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Izumi H, Demura M, Imai A, Ogawa R, Fukuchi M, Okubo T, Tabata T, Mori H, Yoshida T. Developmental synapse pathology triggered by maternal exposure to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1298238. [PMID: 38098940 PMCID: PMC10720911 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1298238] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental and genetic factors influence synapse formation. Numerous animal experiments have revealed that pesticides, including herbicides, can disturb normal intracellular signals, gene expression, and individual animal behaviors. However, the mechanism underlying the adverse outcomes of pesticide exposure remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the effect of maternal exposure to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium (GLA) on offspring neuronal synapse formation in vitro. Cultured cerebral cortical neurons prepared from mouse embryos with maternal GLA exposure demonstrated impaired synapse formation induced by synaptic organizer neuroligin 1 (NLGN1)-coated beads. Conversely, the direct administration of GLA to the neuronal cultures exhibited negligible effect on the NLGN1-induced synapse formation. The comparison of the transcriptomes of cultured neurons from embryos treated with maternal GLA or vehicle and a subsequent bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified "nervous system development," including "synapse," as the top-ranking process for downregulated DEGs in the GLA group. In addition, we detected lower densities of parvalbumin (Pvalb)-positive neurons at the postnatal developmental stage in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of offspring born to GLA-exposed dams. These results suggest that maternal GLA exposure induces synapse pathology, with alterations in the expression of genes that regulate synaptic development via an indirect pathway distinct from the effect of direct GLA action on neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Izumi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Maina Demura
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ayako Imai
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ryohei Ogawa
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mamoru Fukuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Gunma, Japan
| | - Taisaku Okubo
- Laboratory for Biological Information Processing, Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Toshihide Tabata
- Laboratory for Biological Information Processing, Faculty of Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Pre-Disease Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Leyva-Díaz E. CUT homeobox genes: transcriptional regulation of neuronal specification and beyond. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1233830. [PMID: 37744879 PMCID: PMC10515288 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1233830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CUT homeobox genes represent a captivating gene class fulfilling critical functions in the development and maintenance of multiple cell types across a wide range of organisms. They belong to the larger group of homeobox genes, which encode transcription factors responsible for regulating gene expression patterns during development. CUT homeobox genes exhibit two distinct and conserved DNA binding domains, a homeodomain accompanied by one or more CUT domains. Numerous studies have shown the involvement of CUT homeobox genes in diverse developmental processes such as body axis formation, organogenesis, tissue patterning and neuronal specification. They govern these processes by exerting control over gene expression through their transcriptional regulatory activities, which they accomplish by a combination of classic and unconventional interactions with the DNA. Intriguingly, apart from their roles as transcriptional regulators, they also serve as accessory factors in DNA repair pathways through protein-protein interactions. They are highly conserved across species, highlighting their fundamental importance in developmental biology. Remarkably, evolutionary analysis has revealed that CUT homeobox genes have experienced an extraordinary degree of rearrangements and diversification compared to other classes of homeobox genes, including the emergence of a novel gene family in vertebrates. Investigating the functions and regulatory networks of CUT homeobox genes provides significant understanding into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, aberrant expression or mutations in CUT homeobox genes have been associated with various human diseases, highlighting their relevance beyond developmental processes. This review will overview the well known roles of CUT homeobox genes in nervous system development, as well as their functions in other tissues across phylogeny.
