance and side effects burden. Previous studies reported that different natural products may have neuroprotector effects. Sakuranetin (SAK) is a flavanone with antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiallergic, and antioxidant activity. In the present work, the effect of SAK on seizures in a model of status epilepticus induced by bicuculline (BIC) in mice was evaluated. Male Swiss mice received an intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of SAK (1, 10, or 20 mg/kg-SAK1, SAK10, or SAK20). Firstly, animals were evaluated in the open field (OF; 20 min), afterwards in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test (5 min). Next, 30 min prior the administration of BIC (1 mg/kg), mice received an injection of SAK (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.c.v.) and were observed in the OF (20 min) for seizures assessment. After behavioral procedures, immunohistochemical analysis of c-Fos was performed. Our main results showed that the lowest doses of SAK (1 and 10 mg/kg) increased the total distance traveled in the OF, moreover protected against seizures and death on the BIC-induced seizures model. Furthermore, SAK treatment reduced neuronal activity on the dentate gyrus of the BIC-treated animals. Taken together, our results suggest an anticonvulsant effect of SAK, which could be used for the development of anticonvulsants based on natural products from herbal source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Vicente-Silva
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Suellen Silva-Martins
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamires Alves Sarno
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Pereira Silva
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Soares-Silva
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Regina Helena da Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson Keity Ueno
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
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29
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Abdulmajeed WI, Wang KY, Wu JW, Ajibola MI, Cheng IHJ, Lien CC. Connectivity and synaptic features of hilar mossy cells and their effects on granule cell activity along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. J Physiol 2022; 600:3355-3381. [PMID: 35671148 DOI: 10.1113/jp282804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is an elongated brain structure which runs along a ventral-to-dorsal axis in rodents, corresponding to the anterior-to-posterior axis in humans. A glutamatergic cell type in the dentate gyrus (DG), the mossy cells (MCs), establishes extensive excitatory collateral connections with the DG principal cells, the granule cells (GCs), and inhibitory interneurons in both hippocampal hemispheres along the longitudinal axis. Although coupling of two physically separated GC populations via long-axis projecting MCs is instrumental for information processing, the connectivity and synaptic features of MCs along the longitudinal axis are poorly defined. Here, using channelrhodopsin-2 assisted circuit mapping, we showed that MC excitation results in a low synaptic excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance in the intralamellar (local) GCs, but a high synaptic E/I balance in the translamellar (distant) ones. In agreement with the differential E/I balance along the ventrodorsal axis, activation of MCs either enhances or suppresses the local GC response to the cortical input, but primarily promotes the distant GC activation. Moreover, activation of MCs enhances the spike timing precision of the local GCs, but not that of the distant ones. Collectively, these findings suggest that MCs differentially regulate the local and distant GC activity through distinct synaptic mechanisms. KEY POINTS: Hippocampal mossy cell (MC) pathways differentially regulate granule cell (GC) activity along the longitudinal axis. MCs mediate a low excitation-inhibition balance in intralamellar (local) GCs, but a high excitation-inhibition balance in translamellar (distant) GCs. MCs enhance the spiking precision of local GCs, but not distant GCs. MCs either promote or suppress local GC activity, but primarily promote distant GC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahab Imam Abdulmajeed
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Kai-Yi Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Wei Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Musa Iyiola Ajibola
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Irene Han-Juo Cheng
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chang Lien
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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30
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Anxiety and hippocampal neuronal activity: Relationship and potential mechanisms. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:431-449. [PMID: 34873665 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-021-00973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus has been implicated in modulating anxiety. It interacts with a variety of brain regions, both cortical and subcortical areas regulating emotion and stress responses, including prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, and the nucleus accumbens, to adjust anxiety levels in response to a variety of stressful conditions. Growing evidence indicates that anxiety is associated with increased neuronal excitability in the hippocampus, and alterations in local regulation of hippocampal excitability have been suggested to underlie behavioral disruptions characteristic of certain anxiety disorders. Furthermore, studies have shown that some anxiolytics can treat anxiety by altering the excitability and plasticity of hippocampal neurons. Hence, identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms and neural circuits that regulate hippocampal excitability in anxiety may be beneficial for developing targeted interventions for treatment of anxiety disorders particularly for the treatment-resistant cases. We first briefly review a role of the hippocampus in fear. We then review the evidence indicating a relationship between the hippocampal activity and fear/anxiety and discuss some possible mechanisms underlying stress-induced hippocampal excitability and anxiety-related behavior.
