1
|
Keith RE, Wild GA, Keith MJ, Chen D, Pack S, Dumas TC. Individual NMDA receptor GluN2 subunit signaling domains differentially regulate the postnatal maturation of hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity but not dendritic morphology. Synapse 2024; 78:e22292. [PMID: 38813758 PMCID: PMC11141731 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22292] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at hippocampal excitatory synapses undergo a late postnatal shift in subunit composition, from an initial prevalence of GluN2B subunit incorporation to a later predominance of GluN2A. This GluN2B to GluN2A shift alters NMDAR calcium conductance dynamics and intracellular molecular signaling that are individually regulated by distinct GluN2 signaling domains and temporally align with developmental alterations in dendritic and synaptic plasticity. However, the impacts of individual GluN2B to GluN2A signaling domains on neuronal development remain unknown. Ionotropic and intracellular signaling domains of GluN2 subunits were separated by creating chimeric GluN2 subunits that were expressed in two transgenic mouse lines. Western blot and immunoprecipitation revealed that roughly one third of native synaptic NMDARs were replaced by transformed NMDARs without altering total synaptic NMDAR content. Schaffer collateral synaptic strength was transiently increased in acutely prepared hippocampal slices at just over 3 weeks of age in animals overexpressing the GluN2B carboxy terminus. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induction following lower frequency stimulation was regulated by GluN2 ionotropic signaling domains in an age-dependent manner and LTP maintenance was enhanced by overexpression of the GluN2B CTD in mature animals. After higher frequency stimulation, the induction and maintenance of LTP were increased in young adult animals overexpressing the GluN2B ionotropic signaling domains but reduced in juveniles just over 3 weeks of age. Confocal imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)- labeled CA1 pyramidal neurons revealed no alterations in dendritic morphology or spine density in mice expressing chimeric GluN2 subunits. These results illustrate how individual GluN2 subunit signaling domains do or do not control physiological and morphological development of hippocampal excitatory neurons and better clarify the neurobiological factors that govern hippocampal maturation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A developmental reduction in the magnitude of hippocampal long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) and a concomitant improvement in spatial maze performance coincide with greater incorporation of GluN2A subunits into synaptic NMDARs. Corroborating our prior discovery that overexpression of GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling domains enables context-based navigation in immature mice, GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling domain overexpression reduces LTP induction threshold and magnitude in immature mice. Also, we previously found that GluN2B carboxy terminal domain (CTD) overexpression enhances long-term spatial memory in mature mice and now report that the GluN2B CTD is associated with greater amplitude of LTP after induction in mature mice. Thus, the late postnatal maturation of context encoding likely relies on a shift toward GluN2A-type ionotropic signaling and a reduction in the threshold to induce LTP while memory consolidation and LTP maintenance are regulated by GluN2B subunit CTD signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Grace A. Wild
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Matthew J. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Diyi Chen
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | | | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mill NR, Ogoe RH, Valibeigi N, Chen D, Kimbal CL, Yoon SJ, Ganju S, Perdomo JA, Sardana A, McHail DG, Gonzalez DA, Dumas TC. Positive modulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors differentially alters spatial learning and memory in juvenile rats younger and older than three weeks. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:79-91. [PMID: 38451022 PMCID: PMC10921984 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000764] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Remarkable performance improvements occur at the end of the third postnatal week in rodents tested in various tasks that require navigation according to spatial context. While alterations in hippocampal function at least partially subserve this cognitive advancement, physiological explanations remain incomplete. Previously, we discovered that developmental modifications to hippocampal glutamatergic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in juvenile rats was related to more mature spontaneous alternation behavior in a symmetrical Y-maze. Moreover, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors enabled immature rats to alternate at rates seen in older animals, suggesting an excitatory synaptic limitation to hippocampal maturation. We then validated the Barnes maze for juvenile rats in order to test the effects of positive AMPA receptor modulation on a goal-directed spatial memory task. Here we report the effects of the AMPA receptor modulator, CX614, on spatial learning and memory in the Barnes maze. Similar to our prior report, animals just over 3 weeks of age display substantial improvements in learning and memory performance parameters compared to animals just under 3 weeks of age. A moderate dose of CX614 enabled immature animals to move more directly to the goal location, but only after 1 day of training. This performance improvement was observed on the second day of training with drug delivery or during a memory probe trial performed without drug delivery after the second day of training. Higher doses created more search errors, especially in more mature animals. Overall, CX614 provided modest performance benefits for immature rats in a goal-directed spatial memory task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diyi Chen
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
| | | | | | | | | | - Anjali Sardana
- James Madison High School, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wan C, Song X, Zhang Z, Hu W, Chen Y, Sun W, Liu Z, Wang S, Meng W. Voluntary exercise during puberty promotes spatial memory and hippocampal DG/CA3 synaptic transmission in mice. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad497. [PMID: 38124544 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad497] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise has been shown to have an impact on memory and hippocampal function across different age groups. Nevertheless, the influence and mechanisms underlying how voluntary exercise during puberty affects memory are still inadequately comprehended. This research aims to examine the impacts of self-initiated physical activity throughout adolescence on spatial memory. Developing mice were exposed to a 4-wk voluntary wheel running exercise protocol, commencing at the age of 30 d. After engaging in voluntary wheel running exercise during development, there was an enhancement in spatial memory. Moreover, hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 neurons rather than CA1 neurons exhibited an increase in the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. In addition, there was an increase in the expression of NR2A/NR2B subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and α1GABAA subunit of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, as well as dendritic spine density, specifically within dentate gyrus and CA3 regions rather than CA1 region. The findings suggest that voluntary exercise during development can enhance spatial memory in mice by increasing synapse numbers and improving synaptic transmission in hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 regions, but not in CA1 region. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying how early-life exercise improves cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Wan
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Xueqing Song
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Zhuyu Zhang
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Wenxiang Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 33001, China
| | - Yanhua Chen
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Zhibin Liu
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Songhua Wang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Rd, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330013, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Howes OD, Bukala BR, Beck K. Schizophrenia: from neurochemistry to circuits, symptoms and treatments. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:22-35. [PMID: 38110704 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a leading cause of global disability. Current pharmacotherapy for the disease predominantly uses one mechanism - dopamine D2 receptor blockade - but often shows limited efficacy and poor tolerability. These limitations highlight the need to better understand the aetiology of the disease to aid the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. Here, we review the latest meta-analyses and other findings on the neurobiology of prodromal, first-episode and chronic schizophrenia, and the link to psychotic symptoms, focusing on imaging evidence from people with the disorder. This evidence demonstrates regionally specific neurotransmitter alterations, including higher glutamate and dopamine measures in the basal ganglia, and lower glutamate, dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in cortical regions, particularly the frontal cortex, relative to healthy individuals. We consider how dysfunction in cortico-thalamo-striatal-midbrain circuits might alter brain information processing to underlie psychotic symptoms. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for developing new, mechanistically based treatments and precision medicine for psychotic symptoms, as well as negative and cognitive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Bernard R Bukala
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine Beck
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu E, Zhang J, Zhang J, Zhu S. Structural insights into gating mechanism and allosteric regulation of NMDA receptors. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 83:102806. [PMID: 37950957 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) belong to the ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) superfamily and act as coincidence detectors that are crucial to neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. They typically assemble as heterotetramers of two obligatory GluN1 subunits and two alternative GluN2 (from 2A to 2D) and/or GluN3 (3A and 3B) subunits. These alternative subunits mainly determine the diverse biophysical and pharmacological properties of different NMDAR subtypes. Over the past decade, the unprecedented advances in structure elucidation of these tetrameric NMDARs have provided atomic insights into channel gating, allosteric modulation and the action of therapeutic drugs. A wealth of structural and functional information would accelerate the artificial intelligence-based drug design to exploit more NMDAR subtype-specific molecules for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enjiang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China. https://twitter.com/DuDaDa_Flower
| | - Jilin Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shujia Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dysregulated Signaling at Postsynaptic Density: A Systematic Review and Translational Appraisal for the Pathophysiology, Clinics, and Antipsychotics' Treatment of Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040574. [PMID: 36831241 PMCID: PMC9954794 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040574] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from genomics, post-mortem, and preclinical studies point to a potential dysregulation of molecular signaling at postsynaptic density (PSD) in schizophrenia pathophysiology. The PSD that identifies the archetypal asymmetric synapse is a structure of approximately 300 nm in diameter, localized behind the neuronal membrane in the glutamatergic synapse, and constituted by more than 1000 proteins, including receptors, adaptors, kinases, and scaffold proteins. Furthermore, using FASS (fluorescence-activated synaptosome sorting) techniques, glutamatergic synaptosomes were isolated at around 70 nm, where the receptors anchored to the PSD proteins can diffuse laterally along the PSD and were stabilized by scaffold proteins in nanodomains of 50-80 nm at a distance of 20-40 nm creating "nanocolumns" within the synaptic button. In this context, PSD was envisioned as a multimodal hub integrating multiple signaling-related intracellular functions. Dysfunctions of glutamate signaling have been postulated in schizophrenia, starting from the glutamate receptor's interaction with scaffolding proteins involved in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Despite the emerging role of PSD proteins in behavioral disorders, there is currently no systematic review that integrates preclinical and clinical findings addressing dysregulated PSD signaling and translational implications for antipsychotic treatment in the aberrant postsynaptic function context. Here we reviewed a critical appraisal of the role of dysregulated PSD proteins signaling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, discussing