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Dimwamwa ED, Pala A, Chundru V, Wright NC, Stanley GB. Dynamic corticothalamic modulation of the somatosensory thalamocortical circuit during wakefulness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3529. [PMID: 38664415 PMCID: PMC11045850 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47863-8] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The feedback projections from cortical layer 6 (L6CT) to the sensory thalamus have long been implicated in playing a primary role in gating sensory signaling but remain poorly understood. To causally elucidate the full range of effects of these projections, we targeted silicon probe recordings to the whisker thalamocortical circuit of awake mice selectively expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 in L6CT neurons. Through optogenetic manipulation of L6CT neurons, multi-site electrophysiological recordings, and modeling of L6CT circuitry, we establish L6CT neurons as dynamic modulators of ongoing spiking in the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPm), either suppressing or enhancing VPm spiking depending on L6CT neurons' firing rate and synchrony. Differential effects across the cortical excitatory and inhibitory sub-populations point to an overall influence of L6CT feedback on cortical excitability that could have profound implications for regulating sensory signaling across a range of ethologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaida D Dimwamwa
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aurélie Pala
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vivek Chundru
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Wright
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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2
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Martinetti LE, Autio DM, Crandall SR. Motor Control of Distinct Layer 6 Corticothalamic Feedback Circuits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590613. [PMID: 38712153 PMCID: PMC11071411 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) neurons provide massive input to the thalamus, and these feedback connections enable the cortex to influence its own sensory input by modulating thalamic excitability. However, the functional role(s) feedback serves during sensory processing is unclear. One hypothesis is that CT feedback is under the control of extra-sensory signals originating from higher-order cortical areas, yet we know nothing about the mechanisms of such control. It is also unclear whether such regulation is specific to CT neurons with distinct thalamic connectivity. Using mice (either sex) combined with in vitro electrophysiology techniques, optogenetics, and retrograde labeling, we describe studies of vibrissal primary motor cortex (vM1) influences on different CT neurons in the vibrissal primary somatosensory cortex (vS1) with distinct intrathalamic axonal projections. We found that vM1 inputs are highly selective, evoking stronger postsynaptic responses in Dual ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPm) and posterior medial nucleus (POm) projecting CT neurons located in lower L6a than VPm-only projecting CT cells in upper L6a. A targeted analysis of the specific cells and synapses involved revealed that the greater responsiveness of Dual CT neurons was due to their distinctive intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic mechanisms. These data demonstrate that vS1 has at least two discrete L6 CT subcircuits distinguished by their thalamic projection patterns, intrinsic physiology, and functional connectivity with vM1. Our results also provide insights into how a distinct CT subcircuit may serve specialized roles specific to contextual modulation of tactile-related sensory signals in the somatosensory thalamus during active vibrissa movements. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) feedback circuits are ubiquitous across mammalian species and modalities, and their activities have a strong influence on thalamic excitability and information throughput to the neocortex. Despite clear evidence of CT effects on the thalamus, we know relatively little about how CT cells themselves are regulated. Our results show that input from the primary motor cortex strongly excites a subclass of CT neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex that innervate both core and higher-order somatosensory nuclei rather than those exclusively targeting core somatosensory thalamus. The cortico-cortico-thalamic pathway formed by these connections establishes a circuit-level substrate for supporting CT influence operating under the guidance of ongoing motor activities.