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31
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Li S, Zhou Q, Liu E, Du H, Yu N, Yu H, Wang W, Li M, Weng Y, Gao Y, Pi G, Wang X, Ke D, Wang J. Alzheimer-like tau accumulation in dentate gyrus mossy cells induces spatial cognitive deficits by disrupting multiple memory-related signaling and inhibiting local neural circuit. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13600. [PMID: 35355405 PMCID: PMC9124302 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tau accumulation and spatial memory loss constitute characteristic pathology and symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD). Yet, the intrinsic connections and the mechanism between them are not fully understood. In the current study, we observed a prominent accumulation of the AD‐like hyperphosphorylated and truncated tau (hTau N368) proteins in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) mossy cells of 3xTg‐AD mice. Further investigation demonstrated that the ventral DG (vDG) mossy cell‐specific overexpressing hTau for 3 months induced spatial cognitive deficits, while expressing hTau N368 for only 1 month caused remarkable spatial cognitive impairment with more prominent tau pathologies. By in vivo electrophysiological and optic fiber recording, we observed that the vDG mossy cell‐specific overexpression of hTau N368 disrupted theta oscillations with local neural network inactivation in the dorsal DG subset, suggesting impairment of the ventral to dorsal neural circuit. The mossy cell‐specific transcriptomic data revealed that multiple AD‐associated signaling pathways were disrupted by hTau N368, including reduction of synapse‐associated proteins, inhibition of AKT and activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β. Importantly, chemogenetic activating mossy cells efficiently attenuated the hTau N368‐induced spatial cognitive deficits. Together, our findings indicate that the mossy cell pathological tau accumulation could induce the AD‐like spatial memory deficit by inhibiting the local neural network activity, which not only reveals new pathogenesis underlying the mossy cell‐related spatial memory loss but also provides a mouse model of Mossy cell‐specific hTau accumulation for drug development in AD and the related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Qiuzhi Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Enjie Liu
- Department of Pathology The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Huiyun Du
- Department of Physiology School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Nana Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Weijin Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Mengzhu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Ying Weng
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Guilin Pi
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Dan Ke
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Jian‐Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology School of Basic Medicine Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China/Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
- Co‐Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration Nantong University Nantong China
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Lisgaras CP, Scharfman HE. Robust chronic convulsive seizures, high frequency oscillations, and human seizure onset patterns in an intrahippocampal kainic acid model in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 166:105637. [PMID: 35091040 PMCID: PMC9034729 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHKA) has been widely implemented to simulate temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but evidence of robust seizures is usually limited. To resolve this problem, we slightly modified previous methods and show robust seizures are common and frequent in both male and female mice. We employed continuous wideband video-EEG monitoring from 4 recording sites to best demonstrate the seizures. We found many more convulsive seizures than most studies have reported. Mortality was low. Analysis of convulsive seizures at 2-4 and 10-12 wks post-IHKA showed a robust frequency (2-4 per day on average) and duration (typically 20-30 s) at each time. Comparison of the two timepoints showed that seizure burden became more severe in approximately 50% of the animals. We show that almost all convulsive seizures could be characterized as either low-voltage fast or hypersynchronous onset seizures, which has not been reported in a mouse model of epilepsy and is important because these seizure types are found in humans. In addition, we report that high frequency oscillations (>250 Hz) occur, resembling findings from IHKA in rats and TLE patients. Pathology in the hippocampus at the site of IHKA injection was similar to mesial temporal lobe sclerosis and reduced contralaterally. In summary, our methods produce a model of TLE in mice with robust convulsive seizures, and there is variable progression. HFOs are robust also, and seizures have onset patterns and pathology like human TLE. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the IHKA model has been widely used in mice for epilepsy research, there is variation in outcomes, with many studies showing few robust seizures long-term, especially convulsive seizures. We present an implementation of the IHKA model with frequent convulsive seizures that are robust, meaning they are >10 s and associated with complex high frequency rhythmic activity recorded from 2 hippocampal and 2 cortical sites. Seizure onset patterns usually matched the low-voltage fast and hypersynchronous seizures in TLE. Importantly, there is low mortality, and both sexes can be used. We believe our results will advance the ability to use the IHKA model of TLE in mice. The results also have important implications for our understanding of HFOs, progression, and other topics of broad interest to the epilepsy research community. Finally, the results have implications for preclinical drug screening because seizure frequency increased in approximately half of the mice after a 6 wk interval, suggesting that the typical 2 wk period for monitoring seizure frequency is insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Panagiotis Lisgaras
