Periaxonal and nodal plasticities modulate action potential conduction in the adult mouse brain

Localized Theta-Burst Magnetic Stimulation Induces Bidirectional Neural Modulation in the Mouse Auditory Cortex In Vivo

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive method that has been used to treat various brain disorders. The modulatory effects of rTMS can be adjusted by changing the repetition patterns. Theta-burst magnetic stimulation (TBS) is a magnetic stimulation pattern that can induce long-lasting modulatory effects with a short stimulation period. However, its effects on auditory brain regions remain unclear because of a lack of animal studies in which invasive techniques allow for a detailed exploration of the underlying neural mechanisms. In the current study, we investigated the effects of TBS on the C57BL/6J mouse auditory cortex using a custom-built 7 mm magnetic stimulation coil. Extracellular recordings were made before, during, and after the application of intermittent TBS (iTBS), continuous TBS (cTBS), or sham stimulation. Local field potential amplitudes were increased for 5-20 min post-iTBS compared with the sham condition and were decreased at 10 min post-cTBS compared with the sham condition. The bidirectional modulatory effects observed in our study are consistent with previous findings from other brain regions. Additionally, multiunit activities were significantly altered in cortical layers 2/3 and 4 but not layer 5, indicating that the modulatory effects were localized to the surface region of the auditory cortex. Interestingly, in the iTBS group, the amplitude of average spike waveforms increased with a 15 min delay. Our findings provide physiological evidence of TBS modulation of the rodent auditory cortex and may guide future research seeking to optimize rTMS for modulating hearing abilities.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system. Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons. Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function, a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking. We delve into early 20 th -century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes. Indeed, recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences. Furthermore, modern molecular investigations, employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing, consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region. Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations. Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity. Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species, sex, central nervous system region, age, and disease, hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Neuroprotective and plasticity promoting effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): A role for microglia

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to modulate neocortical excitability, with expanding applications in neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its effects, particularly the role of microglia -the resident immune cells of the central nervous system- remain poorly understood. This review synthesizes recent findings on how different rTMS protocols influence microglial function under physiological conditions and in disease models. Emerging evidence indicates that rTMS modulates microglial activation, promoting neuroprotective and plasticity-enhancing processes not only in models of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, but also in healthy neural circuits. While much of the current research has focused on the inflammatory profile of microglia, critical aspects such as activity-dependent synaptic remodeling, phagocytic activity, and process motility remain underexplored. Given the substantial heterogeneity of microglial responses across brain regions, age, and sex, as well as their differential roles in health and disease, a deeper understanding of their involvement in rTMS-induced plasticity is essential. Future studies should integrate selective microglial manipulation and advanced structural, functional, and molecular profiling techniques to clarify their causal involvement. Addressing these gaps will be pivotal in optimizing rTMS protocols and maximizing its therapeutic potential across a spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.

Subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induces cortical layer-, brain region-, and protocol-dependent neural plasticity

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is commonly used to study the brain or as a treatment for neurological disorders, but the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms it affects remain unclear. To determine the molecular mechanisms of rTMS and the brain regions they occur in, we used spatial transcriptomics to map changes to gene expression across the mouse brain in response to two commonly used rTMS protocols. Our results revealed that rTMS alters the expression of genes related to several cellular processes and neural plasticity mechanisms across the brain, which was both brain region- and rTMS protocol-dependent. In the cortex, the effect of rTMS was dependent not only on the cortical region but also on each cortical layer. These findings uncover the diverse molecular mechanisms induced by rTMS, which will be useful in interpreting its effects on cortical and subcortical circuits.

Pericyte ablation causes hypoactivity and reactive gliosis in adult mice

Capillary pericytes are important regulators of cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity and neuroinflammation, but can become lost or dysfunctional in disease. The consequences of pericyte loss or dysfunction is extremely difficult to discern when it forms one component of a complex disease process. To evaluate this directly, we examined the effect of adult pericyte loss on mouse voluntary movement and motor function, and physiological responses such as hypoxia, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and glial reactivity. Tamoxifen delivery to Pdgfrβ-CreERT2:: Rosa26-DTA transgenic mice was titrated to produce a dose-dependent ablation of pericytes in vivo. 100mg/kg of tamoxifen ablated approximately half of all brain pericytes, while two consecutive daily doses of 300mg/kg tamoxifen ablated >80% of brain pericytes. In the open field test, mice with ∼50% pericyte loss spent more time immobile and travelled half the distance of control mice. Mice with >80% pericyte ablation also slipped more frequently while performing the beam walk task. Our histopathological analyses of the brain revealed that blood vessel density was unchanged, but vessel lumen width was increased. Pericyte-ablated mice also exhibited: mild BBB disruption; increased neuronal hypoxia; astrogliosis and increased IBA1+ immunoreactivity, suggestive of microgliosis and/or macrophage infiltration. Our results highlight the importance of pericytes in the brain, as pericyte loss can directly compromise brain health and induce behavioural alterations in mice.

The node of Ranvier influences the in vivo axonal transport of mitochondria and signaling endosomes

Efficient long-range axonal transport is essential for maintaining neuronal function, and perturbations in this process underlie severe neurological diseases. Nodes of Ranvier (NoR) are short, specialized unmyelinated axonal domains with a unique molecular and structural composition. Currently, it remains unresolved how the distinct molecular structures of the NoR impact axonal transport dynamics. Using intravital time-lapse microscopy of sciatic nerves in live, anesthetized mice, we reveal (1) similar morphologies of the NoR in fast and slow motor axons, (2) signaling endosomes and mitochondria accumulate specifically at the distal node, and (3) unique axonal transport profiles of signaling endosomes and mitochondria transiting through the NoR. Collectively, these findings provide important insights into the fundamental physiology of peripheral nerve axons, motor neuron subtypes, and diverse organelle dynamics at the NoR. Furthermore, this work has relevance for several pathologies affecting peripheral nerves and the NoR.

Ablation of oligodendrogenesis in adult mice alters brain microstructure and activity independently of behavioral deficits

Oligodendrocytes continue to differentiate from their precursor cells even in adulthood, a process that can be modulated by neuronal activity and experience. Previous work has indicated that conditional ablation of oligodendrogenesis in adult mice leads to learning and memory deficits in a range of behavioral tasks. The current study replicated and re-evaluated evidence for a role of oligodendrogenesis in motor learning, using a complex running wheel task. Further, we found that ablating oligodendrogenesis alters brain microstructure (ex vivo MRI) and brain activity (in vivo EEG) independent of experience with the task. This suggests a role for adult oligodendrocyte formation in the maintenance of brain function and indicates that task-independent changes due to oligodendrogenesis ablation need to be considered when interpreting learning and memory deficits in this model.