how antipsychotics may affect PSD structures and synaptic plasticity in brain regions relevant to psychosis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sibilska S, Mofleh R, Kocsis B. Development of network oscillations through adolescence in male and female rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1135154. [PMID: 37213214 PMCID: PMC10196069 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1135154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of this research was to study the developmental trajectory of oscillatory synchronization in neural networks of normal healthy rats during adolescence, corresponding to the vulnerable age of schizophrenia prodrome in human. To monitor the development of oscillatory networks through adolescence we used a "pseudo-longitudinal" design. Recordings were performed in terminal experiments under urethane anesthesia, every day from PN32 to PN52 using rats-siblings from the same mother, to reduce individual innate differences between subjects. We found that hippocampal theta power decreased and delta power in prefrontal cortex increased through adolescence, indicating that the oscillations in the two different frequency bands follow distinct developmental trajectories to reach the characteristic oscillatory activity found in adults. Perhaps even more importantly, theta rhythm showed age-dependent stabilization toward late adolescence. Furthermore, sex differences was found in both networks, more prominent in the prefrontal cortex compared with hippocampus. Delta increase was stronger in females and theta stabilization was completed earlier in females, in postnatal days PN41-47, while in males it was only completed in late adolescence. Our finding of a protracted maturation of theta-generating networks in late adolescence is overall consistent with the findings of longitudinal studies in human adolescents, in which oscillatory networks demonstrated a similar pattern of maturation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a disorder associated with serious adverse health outcomes, for which there is currently considerable treatment ineffectiveness. Characterised by restrictive eating behaviours, distorted body image perceptions and excessive physical activity, there is growing recognition anorexia nervosa is associated with underlying dysfunction in excitatory and inhibitory neurometabolite metabolism and signalling. This narrative review critically explores the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitatory and inhibitory neurometabolite dysfunction in anorexia nervosa and its associated biomarkers. The existing magnetic resonance spectroscopy literature in anorexia nervosa is reviewed and we outline the brain region-specific neurometabolite changes that have been reported and their connection to anorexia nervosa psychopathology. Considering the proposed role of dysfunctional neurotransmission in anorexia nervosa, the potential utility of zinc supplementation and sub-anaesthetic doses of ketamine in normalising this is discussed with reference to previous research in anorexia nervosa and other neuropsychiatric conditions. The rationale for future research to investigate the combined use of low-dose ketamine and zinc supplementation to potentially extend the therapeutic benefits in anorexia nervosa is subsequently explored and promising biological markers for assessing and potentially predicting treatment response are outlined.
Collapse
|
9
|
The Application of the Neuroprotective and Potential Antioxidant Effect of Ergotamine Mediated by Targeting N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081471. [PMID: 36009192 PMCID: PMC9405237 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) mediate fast excitatory currents leading to depolarization. Postsynaptic NMDARs are ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate excitatory glutamate or glycine signaling in the CNS and play a primary role in long-term potentiation, which is a major form of use-dependent synaptic plasticity. The overstimulation of NMDARs mediates excessive Ca2+ influx to postsynaptic neurons and facilitates more production of ROS, which induces neuronal apoptosis. (2) Methods: To confirm the induced inward currents by the coapplication of glutamate and ergotamine on NMDARs, a two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) was conducted. The ergotamine-mediated inhibitory effects of NR1a/NR2A subunits were explored among four different kinds of recombinant NMDA subunits. In silico docking modeling was performed to confirm the main binding site of ergotamine. (3) Results: The ergotamine-mediated inhibitory effect on the NR1a/NR2A subunits has concentration-dependent, reversible, and voltage-independent properties. The major binding sites were V169 of the NR1a subunit and N466 of the NR2A subunit. (4) Conclusion: Ergotamine effectively inhibited NR1a/NR2A subunit among the subtypes of NMDAR. This inhibition effect can prevent excessive Ca2+ influx, which prevents neuronal death.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li R, Wang B, Cao X, Li C, Hu Y, Yan D, Yang Y, Wang L, Meng L, Hu Z. Sevoflurane Exposure in the Developing Brain Induces Hyperactivity, Anxiety-Free, and Enhancement of Memory Consolidation in Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:934230. [PMID: 35847668 PMCID: PMC9278137 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.934230] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sevoflurane exposure at brain developmental stages has been reported to induce neurotoxicity and, subsequently, results in learning deficits at the juvenile age. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of prior early-age sevoflurane exposure on locomotor activity, anxiety, CA1-dependent learning, and spatial memory, as well as synapse changes in mice. Methods Totally, 3% sevoflurane was given to neonatal mice at postnatal day 7 for 4 h. These sevoflurane-treated mice were later subjected to open field and Morris water maze tests at their adult age (postnatal days 60–90) to assess their motor activity and spatial learning ability, respectively. The brain slices of sevoflurane-treated and control mice were examined for dendritic spine density and long-term potentiation (LTP) features following behavior tests (postnatal day 60). Protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtypes and PSD95 in brain lysate were measured by using immunoblotting at the same age (postnatal day 60). Results Prior early-age sevoflurane exposure increased the overall moving distance, prolonged the central-area lingering time, and increased the central-area entries of adult mice. Sevoflurane-treated mice spent more time in the target quadrant during the probe test. An increase of the spine density of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region was observed in sevoflurane-treated mice. NMDA receptor GluN2A subunit, but not the GluN2B or PSD95, was increased in the brain lysate of sevoflurane-treated mice compared with that of control mice. LTP in the hippocampus did not significantly differ between sevoflurane-treated and control mice. Conclusion Exposure to sevoflurane for mice during an early brain developmental stage (P7) induces later-on hyperactivity, anxiety-free, and enhancement of memory retention. These observations shed light on future investigations on the underlying mechanisms of sevoflurane’s effect on neuronal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Children Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional China Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Yuhan Hu
- Cell Biology Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dandan Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanchang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingzhong Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Austin MC, De Simone G, Barone A. Rational and Translational Implications of D-Amino Acids for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: From Neurobiology to the Clinics. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070909. [PMID: 35883465 PMCID: PMC9312470 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia has been conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with synaptic alterations and aberrant cortical–subcortical connections. Antipsychotics are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment and nearly all share the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, whereas glutamatergic abnormalities are not targeted by the presently available therapies. D-amino acids, acting as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulators, have emerged in the last few years as a potential augmentation strategy in those cases of schizophrenia that do not respond well to antipsychotics, a condition defined as treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), affecting almost 30–40% of patients, and characterized by serious cognitive deficits and functional impairment. In the present systematic review, we address with a direct and reverse translational perspective the efficacy of D-amino acids, including D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, in poor responders. The impact of these molecules on the synaptic architecture is also considered in the light of dendritic spine changes reported in schizophrenia and antipsychotics’ effect on postsynaptic density proteins. Moreover, we describe compounds targeting D-amino acid oxidase and D-aspartate oxidase enzymes. Finally, other drugs acting at NMDAR and proxy of D-amino acids function, such as D-cycloserine, sarcosine, and glycine, are considered in the light of the clinical burden of TRS, together with other emerging molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7463673 or +39-081-7463884 or +39-3662745592; Fax: +39-081-7462644
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark C. Austin
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Program, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Annarita Barone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Keith RE, Ogoe RH, Dumas TC. Behind the scenes: Are latent memories supported by calcium independent plasticity? Hippocampus 2022; 32:73-88. [PMID: 33905147 PMCID: PMC8548406 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23332] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) can be considered to be the de facto "plasticity" receptors in the brain due to their central role in the activity-dependent modification of neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission. Since the 1980s, research on NMDARs has focused on the second messenger properties of calcium and the downstream signaling pathways that mediate alterations in neural form and function. Recently, NMDARs were shown to drive activity-dependent synaptic plasticity without calcium influx. How this "nonionotropic" plasticity occurs in vitro is becoming clearer, but research on its involvement in behavior and cognition is in its infancy. There is a partial overlap in the downstream signaling molecules that are involved in ionotropic and nonionotropic NMDAR-dependent plasticity. Given this, and prior studies of the cognitive impacts of ionotropic NMDAR plasticity, a preliminary model explaining how NMDAR nonionotropic plasticity affects learning and memory can be established. We hypothesize that nonionotropic NMDAR plasticity takes part in latent memory encoding in immature rodents through nonassociative depression of synaptic efficacy, and possibly shrinking of dendritic spines. Further, the late postnatal alteration in NMDAR composition in the hippocampus appears to reduce nonionotropic signaling and remove a restriction on memory retrieval. This framework substantially alters the canonical model of NMDAR involvement in spatial cognition and hippocampal maturation and provides novel and exciting inroads for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Richard H. Ogoe
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia,Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aberrant maturation and connectivity of prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia-contribution of NMDA receptor development and hypofunction. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:731-743. [PMID: 34163013 PMCID: PMC8695640 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The neurobiology of schizophrenia involves multiple facets of pathophysiology, ranging from its genetic basis over changes in neurochemistry and neurophysiology, to the systemic level of neural circuits. Although the precise mechanisms associated with the neuropathophysiology remain elusive, one essential aspect is the aberrant maturation and connectivity of the prefrontal cortex that leads to complex symptoms in various stages of the disease. Here, we focus on how early developmental dysfunction, especially N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) development and hypofunction, may lead to the dysfunction of both local circuitry within the prefrontal cortex and its long-range connectivity. More specifically, we will focus on an "all roads lead to Rome" hypothesis, i.e., how NMDAR hypofunction during development acts as a convergence point and leads to local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) deficits and input-output dysconnectivity in the prefrontal cortex, which eventually induce cognitive and social deficits. Many outstanding questions and hypothetical mechanisms are listed for future investigations of this intriguing hypothesis that may lead to a better understanding of the aberrant maturation and connectivity associated with the prefrontal cortex.