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3
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Varela C, Moreira JVS, Kocaoglu B, Dura-Bernal S, Ahmad S. A mechanism for deviance detection and contextual routing in the thalamus: a review and theoretical proposal. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359180. [PMID: 38486972 PMCID: PMC10938916 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359180] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Predictive processing theories conceptualize neocortical feedback as conveying expectations and contextual attention signals derived from internal cortical models, playing an essential role in the perception and interpretation of sensory information. However, few predictive processing frameworks outline concrete mechanistic roles for the corticothalamic (CT) feedback from layer 6 (L6), despite the fact that the number of CT axons is an order of magnitude greater than that of feedforward thalamocortical (TC) axons. Here we review the functional architecture of CT circuits and propose a mechanism through which L6 could regulate thalamic firing modes (burst, tonic) to detect unexpected inputs. Using simulations in a model of a TC cell, we show how the CT feedback could support prediction-based input discrimination in TC cells by promoting burst firing. This type of CT control can enable the thalamic circuit to implement spatial and context selective attention mechanisms. The proposed mechanism generates specific experimentally testable hypotheses. We suggest that the L6 CT feedback allows the thalamus to detect deviance from predictions of internal cortical models, thereby supporting contextual attention and routing operations, a far more powerful role than traditionally assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Varela
- Psychology Department, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Joao V. S. Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Basak Kocaoglu
- Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Salvador Dura-Bernal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
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4
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Dimwamwa E, Pala A, Chundru V, Wright NC, Stanley GB. Dynamic corticothalamic modulation of the somatosensory thalamocortical circuit during wakefulness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.18.549491. [PMID: 37503253 PMCID: PMC10370106 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.18.549491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The feedback projections from cortical layer 6 (L6CT) to sensory thalamus have long been implicated in playing a primary role in gating sensory signaling but remain poorly understood. To causally elucidate the full range of effects of these projections, we targeted silicon probe recordings to the whisker thalamocortical circuit of awake mice selectively expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 in L6CT neurons. Through optogenetic manipulation of L6CT neurons, multi-site electrophysiological recordings, and modeling of L6CT circuitry, we establish L6CT neurons as dynamic modulators of ongoing spiking in the ventro-posterior-medial nucleus of thalamus (VPm), either suppressing or enhancing VPm spiking depending on L6CT neurons' firing rate and synchrony. Differential effects across the cortical excitatory and inhibitory sub-populations point to an overall influence of L6CT feedback on cortical excitability that could have profound implications for regulating sensory signaling across a range of ethologically relevant conditions.
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5
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Qin Y, Ahmadlou M, Suhai S, Neering P, de Kraker L, Heimel JA, Levelt CN. Thalamic regulation of ocular dominance plasticity in adult visual cortex. eLife 2023; 12:RP88124. [PMID: 37796249 PMCID: PMC10554735 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88124] [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: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Experience-dependent plasticity in the adult visual system is generally thought of as a cortical process. However, several recent studies have shown that perceptual learning or monocular deprivation can also induce plasticity in the adult dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus. How plasticity in the thalamus and cortex interact in the adult visual system is ill-understood. To assess the influence of thalamic plasticity on plasticity in primary visual cortex (V1), we made use of our previous finding that during the critical period ocular dominance (OD) plasticity occurs in dLGN and requires thalamic synaptic inhibition. Using multielectrode recordings we find that this is also true in adult mice, and that in the absence of thalamic inhibition and plasticity, OD plasticity in adult V1 is absent. To study the influence of V1 on thalamic plasticity, we silenced V1 and show that during the critical period, but not in adulthood, the OD shift in dLGN is partially caused by feedback from V1. We conclude that during adulthood the thalamus plays an unexpectedly dominant role in experience-dependent plasticity in V1. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the thalamus as a potential source of plasticity in learning events that are typically thought of as cortical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qin
- Molecular Visual Plasticity Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
- University of StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Mehran Ahmadlou
- Circuits, Structure and Function Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Samuel Suhai
- Molecular Visual Plasticity Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Paul Neering
- Molecular Visual Plasticity Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Leander de Kraker
- Molecular Visual Plasticity Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - J Alexander Heimel
- Circuits, Structure and Function Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Christiaan N Levelt
- Molecular Visual Plasticity Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamNetherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