- Departments of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Psychiatry, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016, United States of America,Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York State Office of Mental Health, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Bldg. 35, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States of America
| | - Helen E. Scharfman
- Departments of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Psychiatry, and the Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, 550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016, United States of America,Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York State Office of Mental Health, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Bldg. 35, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States of America,Corresponding author at: The Nathan Kline Institute, Center for Dementia Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd. Bldg. 35, Orangeburg, NY 10962, United States of America. (H.E. Scharfman)
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Mueller JS, Tescarollo FC, Sun H. DREADDs in Epilepsy Research: Network-Based Review. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:863003. [PMID: 35465094 PMCID: PMC9021489 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.863003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy can be interpreted as altered brain rhythms from overexcitation or insufficient inhibition. Chemogenetic tools have revolutionized neuroscience research because they allow “on demand” excitation or inhibition of neurons with high cellular specificity. Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) are the most frequently used chemogenetic techniques in epilepsy research. These engineered muscarinic receptors allow researchers to excite or inhibit targeted neurons with exogenous ligands. As a result, DREADDs have been applied to investigate the underlying cellular and network mechanisms of epilepsy. Here, we review the existing literature that has applied DREADDs to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The aim of this review is to provide a general introduction to DREADDs with a focus on summarizing the current main findings in experimental epilepsy research using these techniques. Furthermore, we explore how DREADDs may be applied therapeutically as highly innovative treatments for epilepsy.
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Zhao S, Liu F, Shi W, Wang J, Zhou Z, Zhang X. DL-3-n-butylphthalide promotes hippocampal neurogenesis and reduces mossy fiber sprouting in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy rats. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:3. [PMID: 34979964 PMCID: PMC8722179 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02516-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis is considered an important cause of cognitive impairment, while changes in mossy fiber sprouting are closely related to development of spontaneous recurrent seizures in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Racemic l-3-n-butylphthalide (DL-NBP) can alleviate cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease by promoting neurogenesis. DL-NBP treatment can also improve cognitive function and reduce seizure incidence in chronic epileptic mice. However, the mechanisms of action of DL-NBP remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of DL-NBP on mossy fiber sprouting, hippocampal neurogenesis, spontaneous epileptic seizures, and cognitive functioning in the chronic phase of TLE. Methods Nissl staining was used to evaluate hippocampal injury, while immunofluorescent staining was used to analyze hippocampal neurogenesis. The duration of spontaneous seizures was measured by electroencephalography. The Morris water maze was used to evaluate cognitive function. Timm staining was used to assess mossy fiber sprouting. Results TLE animals showed reduced proliferation of newborn neurons, cognitive dysfunction, and spontaneous seizures. Treatment with DL-NBP after TLE increased the proliferation and survival of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus, reversed the neural loss in the hippocampus, alleviated cognitive impairments, and decreased mossy fiber sprouting and long-term spontaneous seizure activity. Conclusions We provided pathophysiological and morphological evidence that DL-NBP might be a useful therapeutic for the treatment of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Fangxi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Neurology, Tacheng District People's Hospital, Tacheng, 834700, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jialu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhike Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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Kulikov AA, Naumova AA, Aleksandrova EP, Glazova MV, Chernigovskaya EV. Audiogenic kindling stimulates aberrant neurogenesis, synaptopodin expression, and mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus of rats genetically prone to audiogenic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108445. [PMID: 34837844 