Collapse
|
14
|
Age-Dependent Contributions of NMDA Receptors and L-Type Calcium Channels to Long-Term Depression in the Piriform Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413551. [PMID: 34948347 PMCID: PMC8706958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the hippocampus, the contributions of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) to neuronal transmission and synaptic plasticity change with aging, underlying calcium dysregulation and cognitive dysfunction. However, the relative contributions of NMDARs and LTCCs in other learning encoding structures during aging are not known. The piriform cortex (PC) plays a significant role in odor associative memories, and like the hippocampus, exhibits forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigated the expression and contribution of NMDARs and LTCCs in long-term depression (LTD) of the PC associational fiber pathway in three cohorts of Sprague Dawley rats: neonatal (1-2 weeks), young adult (2-3 months) and aged (20-25 months). Using a combination of slice electrophysiology, Western blotting, fluorescent immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging, we observed a shift from an NMDAR to LTCC mediation of LTD in aged rats, despite no difference in the amount of LTD expression. These changes in plasticity are related to age-dependent differential receptor expression in the PC. LTCC Cav1.2 expression relative to postsynaptic density protein 95 is increased in the associational pathway of the aged PC layer Ib. Enhanced LTCC contribution in synaptic depression in the PC may contribute to altered olfactory function and learning with aging.
Collapse
|
15
|
Engdahl E, Svensson K, Lin PID, Alavian-Ghavanini A, Lindh C, Rüegg J, Bornehag CG. DNA methylation at GRIN2B partially mediates the association between prenatal bisphenol F exposure and cognitive functions in 7-year-old children in the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106617. [PMID: 34015668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal chemical exposure triggers epigenetic modifications that could influence health outcomes later in life. In this study, we investigated whether DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at the glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B) gene underlies the association between prenatal exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), bisphenol F (BPF), and lower cognitive functions in 7-year-old children. METHODS Data from 799 children participating in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy (SELMA) pregnancy cohort was analyzed. Prenatal BPF exposure was assessed by measuring BPF levels in maternal urine. At age 7, DNAm of three CpG sites in a regulatory region of the GRIN2B gene was analyzed from buccal swabs using bisulfite-Pyrosequencing. Cognitive functions, including full-scale IQ and four subscales, were evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). Associations between prenatal BPF exposure and GRIN2B DNAm, as well as between GRIN2B DNAm and cognitive functions, were determined using regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Generalized structural equation models (gSEM) were used to evaluate if GRIN2B DNAm mediates the association between prenatal BPF exposure and cognitive functions at 7 years of age. RESULTS Prenatal BPF exposure was positively associated with GRIN2B DNAm levels at the third CpG site (CpG3), while CpG3 methylation was inversely associated with cognitive test scores. Mediation analyses showed that CpG3 methylation exerted 6-9% of the association between BPF exposure and full-scale IQ, as well as verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning in boys, while not significant in girls. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify locus-specific DNAm as a mediating factor underlying an epidemiological association between prenatal EDC exposure and cognitive functions in childhood. It also confirms previous findings, that GRIN2B DNAm is responsive to environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elin Engdahl
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Katherine Svensson
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ping-I Daniel Lin
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ali Alavian-Ghavanini
- Karolinska Institutet, Swetox, Unit of Toxicology Sciences, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Lund University, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sinha R, Grimes WN, Wallin J, Ebbinghaus BN, Luu K, Cherry T, Rieke F, Rudolph U, Wong RO, Hoon M. Transient expression of a GABA receptor subunit during early development is critical for inhibitory synapse maturation and function. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4314-4326.e5. [PMID: 34433078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Developing neural circuits, including GABAergic circuits, switch receptor types. But the role of early GABA receptor expression for establishment of functional inhibitory circuits remains unclear. Tracking the development of GABAergic synapses across axon terminals of retinal bipolar cells (BCs), we uncovered a crucial role of early GABAA receptor expression for the formation and function of presynaptic inhibitory synapses. Specifically, early α3-subunit-containing GABAA (GABAAα3) receptors are a key developmental organizer. Before eye opening, GABAAα3 gives way to GABAAα1 at individual BC presynaptic inhibitory synapses. The developmental downregulation of GABAAα3 is independent of GABAAα1 expression. Importantly, lack of early GABAAα3 impairs clustering of GABAAα1 and formation of functional GABAA synapses across mature BC terminals. This impacts the sensitivity of visual responses transmitted through the circuit. Lack of early GABAAα3 also perturbs aggregation of LRRTM4, the organizing protein at GABAergic synapses of rod BC terminals, and their arrangement of output ribbon synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raunak Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William N Grimes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie Wallin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Briana N Ebbinghaus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kelsey Luu
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy Cherry
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington-Seattle and the Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Uwe Rudolph
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rachel O Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang ZH, Chen C, Jia SZ, Cao XC, Liu M, Tian J, Hoffmann PR, Xu HX, Ni JZ, Song GL. Selenium Restores Synaptic Deficits by Modulating NMDA Receptors and Selenoprotein K in an Alzheimer's Disease Model. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:863-884. [PMID: 32475153 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Strong evidence has implicated synaptic failure as a direct contributor to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and selenium (Se) supplementation has demonstrated potential for AD treatment. However, the exact roles of Se and related selenoproteins in mitigating synaptic deficits remain unclear. Results: Our data show that selenomethionine (Se-Met), as the major organic form of Se in vivo, structurally restored synapses, dendrites, and spines, leading to improved synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in triple transgenic AD (3 × Tg-AD) mice. Furthermore, we found that Se-Met ameliorated synaptic deficits by inhibiting extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate acid receptors (NMDARs) and stimulating synaptic NMDARs, thereby modulating calcium ion (Ca2+) influx. We observed that a decrease in selenoprotein K (SELENOK) levels was closely related to AD, and a similar disequilibrium was found between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs in SELENOK knockout mice and AD mice. Se-Met treatment upregulated SELENOK levels and restored the balance between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDAR expression in AD mice. Innovation: These findings establish a key signaling pathway linking SELENOK and NMDARs with synaptic plasticity regulated by Se-Met, and thereby provide insight into mechanisms by which Se compounds mediate synaptic deficits in AD. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that Se-Met restores synaptic deficits through modulating Ca2+ influx mediated by synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs in 3 × Tg-AD mice, and suggests a potentially functional interaction between SELENOK and NMDARs. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 863-884.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hao Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shi-Zheng Jia
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian-Chun Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peter R Hoffmann
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Hua-Xi Xu
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jia-Zuan Ni
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guo-Li Song
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hansen KB, Wollmuth LP, Bowie D, Furukawa H, Menniti FS, Sobolevsky AI, Swanson GT, Swanger SA, Greger IH, Nakagawa T, McBain CJ, Jayaraman V, Low CM, Dell'Acqua ML, Diamond JS, Camp CR, Perszyk RE, Yuan H, Traynelis SF. Structure, Function, and Pharmacology of Glutamate Receptor Ion Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:298-487. [PMID: 34753794 PMCID: PMC8626789 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many physiologic effects of l-glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, are mediated via signaling by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These ligand-gated ion channels are critical to brain function and are centrally implicated in numerous psychiatric and neurologic disorders. There are different classes of iGluRs with a variety of receptor subtypes in each class that play distinct roles in neuronal functions. The diversity in iGluR subtypes, with their unique functional properties and physiologic roles, has motivated a large number of studies. Our understanding of receptor subtypes has advanced considerably since the first iGluR subunit gene was cloned in 1989, and the research focus has expanded to encompass facets of biology that have been recently discovered and to exploit experimental paradigms made possible by technological advances. Here, we review insights from more than 3 decades of iGluR studies with an emphasis on the progress that has occurred in the past decade. We cover structure, function, pharmacology, roles in neurophysiology, and therapeutic implications for all classes of receptors assembled from the subunits encoded by the 18 ionotropic glutamate receptor genes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Glutamate receptors play important roles in virtually all aspects of brain function and are either involved in mediating some clinical features of neurological disease or represent a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of this class of receptors will advance our understanding of many aspects of brain function at molecular, cellular, and system levels and provide new opportunities to treat patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasper B Hansen
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Lonnie P Wollmuth
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Derek Bowie
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Hiro Furukawa
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Frank S Menniti
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Alexander I Sobolevsky
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Geoffrey T Swanson
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Sharon A Swanger
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Ingo H Greger
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Terunaga Nakagawa
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Chris J McBain
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Vasanthi Jayaraman
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Chian-Ming Low
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Mark L Dell'Acqua
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Jeffrey S Diamond
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Chad R Camp
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Riley E Perszyk