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Blot FGC, White JJ, van Hattem A, Scotti L, Balaji V, Adolfs Y, Pasterkamp RJ, De Zeeuw CI, Schonewille M. Purkinje cell microzones mediate distinct kinematics of a single movement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4358. [PMID: 37468512 PMCID: PMC10356806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The classification of neuronal subpopulations has significantly advanced, yet its relevance for behavior remains unclear. The highly organized flocculus of the cerebellum, known to fine-tune multi-axial eye movements, is an ideal substrate for the study of potential functions of neuronal subpopulations. Here, we demonstrate that its recently identified subpopulations of 9+ and 9- Purkinje cells exhibit an intermediate Aldolase C expression and electrophysiological profile, providing evidence for a graded continuum of intrinsic properties among PC subpopulations. By identifying and utilizing two Cre-lines that genetically target these floccular domains, we show with high spatial specificity that these subpopulations of Purkinje cells participate in separate micromodules with topographically organized connections. Finally, optogenetic excitation of the respective subpopulations results in movements around the same axis in space, yet with distinct kinematic profiles. These results indicate that Purkinje cell subpopulations integrate in discrete circuits and mediate particular parameters of single movements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua J White
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amy van Hattem
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Licia Scotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vaishnavi Balaji
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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7
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Ziegler K, Folkard R, Gonzalez AJ, Burghardt J, Antharvedi-Goda S, Martin-Cortecero J, Isaías-Camacho E, Kaushalya S, Tan LL, Kuner T, Acuna C, Kuner R, Mease RA, Groh A. Primary somatosensory cortex bidirectionally modulates sensory gain and nociceptive behavior in a layer-specific manner. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2999. [PMID: 37225702 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is a hub for body sensation of both innocuous and noxious signals, yet its role in somatosensation versus pain is debated. Despite known contributions of S1 to sensory gain modulation, its causal involvement in subjective sensory experiences remains elusive. Here, in mouse S1, we reveal the involvement of cortical output neurons in layers 5 (L5) and 6 (L6) in the perception of innocuous and noxious somatosensory signals. We find that L6 activation can drive aversive hypersensitivity and spontaneous nocifensive behavior. Linking behavior to neuronal mechanisms, we find that L6 enhances thalamic somatosensory responses, and in parallel, strongly suppresses L5 neurons. Directly suppressing L5 reproduced the pronociceptive phenotype induced by L6 activation, suggesting an anti-nociceptive function for L5 output. Indeed, L5 activation reduced sensory sensitivity and reversed inflammatory allodynia. Together, these findings reveal a layer-specific and bidirectional role for S1 in modulating subjective sensory experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ziegler
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ross Folkard
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonio J Gonzalez
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Burghardt
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sailaja Antharvedi-Goda
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jesus Martin-Cortecero
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emilio Isaías-Camacho
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sanjeev Kaushalya
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Linette Liqi Tan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudio Acuna
- Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Group, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Audrey Mease
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Groh
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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8
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Gu M, Li X, Liang S, Zhu J, Sun P, He Y, Yu H, Li R, Zhou Z, Lyu J, Li SC, Budinger E, Zhou Y, Jia H, Zhang J, Chen X. Rabies virus-based labeling of layer 6 corticothalamic neurons for two-photon imaging in vivo. iScience 2023; 26:106625. [PMID: 37250327 PMCID: PMC10214394 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106625] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neocortical layer 6 (L6) is less understood than other more superficial layers, largely owing to limitations of performing high-resolution investigations in vivo. Here, we show that labeling with the Challenge Virus Standard (CVS) rabies virus strain enables high-quality imaging of L6 neurons by conventional two-photon microscopes. CVS virus injection into the medial geniculate body can selectively label L6 neurons in the auditory cortex. Only three days after injection, dendrites and cell bodies of L6 neurons could be imaged across all cortical layers. Ca2+ imaging in awake mice showed that sound stimulation evokes neuronal responses from cell bodies with minimal contamination from neuropil signals. In addition, dendritic Ca2+ imaging revealed significant responses from spines and trunks across all layers. These results demonstrate a reliable method capable of rapid, high-quality labeling of L6 neurons that can be readily extended to other brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoqing Gu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiuli Li
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiahui Zhu
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Pei Sun
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yong He
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhenqiao Zhou
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Jing Lyu
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
| | - Sunny C. Li
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Eike Budinger
- Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yi Zhou
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hongbo Jia
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Brain Research Instrument Innovation Center, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- Combinatorial NeuroImaging Core Facility, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jianxiong Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Chongqing 400064, China
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9