Axonal neurotransmitter release in the regulation of myelination

Myelination of axons is a key determinant of fast action potential propagation, axonal health and circuit function. Previously considered a static structure, it is now clear that myelin is dynamically regulated in response to neuronal activity in the central nervous system (CNS). However, how activity-dependent signals are conveyed to oligodendrocytes remains unclear. Here, we review the potential mechanisms by which neurons could communicate changing activity levels to myelin, with a focus on the accumulating body of evidence to support activity-dependent vesicular signalling directly onto myelin sheaths. We discuss recent in vivo findings of activity-dependent fusion of neurotransmitter vesicles from non-synaptic axonal sites, and how modulation of this vesicular fusion regulates the stability and growth of myelin sheaths. We also consider the potential mechanisms by which myelin could sense and respond to axon-derived signals to initiate remodelling, and the relevance of these adaptations for circuit function. We propose that axonal vesicular signalling represents an important and underappreciated mode of communication by which neurons can transmit activity-regulated signals to myelinating oligodendrocytes and, potentially, more broadly to other cell types in the CNS.

Developmental shaping of node of Ranvier geometry contributes to spike timing maturation in primary auditory afferents

Sound is encoded by action potentials in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), the auditory afferents from the cochlea. Rapid action potential transmission along SGNs is crucial for quick reactions to sounds, and binaural differences in action potential arrival time at the SGN output synapses enable sound localization based on interaural time or phase differences. SGN myelination increases conduction speed but other cellular changes may contribute. We show that nodes of Ranvier along peripherally and centrally directed SGN neurites form around hearing onset, but peri-somatic nodes mature later. There follows an adjustment of nodal geometry, notably a decrease in length and increase in diameter. Computational modeling predicts this increases conduction speed by >4%, and that four additional myelin wraps would be required on internodes to achieve the same conduction speed increase. We propose that nodal geometry changes optimize signal conduction for mature sound coding and decrease the energy needed for myelination.

Recovery of node of ranvier structure in optic nerve under visual deprivation

Neural activity can increase the length of nodes of Ranvier (NOR) and slow impulse transmission; however, little is known about the biologically and clinically important recovery process. Sensory deprivation promotes neural plasticity in many phenomena, raising the question of whether recovery of NOR morphology is influenced by sensory deprivation. The results show that NOR gap length recovery in mouse optic nerve was not affected significantly by binocular visual deprivation imposed by maintaining mice in 24 hr dark for 30 days compared to mice recovering under normal visual experience. The findings provide insight into the cellular mechanism of NOR plasticity.

Low intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances remyelination by newborn and surviving oligodendrocytes in the cuprizone model of toxic demyelination

In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), newborn and surviving oligodendrocytes (OLs) can contribute to remyelination, however, current therapies are unable to enhance or sustain endogenous repair. Low intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LI-rTMS), delivered as an intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), increases the survival and maturation of newborn OLs in the healthy adult mouse cortex, but it is unclear whether LI-rTMS can promote remyelination. To examine this possibility, we fluorescently labelled oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs; Pdgfrα-CreER transgenic mice) or mature OLs (Plp-CreER transgenic mice) in the adult mouse brain and traced the fate of each cell population over time. Daily sessions of iTBS (600 pulses; 120 mT), delivered during cuprizone (CPZ) feeding, did not alter new or pre-existing OL survival but increased the number of myelin internodes elaborated by new OLs in the primary motor cortex (M1). This resulted in each new M1 OL producing ~ 471 µm more myelin. When LI-rTMS was delivered after CPZ withdrawal (during remyelination), it significantly increased the length of the internodes elaborated by new M1 and callosal OLs, increased the number of surviving OLs that supported internodes in the corpus callosum (CC), and increased the proportion of axons that were myelinated. The ability of LI-rTMS to modify cortical neuronal activity and the behaviour of new and surviving OLs, suggests that it may be a suitable adjunct intervention to enhance remyelination in people with MS.

Do oligodendrocytes regulate axonal glucose uptake and consumption?

Neurons have high energy demands. In a recent study, Looser et al. identified oligodendrocyte Kir4.1 as the activity-dependent driver of oligodendrocyte glycolysis that ensures that lactate is supplied to active neurons. Given that oligodendrocyte Kir4.1 also influenced axonal glucose consumption and uptake, oligodendrocytes may play a broader role in neuronal metabolic regulation.

The therapeutic effect of GAS6 in remyelination is dependent upon Tyro3

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination, axonal damage and, for the majority of people, a decline in neurological function in the long-term. Remyelination could assist in the protection of axons and their functional recovery, but such therapies are not, as yet, available. The TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MERTK) receptor ligand GAS6 potentiates myelination in vitro and promotes recovery in pre-clinical models of MS. However, it has remained unclear which TAM receptor is responsible for transducing this effect and whether post-translational modification of GAS6 is required. In this study, we show that the promotion of myelination requires post-translational modification of the GLA domain of GAS6 via vitamin K-dependent γ-carboxylation. We also confirmed that the intracerebroventricular provision of GAS6 for 2 weeks to demyelinated wild-type (WT) mice challenged with cuprizone increased the density of myelinated axons in the corpus callosum by over 2-fold compared with vehicle control. Conversely, the provision of GAS6 to Tyro3 KO mice did not significantly improve the density of myelinated axons. The improvement in remyelination following the provision of GAS6 to WT mice was also accompanied by an increased density of CC1+ve mature oligodendrocytes compared with vehicle control, whereas this improvement was not observed in the absence of Tyro3. This effect occurs independent of any influence on microglial activation. This work therefore establishes that the remyelinative activity of GAS6 is dependent on Tyro3 and includes potentiation of oligodendrocyte numbers.

Dynamics of mature myelin

Myelin, which is produced by oligodendrocytes, insulates axons to facilitate rapid and efficient action potential propagation in the central nervous system. Traditionally viewed as a stable structure, myelin is now known to undergo dynamic modulation throughout life. This Review examines these dynamics, focusing on two key aspects: (1) the turnover of myelin, involving not only the renewal of constituents but the continuous wholesale replacement of myelin membranes; and (2) the structural remodeling of pre-existing, mature myelin, a newly discovered form of neural plasticity that can be stimulated by external factors, including neuronal activity, behavioral experience and injury. We explore the mechanisms regulating these dynamics and speculate that myelin remodeling could be driven by an asymmetry in myelin turnover or reactivation of pathways involved in myelin formation. Finally, we outline how myelin remodeling could have profound impacts on neural function, serving as an integral component of behavioral adaptation.