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Barron JJ, Mroz NM, Taloma SE, Dahlgren MW, Ortiz-Carpena J, Dorman LC, Vainchtein ID, Escoubas CC, Molofsky AB, Molofsky AV. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells promote inhibitory synapse development and social behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.16.532850. [PMID: 36993292 PMCID: PMC10055027 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.16.532850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system plays essential roles in brain synaptic development, and immune dysregulation is implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases. Here we show that a subset of innate lymphocytes (group 2 innate lymphoid cells, ILC2s) is required for cortical inhibitory synapse maturation and adult social behavior. ILC2s expanded in the developing meninges and produced a surge of their canonical cytokine Interleukin-13 (IL-13) between postnatal days 5-15. Loss of ILC2s decreased cortical inhibitory synapse numbers in the postnatal period where as ILC2 transplant was sufficient to increase inhibitory synapse numbers. Deletion of the IL-4/IL-13 receptor (Il4ra) from inhibitory neurons phenocopied the reduction inhibitory synapses. Both ILC2 deficient and neuronal Il4ra deficient animals had similar and selective impairments in adult social behavior. These data define a type 2 immune circuit in early life that shapes adult brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerika J. Barron
- Departments of Psychiatry/Weill Institute for Neurosciences
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
| | - Nicholas M. Mroz
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
- Department of Laboratory Medicine. University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sunrae E. Taloma
- Departments of Psychiatry/Weill Institute for Neurosciences
- Neuroscience Graduate Program
| | - Madelene W. Dahlgren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine. University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jorge Ortiz-Carpena
- Department of Laboratory Medicine. University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Leah C. Dorman
- Departments of Psychiatry/Weill Institute for Neurosciences
- Neuroscience Graduate Program
| | | | | | - Ari B. Molofsky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine. University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Döhne N, Falck A, Janach GMS, Byvaltcev E, Strauss U. Interferon-γ augments GABA release in the developing neocortex via nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase and constrains network activity. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:913299. [PMID: 36035261 PMCID: PMC9401097 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.913299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a cytokine with neuromodulatory properties, has been shown to enhance inhibitory transmission. Because early inhibitory neurotransmission sculpts functional neuronal circuits, its developmental alteration may have grave consequences. Here, we investigated the acute effects of IFN-γ on γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA)ergic currents in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex of rats at the end of the first postnatal week, a period of GABA-dependent cortical maturation. IFN-γ acutely increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous/miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (s/mIPSC), and this could not be reversed within 30 min. Neither the increase in amplitude nor frequency of IPSCs was due to upregulated interneuron excitability as revealed by current clamp recordings of layer 5 interneurons labeled with VGAT-Venus in transgenic rats. As we previously reported in more mature animals, IPSC amplitude increase upon IFN-γ activity was dependent on postsynaptic protein kinase C (PKC), indicating a similar activating mechanism. Unlike augmented IPSC amplitude, however, we did not consistently observe an increased IPSC frequency in our previous studies on more mature animals. Focusing on increased IPSC frequency, we have now identified a different activating mechanism-one that is independent of postsynaptic PKC but is dependent on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In addition, IFN-γ shifted short-term synaptic plasticity toward facilitation as revealed by a paired-pulse paradigm. The latter change in presynaptic function was not reproduced by the application of a nitric oxide donor. Functionally, IFN-γ-mediated alterations in GABAergic transmission overall constrained early neocortical activity in a partly nitric oxide-dependent manner as revealed by microelectrode array field recordings in brain slices analyzed with a spike-sorting algorithm. In summary, with IFN-γ-induced, NO-dependent augmentation of spontaneous GABA release, we have here identified a mechanism by which inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) plausibly modulates neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Döhne
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Falck
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriel M. S. Janach
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Egor Byvaltcev
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State, University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ulf Strauss
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Venkataramanappa S, Saaber F, Abe P, Schütz D, Kumar PA, Stumm R. Cxcr4 and Ackr3 regulate allocation of caudal ganglionic eminence-derived interneurons to superficial cortical layers. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111157. [PMID: 35926459 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the cerebral cortex depends on various types of interneurons (cortical interneurons [cINs]) and their appropriate allocation to the cortical layers. Caudal ganglionic eminence-derived cINs (cGE-cINs) are enriched in superficial layers. Developmental mechanisms directing cGE-cINs toward superficial layers remain poorly understood. We examine how developmental and final positioning of cGE-cINs are influenced by the Cxcl12, Cxcr4, Ackr3 module, the chief attractant system guiding medial ganglionic eminence-derived cINs (mGE-cINs). We find that Cxcl12 attracts cGE-cINs through Cxcr4 and supports their layer-specific positioning in the developing cortex. This requires the prevention of excessive Cxcr4 stimulation by Ackr3-mediated Cxcl12 sequestration. Postnatally, Ackr3 confines Cxcl12 action to the marginal zone. Unlike mGE-cINs, cGE-cINs continue to express Cxcr4 at early postnatal stages, which permits cGE-cINs to become positioned in the forming layer 1. Thus, chemoattraction by Cxcl12 guides cGE-cINs and holds them in superficial cortical layers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Friederike Saaber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Abe
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Dagmar Schütz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Praveen Ashok Kumar
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Stumm
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
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Impaired bidirectional communication between interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells affects social cognitive behavior. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1394. [PMID: 35296664 PMCID: PMC8927409 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical neural circuits are complex but very precise networks of balanced excitation and inhibition. Yet, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that form the balance are just beginning to emerge. Here, using conditional γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B1- deficient mice we identify a γ-aminobutyric acid/tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 12-mediated bidirectional communication pathway between parvalbumin-positive fast spiking interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells that determines the density and function of interneurons in the developing medial prefrontal cortex. Interruption of the GABAergic signaling to oligodendrocyte precursor cells results in reduced myelination and hypoactivity of interneurons, strong changes of cortical network activities and impaired social cognitive behavior. In conclusion, glial transmitter receptors are pivotal elements in finetuning distinct brain functions. Early postnatal interruption of the bidirectional GABA/TNFSF12 signaling between parvalbumin-positive interneurons and oligodendrocyte precursor cells impairs correct prefrontal cortical network activity and social cognitive behavior later in life.