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT (K.B.H.); Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY (L.P.W.); Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada (D.B.); WM Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (H.F.); MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., The George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI (F.S.M.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.I.S.); Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (G.T.S.); Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA (S.A.S.); Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom (I.H.G.); Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (T.N.); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (C.J.M.), and Synaptic Physiology Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (J.S.D.); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX (V.J.); Department of Pharmacology, Department of Anaesthesia, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore (C.-M.L.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (M.L.D.); and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (C.R.C., R.E.P., H.Y., S.F.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Woo E, Sansing LH, Arnsten AFT, Datta D. Chronic Stress Weakens Connectivity in the Prefrontal Cortex: Architectural and Molecular Changes. CHRONIC STRESS 2021; 5:24705470211029254. [PMID: 34485797 PMCID: PMC8408896 DOI: 10.1177/24705470211029254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to uncontrollable stress causes loss of spines and dendrites in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a recently evolved brain region that provides top-down regulation of thought, action, and emotion. PFC neurons generate top-down goals through recurrent excitatory connections on spines. This persistent firing is the foundation for higher cognition, including working memory, and abstract thought. However, exposure to acute uncontrollable stress drives high levels of catecholamine release in the PFC, which activates feedforward calcium-cAMP signaling pathways to open nearby potassium channels, rapidly weakening synaptic connectivity to reduce persistent firing. Chronic stress exposures can further exacerbate these signaling events leading to loss of spines and resulting in marked cognitive impairment. In this review, we discuss how stress signaling mechanisms can lead to spine loss, including changes to BDNF-mTORC1 signaling, calcium homeostasis, actin dynamics, and mitochondrial actions that engage glial removal of spines through inflammatory signaling. Stress signaling events may be amplified in PFC spines due to cAMP magnification of internal calcium release. As PFC dendritic spine loss is a feature of many cognitive disorders, understanding how stress affects the structure and function of the PFC will help to inform strategies for treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lauren H Sansing
- Department of Neurology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Du Z, Song Y, Chen X, Zhang W, Zhang G, Li H, Chang L, Wu Y. Knockdown of astrocytic Grin2a aggravates β-amyloid-induced memory and cognitive deficits through regulating nerve growth factor. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13437. [PMID: 34291567 PMCID: PMC8373273 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse degeneration correlates strongly with cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Soluble Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers are thought as the major trigger of synaptic malfunctions. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that Aβ oligomers interfere with synaptic function through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Our recent in vitro study found the neuroprotective role of astrocytic GluN2A in the promotion of synapse survival and identified nerve growth factor (NGF) derived from astrocytes, as a likely mediator of astrocytic GluN2A buffering against Aβ synaptotoxicity. Our present in vivo study focused on exploring the precise mechanism of astrocytic GluN2A influencing Aβ synaptotoxicity through regulating NGF. We generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing an astrocytic promoter (GfaABC1D) shRNA targeted to Grin2a (the gene encoding GluN2A) to perform astrocyte-specific Grin2a knockdown in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, after 3 weeks of virus vector expression, Aβ were bilaterally injected into the intracerebral ventricle. Our results showed that astrocyte-specific knockdown of Grin2a and Aβ application both significantly impaired spatial memory and cognition, which associated with the reduced synaptic proteins PSD95, synaptophysin and compensatory increased NGF. The reduced astrocytic GluN2A can counteract Aβ-induced compensatory protective increase of NGF through regulating pNF-κB, Furin and VAMP3, which modulating the synthesis, mature and secretion of NGF respectively. Our present data reveal, for the first time, a novel mechanism of astrocytic GluN2A in exerting protective effects on synapses at the early stage of Aβ exposure, which may contribute to establish new targets for AD prevention and early therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zunshu Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yizhi Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Wanning Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Guitao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Hui Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Lirong Chang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair Department of Anatomy School of Basic Medical Sciences Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders Capital Medical University Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Regulation of the NMDA receptor by its cytoplasmic domains: (How) is the tail wagging the dog? Neuropharmacology 2021; 195:108634. [PMID: 34097949 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory neurotransmission mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is critical for synapse development, function, and plasticity in the brain. NMDARs are tetra-heteromeric cation-channels that mediate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Extensive human studies show the existence of genetic variants in NMDAR subunits genes (GRIN genes) that are associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy (EP), intellectual disability (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia (SCZ). NMDAR subunits have a unique modular architecture with four semiautonomous domains. Here we focus on the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD), also known as the intracellular C-tail, which varies in length among the glutamate receptor subunits and is the most diverse domain in terms of amino acid sequence. The CTD shows no sequence homology to any known proteins but encodes short docking motifs for intracellular binding proteins and covalent modifications. Our review will discuss the many important functions of the CTD in regulating NMDA membrane and synaptic targeting, stabilization, degradation targeting, allosteric modulation and metabotropic signaling of the receptor. This article is part of the special issue on 'Glutamate Receptors - NMDA Receptors'.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wiring of higher-order cortical areas: Spatiotemporal development of cortical hierarchy. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 118:35-49. [PMID: 34034988 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A hierarchical development of cortical areas was suggested over a century ago, but the diversity and complexity of cortical hierarchy properties have so far prevented a formal demonstration. The aim of this review is to clarify the similarities and differences in the developmental processes underlying cortical development of primary and higher-order areas. We start by recapitulating the historical and recent advances underlying the biological principle of cortical hierarchy in adults. We then revisit the arguments for a hierarchical maturation of cortical areas, and further integrate the principles of cortical areas specification during embryonic and postnatal development. We highlight how the dramatic expansion in cortical size might have contributed to the increased number of association areas sustaining cognitive complexification in evolution. Finally, we summarize the recent observations of an alteration of cortical hierarchy in neuropsychiatric disorders and discuss their potential developmental origins.
Collapse
|
23
|
Imbriglio T, Verhaeghe R, Antenucci N, Maccari S, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Cannella M. Developmental up-regulation of NMDA receptors in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mGlu5 receptor knock-out mice. Mol Brain 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 33962661 PMCID: PMC8106212 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are highly expressed and functional in the early postnatal life, and are known to positively modulate NMDA receptor function. Here, we examined the expression of NMDA receptor subunits and interneuron-related genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mGlu5-/- mice and wild-type littermates at three developmental time points (PND9, - 21, and - 75). We were surprised to find that expression of all NMDA receptor subunits was greatly enhanced in mGlu5-/- mice at PND21. In contrast, at PND9, expression of the GluN2B subunit was enhanced, whereas expression of GluN2A and GluN2D subunits was reduced in both regions. These modifications were transient and disappeared in the adult life (PND75). Changes in the transcripts of interneuron-related genes (encoding parvalbumin, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, reelin, and the two isoforms of glutamate decarboxylase) were also observed in mGlu5-/- mice across postnatal development. For example, the transcript encoding parvalbumin was up-regulated in the prefrontal cortex of mGlu5-/- mice at PND9 and PND21, whereas it was significantly reduced at PND75. These findings suggest that in mGlu5-/- mice a transient overexpression of NMDA receptor subunits may compensate for the lack of the NMDA receptor partner, mGlu5. Interestingly, in mGlu5-/- mice the behavioral response to the NMDA channel blocker, MK-801, was significantly increased at PND21, and largely reduced at PND75. The impact of adaptive changes in the expression of NMDA receptor subunits should be taken into account when mGlu5-/- mice are used for developmental studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nico Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University Sapienza of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Maccari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University Sapienza of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University Sapienza of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University Sapienza of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu W, He J, Wang Y, Xu L, Zhao Y, Hu X, Shen H. Protective effect of Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides on NMDA-mediated injury is developmentally regulated via modulating NR2A and NR2B differentially. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:248. [PMID: 33708875 PMCID: PMC7940890 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPPs) are a potent intervention for excitotoxicity-related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ischemic stroke. Previous work suggests that overstimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors plays a critical role in excitotoxicity, and expression of NR2 subunit variations is developmentally regulated. Our current study focused on neuroprotection of ABPPs on cultured neurons by modulation of NR2A and NR2B differentially. Methods Primary cultured neurons were treated with NVP-AAM077, Ro-256981, ABPPs, and then the neurons were exposed to NMDA to induce excitotoxicity. Cellular viability was detected promptly and 24-hour after exposure to NMDA by MTT assay. Patch-clamp recording was applied to evaluate the effect of ABPPs on NMDA-evoked current and the differential modulation of ABPPs on NR2A and NR2B subunits in conjunction with NVP-AAM077 and Ro-256981. Results ABPPs (10 µg/mL) blocked neuronal injury by NMDA in mature cultures, and the peptides conferred neuroprotection in immature cultures unless co-applied with NVP-AAM077. Furthermore, ABPPs enhanced NMDA current in mature cultures, while decreasing NMDA current in immature cultures. On the other hand, we showed that ABPPs increased NMDA current when Ro-256981 was present and decreased NMDA current when NVP-AAM007 was present. Conclusions Neuroprotection of ABPPs on NMDA-mediated injury differentially in immature and mature cultures involves enhancement of NR2A subunits and prevention of NR2B subunits, indicating that dosage of ABPP should be considered in treatment with patients at different developmental stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Bioengineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jianghong He