Translating Molecular Approaches to Oligodendrocyte-Mediated Neurological Circuit Modulation

The central nervous system (CNS) exhibits remarkable adaptability throughout life, enabled by intricate interactions between neurons and glial cells, in particular, oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). This adaptability is pivotal for learning and memory, with OLs and OPCs playing a crucial role in neural circuit development, synaptic modulation, and myelination dynamics. Myelination by OLs not only supports axonal conduction but also undergoes adaptive modifications in response to neuronal activity, which is vital for cognitive processing and memory functions. This review discusses how these cellular interactions and myelin dynamics are implicated in various neurocircuit diseases and disorders such as epilepsy, gliomas, and psychiatric conditions, focusing on how maladaptive changes contribute to disease pathology and influence clinical outcomes. It also covers the potential for new diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, including pharmacological strategies and emerging biomarkers in oligodendrocyte functions and myelination processes. The evidence supports a fundamental role for myelin plasticity and oligodendrocyte functionality in synchronizing neural activity and high-level cognitive functions, offering promising avenues for targeted interventions in CNS disorders.

Impact of Extracellular Current Flow on Action Potential Propagation in Myelinated Axons

Myelinated axons conduct action potentials, or spikes, in a saltatory manner. Inward current caused by a spike occurring at one node of Ranvier spreads axially to the next node, which regenerates the spike when depolarized enough for voltage-gated sodium channels to activate, and so on. The rate at which this process progresses dictates the velocity at which the spike is conducted and depends on several factors including axial resistivity and axon diameter that directly affect axial current. Here we show through computational simulations in modified double-cable axon models that conduction velocity also depends on extracellular factors whose effects can be explained by their indirect influence on axial current. Specifically, we show that a conventional double-cable model, with its outside layer connected to ground, transmits less axial current than a model whose outside layer is less absorptive. A more resistive barrier exists when an axon is packed tightly between other myelinated fibers, for example. We show that realistically resistive boundary conditions can significantly increase the velocity and energy efficiency of spike propagation, while also protecting against propagation failure. Certain factors like myelin thickness may be less important than typically thought if extracellular conditions are more resistive than normally considered. We also show how realistically resistive boundary conditions affect ephaptic interactions. Overall, these results highlight the unappreciated importance of extracellular conditions for axon function.

Transient demyelination causes long-term cognitive impairment, myelin alteration and network synchrony defects

In the adult brain, activity-dependent myelin plasticity is required for proper learning and memory consolidation. Myelin loss, alteration, or even subtle structural modifications can therefore compromise the network activity, leading to functional impairment. In multiple sclerosis, spontaneous myelin repair process is possible, but it is heterogeneous among patients, sometimes leading to functional recovery, often more visible at the motor level than at the cognitive level. In cuprizone-treated mouse model, massive brain demyelination is followed by spontaneous and robust remyelination. However, reformed myelin, although functional, may not exhibit the same morphological characteristics as developmental myelin, which can have an impact on the activity of neural networks. In this context, we used the cuprizone-treated mouse model to analyze the structural, functional, and cognitive long-term effects of transient demyelination. Our results show that an episode of demyelination induces despite remyelination long-term cognitive impairment, such as deficits in spatial working memory, social memory, cognitive flexibility, and hyperactivity. These deficits were associated with a reduction in myelin content in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as well as structural myelin modifications, suggesting that the remyelination process may be imperfect in these structures. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that the demyelination episode altered the synchronization of HPC-mPFC activity, which is crucial for memory processes. Altogether, our data indicate that the myelin repair process following transient demyelination does not allow the complete recovery of the initial myelin properties in cortical structures. These subtle modifications alter network features, leading to prolonged cognitive deficits in mice.

Functional myelin in cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders

In vertebrates, oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of neurons. The myelin sheath plays a crucial role in the transmission of neuronal information by promoting the rapid saltatory conduction of action potentials and providing neurons with structural and metabolic support. Saltatory conduction, first described in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), is now generally recognized as a universal evolutionary innovation to respond quickly to the environment: myelin helps us think and act fast. Nevertheless, the role of myelin in the central nervous system, especially in the brain, may not be primarily focused on accelerating conduction speed but rather on ensuring precision. Its principal function could be to coordinate various neuronal networks, promoting their synchronization through oscillations (or rhythms) relevant for specific information processing tasks. Interestingly, myelin has been directly involved in different types of cognitive processes relying on brain oscillations, and myelin plasticity is currently considered to be part of the fundamental mechanisms for memory formation and maintenance. However, despite ample evidence showing the involvement of myelin in cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by cognitive impairments, the link between myelin, brain oscillations, cognition and disease is not yet fully understood. In this review, we aim to highlight what is known and what remains to be explored to understand the role of myelin in high order brain processes.

Oligodendrocyte calcium signaling promotes actin-dependent myelin sheath extension

Myelin is essential for rapid nerve signaling and is increasingly found to play important roles in learning and in diverse diseases of the CNS. Morphological parameters of myelin such as sheath length are thought to precisely tune conduction velocity, but the mechanisms controlling sheath morphology are poorly understood. Local calcium signaling has been observed in nascent myelin sheaths and can be modulated by neuronal activity. However, the role of calcium signaling in sheath formation remains incompletely understood. Here, we use genetic tools to attenuate oligodendrocyte calcium signaling during myelination in the developing mouse CNS. Surprisingly, genetic calcium attenuation does not grossly affect the number of myelinated axons or myelin thickness. Instead, calcium attenuation causes myelination defects resulting in shorter, dysmorphic sheaths. Mechanistically, calcium attenuation reduces actin filaments in oligodendrocytes, and an intact actin cytoskeleton is necessary and sufficient to achieve accurate myelin morphology. Together, our work reveals a cellular mechanism required for accurate CNS myelin formation and may provide mechanistic insight into how oligodendrocytes respond to neuronal activity to sculpt and refine myelin sheaths.