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Reinhold K, Resulaj A, Scanziani M. Brain State-Dependent Modulation of Thalamic Visual Processing by Cortico-Thalamic Feedback. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1540-1554. [PMID: 36653192 PMCID: PMC10008059 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2124-21.2022] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The behavioral state of a mammal impacts how the brain responds to visual stimuli as early as in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (dLGN), the primary relay of visual information to the cortex. A clear example of this is the markedly stronger response of dLGN neurons to higher temporal frequencies of the visual stimulus in alert as compared with quiescent animals. The dLGN receives strong feedback from the visual cortex, yet whether this feedback contributes to these state-dependent responses to visual stimuli is poorly understood. Here, we show that in male and female mice, silencing cortico-thalamic feedback profoundly reduces state-dependent differences in the response of dLGN neurons to visual stimuli. This holds true for dLGN responses to both temporal and spatial features of the visual stimulus. These results reveal that the state-dependent shift of the response to visual stimuli in an early stage of visual processing depends on cortico-thalamic feedback.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain state affects even the earliest stages of sensory processing. A clear example of this phenomenon is the change in thalamic responses to visual stimuli depending on whether the animal's brain is in an alert or quiescent state. Despite the radical impact that brain state has on sensory processing, the underlying circuits are still poorly understood. Here, we show that both the temporal and spatial response properties of thalamic neurons to visual stimuli depend on the state of the animal and, crucially, that this state-dependent shift relies on the feedback projection from visual cortex to thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Reinhold
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, California
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology Section and Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, California
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, California
| | - Arbora Resulaj
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology Section and Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, California
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, California
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, California
| | - Massimo Scanziani
- Center for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Neurobiology Section and Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, California
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, California
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, California
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10
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Thalamic control of sensory processing and spindles in a biophysical somatosensory thalamoreticular circuit model of wakefulness and sleep. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112200. [PMID: 36867532 PMCID: PMC10066598 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalamoreticular circuitry plays a key role in arousal, attention, cognition, and sleep spindles, and is linked to several brain disorders. A detailed computational model of mouse somatosensory thalamus and thalamic reticular nucleus has been developed to capture the properties of over 14,000 neurons connected by 6 million synapses. The model recreates the biological connectivity of these neurons, and simulations of the model reproduce multiple experimental findings in different brain states. The model shows that inhibitory rebound produces frequency-selective enhancement of thalamic responses during wakefulness. We find that thalamic interactions are responsible for the characteristic waxing and waning of spindle oscillations. In addition, we find that changes in thalamic excitability control spindle frequency and their incidence. The model is made openly available to provide a new tool for studying the function and dysfunction of the thalamoreticular circuitry in various brain states.
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11
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Experience-dependent functional plasticity and visual response selectivity of surviving subplate neurons in the mouse visual cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217011120. [PMID: 36812195 PMCID: PMC9992851 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217011120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subplate neurons are early-born cortical neurons that transiently form neural circuits during perinatal development and guide cortical maturation. Thereafter, most subplate neurons undergo cell death, while some survive and renew their target areas for synaptic connections. However, the functional properties of the surviving subplate neurons remain largely unknown. This study aimed to characterize the visual responses and experience-dependent functional plasticity of layer 6b (L6b) neurons, the remnants of subplate neurons, in the primary visual cortex (V1). Two-photon Ca2+ imaging was performed in V1 of awake juvenile mice. L6b neurons showed broader tunings for orientation, direction, and spatial frequency than did layer 2/3 (L2/3) and L6a neurons. In addition, L6b neurons showed lower matching of preferred orientation between the left and right eyes compared with other layers. Post hoc 3D immunohistochemistry confirmed that the majority of recorded L6b neurons expressed connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a subplate neuron marker. Moreover, chronic two-photon imaging showed that L6b neurons exhibited ocular dominance (OD) plasticity by monocular deprivation during critical periods. The OD shift to the open eye depended on the response strength to the stimulation of the eye to be deprived before starting monocular deprivation. There were no significant differences in visual response selectivity prior to monocular deprivation between the OD changed and unchanged neuron groups, suggesting that OD plasticity can occur in L6b neurons showing any response features. In conclusion, our results provide strong evidence that surviving subplate neurons exhibit sensory responses and experience-dependent plasticity at a relatively late stage of cortical development.