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lingchi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinping Hu
- Department of Information Technology, Library of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hongmei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Affiliated Mental Health Center of Nantong University, Brain Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gao WJ, Mack NR. From Hyposociability to Hypersociability-The Effects of PSD-95 Deficiency on the Dysfunctional Development of Social Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:618397. [PMID: 33584217 PMCID: PMC7876227 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.618397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal social behavior, including both hypo- and hypersociability, is often observed in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders. However, the mechanisms associated with these two distinct social behavior abnormalities remain unknown. Postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) is a highly abundant scaffolding protein in the excitatory synapses and an essential regulator of synaptic maturation by binding to NMDA and AMPA receptors. The DLG4 gene encodes PSD-95, and it is a risk gene for hypersocial behavior. Interestingly, PSD-95 knockout mice exhibit hyposociability during adolescence but hypersociability in adulthood. The adolescent hyposociability is accompanied with an NMDAR hyperfunction in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an essential part of the social brain for control of sociability. The maturation of mPFC development is delayed until young adults. However, how PSD-95 deficiency affects the functional maturation of mPFC and its connection with other social brain regions remains uncharacterized. It is especially unknown how PSD-95 knockout drives the switch of social behavior from hypo- to hyper-sociability during adolescent-to-adult development. We propose an NMDAR-dependent developmental switch of hypo- to hyper-sociability. PSD-95 deficiency disrupts NMDAR-mediated synaptic connectivity of mPFC and social brain during development in an age- and pathway-specific manner. By utilizing the PSD-95 deficiency mouse, the mechanisms contributing to both hypo- and hyper-sociability can be studied in the same model. This will allow us to assess both local and long-range connectivity of mPFC and examine how they are involved in the distinct impairments in social behavior and how changes in these connections may mature over time.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bessières B, Cruz E, Alberini CM. Metabolomic profiling reveals a differential role for hippocampal glutathione reductase in infantile memory formation. eLife 2021; 10:68590. [PMID: 34825649 PMCID: PMC8626085 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68590] [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: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic mechanisms underlying the formation of early-life episodic memories remain poorly characterized. Here, we assessed the metabolomic profile of the rat hippocampus at different developmental ages both at baseline and following episodic learning. We report that the hippocampal metabolome significantly changes over developmental ages and that learning regulates differential arrays of metabolites according to age. The infant hippocampus had the largest number of significant changes following learning, with downregulation of 54 metabolites. Of those, a large proportion was associated with the glutathione-mediated cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Further biochemical, molecular, and behavioral assessments revealed that infantile learning evokes a rapid and persistent increase in the activity of neuronal glutathione reductase, the enzyme that regenerates reduced glutathione from its oxidized form. Inhibition of glutathione reductase selectively impaired long-term memory formation in infant but not in juvenile and adult rats, confirming its age-specific role. Thus, metabolomic profiling revealed that the hippocampal glutathione-mediated antioxidant pathway is differentially required for the formation of infantile memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Cruz
- Center for Neural Science, New York UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Egerton A, Grace AA, Stone J, Bossong MG, Sand M, McGuire P. Glutamate in schizophrenia: Neurodevelopmental perspectives and drug development. Schizophr Res 2020; 223:59-70. [PMID: 33071070 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological processes that may lead to the onset of schizophrenia places growing emphasis on the glutamatergic system and brain development. Preclinical studies have shown that neurodevelopmental, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to glutamatergic dysfunction and schizophrenia-related phenotypes. Clinical research has suggested that altered brain glutamate levels may be present before the onset of psychosis and relate to outcome in those at clinical high risk. After psychosis onset, glutamate dysfunction may also relate to the degree of antipsychotic response and clinical outcome. These findings support ongoing efforts to develop pharmacological interventions that target the glutamate system and could suggest that glutamatergic compounds may be more effective in specific patient subgroups or illness stages. In this review, we consider the updated glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia, from a neurodevelopmental perspective, by reviewing recent preclinical and clinical evidence, and discuss the potential implications for novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James Stone
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthijs G Bossong
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Sand
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McHail DG, Dumas TC. Hippocampal gamma rhythms during Y‐maze navigation in the juvenile rat. Hippocampus 2020; 30:505-525. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. McHail
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceGeorge Mason University Fairfax Virginia
| | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in NeuroscienceGeorge Mason University Fairfax Virginia
- Psychology DepartmentGeorge Mason University Fairfax Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sex-Dependent Effects of Developmental Lead Exposure in Wistar Rats: Evidence from Behavioral and Molecular Correlates. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082664. [PMID: 32290408 PMCID: PMC7216048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) exposure in early life affects brain development resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. Epidemiologic and experimental evidence of sex as an effect modifier of developmental Pb exposure is emerging. In the present study, we investigated Pb effects on behavior and mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and potential sex differences. To this aim, dams were exposed, from one month pre-mating to offspring weaning, to Pb via drinking water at 5 mg/kg body weight per day. In the offspring of both sexes, the longitudinal assessment of motor, emotional, and cognitive end points was performed. We also evaluated the expression and synaptic distribution of N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits at post-natal day (pnd) 23 and 70 in the hippocampus. Neonatal motor patterns and explorative behavior in offspring were affected in both sexes. Pb effects in emotional response and memory retention were observed in adult females only, preceded by increased levels of GluN2A and GluA1 subunits at the post-synapse at pnd 23. These data suggest that Pb exposure during development affects glutamatergic receptors distribution at the post-synaptic spine in females. These effects may contribute to alterations in selected behavioral domains.
Collapse
|
30
|
Pegasiou CM, Zolnourian A, Gomez-Nicola D, Deinhardt K, Nicoll JAR, Ahmed AI, Vajramani G, Grundy P, Verhoog MB, Mansvelder HD, Perry VH, Bulters D, Vargas-Caballero M. Age-Dependent Changes in Synaptic NMDA Receptor Composition in Adult Human Cortical Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:4246-4256. [PMID: 32191258 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular processes underlying the aging-related decline in cognitive performance and memory observed in humans are poorly understood. Studies in rodents have shown a decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) that contain the GluN2B subunit in aging synapses, and this decrease is correlated with impaired memory functions. However, the age-dependent contribution of GluN2B-containing receptors to synaptic transmission in human cortical synapses has not been previously studied. We investigated the synaptic contribution of GluN2A and GluN2B-containing NMDARs in adult human neurons using fresh nonpathological temporal cortical tissue resected during neurosurgical procedures. The tissue we obtained fulfilled quality criteria by the absence of inflammation markers and proteomic degradation. We show an age-dependent decline in the NMDA/AMPA receptor ratio in adult human temporal cortical synapses. We demonstrate that GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors contribute to synaptic responses in the adult human brain with a reduced contribution in older individuals. With previous evidence demonstrating the critical role of synaptic GluN2B in regulating synaptic strength and memory storage in mice, this progressive reduction of GluN2B in the human brain during aging may underlie a molecular mechanism in the age-related decline in cognitive abilities and memory observed in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrysia M Pegasiou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ardalan Zolnourian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Diego Gomez-Nicola
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Katrin Deinhardt
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - James A R Nicoll
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Aminul I Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Girish Vajramani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Paul Grundy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands.,Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Amsterdam, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - V H Perry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Diederik Bulters
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mariana Vargas-Caballero
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mahmoud H, Martin N, Hildebrand ME. Conserved contributions of NMDA receptor subtypes to synaptic responses in lamina II spinal neurons across early postnatal development. Mol Brain 2020; 13:31. [PMID: 32138769 PMCID: PMC7057509 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00566-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors are heteromeric complexes that contribute to excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. The presence of specific variants of GluN2 subunits in these complexes enables diversity in NMDA receptor function and regulation. At brain synapses, there is a switch from slow GluN2B-mediated NMDA receptors to faster GluN2A-dominated NMDA receptors as well as an increase in the ratio of AMPA to NMDA receptors during early postnatal development. This glutamate receptor switch is observed across brain regions and is critical for synaptic maturation, circuit development, and associative learning. However, whether a similar receptor subunit switch occurs within pain processing neurons in the developing spinal cord remains untested. To investigate this, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings of excitatory synaptic responses from lamina II dorsal horn neurons of one to three week-old rats. We found that GluN2B and GluN2A both prominently contribute to NMDA receptor responses at neonatal lamina II synapses, with a small contribution from GluN2D as well. Surprisingly, we found that this molecular identity of NMDA receptor responses as well as the relative contribution of AMPA receptors versus NMDA receptors did not change at lamina II synapses across early postnatal development (P7 to P21). The lack of a developmental switch and persistence of slow-decaying GluN2B- and GluN2D-mediated synaptic responses throughout neuronal maturation in the dorsal horn has implications for understanding both the regulation of synaptic glutamatergic receptors as well as spinal mechanisms of pain processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadir Mahmoud
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Newton Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael E Hildebrand