Contribution of glial cells to the neuroprotective effects triggered by repetitive magnetic stimulation: a systematic review

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has been increasingly studied in different neurological diseases, and although most studies focus on its effects on neuronal cells, the contribution of non-neuronal cells to the improvement triggered by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in these diseases has been increasingly suggested. To systematically review the effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation on non-neuronal cells two online databases, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for the effects of high-frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, low-frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, intermittent theta-burst stimulation, continuous theta-burst stimulation, or repetitive magnetic stimulation on non-neuronal cells in models of disease and in unlesioned animals or cells. A total of 52 studies were included. The protocol more frequently used was high-frequency-repetitive magnetic stimulation, and in models of disease, most studies report that high-frequency-repetitive magnetic stimulation led to a decrease in astrocyte and microglial reactivity, a decrease in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and an increase of oligodendrocyte proliferation. The trend towards decreased microglial and astrocyte reactivity as well as increased oligodendrocyte proliferation occurred with intermittent theta-burst stimulation and continuous theta-burst stimulation. Few papers analyzed the low-frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol, and the parameters evaluated were restricted to the study of astrocyte reactivity and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reporting the absence of effects on these parameters. In what concerns the use of magnetic stimulation in unlesioned animals or cells, most articles on all four types of stimulation reported a lack of effects. It is also important to point out that the studies were developed mostly in male rodents, not evaluating possible differential effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation between sexes. This systematic review supports that through modulation of glial cells repetitive magnetic stimulation contributes to the neuroprotection or repair in various neurological disease models. However, it should be noted that there are still few articles focusing on the impact of repetitive magnetic stimulation on non-neuronal cells and most studies did not perform in-depth analyses of the effects, emphasizing the need for more studies in this field.

A hydrolyzed lipid blend diet promotes myelination in neonatal piglets in a region and concentration-dependent manner

The impact of early life nutrition on myelin development is of interest given that cognitive and behavioral function depends on proper myelination. Evidence shows that myelination can be altered by dietary lipid, but most of these studies have been performed in the context of disease or impairment. Here, we assessed the effects of lipid blends containing various levels of a hydrolyzed fat (HF) system on myelination in healthy piglets. Piglets were sow-reared, fed a control diet, or a diet containing 12%, 25%, or 53% HF consisting of cholesterol, fatty acids, monoglycerides, and phospholipid from lecithin. At postnatal day 28/29, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess changes to brain development, followed by brain collection for microscopic analyses of myelin in targeted regions using CLARITY tissue clearing, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy techniques. Sow-reared piglets exhibited the highest overall brain white matter volume by MRI. However, a 25% HF diet resulted in the greatest total myelin density in the prefrontal cortex based on 3D modeling analysis of myelinated filaments. Nodal gap length and g-ratio were inversely correlated with percentage of HF in the corpus callosum, as well as in the PFC and internal capsule for g-ratio, indicating that a 53% HF diet resulted in the thickest myelin per axon and a 0% HF control diet the thinnest in specific brain regions. These findings indicate that HF promoted myelination in the neonatal piglet in a region- and concentration-dependent manner.

Molecular Mechanisms for Changing Brain Connectivity in Mice and Humans

The goal of this study was to examine commonalities in the molecular basis of learning in mice and humans. In previous work we have demonstrated that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and hippocampus (HC) are involved in learning a two-choice visuospatial discrimination task. Here, we began by looking for candidate genes upregulated in mouse ACC and HC with learning. We then determined which of these were also upregulated in mouse blood. Finally, we used RT-PCR to compare candidate gene expression in mouse blood with that from humans following one of two forms of learning: a working memory task (network training) or meditation (a generalized training shown to change many networks). Two genes were upregulated in mice following learning: caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 6 (Card6) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (Impdh2). The Impdh2 gene product catalyzes the first committed step of guanine nucleotide synthesis and is tightly linked to cell proliferation. The Card6 gene product positively modulates signal transduction. In humans, Card6 was significantly upregulated, and Impdh2 trended toward upregulation with training. These genes have been shown to regulate pathways that influence nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a factor previously found to be related to enhanced synaptic function and learning.

Node of Ranvier remodeling in chronic psychosocial stress and anxiety

Differential expression of myelin-related genes and changes in myelin thickness have been demonstrated in mice after chronic psychosocial stress, a risk factor for anxiety disorders. To determine whether and how stress affects structural remodeling of nodes of Ranvier, another form of myelin plasticity, we developed a 3D reconstruction analysis of node morphology in C57BL/6NCrl and DBA/2NCrl mice. We identified strain-dependent effects of chronic social defeat stress on node morphology in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) gray matter, including shortening of paranodes in C57BL/6NCrl stress-resilient and shortening of node gaps in DBA/2NCrl stress-susceptible mice compared to controls. Neuronal activity has been associated with changes in myelin thickness. To investigate whether neuronal activation is a mechanism influencing also node of Ranvier morphology, we used DREADDs to repeatedly activate the ventral hippocampus-to-mPFC pathway. We found reduced anxiety-like behavior and shortened paranodes specifically in stimulated, but not in the nearby non-stimulated axons. Altogether, our data demonstrate (1) nodal remodeling of the mPFC gray matter axons after chronic stress and (2) axon-specific regulation of paranodes in response to repeated neuronal activity in an anxiety-associated pathway. Nodal remodeling may thus contribute to aberrant circuit function associated with anxiety disorders.

Oligodendrocyte calcium signaling sculpts myelin sheath morphology

Myelin is essential for rapid nerve signaling and is increasingly found to play important roles in learning and in diverse diseases of the CNS. Morphological parameters of myelin such as sheath length and thickness are regulated by neuronal activity and can precisely tune conduction velocity, but the mechanisms controlling sheath morphology are poorly understood. Local calcium signaling has been observed in nascent myelin sheaths and can be modulated by neuronal activity. However, the role of calcium signaling in sheath formation and remodeling is unknown. Here, we used genetic tools to attenuate oligodendrocyte calcium signaling during active myelination in the developing mouse CNS. Surprisingly, we found that genetic calcium attenuation did not grossly affect the number of myelinated axons or myelin thickness. Instead, calcium attenuation caused striking myelination defects resulting in shorter, dysmorphic sheaths. Mechanistically, calcium attenuation reduced actin filaments in oligodendrocytes, and an intact actin cytoskeleton was necessary and sufficient to achieve accurate myelin morphology. Together, our work reveals a novel cellular mechanism required for accurate CNS myelin formation and provides mechanistic insight into how oligodendrocytes may respond to neuronal activity to sculpt myelin sheaths throughout the nervous system.