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with considerable structural changes in the hippocampus. Pharmacological and electrical models of temporal lobe epilepsy in animals strongly suggest that hippocampal reorganization is based on seizure-stimulated aberrant neurogenesis but the data are often controversial and hard to interpret. The aim of the present study was to estimate neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling in the hippocampus of Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) rats genetically prone to audiogenic seizures (AGS). In our experiments we exposed KM rats to audiogenic kindling of different durations (4, 14, and 21 AGS) to model different stages of epilepsy development. Naïve KM rats were used as a control. Our results showed that even 4 AGS stimulated proliferation in the subgranular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) accompanied with increase in number of doublecortin (DCX)-positive immature granular cells. Elevated number of proliferating cells was also observed in the hilus indicating the enhancement of abnormal migration of neural progenitors. In contrast to the DG, all DCX-positive cells in the hilus expressed VGLUT1/2 and their number was increased indicating that seizure activity accelerates glutamatergic differentiation of ectopic hilar cells. 14-day kindling further stimulated proliferation, abnormal migration, and glutamatergic differentiation of new neurons both in the DG granular and subgranular layers and in the hilus. However, after 21 AGS increased proliferation was observed only in the DG, while the numbers of immature neurons expressed VGLUT1/2 were still enhanced in both hippocampal areas. Audiogenic kindling also stimulated sprouting of mossy fibers and enhanced expression of synaptopodin in the hippocampus indicating generation of new synaptic contacts between granular cells, mossy cells, and CA3 pyramid neurons. Thus, our data suggest that epilepsy progression is associated with exacerbation of aberrant neurogenesis and reorganization of hippocampal neural circuits that contribute to the enhancement and spreading of epileptiform activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A Kulikov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Naumova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina P Aleksandrova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Margarita V Glazova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Elena V Chernigovskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez pr., 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Ma Y, Bayguinov PO, McMahon SM, Scharfman HE, Jackson MB. Direct synaptic excitation between hilar mossy cells revealed with a targeted voltage sensor. Hippocampus 2021; 31:1215-1232. [PMID: 34478219 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The dentate gyrus not only gates the flow of information into the hippocampus, it also integrates and processes this information. Mossy cells (MCs) are a major type of excitatory neuron strategically located in the hilus of the dentate gyrus where they can contribute to this processing through networks of synapses with inhibitory neurons and dentate granule cells. Some prior work has suggested that MCs can form excitatory synapses with other MCs, but the role of these synapses in the network activity of the dentate gyrus has received little attention. Here, we investigated synaptic inputs to MCs in mouse hippocampal slices using a genetically encoded hybrid voltage sensor (hVOS) targeted to MCs by Cre-lox technology. This enabled optical recording of voltage changes from multiple MCs simultaneously. Stimulating granule cells and CA3 pyramidal cells activated well-established inputs to MCs and elicited synaptic responses as expected. However, the weak blockade of MC responses to granule cell layer stimulation by DCG-IV raised the possibility of another source of excitation. To evaluate synapses between MCs as this source, single MCs were stimulated focally. Stimulation of one MC above its action potential threshold evoked depolarizing responses in neighboring MCs that depended on glutamate receptors. Short latency responses of MCs to other MCs did not depend on release from granule cell axons. However, granule cells did contribute to the longer latency responses of MCs to stimulation of other MCs. Thus, MCs transmit their activity to other MCs both through direct synaptic coupling and through polysynaptic coupling with dentate granule cells. MC-MC synapses can redistribute information entering the dentate gyrus and thus shape and modulate the electrical activity underlying hippocampal functions such as navigation and memory, as well as excessive excitation during seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihe Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Peter O Bayguinov
- Washington University Center for Cellular Imaging, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Shane M McMahon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- New York University Langone Health and the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New Jersey, USA