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Snyder MA, Gao WJ. NMDA receptor hypofunction for schizophrenia revisited: Perspectives from epigenetic mechanisms. Schizophr Res 2020; 217:60-70. [PMID: 30979669 PMCID: PMC7258307 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with cognitive deficits manifesting during early stages of the disease. Evidence suggests that genetic factors in combination with environmental insults lead to complex changes to glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic systems. In particular, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a major glutamate receptor subtype, is implicated in both the disease progression and symptoms of SZ. NMDARs are critical for synaptic plasticity and cortical maturation, as well as learning and memory processes. In fact, any deviation from normal NMDAR expression and function can have devastating consequences. Surprisingly, there is little evidence from human patients that direct mutations of NMDAR genes contribute to SZ. One intriguing hypothesis is that epigenetic changes, which could result from early insults, alter protein expression and contribute to the NMDAR hypofunction found in SZ. Epigenetics is referred to as modifications that alter gene transcription without changing the DNA sequence itself. In this review, we first discuss how epigenetic changes to NMDAR genes could contribute to NMDAR hypofunction. We then explore how NMDAR hypofunction may contribute to epigenetic changes in other proteins or genes that lead to synaptic dysfunction and symptoms in SZ. We argue that NMDAR hypofunction occurs in early stage of the disease, and it may consequentially initiate GABA and dopamine deficits. Therefore, targeting NMDAR dysfunction during the early stages would be a promising avenue for prevention and therapeutic intervention of cognitive and social deficits that remain untreatable. Finally, we discuss potential questions regarding the epigenetic of SZ and future directions for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Snyder
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5,Correspondence: Wen-Jun Gao, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, Phone: (215) 991-8907, Fax: (215) 843-9802, ; Melissa A. Snyder, Ph.D.,
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Möhrle D, Fernández M, Peñagarikano O, Frick A, Allman B, Schmid S. What we can learn from a genetic rodent model about autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 109:29-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
34
|
Smith RS, Walsh CA. Ion Channel Functions in Early Brain Development. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:103-114. [PMID: 31959360 PMCID: PMC7092371 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During prenatal brain development, ion channels are ubiquitous across several cell types, including progenitor cells and migrating neurons but their function has not been clear. In the past, ion channel dysfunction has been primarily studied in the context of postnatal, differentiated neurons that fire action potentials - notably ion channels mutated in the epilepsies - yet data now support a surprising role in prenatal human brain disorders as well. Modern gene discovery approaches have identified defective ion channels in individuals with cerebral cortex malformations, which reflect abnormalities in early-to-middle stages of embryonic development (prior to ubiquitous action potentials). These human genetics studies and recent in utero animal modeling work suggest that precise control of ionic flux (calcium, sodium, and potassium) contributes to in utero developmental processes such as neural proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Smith
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bessières B, Travaglia A, Mowery TM, Zhang X, Alberini CM. Early life experiences selectively mature learning and memory abilities. Nat Commun 2020; 11:628. [PMID: 32005863 PMCID: PMC6994621 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14461-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the maturation of learning and memory abilities are poorly understood. Here we show that episodic learning produces unique biological changes in the hippocampus of infant rats and mice compared to juveniles and adults. These changes include persistent neuronal activation, BDNF-dependent increase in the excitatory synapse markers synaptophysin and PSD-95, and significant maturation of AMPA receptor synaptic responses. Inhibition of PSD-95 induction following learning impairs both AMPA receptor response maturation and infantile memory, indicating that the synapse formation/maturation is necessary for creating infantile memories. Conversely, capturing the learning-induced changes by presenting a subsequent learning experience or by chemogenetic activation of the neural ensembles tagged by learning matures memory functional competence. This memory competence is selective for the type of experience encountered, as it transfers within similar hippocampus-dependent learning domains but not to other hippocampus-dependent types of learning. Thus, experiences in early life produce selective maturation of memory abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bessières
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Alessio Travaglia
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Todd M Mowery
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Xinying Zhang
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kumar A. Calcium Signaling During Brain Aging and Its Influence on the Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1131:985-1012. [PMID: 31646542 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-12457-1_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) ions are highly versatile intracellular signaling molecules and are universal second messenger for regulating a variety of cellular and physiological functions including synaptic plasticity. Ca2+ homeostasis in the central nervous system endures subtle dysregulation with advancing age. Research has provided abundant evidence that brain aging is associated with altered neuronal Ca2+ regulation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Much of the work has focused on the hippocampus, a brain region critically involved in learning and memory, which is particularly susceptible to dysfunction during aging. The current chapter takes a specific perspective, assessing various Ca2+ sources and the influence of aging on Ca2+ sources and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Integrating the knowledge of the complexity of age-related alterations in neuronal Ca2+ signaling and synaptic plasticity mechanisms will positively shape the development of highly effective therapeutics to treat brain disorders including cognitive impairment associated with aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Myers SJ, Yuan H, Kang JQ, Tan FCK, Traynelis SF, Low CM. Distinct roles of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variants in neurological conditions. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-1940. [PMID: 31807283 PMCID: PMC6871362 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18949.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in sequencing technology have led to an explosive increase in the number of genetic variants identified in patients with neurological disease and have also enabled the assembly of a robust database of variants in healthy individuals. A surprising number of variants in the GRIN genes that encode N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptor subunits have been found in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. This review compares and contrasts the available information describing the clinical and functional consequences of genetic variations in GRIN2A and GRIN2B. Comparison of clinical phenotypes shows that GRIN2A variants are commonly associated with an epileptic phenotype but that GRIN2B variants are commonly found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. These observations emphasize the distinct roles that the gene products serve in circuit function and suggest that functional analysis of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variation may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms, which will allow more accurate subclassification of clinical phenotypes. Furthermore, characterization of the pharmacological properties of variant receptors could provide the first opportunity for translational therapeutic strategies for these GRIN-related neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Myers
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Francis Chee Kuan Tan
- Department of Anaesthesia, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chian-Ming Low
- Department of Anaesthesia, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bessières B, Jia M, Travaglia A, Alberini CM. Developmental changes in plasticity, synaptic, glia, and connectivity protein levels in rat basolateral amygdala. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:436-448. [PMID: 31615855 PMCID: PMC6796789 DOI: 10.1101/lm.049866.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The basolateral complex of amygdala (BLA) processes emotionally arousing aversive and rewarding experiences. The BLA is critical for acquisition and storage of threat-based memories and the modulation of the consolidation of arousing explicit memories, that is, the memories that are encoded and stored by the medial temporal lobe. In addition, in conjunction with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the BLA plays an important role in fear memory extinction. The BLA develops relatively early in life, but little is known about the molecular changes that accompany its development. Here, we quantified relative basal expression levels of sets of plasticity, synaptic, glia, and connectivity proteins in the rat BLA at various developmental ages: postnatal day 17 (PN17, infants), PN24 (juveniles), and PN80 (young adults). We found that the levels of activation markers of brain plasticity, including phosphorylation of CREB at Ser133, CamKIIα at Thr286, pERK1/pERK2 at Thr202/Tyr204, and GluA1 at Ser831 and Ser845, were significantly higher in infant and juvenile compared with adult brain. In contrast, age increase was accompanied by a significant augmentation in the levels of proteins that mark synaptogenesis and synapse maturation, such as synaptophysin, PSD95, SynCAM, GAD65, GAD67, and GluN2A/GluN2B ratio. Finally, we observed significant age-associated changes in structural markers, including MAP2, MBP, and MAG, suggesting that the structural connectivity of the BLA increases over time. The biological differences in the BLA between developmental ages compared with adulthood suggest the need for caution in extrapolating conclusions based on BLA-related brain plasticity and behavioral studies conducted at different developmental stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bessières
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Margaret Jia
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Alessio Travaglia
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Cristina M Alberini
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Role of adult-born granule cells in the hippocampal functions: Focus on the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1065-1082. [PMID: 31371103 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.07.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adult-born granule cells constitute a small subpopulation of the dentate gyrus (DG) in the hippocampus. However, they greatly influence several hippocampus-dependent behaviors, suggesting that adult-born granule cells have specific roles that influence behavior. In order to understand how exactly these adult-born granule cells contribute to behavior, it is critical to understand the underlying electrophysiology and neurochemistry of these cells. Here, this review simultaneously focuses on the specific electrophysiological properties of adult-born granule cells, relying on the GluN2B subunit of NMDA glutamate receptors, and how it influences neurochemistry throughout the brain. Especially in a critical age from 4 to 6 weeks post-division during which they modulate hippocampal functions, adult-born granule cells exhibit a higher intrinsic excitability and an enhanced long-term potentiation. Their stimulation decreases the overall excitation/inhibition balance of the DG via recruitment of local interneurons, and in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. However, the link between neurochemical effects of adult-born granule cells and behavior remain to be further examined.