Potential physiological and pathological roles for axonal ryanodine receptors

Clinical disability following trauma or disease to the spinal cord often involves the loss of vital white matter elements including axons and glia. Although excessive Ca2+ is an established driver of axonal degeneration, therapeutically targeting externally sourced Ca2+ to date has had limited success in both basic and clinical studies. Contributing factors that may underlie this limited success include the complexity of the many potential sources of Ca2+ entry and the discovery that axons also contain substantial amounts of stored Ca2+ that if inappropriately released could contribute to axonal demise. Axonal Ca2+ storage is largely accomplished by the axoplasmic reticulum that is part of a continuous network of the endoplasmic reticulum that provides a major sink and source of intracellular Ca2+ from the tips of dendrites to axonal terminals. This "neuron-within-a-neuron" is positioned to rapidly respond to diverse external and internal stimuli by amplifying cytosolic Ca2+ levels and generating short and long distance regenerative Ca2+ waves through Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release. This review provides a glimpse into the molecular machinery that has been implicated in regulating ryanodine receptor mediated Ca2+ release in axons and how dysregulation and/or overstimulation of these internodal axonal signaling nanocomplexes may directly contribute to Ca2+-dependent axonal demise. Neuronal ryanodine receptors expressed in dendrites, soma, and axonal terminals have been implicated in synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity, but a physiological role for internodal localized ryanodine receptors remains largely obscure. Plausible physiological roles for internodal ryanodine receptors and such an elaborate internodal binary membrane signaling network in axons will also be discussed.

All-optical observation on activity-dependent nanoscale dynamics of myelinated axons

SIGNIFICANCE

In the mammalian brain, rapid conduction of neural information is supported by the myelin, the functional efficacy of which shows steep dependence on its nanoscale cytoarchitecture. Although previous in vitro studies have suggested that neural activity accompanies nanometer-scale cellular deformations, whether neural activity can dynamically remodel the myelinated axon has remained unexplored due to the technical challenge in observing its nanostructural dynamics in living tissues.

AIM

We aim to observe activity-dependent nanostructural dynamics of myelinated axons in a living brain tissue.

APPROACH

We introduced a novel all-optical approach combining a nanoscale dynamic readout based on spectral interferometry and optogenetic control of neural excitation in an acute brain slice preparation.

RESULTS

In response to optogenetically evoked neuronal burst firing, the myelinated axons exhibited progressive and reversible spectral redshifts, corresponding to the transient swelling at a subnanometer scale. We further revealed that the activity-dependent nanostructural dynamics was localized to the paranode.

CONCLUSIONS

Our all-optical studies substantiate that myelinated axon exhibits activity-dependent nanoscale swelling, which potentially serves to dynamically tune the transmission speed of neural information.

Precise Spiking Motifs in Neurobiological and Neuromorphic Data

Why do neurons communicate through spikes? By definition, spikes are all-or-none neural events which occur at continuous times. In other words, spikes are on one side binary, existing or not without further details, and on the other, can occur at any asynchronous time, without the need for a centralized clock. This stands in stark contrast to the analog representation of values and the discretized timing classically used in digital processing and at the base of modern-day neural networks. As neural systems almost systematically use this so-called event-based representation in the living world, a better understanding of this phenomenon remains a fundamental challenge in neurobiology in order to better interpret the profusion of recorded data. With the growing need for intelligent embedded systems, it also emerges as a new computing paradigm to enable the efficient operation of a new class of sensors and event-based computers, called neuromorphic, which could enable significant gains in computation time and energy consumption-a major societal issue in the era of the digital economy and global warming. In this review paper, we provide evidence from biology, theory and engineering that the precise timing of spikes plays a crucial role in our understanding of the efficiency of neural networks.

Remodelling of myelinated axons and oligodendrocyte differentiation is stimulated by environmental enrichment in the young adult brain

Oligodendrocyte production and myelination continues lifelong in the central nervous system (CNS), and all stages of this process can be adaptively regulated by neuronal activity. While artificial exogenous stimulation of neuronal circuits greatly enhances oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) production and increases myelination during development, the extent to which physiological stimuli replicates this is unclear, particularly in the adult CNS when the rate of new myelin addition slows. Here, we used environmental enrichment (EE) to physiologically stimulate neuronal activity for 6 weeks in 9-week-old C57BL/six male and female mice and found no increase in compact myelin in the corpus callosum or somatosensory cortex. Instead, we observed a global increase in callosal axon diameter with thicker myelin sheaths, elongated paranodes and shortened nodes of Ranvier. These findings indicate that EE induced the dynamic structural remodelling of myelinated axons. Additionally, we observed a global increase in the differentiation of OPCs and pre-myelinating oligodendroglia in the corpus callosum and somatosensory cortex. Our findings of structural remodelling of myelinated axons in response to physiological neural stimuli during young adulthood provide important insights in understanding experience-dependent myelin plasticity throughout the lifespan and provide a platform to investigate axon-myelin interactions in a physiologically relevant context.

Adaptive and maladaptive myelination in health and disease

Within the past decade, multiple lines of evidence have converged to identify a critical role for activity-regulated myelination in tuning the function of neural networks. In this Review, we provide an overview of accumulating evidence that activity-regulated myelination is required for brain adaptation and learning across multiple domains. We then discuss dysregulation of activity-dependent myelination in the context of neurological disease, a novel frontier with the potential to uncover new mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic strategies. Alterations in myelination and neural network function can result from deficient myelin plasticity that impairs neurological function or from maladaptive myelination, in which intact activity-dependent myelination contributes to the disease process by promoting pathological patterns of neuronal activity. These emerging mechanisms suggest new avenues for therapeutic intervention that could more fully address the complex interactions between neurons and oligodendroglia.

Structural insights into the contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 adhesion complex

Cell-surface expressed contactin 1 and neurofascin 155 control wiring of the nervous system and interact across cells to form and maintain paranodal myelin-axon junctions. The molecular mechanism of contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 adhesion complex formation is unresolved. Crystallographic structures of complexed and individual contactin 1 and neurofascin 155 binding regions presented here, provide a rich picture of how competing and complementary interfaces, post-translational glycosylation, splice differences and structural plasticity enable formation of diverse adhesion sites. Structural, biophysical, and cell-clustering analysis reveal how conserved Ig1-2 interfaces form competing heterophilic contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 and homophilic neurofascin 155 complexes whereas contactin 1 forms low-affinity clusters through interfaces on Ig3-6. The structures explain how the heterophilic Ig1-Ig4 horseshoe's in the contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 complex define the 7.4 nm paranodal spacing and how the remaining six domains enable bridging of distinct intercellular distances.