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12
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West TO, Duchet B, Farmer SF, Friston KJ, Cagnan H. When do bursts matter in the primary motor cortex? Investigating changes in the intermittencies of beta rhythms associated with movement states. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 221:102397. [PMID: 36565984 PMCID: PMC7614511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain activity exhibits significant temporal structure that is not well captured in the power spectrum. Recently, attention has shifted to characterising the properties of intermittencies in rhythmic neural activity (i.e. bursts), yet the mechanisms that regulate them are unknown. Here, we present evidence from electrocorticography recordings made over the motor cortex to show that the statistics of bursts, such as duration or amplitude, in the beta frequency (14-30 Hz) band, significantly aid the classification of motor states such as rest, movement preparation, execution, and imagery. These features reflect nonlinearities not detectable in the power spectrum, with states increasing in nonlinearity from movement execution to preparation to rest. Further, we show using a computational model of the cortical microcircuit, constrained to account for burst features, that modulations of laminar specific inhibitory interneurons are responsible for the temporal organisation of activity. Finally, we show that the temporal characteristics of spontaneous activity can be used to infer the balance of cortical integration between incoming sensory information and endogenous activity. Critically, we contribute to the understanding of how transient brain rhythms may underwrite cortical processing, which in turn, could inform novel approaches for brain state classification, and modulation with novel brain-computer interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy O West
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TH, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Benoit Duchet
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TH, UK
| | - Simon F Farmer
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Hayriye Cagnan
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TH, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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13
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Qi J, Ye C, Naskar S, Inácio AR, Lee S. Posteromedial thalamic nucleus activity significantly contributes to perceptual discrimination. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001896. [PMID: 36441759 PMCID: PMC9731480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher-order sensory thalamic nuclei are densely connected with multiple cortical and subcortical areas, yet the role of these nuclei remains elusive. The posteromedial thalamic nucleus (POm), the higher-order thalamic nucleus in the rodent somatosensory system, is an anatomical hub broadly connected with multiple sensory and motor brain areas yet weakly responds to passive sensory stimulation and whisker movements. To understand the role of POm in sensory perception, we developed a self-initiated, two-alternative forced-choice task in freely moving mice during active sensing. Using optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, we show that POm plays a significant role in sensory perception and the projection from the primary somatosensory cortex to POm is critical for the contribution of POm in sensory perception during active sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qi
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Changquan Ye
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shovan Naskar
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ana R. Inácio
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Unit on Functional Neural Circuits, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Long-range GABAergic projections contribute to cortical feedback control of sensory processing. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6879. [PMID: 36371430 PMCID: PMC9653434 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34513-0] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the olfactory system, the olfactory cortex sends glutamatergic projections back to the first stage of olfactory processing, the olfactory bulb (OB). Such corticofugal excitatory circuits - a canonical circuit motif described in all sensory systems- dynamically adjust early sensory processing. Here, we uncover a corticofugal inhibitory feedback to OB, originating from a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the anterior olfactory cortex and innervating both local and output OB neurons. In vivo imaging and network modeling showed that optogenetic activation of cortical GABAergic projections drives a net subtractive inhibition of both spontaneous and odor-evoked activity in local as well as output neurons. In output neurons, stimulation of cortical GABAergic feedback enhances separation of population odor responses in tufted cells, but not mitral cells. Targeted pharmacogenetic silencing of cortical GABAergic axon terminals impaired discrimination of similar odor mixtures. Thus, corticofugal GABAergic projections represent an additional circuit motif in cortical feedback control of sensory processing.
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15
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Borden PY, Wright NC, Morrissette AE, Jaeger D, Haider B, Stanley GB. Thalamic bursting and the role of timing and synchrony in thalamocortical signaling in the awake mouse. Neuron 2022; 110:2836-2853.e8. [PMID: 35803270 PMCID: PMC9464711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The thalamus controls transmission of sensory signals from periphery to cortex, ultimately shaping perception. Despite this significant role, dynamic thalamic gating and the consequences for downstream cortical sensory representations have not been well studied in the awake brain. We optogenetically modulated the ventro-posterior-medial thalamus in the vibrissa pathway of the awake mouse and measured spiking activity in the thalamus and activity in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) using extracellular electrophysiology and genetically encoded voltage imaging. Thalamic hyperpolarization significantly enhanced thalamic sensory-evoked bursting; however, surprisingly, the S1 cortical response was not amplified, but instead, timing precision was significantly increased, spatial activation more focused, and there was an increased synchronization of cortical inhibitory neurons. A thalamocortical network model implicates the modulation of precise timing of feedforward thalamic population spiking, presenting a highly sensitive, timing-based gating of sensory signaling to the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Borden