Collapse
|
40
|
Davis-Reyes BD, Campbell VM, Land MA, Chapman HL, Stafford SJ, Anastasio NC. Profile of cortical N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit expression associates with inherent motor impulsivity in rats. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:204-213. [PMID: 31295463 PMCID: PMC6733662 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Impulsivity is a multifaceted behavioral manifestation with implications in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Glutamate neurotransmission through the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an important brain region in decision-making and goal-directed behaviors, plays a key role in motor impulsivity. We discovered that inherent motor impulsivity predicted responsiveness to D-cycloserine (DCS), a partial NMDAR agonist, which prompted the hypothesis that inherent motor impulsivity is associated with the pattern of expression of cortical NMDAR subunits (GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B), specifically the protein levels and synaptosomal trafficking of the NMDAR subunits. Outbred male Sprague-Dawley rats were identified as high (HI) or low (LI) impulsive using the one-choice serial reaction time task. Following phenotypic identification, mPFC synaptosomal protein was extracted from HI and LI rats to assess the expression pattern of the NMDAR subunits. Synaptosomal trafficking and stabilization for the GluN2 subunits were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation for postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) and synapse associated protein 102 (SAP102). HI rats had lower mPFC GluN1 and GluN2A, but higher GluN2B and pGluN2B synaptosomal protein expression versus LI rats. Further, higher GluN2B:PSD95 and GluN2B:SAP102 protein:protein interactions were detected in HI versus LI rats. Thus, the mPFC NMDAR subunit expression pattern and/or synaptosomal trafficking associates with high inherent motor impulsivity. Increased understanding of the complex regulation of NMDAR balance within the mPFC as it relates to inherent motor impulsivity may lead to a better understanding of risk factors for impulse-control disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brionna D Davis-Reyes
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Veronica M Campbell
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle A Land
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Holly L Chapman
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Susan J Stafford
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Noelle C Anastasio
- Center for Addiction Research and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Amidfar M, Woelfer M, Réus GZ, Quevedo J, Walter M, Kim YK. The role of NMDA receptor in neurobiology and treatment of major depressive disorder: Evidence from translational research. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 94:109668. [PMID: 31207274 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence demonstrating that dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission, particularly via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, is involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Several studies have revealed an altered expression of NMDA receptor subtypes and impaired NMDA receptor-mediated intracellular signaling pathways in brain circuits of patients with MDD. Clinical studies have demonstrated that NMDA receptor antagonists, particularly ketamine, have rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression, however, neurobiological mechanisms are not completely understood. Growing body of evidence suggest that signal transduction pathways involved in synaptic plasticity play critical role in molecular mechanisms underlying rapidly acting antidepressant properties of ketamine and other NMDAR antagonists in MDD. Discovering the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique antidepressant actions of ketamine will facilitate the development of novel fast acting antidepressants which lack undesirable effects of ketamine. This review provides a critical examination of the NMDA receptor involvement in the neurobiology of MDD including analyses of alterations in NMDA receptor subtypes and their interactive signaling cascades revealed by postmortem studies. Furthermore, to elucidate mechanisms underlying rapid-acting antidepressant properties of NMDA receptor antagonists we discussed their effects on the neuroplasticity, mostly based on signaling systems involved in synaptic plasticity of mood-related neurocircuitries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Woelfer
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, University Magdeburg, Germany; New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Gislaine Z Réus
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC, Brazil; Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin Walter
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, University Magdeburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, University Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Coley AA, Gao WJ. PSD-95 deficiency disrupts PFC-associated function and behavior during neurodevelopment. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9486. [PMID: 31263190 PMCID: PMC6602948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) is a major regulator in the maturation of excitatory synapses by interacting and trafficking N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDAR) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isox-azoleproprionic acid receptors (AMPAR) to the postsynaptic membrane. PSD-95 disruption has recently been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. However, the effects of PSD-95 deficiency on the prefrontal cortex (PFC)-associated functions, including cognition, working memory, and sociability, has yet to be investigated. Using a PSD-95 knockout mouse model (PSD-95-/-), we examined how PSD-95 deficiency affects NMDAR and AMPAR expression and function in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during juvenile and adolescent periods of development. We found significant increases in total protein levels of NMDAR subunits GluN1, and GluN2B, accompanied by decreases in AMPAR subunit GluA1 during adolescence. Correspondingly, there is a significant increase in NMDAR/AMPAR-mediated current amplitude ratio that progresses from juvenile-to-adolescence. Behaviorally, PSD-95-/- mice exhibit a lack of sociability, as well as learning and working memory deficits. Together, our data indicate that PSD-95 deficiency disrupts mPFC synaptic function and related behavior at a critical age of development. This study highlights the importance of PSD-95 during neurodevelopment in the mPFC and its potential link in the pathogenesis associated with schizophrenia and/or autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin A Coley
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Huang Y, Li D, Cheng B, Liu G, Zhang YX, Zhou WX. Active fraction combination from Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LW-AFC) ameliorates corticosterone-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment in mice in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 236:147-154. [PMID: 30851370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LW), a classic formula in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used for nearly one thousand years for various diseases with characteristic features of kidney yin deficiency. LW consists of 6 herbs including Dihuang (prepared root of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC.), Shanyao (rhizome of Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.), Shanzhuyu (fruit of Cornus officinalis Siebold & Zucc.), Mudanpi (root bark of Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews), Zexie (rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica L.) and Fuling (scleorotia of Wolfiporia extensa (Peck) Ginns). LW-active fraction combination (LW-AFC) is extracted from LW, it is effective for the treatment of kidney yin deficiency in many animal models. Recent researches indicate that the "kidney deficiency" is related to a disturbance in the neuroendocrine immunomodulation (NIM) network, and glucocorticoids play an important role in kidney deficiency. AIM OF THE STUDY This study evaluated the effects of LW-AFC and the active fractions (polysaccharide, LWB-B; glycoside, LWD-b; oligosaccharide, CA-30) on corticosterone (Cort)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, LTP was used to evaluate the synaptic plasticity. LW-AFC was orally administered for seven days. The active fractions were given by either chronic administration (i.g., i.p., 7 days) or single administration (i.c.v., i.g., i.p.). Cort was injected subcutaneously 1 h before the high-frequency stimulation (HFS) to induce LTP impairment. Moreover, in order to research on the possible effective pathways, an antibiotic cocktail and an immunosuppressant were also used. RESULTS Chronic administration (i.g.) of LW-AFC and its three active fractions could ameliorate Cort-induced LTP impairment. Single administration (i.c.v., i.g., i.p.) of any of the active fractions had no effect on Cort-induced LTP impairment, while chronic administration (i.g., i.p.) of LWB-B or LWD-b showed positive effects against Cort. Interestingly, CA-30 only showed protective effects via i.g. administration, and there was little effect when CA-30 was administered i.p. In addition, when the intestinal microbiota was disrupted by application of the antibiotic cocktail, CA-30 showed little protective effects against Cort. The effects of LW-AFC were also abolished when the immune function was inhibited. In the hippocampal tissue, Cort treatment increased corticosterone and glutamate, and LW-AFC could inhibit the Cort-induced elevation of corticosterone and glutamate; there was little change in D-serine in Cort-treated animals, but LW-AFC could increase the D-serine levels. CONCLUSION LW-AFC and its three active fractions could ameliorate Cort-induced LTP impairment. Their protective effects are unlikely by a direct way, and immune modulation might be the common pathway. CA-30 could protect LTP from impairment via modulating the intestinal microbiota. Decreasing corticosterone and glutamate and increasing D-serine in the Cort-treated animals' hippocampal tissue might be one of the mechanisms for the neural protective effects of LW-AFC. Further study is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dong Li
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Wen-Xia Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, 100850, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
The acquisition of associated signals is commonly seen in life. The integrative storage of these exogenous and endogenous signals is essential for cognition, emotion and behaviors. In terms of basic units of memory traces or engrams, associative memory cells are recruited in the brain during learning, cognition and emotional reactions. The recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells facilitate the retrieval of memory-relevant events and the learning of reorganized unitary signals that have been acquired. The recruitment of associative memory cells is fulfilled by generating mutual synapse innervations among them in coactivated brain regions. Their axons innervate downstream neurons convergently and divergently to recruit secondary associative memory cells. Mutual synapse innervations among associative memory cells confer the integrative storage and reciprocal retrieval of associated signals. Their convergent synapse innervations to secondary associative memory cells endorse integrative cognition. Their divergent innervations to secondary associative memory cells grant multiple applications of associated signals. Associative memory cells in memory traces are defined to be nerve cells that are able to encode multiple learned signals and receive synapse innervations carrying these signals. An impairment in the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells will lead to the memory deficit associated with neurological diseases and psychological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive diagram for the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells for memory-relevant events in a lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gisslen T, Singh G, Georgieff MK. Fetal inflammation is associated with persistent systemic and hippocampal inflammation and dysregulation of hippocampal glutamatergic homeostasis. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:703-710. [PMID: 30745569 PMCID: PMC6435426 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is a major cause of preterm birth and often results in a fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). Preterm infants with FIRS have a higher childhood incidence of neurodevelopmental disability than preterm infants without FIRS. The mechanisms connecting FIRS to neurodevelopmental disability in formerly preterm infants are not fully understood, but the effect on premature gray matter may have an important role. METHODS Fetal rats were exposed to intra-amniotic (i.a.) LPS 2 days prior to birth to model FIRS. On postnatal day 7, expression of inflammatory mediators was measured in the liver, lung, and brain. Activation of microglia and expression of glutamatergic receptor subunits and transporters were measured in the hippocampus and cortex. RESULTS LPS caused persistent systemic inflammatory mediators gene expression. In the brain, there was corresponding activation of microglia in the hippocampus and cortex. Expression of inflammatory mediators persisted in the hippocampus, but not the cortex, and was associated with altered glutamatergic receptor subunits and transporters. CONCLUSION Hippocampal inflammation and dysregulation of glutamate metabolism persisted well into the postnatal period following i.a. LPS. Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes after FIRS in preterm infants may result in part through glutamatergically driven gray matter injury to the neonatal hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tate Gisslen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Garima Singh