Oligodendroglia are emerging players in several forms of learning and memory

Synaptic plasticity is the fundamental cellular mechanism of learning and memory, but recent research reveals that myelin-forming glia, oligodendrocytes (OL), are also involved. They contribute in ways that synaptic plasticity cannot, and the findings have not been integrated into the established conceptual framework used in the field of learning and memory. OLs and their progenitors are involved in long-term memory, memory consolidation, working memory, and recall in associative learning. They also contribute to short-term memory and non-associative learning by affecting synaptic transmission, intrinsic excitability of axons, and neural oscillations. Oligodendroglial involvement expands the field beyond synaptic plasticity to system-wide network function, where precise spike time arrival and neural oscillations are critical in information processing, storage, and retrieval.

A Perspective highlights current evidence that supports oligodendrocytes and their progenitors’ involvement in cognition and proposes that our understanding of learning and memory can be expanded beyond the classic view of synaptic plasticity to a system-wide network function.

Heterogeneity and regulation of oligodendrocyte morphology

Oligodendrocytes form multiple myelin sheaths in the central nervous system (CNS), which increase nerve conduction velocity and are necessary for basic and higher brain functions such as sensory function, motor control, and learning. Structures of the myelin sheath such as myelin internodal length and myelin thickness regulate nerve conduction. Various parts of the central nervous system exhibit different myelin structures and oligodendrocyte morphologies. Recent studies supported that oligodendrocytes are a heterogenous population of cells and myelin sheaths formed by some oligodendrocytes can be biased to particular groups of axons, and myelin structures are dynamically modulated in certain classes of neurons by specific experiences. Structures of oligodendrocyte/myelin are also affected in pathological conditions such as demyelinating and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review summarizes our understanding of heterogeneity and regulation of oligodendrocyte morphology concerning central nervous system regions, neuronal classes, experiences, diseases, and how oligodendrocytes are optimized to execute central nervous system functions.

Homeostatic coordination and up-regulation of neural activity by activity-dependent myelination

Activity-dependent myelination (ADM) is a fundamental dimension of brain plasticity through which myelin changes as a function of neural activity. Mediated by structural changes in glia, ADM notably regulates axonal conduction velocity. Yet, it remains unclear how neural activity impacts myelination to orchestrate the timing of neural signalling, and how ADM shapes neural activity. We developed a model of spiking neurons enhanced with neuron-oligodendrocyte feedback and examined the relationship between ADM and neural activity. We found that ADM implements a homeostatic gain control mechanism that enhances neural firing rates and correlations through the temporal coordination of action potentials as axon lengths increase. Stimuli engage ADM plasticity to trigger bidirectional and reversible changes in conduction delays, as may occur during learning. Furthermore, ADM was found to enhance information transmission under various types of time-varying stimuli. These results highlight the role of ADM in shaping neural activity and communication.

Motor learning drives dynamic patterns of intermittent myelination on learning-activated axons

Myelin plasticity occurs when newly formed and pre-existing oligodendrocytes remodel existing patterns of myelination. Myelin remodeling occurs in response to changes in neuronal activity and is required for learning and memory. However, the link between behavior-induced neuronal activity and circuit-specific changes in myelination remains unclear. Using longitudinal in vivo two-photon imaging and targeted labeling of learning-activated neurons in mice, we explore how the pattern of intermittent myelination is altered on individual cortical axons during learning of a dexterous reach task. We show that behavior-induced myelin plasticity is targeted to learning-activated axons and occurs in a staged response across cortical layers in the mouse primary motor cortex. During learning, myelin sheaths retract, which results in lengthening of nodes of Ranvier. Following motor learning, addition of newly formed myelin sheaths increases the number of continuous stretches of myelination. Computational modeling suggests that motor learning-induced myelin plasticity initially slows and subsequently increases axonal conduction speed. Finally, we show that both the magnitude and timing of nodal and myelin dynamics correlate with improvement of behavioral performance during motor learning. Thus, learning-induced and circuit-specific myelination changes may contribute to information encoding in neural circuits during motor learning.

Motor learning revamps the myelin landscape

Learning requires new oligodendrogenesis, but how myelin patterns change during learning is unclear. Bacmeister et al. show that motor learning induces phase-specific changes in myelination on behaviorally activated axons that correlate with motor performance, suggesting myelin remodeling is involved in learning.

Dark Rearing in the Visual Critical Period Causes Structural Changes in Myelinated Axons in the Adult Mouse Visual Pathway

An appropriate sensory experience during the early developmental period is important for brain maturation. Dark rearing during the visual critical period delays the maturation of neuronal circuits in the visual cortex. Although the formation and structural plasticity of the myelin sheaths on retinal ganglion cell axons modulate the visual function, the effects of dark rearing during the visual critical period on the structure of the retinal ganglion cell axons and their myelin sheaths are still unclear. To address this question, mice were reared in a dark box during the visual critical period and then normally reared to adulthood. We found that myelin sheaths on the retinal ganglion cell axons of dark-reared mice were thicker than those of normally reared mice in both the optic chiasm and optic nerve. Furthermore, whole-mount immunostaining with fluorescent axonal labeling and tissue clearing revealed that the myelin internodal length in dark-reared mice was shorter than that in normally reared mice in both the optic chiasm and optic nerve. These findings demonstrate that dark rearing during the visual critical period affects the morphology of myelin sheaths, shortens and thickens myelin sheaths in the visual pathway, despite the mice being reared in normal light/dark conditions after the dark rearing.

SHANK3 deficiency leads to myelin defects in the central and peripheral nervous system

Mutations or deletions of the SHANK3 gene are causative for Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMDS), a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We analyzed Shank3Δ11(−/−) mice and organoids from PMDS individuals to study effects on myelin. SHANK3 was found to be expressed in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, and MRI analysis of Shank3Δ11(−/−) mice revealed a reduced volume of the corpus callosum as seen in PMDS patients. Myelin proteins including myelin basic protein showed significant temporal and regional differences with lower levels in the CNS but increased amounts in the PNS of Shank3Δ11(−/−) animals. Node, as well as paranode, lengths were increased and ultrastructural analysis revealed region-specific alterations of the myelin sheaths. In PMDS hiPSC-derived cerebral organoids we observed an altered number and delayed maturation of myelinating cells. These findings provide evidence that, in addition to a synaptic deregulation, impairment of myelin might profoundly contribute to the clinical manifestation of SHANK3 deficiency.