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Abstract
Brain asymmetry is a hallmark of the human brain. Recent studies report a certain degree of abnormal asymmetry of brain lateralization between left and right brain hemispheres can be associated with many neuropsychiatric conditions. In this regard, some questions need answers. First, the accelerated brain asymmetry is programmed during the pre-natal period that can be called “accelerated brain decline clock”. Second, can we find the right biomarkers to predict these changes? Moreover, can we establish the dynamics of these changes in order to identify the right time window for proper interventions that can reverse or limit the neurological decline? To find answers to these questions, we performed a systematic online search for the last 10 years in databases using keywords. Conclusion: we need to establish the right in vitro model that meets human conditions as much as possible. New biomarkers are necessary to establish the “good” or the “bad” borders of brain asymmetry at the epigenetic and functional level as early as possible.
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Luhmann HJ. Neurophysiology of the Developing Cerebral Cortex: What We Have Learned and What We Need to Know. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:814012. [PMID: 35046777 PMCID: PMC8761895 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.814012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article aims to give a brief summary on the novel technologies, the challenges, our current understanding, and the open questions in the field of the neurophysiology of the developing cerebral cortex in rodents. In the past, in vitro electrophysiological and calcium imaging studies on single neurons provided important insights into the function of cellular and subcellular mechanism during early postnatal development. In the past decade, neuronal activity in large cortical networks was recorded in pre- and neonatal rodents in vivo by the use of novel high-density multi-electrode arrays and genetically encoded calcium indicators. These studies demonstrated a surprisingly rich repertoire of spontaneous cortical and subcortical activity patterns, which are currently not completely understood in their functional roles in early development and their impact on cortical maturation. Technological progress in targeted genetic manipulations, optogenetics, and chemogenetics now allow the experimental manipulation of specific neuronal cell types to elucidate the function of early (transient) cortical circuits and their role in the generation of spontaneous and sensory evoked cortical activity patterns. Large-scale interactions between different cortical areas and subcortical regions, characterization of developmental shifts from synchronized to desynchronized activity patterns, identification of transient circuits and hub neurons, role of electrical activity in the control of glial cell differentiation and function are future key tasks to gain further insights into the neurophysiology of the developing cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko J. Luhmann
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Knowles R, Dehorter N, Ellender T. From Progenitors to Progeny: Shaping Striatal Circuit Development and Function. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9483-9502. [PMID: 34789560 PMCID: PMC8612473 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0620-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how neurons of the striatum are formed and integrate into complex synaptic circuits is essential to provide insight into striatal function in health and disease. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the development of striatal neurons and associated circuits with a focus on their embryonic origin. Specifically, we address the role of distinct types of embryonic progenitors, found in the proliferative zones of the ganglionic eminences in the ventral telencephalon, in the generation of diverse striatal interneurons and projection neurons. Indeed, recent evidence would suggest that embryonic progenitor origin dictates key characteristics of postnatal cells, including their neurochemical content, their location within striatum, and their long-range synaptic inputs. We also integrate recent observations regarding embryonic progenitors in cortical and other regions and discuss how this might inform future research on the ganglionic eminences. Last, we examine how embryonic progenitor dysfunction can alter striatal formation, as exemplified in Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder, and how increased understanding of embryonic progenitors can have significant implications for future research directions and the development of improved therapeutic options.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This review highlights recently defined novel roles for embryonic progenitor cells in shaping the functional properties of both projection neurons and interneurons of the striatum. It outlines the developmental mechanisms that guide neuronal development from progenitors in the embryonic ganglionic eminences to progeny in the striatum. Where questions remain open, we integrate observations from cortex and other regions to present possible avenues for future research. Last, we provide a progenitor-centric perspective onto both Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder. We suggest that future investigations and manipulations of embryonic progenitor cells in both research and clinical settings will likely require careful consideration of their great intrinsic diversity and neurogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Knowles
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tommas Ellender
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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