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael K Georgieff
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Li Q, Wu X, Na X, Ge B, Wu Q, Guo X, Ntim M, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Yang J, Xiao Z, Zhao J, Li S. Impaired Cognitive Function and Altered Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Mice Lacking Dermatan Sulfotransferase Chst14/D4st1. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:26. [PMID: 30853887 PMCID: PMC6396735 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) proteoglycans (PGs) are major extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the central nervous system (CNS). A large body of evidence has shown that CSPGs/DSPGs play critical roles in neuronal growth, axon guidance, and plasticity in the developing and mature CNS. It has been proposed that these PGs exert their function through specific interaction of CS/DS chains with its binding partners in a manner that depends on the sulfation patterns of CS/DS. It has been reported that dermatan 4-O-sulfotransferase-1 (Chst14/D4st1) specific for DS, but not chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase-1 (Chst11/C4st1) specific for CS, regulates proliferation and neurogenesis of neural stem cells (NSCs), indicating that CS and DS play distinct roles in the self-renewal and differentiation of NSCs. However, it remains unknown whether specific sulfation profiles of DS has any effect on CNS plasticity. In the present study, Chst14/D4st1-deficient (Chst14−/−) mice was employed to investigate the involvement of DS in synaptic plasticity. First, behavior study using Morris Water Maze (MWM) showed that the spatial learning and memory of Chst14−/− mice was impaired when compared to their wild type (WT) littermates. Corroborating the behavior result, long-term potentiation (LTP) at the hippocampal CA3-CA1 connection was reduced in Chst14−/− mice compared to the WT mice. Finally, the protein levels of N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor, postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43), synaptophysin (SYN) and N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) which are important in synaptic plasticity were examined and Chst14/D4st1 deficiency was shown to significantly reduce the expression of these proteins in the hippocampus. Further studies revealed that Akt/mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR) pathway proteins, including protein kinase B (p-Akt), p-mTOR and p-S6, were significantly lower in Chst14−/− mice, which might contribute to the decreased protein expression. Together, this study reveals that specific sulfation of DS is critical in synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus and learning and memory, which might be associated with the changes in the expression of glutamate receptors and other synaptic proteins though Akt/mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qifa Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuefei Wu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xueyan Na
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Biying Ge
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug-Research and Development (R & D) of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuewen Guo
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Michael Ntim
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yiping Sun
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jinyi Yang
- Department of Urology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Zhicheng Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jie Zhao
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug-Research and Development (R & D) of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shao Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Department of Physiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kühlmann AYR, de Rooij A, Hunink MGM, De Zeeuw CI, Jeekel J. Music Affects Rodents: A Systematic Review of Experimental Research. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 12:301. [PMID: 30618659 PMCID: PMC6302112 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is rapidly emerging interest in music interventions in healthcare. Music interventions are widely applicable, inexpensive, without side effects, and easy to use. It is not precisely known how they exert positive effects on health outcomes. Experimental studies in animal models might reveal more about the pathophysiological mechanisms of music interventions. Methods: We performed a systematic review of experimental research in rodents. The electronic databases EMBASE, Medline(ovidSP), Web-Of-Science, PsycINFO, Cinahl, PubMed publisher, Cochrane, and Google scholar were searched for publications between January 1st 1960 and April 22nd 2017. Eligible were English-written, full-text publications on experimental research in rodents comparing music vs. a control situation. Outcomes were categorized in four domains: brain structure and neuro-chemistry; behavior; immunology; and physiology. Additionally, an overview was generated representing the effects of various types of music on outcomes. Bias in studies was assessed with the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneous outcomes and lack of original outcome data. Results: Forty-two studies were included. Music-exposed rodents showed statistically significant increases in neuro-chemistry, such as higher BDNF levels, as well as an enhanced propensity for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Furthermore, music exposure was linked with statistically significantly improved spatial and auditory learning, reduced anxiety-related behavior, and increased immune responses. Various statistically significant changes occurred in physiological parameters such as blood pressure and (para)sympathetic nerve activity following music interventions. The majority of studies investigated classical music interventions, but other types of music exerted positive effects on outcomes as well. The SYRCLE risk of bias assessment revealed unclear risk of bias in all studies. Conclusions: Music interventions seem to improve brain structure and neuro-chemistry; behavior; immunology; and physiology in rodents. Further research is necessary to explore and optimize the effect of music interventions, and to evaluate its effects in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Y Rosalie Kühlmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aniek de Rooij
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - M G Myriam Hunink
- Department of Radiology and Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts & Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johannes Jeekel
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Keith RE, Azcarate JM, Keith MJ, Hung CW, Badakhsh MF, Dumas TC. Direct Intracellular Signaling by the Carboxy terminus of NMDA Receptor GluN2 Subunits Regulates Dendritic Morphology in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons. Neuroscience 2019; 396:138-153. [PMID: 30471357 PMCID: PMC6311441 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamatergic receptors that take part in excitatory synaptic transmission and drive functional and structural neuronal plasticity, including activity-dependent changes in dendritic morphology. Forebrain NMDARs contribute to neuronal plasticity in at least two ways: through calcium-mediated processes or via direct intracellular postsynaptic signaling. Both properties are regulated by the GluN2 subunits. However, the separate contributions of these properties to the regulation of dendritic morphology are unknown. We created transgenic mice that express chimeric GluN2 subunits and examined the impact on pyramidal cell dendritic morphology in hippocampal region CA1. Golgi-Cox impregnation and transgenic expression of green fluorescent protein were employed to visualize dendritic arbors. In adult mice with a predominantly native GluN2A background, overexpression of the GluN2B carboxy terminus increased the total path of the dendritic arbor without affecting branch number or tortuosity. Overexpressing the amino terminus and transmembrane domains of GluN2B had little effect. It may be inferred from these results that NMDAR-dependent intracellular signaling regulates dendritic morphology of hippocampal pyramidal cells more so than calcium conductance dynamics. The findings add to the understanding of NMDAR-mediated signaling in hippocampal neurons and support re-investigation of the molecular underpinnings of NMDAR involvement in postnatal dendrite maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States; Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Jessica M Azcarate
- Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Matthew J Keith
- Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Carey W Hung
- Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Maryam F Badakhsh
- Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
| | - Theodore C Dumas
- Psychology Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States; Krasnow Institute of Advanced Study, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kirschmann EK, Pollock MW, Nagarajan V, Torregrossa MM. Development of working memory in the male adolescent rat. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 37:100601. [PMID: 30497917 PMCID: PMC6531360 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory develops over the course of adolescence, and neuroimaging studies find development-associated changes in the activity of prefrontal cortical brain regions. Establishment of a rodent model of working memory development would permit more comprehensive studies of the molecular and circuit basis for working memory development in health and disease. Thus, in this study, working memory performance was compared between adolescent and adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using an operant-based, delay-match-to-sample working memory task. Adolescent and adult rats showed similar rates of learning the task and similar performance at a low cognitive load (delays ≤ 6 s). However, when the cognitive load increased, adolescents exhibited impaired working memory performance relative to adults, until postnatal day 50 when performance was not significantly different. Despite evidence that cannabinoids disrupt working memory, we found no effect of acute treatment with the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN55212,2, at either age. Moreover, expression of glutamate and GABA receptor subunits was examined in the prelimbic and infralimbic prefrontal cortex across development. NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B expression significantly decreased with age in parallel with improvements in working memory. Thus, we show evidence that rats can be used as a model to study the molecular underpinnings of working memory development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Kirschmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Michael W Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Vidhya Nagarajan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhu J, Xu S, Li S, Yang X, Yu X, Zhang X. Up-regulation of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor protects cultured cortical neuron cells from oxidative stress. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00976. [PMID: 30555952 PMCID: PMC6275848 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal excitotoxicity induced by spreading depolarization occurs during multiple brain diseases. The subsequent extensive releasing of neuronal transmitter glutamate results in over activation of the ionic glutamate receptors and then triggers neuronal cell death. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is one major type of excitatory ionic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system, and it exerts vital functions on the membrane of neurons. Distinct subtypes of the NMDA receptor play different roles and their expression was dynamically regulated according to both physiological and pathological stimulations. During neuronal excitotoxicity the expression of the GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor is specifically up-regulated, and as a result, the ratio of GluN2A- versus GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors is altered. However the physiological significance of this phenomenon is still not clear. In this research, we specifically inhibited the increase of the GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor by a peptide without affecting the basic expression of both GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, and found that the oxidative stress of neurons was intensified, with increased endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK were also inhibited. These results indicated that the dynamic expression of the GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor played crucial roles in protecting neurons from excitotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- Department of Immunopathology and Diabetes Institute, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shilian Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shengpei Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xueling Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xianhui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|