Hebbian activity-dependent plasticity in white matter

Synaptic plasticity is required for learning and follows Hebb's rule, the computational principle underpinning associative learning. In recent years, a complementary type of brain plasticity has been identified in myelinated axons, which make up the majority of brain's white matter. Like synaptic plasticity, myelin plasticity is required for learning, but it is unclear whether it is Hebbian or whether it follows different rules. Here, we provide evidence that white matter plasticity operates following Hebb's rule in humans. Across two experiments, we find that co-stimulating cortical areas to induce Hebbian plasticity leads to relative increases in cortical excitability and associated increases in a myelin marker within the stimulated fiber bundle. We conclude that Hebbian plasticity extends beyond synaptic changes and can be observed in human white matter fibers.

Protocadherin 15 suppresses oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and promotes motility through distinct signalling pathways

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) express protocadherin 15 (Pcdh15), a member of the cadherin superfamily of transmembrane proteins. Little is known about the function of Pcdh15 in the central nervous system (CNS), however, Pcdh15 expression can predict glioma aggression and promote the separation of embryonic human OPCs immediately following a cell division. Herein, we show that Pcdh15 knockdown significantly increases extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and activation to enhance OPC proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, Pcdh15 knockdown elevates Cdc42-Arp2/3 signalling and impairs actin kinetics, reducing the frequency of lamellipodial extrusion and slowing filopodial withdrawal. Pcdh15 knockdown also reduces the number of processes supported by each OPC and new process generation. Our data indicate that Pcdh15 is a critical regulator of OPC proliferation and process motility, behaviours that characterise the function of these cells in the healthy CNS, and provide mechanistic insight into the role that Pcdh15 might play in glioma progression.

Protocadherin 15 promotes lamellipodial and filopodial dynamics in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells by regulating Cdc42-Arp2/3 activity, but also suppresses ERK1/2 phosphorylation to reduce proliferation.

Recording Saltatory Conduction Along Sensory Axons Using a High-Density Microelectrode Array

Myelinated fibers are specialized neurological structures used for conducting action potentials quickly and reliably, thus assisting neural functions. Although demyelination leads to serious functional impairments, little is known the relationship between myelin structural change and increase in conduction velocity during myelination and demyelination processes. There are no appropriate methods for the long-term evaluation of spatial characteristics of saltatory conduction along myelinated axons. Herein, we aimed to detect saltatory conduction from the peripheral nervous system neurons using a high-density microelectrode array. Rat sensory neurons and intrinsic Schwann cells were cultured. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructure examination showed that the myelinating Schwann cells appeared at 1 month, and compact myelin was formed by 10 weeks in vitro. Activity of rat sensory neurons was evoked with optogenetic stimulation, and axon conduction was detected with high-density microelectrode arrays. Some conductions included high-speed segments with low signal amplitude. The same segment could be detected with electrical recording and immunofluorescent imaging for a myelin-related protein. The spatiotemporal analysis showed that some segments show a velocity of more than 2 m/s and that ends of the segments show a higher electrical sink, suggesting that saltatory conduction occurred in myelinated axons. Moreover, mathematical modeling supported that the recorded signal was in the appropriate range for axon and electrode sizes. Overall, our method could be a feasible tool for evaluating spatial characteristics of axon conduction including saltatory conduction, which is applicable for studying demyelination and remyelination.

A little goes a long way: Neurobiological effects of low intensity rTMS and implications for mechanisms of rTMS

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a widespread technique in neuroscience and medicine, however its mechanisms are not well known. In this review, we consider intensity as a key therapeutic parameter of rTMS, and review the studies that have examined the biological effects of rTMS using magnetic fields that are orders of magnitude lower that those currently used in the clinic. We discuss how extensive characterisation of "low intensity" rTMS has set the stage for translation of new rTMS parameters from a mechanistic evidence base, with potential for innovative and effective therapeutic applications. Low-intensity rTMS demonstrates neurobiological effects across healthy and disease models, which include depression, injury and regeneration, abnormal circuit organisation, tinnitus etc. Various short and long-term changes to metabolism, neurotransmitter release, functional connectivity, genetic changes, cell survival and behaviour have been investigated and we summarise these key changes and the possible mechanisms behind them. Mechanisms at genetic, molecular, cellular and system levels have been identified with evidence that low-intensity rTMS and potentially rTMS in general acts through several key pathways to induce changes in the brain with modulation of internal calcium signalling identified as a major mechanism. We discuss the role that preclinical models can play to inform current clinical research as well as uncover new pathways for investigation.

The oligodendrocyte-enriched orphan G protein-coupled receptor Gpr62 is dispensable for central nervous system myelination

BACKGROUND

Myelination is a highly regulated process in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) whereby oligodendrocytes wrap axons with multiple layers of insulating myelin in order to allow rapid electrical conduction. Establishing the proper pattern of myelin in neural circuits requires communicative axo-glial interactions, however, the molecular interactions that occur between oligodendrocytes and axons during developmental myelination and myelin maintenance remain to be fully elucidated. Our previous work identified G protein-coupled receptor 62 (Gpr62), an uncharacterized orphan g-protein coupled receptor, as being selectively expressed by mature oligodendrocytes within the CNS, suggesting a potential role in myelination or axoglial interactions. However, no studies to date have assessed the functional requirement for Gpr62 in oligodendrocyte development or CNS myelination.

METHODS

To address this, we generated a knockout mouse strain lacking the Gpr62 gene. We assessed CNS myelination during both postnatal development and adulthood using immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and western blot. In addition, we utilized AAV-mediated expression of a tagged Gpr62 in oligodendrocytes to determine the subcellular localization of the protein in vivo.

RESULTS

We find that virally expressed Gpr62 protein is selectively expressed on the adaxonal myelin layer, suggestive of a potential role for Gpr62 in axo-myelinic signaling. Nevertheless, Gpr62 knockout mice display normal oligodendrocyte numbers and apparently normal myelination within the CNS during both postnatal development and adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that in spite of being well-placed to mediate neuronal-oligodendrocyte communications, Gpr62 is overall dispensable for CNS myelination.