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Nathaniel C Wright
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | | | - Dieter Jaeger
- Emory University, Department of Biology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bilal Haider
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Garrett B Stanley
- Wallace H Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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16
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Dash S, Autio DM, Crandall SR. State-Dependent Modulation of Activity in Distinct Layer 6 Corticothalamic Neurons in Barrel Cortex of Awake Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6551-6565. [PMID: 35863890 PMCID: PMC9410757 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2219-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) neurons are in a strategic position to control sensory input to the neocortex, yet we understand very little about their functions. Apart from studying their anatomic, physiological, and synaptic properties, most recent efforts have focused on the activity-dependent influences CT cells can exert on thalamic and cortical neurons through causal optogenetic manipulations. However, few studies have attempted to study them during behavior. To address this gap, we performed juxtacellular recordings from optogenetically identified CT neurons in whisker-related primary somatosensory cortex (wS1) of awake, head-fixed mice (either sex) free to rest quietly or self-initiate bouts of whisking and locomotion. We found a rich diversity of response profiles exhibited by CT cells. Their spiking patterns were either modulated by whisking-related behavior (∼28%) or not (∼72%). Whisking-responsive neurons exhibited both increases (activated-type) and decreases in firing rates (suppressed-type) that aligned with whisking onset better than locomotion. We also encountered responsive neurons with preceding modulations in firing rate before whisking onset. Overall, whisking better explained these changes in rates than overall changes in arousal. Whisking-unresponsive CT cells were generally quiet, with many having low spontaneous firing rates (sparse-type) and others being completely silent (silent-type). Remarkably, the sparse firing CT population preferentially spiked at the state transition point when pupil diameter constricted, and the mouse entered quiet wakefulness. Thus, our results demonstrate that L6 CT cells in wS1 show diverse spiking patterns, perhaps subserving distinct functional roles related to precisely timed responses during complex behaviors and transitions between discrete waking states.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Layer 6 corticothalamic neurons provide a massive input to the sensory thalamus and local connectivity within cortex, but their role in thalamocortical processing remains unclear because of difficulty accessing and isolating their activity. Although several recent optogenetic studies reveal that the net influence of corticothalamic actions, suppression versus enhancement, depends critically on the rate these neurons fire, the factors that influence their spiking are poorly understood, particularly during wakefulness. Using the well-established Ntsr1-Cre line to target this elusive population in the whisker somatosensory cortex of awake mice, we found that corticothalamic neurons show diverse state-related responses and modulations in firing rate. These results suggest separate corticothalamic populations can differentially influence thalamocortical excitability during rapid state transitions in awake, behaving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryadeep Dash
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Dawn M Autio
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Shane R Crandall
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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17
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Zhu L, Bai S, Li R, Sun H, Qi R, Cai R, Li M, Jia G, Cao X, Schriver KE, Li X, Gao L. Selective corticofugal modulation on sound processing in auditory thalamus of awake marmosets. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:3372-3386. [PMID: 35851798 PMCID: PMC10068278 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cortical feedback has long been considered crucial for the modulation of sensory perception and recognition. However, previous studies have shown varying modulatory effects of the primary auditory cortex (A1) on the auditory response of subcortical neurons, which complicate interpretations regarding the function of A1 in sound perception and recognition. This has been further complicated by studies conducted under different brain states. In the current study, we used cryo-inactivation in A1 to examine the role of corticothalamic feedback on medial geniculate body (MGB) neurons in awake marmosets. The primary effects of A1 inactivation were a frequency-specific decrease in the auditory response of most MGB neurons coupled with an increased spontaneous firing rate, which together resulted in a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we report for the first time that A1 robustly modulated the long-lasting sustained response of MGB neurons, which changed the frequency tuning after A1 inactivation, e.g. some neurons are sharper with corticofugal feedback and some get broader. Taken together, our results demonstrate that corticothalamic modulation in awake marmosets serves to enhance sensory processing in a manner similar to center-surround models proposed in visual and somatosensory systems, a finding which supports common principles of corticothalamic processing across sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Yuanqing Zhang
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Siyi Bai
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Runze Qi
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Ruolan Cai
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Min Li
- Division of Psychology , State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Guoqiang Jia