| | - Meyer B Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Lévesque M, Biagini G, de Curtis M, Gnatkovsky V, Pitsch J, Wang S, Avoli M. The pilocarpine model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Over one decade later, with more rodent species and new investigative approaches. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:274-291. [PMID: 34437936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental work on the mechanisms leading to focal epileptic discharges in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) often rests on the use of rodent models in which an initial status epilepticus (SE) is induced by kainic acid or pilocarpine. In 2008 we reviewed how, following systemic injection of pilocarpine, the main subsequent events are the initial SE, the latent period, and the chronic epileptic state. Up to a decade ago, rats were most often employed and they were frequently analysed only behaviorally. However, the use of transgenic mice has revealed novel information regarding this animal model. Here, we review recent findings showing the existence of specific neuronal events during both latent and chronic states, and how optogenetic activation of specific cell populations modulate spontaneous seizures. We also address neuronal damage induced by pilocarpine treatment, the role of neuroinflammation, and the influence of circadian and estrous cycles. Updating these findings leads us to propose that the rodent pilocarpine model continues to represent a valuable tool for identifying the basic pathophysiology of MTLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Lévesque
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vadym Gnatkovsky
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milano, Italy; Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julika Pitsch
- Department of Epileptology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Siyan Wang
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital and Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Departments of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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Modeling intrahippocampal effects of anterior hippocampal hyperactivity relevant to schizophrenia using chemogenetic excitation of long axis-projecting mossy cells in the mouse dentate gyrus. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 1:101-111. [PMID: 34414387 PMCID: PMC8372626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The anterior hippocampus of individuals with early psychosis or schizophrenia is hyperactive, as is the ventral hippocampus in many rodent models for schizophrenia risk. Mossy cells (MCs) of the ventral dentate gyrus (DG) densely project in the hippocampal long axis, targeting both dorsal DG granule cells and inhibitory interneurons. MCs are responsive to stimulation throughout hippocampal subfields and thus may be suited to detect hyperactivity in areas where it originates such as CA1. Here, we tested the hypothesis that hyperactivation of ventral MCs activates dorsal DG granule cells to influence dorsal hippocampal function. Methods In CD-1 mice, we targeted dorsal DG-projecting ventral MCs using an adeno-associated virus intersectional strategy. In vivo fiber photometry recording of ventral MCs was performed during exploratory behaviors. We used excitatory chemogenetic constructs to test the effects of ventral MC hyperactivation on long-term spatial memory during an object location memory task. Results Photometry revealed that ventral MCs were activated during exploratory rearing. Ventral MCs made functional monosynaptic inputs to dorsal DG granule cells, and chemogenetic activation of ventral MCs modestly increased activity of dorsal DG granule cells measured by c-Fos. Finally, chemogenetic activation of ventral MCs during the training phase of an object location memory task impaired test performance 24 hours later, without effects on locomotion or object exploration. Conclusions These data suggest that ventral MC activation can directly excite dorsal granule cells and interfere with dorsal DG function, supporting future study of their in vivo activity in animal models for schizophrenia featuring ventral hyperactivity.
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Multiple cannabinoid signaling cascades powerfully suppress recurrent excitation in the hippocampus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2017590118. [PMID: 33468648 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2017590118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent excitatory neural networks are unstable. In the hippocampus, excitatory mossy cells (MCs) receive strong excitatory inputs from dentate granule cells (GCs) and project back onto the proximal dendrites of GCs. By targeting the ipsi- and contralateral dentate gyrus (DG) along the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus, MCs form an extensive recurrent excitatory circuit (GC-MC-GC) whose dysregulation can promote epilepsy. We recently reported that a physiologically relevant pattern of MC activity induces a robust form of presynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) of MC-GC transmission which enhances GC output. Left unchecked, this LTP may interfere with DG-dependent learning, like pattern separation-which relies on sparse GC firing-and may even facilitate epileptic activity. Intriguingly, MC axons display uniquely high expression levels of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs), but their role at MC-GC synapses is poorly understood. Using rodent hippocampal slices, we report that constitutively active CB1Rs, presumably via βγ subunits, selectively inhibited MC inputs onto GCs but not MC inputs onto inhibitory interneurons or CB1R-sensitive inhibitory inputs onto GCs. Tonic CB1R activity also inhibited LTP and GC output. Furthermore, brief endocannabinoid release from GCs dampened MC-GC LTP in two mechanistically distinct ways: during induction via βγ signaling and before induction via αi/o signaling in a form of presynaptic metaplasticity. Lastly, a single in vivo exposure to exogenous cannabinoids was sufficient to induce this presynaptic metaplasticity. By dampening excitatory transmission and plasticity, tonic and phasic CB1R activity at MC axon terminals may preserve the sparse nature of the DG and protect against runaway excitation.