Experience-dependent myelination following stress is mediated by the neuropeptide dynorphin

Emerging evidence implicates experience-dependent myelination in learning and memory. However, the specific signals underlying this process remain unresolved. We demonstrate that the neuropeptide dynorphin, which is released from neurons upon high levels of activity, promotes experience-dependent myelination. Following forced swim stress, an experience that induces striatal dynorphin release, we observe increased striatal oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and myelination, which is abolished by deleting dynorphin or blocking its endogenous receptor, kappa opioid receptor (KOR). We find that dynorphin also promotes developmental OPC differentiation and myelination and demonstrate that this effect requires KOR expression specifically in OPCs. We characterize dynorphin-expressing neurons and use genetic sparse labeling to trace their axonal projections. Surprisingly, we find that they are unmyelinated normally and following forced swim stress. We propose a new model whereby experience-dependent and developmental myelination is mediated by unmyelinated, neuropeptide-expressing neurons that promote OPC differentiation for the myelination of neighboring axons.

Periods of synchronized myelin changes shape brain function and plasticity

Myelin, a lipid membrane that wraps axons, enabling fast neurotransmission and metabolic support to axons, is conventionally thought of as a static structure that is set early in development. However, recent evidence indicates that in the central nervous system (CNS), myelination is a protracted and plastic process, ongoing throughout adulthood. Importantly, myelin is emerging as a potential modulator of neuronal networks, and evidence from human studies has highlighted myelin as a major player in shaping human behavior and learning. Here we review how myelin changes throughout life and with learning. We discuss potential mechanisms of myelination at different life stages, explore whether myelin plasticity provides the regenerative potential of the CNS white matter, and question whether changes in myelin may underlie neurological disorders.

Subthreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation drives structural synaptic plasticity in the young and aged motor cortex

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive tool commonly used to drive neural plasticity in the young adult and aged brain. Recent data from mouse models have shown that even at subthreshold intensities (0.12 T), rTMS can drive neuronal and glial plasticity in the motor cortex. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying subthreshold rTMS induced plasticity and whether these are altered with normal ageing are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of subthreshold rTMS, using the intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol on structural synaptic plasticity in the mouse motor cortex of young and aged mice.

METHODS

Longitudinal in vivo 2-photon microscopy was used to measure changes to the structural plasticity of pyramidal neuron dendritic spines in the motor cortex following a single train of subthreshold rTMS (in young adult and aged animals) or the same rTMS train administered on 4 consecutive days (in young adult animals only). Data were analysed with Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear regression models and interpreted with the aid of Bayes Factors (BF).

RESULTS

We found strong evidence (BF > 10) that subthreshold rTMS altered the rate of dendritic spine losses and gains, dependent on the number of stimulation sessions and that a single session of subthreshold rTMS was effective in driving structural synaptic plasticity in both young adult and aged mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide further evidence that rTMS drives synaptic plasticity in the brain and uncovers structural synaptic plasticity as a key mechanism of subthreshold rTMS induced plasticity.

White Matter Changes Following Chronic Restraint Stress and Neuromodulation: A Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Young Male Rats

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, is an effective treatment for depression. However, few studies have used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the longitudinal effects of rTMS on the abnormal brain white matter (WM) described in depression.

Methods

In this study, we acquired diffusion magnetic resonance imaging from young adult male Sprague Dawley rats to investigate 1) the longitudinal effects of 10- and 1-Hz low-intensity rTMS (LI-rTMS) in healthy animals; 2) the effect of chronic restraint stress (CRS), an animal model of depression; and 3) the effect of 10 Hz LI-rTMS in CRS animals. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics and fixel-based analysis.

Results

Similar changes in diffusion and kurtosis fractional anisotropy were induced by 10- and 1-Hz stimulation in healthy animals, although changes induced by 10-Hz stimulation were detected earlier than those following 1-Hz stimulation. Additionally, 10-Hz stimulation increased axial and mean kurtosis within the external capsule, suggesting that the two protocols may act via different underlying mechanisms. Brain maturation–related changes in WM, such as increased corpus callosum, fimbria, and external and internal capsule fiber cross-section, were compromised in CRS animals compared with healthy control animals and were rescued by 10-Hz LI-rTMS. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased myelination within the corpus callosum in LI-rTMS–treated CRS animals compared with those that received sham or no stimulation.

Conclusions

Overall, decreased WM connectivity and integrity in the CRS model corroborate findings in patients experiencing depression with high anxiety, and the observed LI-rTMS–induced effects on WM structure suggest that LI-rTMS might rescue abnormal WM by increasing myelination.

The axonal radial contractility: Structural basis underlying a new form of neural plasticity

Axons are the longest cellular structure reaching over a meter in the case of human motor axons. They have a relatively small diameter and contain several cytoskeletal elements that mediate both material and information exchange within neurons. Recently, a novel type of axonal plasticity, termed axonal radial contractility, has been unveiled. It is represented by dynamic and transient diameter changes of the axon shaft to accommodate the passages of large organelles. Mechanisms underpinning this plasticity are not fully understood. Here, we first summarised recent evidence of the functional relevance for axon radial contractility, then discussed the underlying structural basis, reviewing nanoscopic evidence of the subtle changes. Two models are proposed to explain how actomyosin rings are organised. Possible roles of non-muscle myosin II (NM-II) in axon degeneration are discussed. Finally, we discuss the concept of periodic functional nanodomains, which could sense extracellular cues and coordinate the axonal responses. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/ojCnrJ8RCRc.

TET1-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation regulates adult remyelination in mice

The mechanisms regulating myelin repair in the adult central nervous system (CNS) are unclear. Here, we identify DNA hydroxymethylation, catalyzed by the Ten-Eleven-Translocation (TET) enzyme TET1, as necessary for myelin repair in young adults and defective in old mice. Constitutive and inducible oligodendrocyte lineage-specific ablation of Tet1 (but not of Tet2), recapitulate this age-related decline in repair of demyelinated lesions. DNA hydroxymethylation and transcriptomic analyses identify TET1-target in adult oligodendrocytes, as genes regulating neuro-glial communication, including the solute carrier (Slc) gene family. Among them, we show that the expression levels of the Na+/K+/Cl- transporter, SLC12A2, are higher in Tet1 overexpressing cells and lower in old or Tet1 knockout. Both aged mice and Tet1 mutants also present inefficient myelin repair and axo-myelinic swellings. Zebrafish mutants for slc12a2b also display swellings of CNS myelinated axons. Our findings suggest that TET1 is required for adult myelin repair and regulation of the axon-myelin interface.