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Xinyuan Cao
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
| | - Kenneth E Schriver
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine , Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
| | - Xinjian Li
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
- Department of Neurobiology , NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital , College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 268 Kaixuan Road, Science Building, Room 206, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310020 , China
- Department of Neurobiology , NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310020 , China
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18
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Onodera K, Kato HK. Translaminar recurrence from layer 5 suppresses superficial cortical layers. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2585. [PMID: 35546553 PMCID: PMC9095870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Information flow in the sensory cortex has been described as a predominantly feedforward sequence with deep layers as the output structure. Although recurrent excitatory projections from layer 5 (L5) to superficial L2/3 have been identified by anatomical and physiological studies, their functional impact on sensory processing remains unclear. Here, we use layer-selective optogenetic manipulations in the primary auditory cortex to demonstrate that feedback inputs from L5 suppress the activity of superficial layers regardless of the arousal level, contrary to the prediction from their excitatory connectivity. This suppressive effect is predominantly mediated by translaminar circuitry through intratelencephalic neurons, with an additional contribution of subcortical projections by pyramidal tract neurons. Furthermore, L5 activation sharpened tone-evoked responses of superficial layers in both frequency and time domains, indicating its impact on cortical spectro-temporal integration. Together, our findings establish a translaminar inhibitory recurrence from deep layers that sharpens feature selectivity in superficial cortical layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koun Onodera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- JSPS Overseas Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki K Kato
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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19
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Leow YN, Zhou B, Sullivan HA, Barlowe AR, Wickersham IR, Sur M. Brain-wide mapping of inputs to the mouse lateral posterior (LP/Pulvinar) thalamus-anterior cingulate cortex network. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:1992-2013. [PMID: 35383929 PMCID: PMC9167239 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The rodent homolog of the primate pulvinar, the lateral posterior (LP) thalamus, is extensively interconnected with multiple cortical areas. While these cortical interactions can span the entire LP, subdivisions of the LP are characterized by differential connections with specific cortical regions. In particular, the medial LP has reciprocal connections with frontoparietal cortical areas, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ACC plays an integral role in top‐down sensory processing and attentional regulation, likely exerting some of these functions via the LP. However, little is known about how ACC and LP interact, and about the information potentially integrated in this reciprocal network. Here, we address this gap by employing a projection‐specific monosynaptic rabies tracing strategy to delineate brain‐wide inputs to bottom‐up LP→ACC and top‐down ACC→LP neurons. We find that LP→ACC neurons receive inputs from widespread cortical regions, including primary and higher order sensory and motor cortical areas. LP→ACC neurons also receive extensive subcortical inputs, particularly from the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus (SC). Sensory inputs to ACC→LP neurons largely arise from visual cortical areas. In addition, ACC→LP neurons integrate cross‐hemispheric prefrontal cortex inputs as well as inputs from higher order medial cortex. Our brain‐wide anatomical mapping of inputs to the reciprocal LP‐ACC pathways provides a roadmap for understanding how LP and ACC communicate different sources of information to mediate attentional control and visuomotor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ning Leow
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Blake Zhou
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heather A Sullivan
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandria R Barlowe
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ian R Wickersham
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Lang Y, Tang R, Liu Y, Xi P, Liu H, Quan Z, Song D, Lv X, Huang Q, He J. Multisite Simultaneous Neural Recording of Motor Pathway in Free-Moving Rats. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11120503. [PMID: 34940260 PMCID: PMC8699182 DOI: 10.3390/bios11120503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Neural interfaces typically focus on one or two sites in the motoneuron system simultaneously due to the limitation of the recording technique, which restricts the scope of observation and discovery of this system. Herein, we built a system with various electrodes capable of recording a large spectrum of electrophysiological signals from the cortex, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles of freely moving animals. The system integrates adjustable microarrays, floating microarrays, and microwires to a commercial connector and cuff electrode on a wireless transmitter. To illustrate the versatility of the system, we investigated its performance for the behavior of rodents during tethered treadmill walking, untethered wheel running, and open field exploration. The results indicate that the system is stable and applicable for multiple behavior conditions and can provide data to support previously inaccessible research of neural injury, rehabilitation, brain-inspired computing, and fundamental neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Lang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Rongyu Tang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Yafei Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Pengcheng Xi
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (P.X.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Z.Q.); (D.S.)