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40
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Botterill JJ, Gerencer KJ, Vinod KY, Alcantara‐Gonzalez D, Scharfman HE. Dorsal and ventral mossy cells differ in their axonal projections throughout the dentate gyrus of the mouse hippocampus. Hippocampus 2021; 31:522-539. [PMID: 33600026 PMCID: PMC8247909 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Glutamatergic hilar mossy cells (MCs) have axons that terminate both near and far from their cell body but stay within the DG, making synapses primarily in the molecular layer. The long-range axons are considered the primary projection, and extend throughout the DG ipsilateral to the soma, and project to the contralateral DG. The specificity of MC axons for the inner molecular layer (IML) has been considered to be a key characteristic of the DG. In the present study, we made the surprising finding that dorsal MC axons are an exception to this rule. We used two mouse lines that allow for Cre-dependent viral labeling of MCs and their axons: dopamine receptor D2 (Drd2-Cre) and calcitonin receptor-like receptor (Crlr-Cre). A single viral injection into the dorsal DG to label dorsal MCs resulted in labeling of MC axons in both the IML and middle molecular layer (MML). Interestingly, this broad termination of dorsal MC axons occurred throughout the septotemporal DG. In contrast, long-range axons of ventral MCs terminated in the IML, consistent with the literature. Taken together, these results suggest that dorsal and ventral MCs differ significantly in their axonal projections. Since MC projections in the ML are thought to terminate primarily on GCs, the results suggest a dorsal-ventral difference in MC activation of GCs. The surprising difference in dorsal and ventral MC projections should therefore be considered when evaluating dorsal-ventral differences in DG function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J. Botterill
- Center for Dementia ResearchThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Kathleen J. Gerencer
- Center for Dementia ResearchThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - K. Yaragudri Vinod
- Department of Analytical PsychopharmacologyThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Emotional Brain InstituteThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology and Psychiatry and the New York University Neuroscience InstituteNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - David Alcantara‐Gonzalez
- Center for Dementia ResearchThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Helen E. Scharfman
- Center for Dementia ResearchThe Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology and Psychiatry and the New York University Neuroscience InstituteNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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41
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Shohayeb B, Cooper HM. Mosaic synapses in epilepsy. Science 2021; 372:235-236. [PMID: 33859020 DOI: 10.1126/science.abh3555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Belal Shohayeb
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Helen M Cooper
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Houser CR, Peng Z, Wei X, Huang CS, Mody I. Mossy Cells in the Dorsal and Ventral Dentate Gyrus Differ in Their Patterns of Axonal Projections. J Neurosci 2021; 41:991-1004. [PMID: 33268544 PMCID: PMC7880284 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2455-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus (DG) are a major group of excitatory hilar neurons that are important for regulating activity of dentate granule cells. MCs are particularly intriguing because of their extensive longitudinal connections within the DG. It has generally been assumed that MCs in the dorsal and ventral DG have similar patterns of termination in the inner one-third of the dentate molecular layer. Here, we demonstrate that axonal projections of MCs in these two regions are considerably different. MCs in dorsal and ventral regions were labeled selectively with Cre-dependent eYFP or mCherry, using two transgenic mouse lines (including both sexes) that express Cre-recombinase in MCs. At four to six weeks following unilateral labeling of MCs in the ventral DG, a dense band of fibers was present in the inner one-fourth of the molecular layer and extended bilaterally throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the DG, replicating the expected distribution of MC axons. In contrast, following labeling of MCs in the dorsal DG, the projections were more diffusely distributed. At the level of transfection, fibers were present in the inner molecular layer, but they progressively expanded into the middle molecular layer and, most ventrally, formed a distinct band in this region. Optical stimulation of these caudal fibers expressing ChR2 demonstrated robust EPSCs in ipsilateral granule cells and enhanced the effects of perforant path stimulation in the ventral DG. These findings suggest that MCs in the dorsal and ventral DG differ in the distribution of their axonal projections and possibly their function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mossy cells (MCs), a major cell type in the hilus of the dentate gyrus (DG), are unique in providing extensive longitudinal and commissural projections throughout the DG. Although it has been assumed that all MCs have similar patterns of termination in the inner molecular layer of the DG, we discovered that the axonal projections of dorsal and ventral MCs differ. While ventral MC projections exhibit the classical pattern, with dense innervation in the inner molecular layer, dorsal MCs have a more diffuse distribution and expand into the middle molecular layer where they overlap and interact with innervation from the perforant path. These distinct locations and patterns of axonal projections suggest that dorsal and ventral MCs may have different functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn R Houser
- Department of Neurobiology
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | | | | | | | - Istvan Mody
- Department of Neurology
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
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Bidirectional Regulation of Cognitive and Anxiety-like Behaviors by Dentate Gyrus Mossy Cells in Male and Female Mice. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2475-2495. [PMID: 33472828 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1724-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus is important for cognition and behavior. However, the circuits underlying these functions are unclear. DG mossy cells (MCs) are potentially important because of their excitatory synapses on the primary cell type, granule cells (GCs). However, MCs also activate GABAergic neurons, which inhibit GCs. We used viral delivery of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) in mice to implement a gain- and loss-of-function study of MCs in diverse behaviors. Using this approach, manipulations of MCs could bidirectionally regulate behavior. The results suggest that inhibiting MCs can reduce anxiety-like behavior and improve cognitive performance. However, not all cognitive or anxiety-related behaviors were influenced, suggesting specific roles of MCs in some, but not all, types of cognition and anxiety. Notably, several behaviors showed sex-specific effects, with females often showing more pronounced effects than the males. We also used the immediate early gene c-Fos to address whether DREADDs bidirectionally regulated MC or GC activity. We confirmed excitatory DREADDs increased MC c-Fos. However, there was no change in GC c-Fos, consistent with MC activation leading to GABAergic inhibition of GCs. In contrast, inhibitory DREADDs led to a large increase in GC c-Fos, consistent with a reduction in MC excitation of GABAergic neurons, and reduced inhibition of GCs. Together, these results suggest that MCs regulate anxiety and cognition in specific ways. We also raise the possibility that cognitive performance may be improved by reducing anxiety.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The dentate gyrus (DG) has many important cognitive roles as well as being associated with affective behavior. This study addressed how a glutamatergic DG cell type called mossy cells (MCs) contributes to diverse behaviors, which is timely because it is known that MCs regulate the activity of the primary DG cell type, granule cells (GCs), but how MC activity influences behavior is unclear. We show, surprisingly, that activating MCs can lead to adverse behavioral outcomes, and inhibiting MCs have an opposite effect. Importantly, the results appeared to be task-dependent and showed that testing both sexes was important. Additional experiments indicated what MC and GC circuitry was involved. Together, the results suggest how MCs influence behaviors that involve the DG.
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Silkis IG, Markevich VA. Possible Mechanisms of the Influence of the Supramillary Nucleus on the Functioning of the Dentate Gyrus and the CA2 Field of the Hippocamsus (Role of Disinhibition). NEUROCHEM J+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s181971242004011x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Goicouria L, Liu J. E-I E-I Woe: Mossy Cell Regulation of Granule Cell Activity in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Epilepsy Curr 2020; 20:173-174. [PMID: 32550841 PMCID: PMC7281904 DOI: 10.1177/1535759720920828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An Excitatory and Epileptogenic Effect of Dentate Gyrus Mossy Cells in a Mouse
Model of Epilepsy Botterill JJ, Lu YL, LaFrancois JJ, Bernstein HL, Alcantara-Gonzalez D, Jain S, Leary
P, Scharfman HE. Cell Rep. 2019;29(9):2875-2889.e6. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.100. The sparse activity of hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells (GCs) is thought
to be critical for cognition and behavior, whereas excessive DG activity may
contribute to disorders such as temporal lobe epilepsy. Glutamatergic mossy cells
(MCs) of the DG are potentially critical to normal and pathological functions of the
DG because they can regulate GC activity through innervation of GCs or indirectly
through GABAergic neurons. Here, we test the hypothesis that MC excitation of GCs is
normally weak, but under pathological conditions, MC excitation of GCs is dramatically
strengthened. We show that selectively inhibiting MCs during severe seizures reduced
manifestations of those seizures, hippocampal injury, and chronic epilepsy. In
contrast, selectively activating MCs was proconvulsant. Mechanistic in vitro studies
using optogenetics further demonstrated the unanticipated ability of MC axons to
excite GCs under pathological conditions. These results demonstrate an excitatory and
epileptogenic effect of MCs in the DG.
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Stephens GS, Fu CH, St Romain CP, Zheng Y, Botterill JJ, Scharfman HE, Liu Y, Chin J. Genes Bound by ΔFosB in Different Conditions With Recurrent Seizures Regulate Similar Neuronal Functions. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:472. [PMID: 32536852 PMCID: PMC7268090 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure incidence is increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and mouse models, and treatment with the antiseizure drug levetiracetam improves cognition. We reported that one mechanism by which seizures can exert persistent effects on cognition is through accumulation of ΔFosB, a transcription factor with a long half-life. Even the infrequent seizures that spontaneously occur in transgenic mice expressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP) lead to persistent increases in ΔFosB in the hippocampus, similar to what we observed in patients with AD or temporal lobe epilepsy. ΔFosB epigenetically regulates expression of target genes, however, whether ΔFosB targets the same genes when induced by seizures in different neurological conditions is not clear. We performed ChIP-sequencing to assess the repertoire of ΔFosB target genes in APP mice and in pilocarpine-treated wildtype mice (Pilo mice), a pharmacological model of epilepsy. These mouse models allowed us to compare AD, in which seizures occur in the context of high levels of amyloid beta, and epilepsy, in which recurrent seizures occur without AD-specific pathophysiology. Network profiling of genes bound by ΔFosB in APP mice, Pilo mice, and respective control mice revealed that functional domains modulated by ΔFosB in the hippocampus are expanded and diversified in APP and Pilo mice (vs. respective controls). Domains of interest in both disease contexts involved neuronal excitability and neurotransmission, neurogenesis, chromatin remodeling, and cellular stress and neuroinflammation. To assess the gene targets bound by ΔFosB regardless of seizure etiology, we focused on 442 genes with significant ΔFosB binding in both APP and Pilo mice (vs. respective controls). Functional analyses identified pathways that regulate membrane potential, glutamatergic signaling, calcium homeostasis, complement activation, neuron-glia population maintenance, and chromatin dynamics. RNA-sequencing and qPCR measurements in independent mice detected altered expression of several ΔFosB targets shared in APP and Pilo mice. Our findings indicate that seizure-induced ΔFosB can bind genes in patterns that depend on seizure etiology, but can bind other genes regardless of seizure etiology. Understanding the factors that underlie these differences, such as chromatin accessibility and/or abundance of co-factors, could reveal novel insights into the control of gene expression in disorders with recurrent seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Stephens
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Chia-Hsuan Fu
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Corey P St Romain
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yi Zheng
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Justin J Botterill
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States.,Departments of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Psychiatry, New York University Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jeannie Chin
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Yang C, Liu Z, Wang Q, Luan G, Zhai F. Epileptic seizures in a heterogeneous excitatory network with short-term plasticity. Cogn Neurodyn 2020; 15:43-51. [PMID: 33786078 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-020-09582-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy involves a diverse group of abnormalities, including molecular and cellular disorders. These abnormalities prove to be associated with the changes in local excitability and synaptic dynamics. Correspondingly, the epileptic processes including onset, propagation and generalized seizure may be related with the alterations of excitability and synapse. In this paper, three regions, epileptogenic zone (EZ), propagation area and normal region, were defined and represented by neuronal population model with heterogeneous excitability, respectively. In order to describe the synaptic behavior that the strength was enhanced and maintained at a high level for a short term under a high frequency spike train, a novel activity-dependent short-term plasticity model was proposed. Bifurcation analysis showed that the presence of hyperexcitability could increase the seizure susceptibility of local area, leading to epileptic discharges first seen in the EZ. Meanwhile, recurrent epileptic activities might result in the transition of synaptic strength from weak state to high level, augmenting synaptic depolarizations in non-epileptic neurons as the experimental findings. Numerical simulation based on a full-connected weighted network could qualitatively demonstrate the epileptic process that the propagation area and normal region were successively recruited by the EZ. Furthermore, cross recurrence plot was used to explore the synchronization between neuronal populations, and the global synchronization index was introduced to measure the global synchronization. Results suggested that the synchronization between the EZ and other region was significantly enhanced with the occurrence of seizure. Interestingly, the desynchronization phenomenon was also observed during seizure initiation and propagation as reported before. Therefore, heterogeneous excitability and short-term plasticity are believed to play an important role in the epileptic process. This study may provide novel insights into the mechanism of epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanzuo Yang
- Department of Dynamics and Control, Beihang University, Beijing, China 100191
| | - Zhao Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093.,Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093
| | - Qingyun Wang
- Department of Dynamics and Control, Beihang University, Beijing, China 100191
| | - Guoming Luan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093.,Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093.,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China 100069
| | - Feng Zhai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093.,Department of Neurosurgery, Epilepsy Center, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 100093
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