| | - Xiaodong Lv
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Qiang Huang
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
| | - Jiping He
- Beijing Innovation Centre for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.L.); (R.T.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Kirchgessner MA, Franklin AD, Callaway EM. Distinct "driving" versus "modulatory" influences of different visual corticothalamic pathways. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5121-5137.e7. [PMID: 34614389 PMCID: PMC8665059 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Higher-order (HO) thalamic nuclei interact extensively and reciprocally with the cerebral cortex. These corticothalamic (CT) interactions are thought to be important for sensation and perception, attention, and many other important brain functions. CT projections to HO thalamic nuclei, such as the visual pulvinar, originate from two different excitatory populations in cortical layers 5 and 6, whereas first-order nuclei (such as the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus; dLGN) only receive layer 6 CT input. It has been proposed that these layer 5 and layer 6 CT pathways have different functional influences on the HO thalamus, but this has never been directly tested. By optogenetically inactivating different CT populations in the primary visual cortex (V1) and recording single-unit activity from V1, dLGN, and pulvinar of awake mice, we demonstrate that layer 5, but not layer 6, CT projections drive visual responses in the pulvinar, even while both pathways provide retinotopic, baseline excitation to their thalamic targets. Inactivating the superior colliculus also suppressed visual responses in the same subregion of the pulvinar, demonstrating that cortical layer 5 and subcortical inputs both contribute to HO visual thalamic activity-even at the level of putative single neurons. Altogether, these results indicate a functional division of "driver" and "modulator" CT pathways from V1 to the visual thalamus in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Kirchgessner
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexis D Franklin
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Edward M Callaway
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratories, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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22
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Corticothalamic feedback sculpts visual spatial integration in mouse thalamus. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1711-1720. [PMID: 34764474 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00943-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
En route from the retina to the cortex, visual information passes through the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus, where extensive corticothalamic (CT) feedback has been suggested to modulate spatial processing. How this modulation arises from direct excitatory and indirect inhibitory CT feedback pathways remains enigmatic. Here, we show that in awake mice, retinotopically organized cortical feedback sharpens receptive fields (RFs) and increases surround suppression in the dLGN. Guided by a network model indicating that widespread inhibitory CT feedback is necessary to reproduce these effects, we targeted the visual sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus (visTRN) for recordings. We found that visTRN neurons have large RFs, show little surround suppression and exhibit strong feedback-dependent responses to large stimuli. These features make them an ideal candidate for mediating feedback-enhanced surround suppression in the dLGN. We conclude that cortical feedback sculpts spatial integration in the dLGN, likely via recruitment of neurons in the visTRN.
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23
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Mease RA, Gonzalez AJ. Corticothalamic Pathways From Layer 5: Emerging Roles in Computation and Pathology. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:730211. [PMID: 34566583 PMCID: PMC8458899 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.730211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Large portions of the thalamus receive strong driving input from cortical layer 5 (L5) neurons but the role of this important pathway in cortical and thalamic computations is not well understood. L5-recipient "higher-order" thalamic regions participate in cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuits that are increasingly recognized to be (1) anatomically and functionally distinct from better-studied "first-order" CTC networks, and (2) integral to cortical activity related to learning and perception. Additionally, studies are beginning to elucidate the clinical relevance of these networks, as dysfunction across these pathways have been implicated in several pathological states. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding L5 CTC networks across sensory modalities and brain regions, particularly studies leveraging cell-type-specific tools that allow precise experimental access to L5 CTC circuits. We aim to provide a focused and accessible summary of the anatomical, physiological, and computational properties of L5-originating CTC networks, and outline their underappreciated contribution in pathology. We particularly seek to connect single-neuron and synaptic properties to network (dys)function and emerging theories of cortical computation, and highlight information processing in L5 CTC networks as a promising focus for computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Mease
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Saldeitis K, Jeschke M, Budinger E, Ohl FW, Happel MFK. Laser-Induced Apoptosis of Corticothalamic Neurons in Layer VI of Auditory Cortex Impact on Cortical Frequency Processing. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:659280. [PMID: 34322001 PMCID: PMC8311662 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.659280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticofugal projections outnumber subcortical input projections by far. However, the specific role for signal processing of corticofugal feedback is still less well understood in comparisonto the feedforward projection. Here, we lesioned corticothalamic (CT) neurons in layers V and/or VI of the auditory cortex of Mongolian gerbils by laser-induced photolysis to investigate their contribution to cortical activation patterns. We have used laminar current-source density (CSD) recordings of tone-evoked responses and could show that, particularly, lesion of CT neurons in layer VI affected cortical frequency processing. Specifically, we found a decreased gain of best-frequency input in thalamocortical (TC)-recipient input layers that correlated with the relative lesion of layer VI neurons, but not layer V neurons. Using cortical silencing with the GABA a -agonist muscimol and layer-specific intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), we found that direct activation of infragranular layers recruited a local recurrent cortico-thalamo-cortical loop of synaptic input. This recurrent feedback was also only interrupted when lesioning layer VI neurons, but not cells in layer V. Our study thereby shows distinct roles of these two types of CT neurons suggesting a particular impact of CT feedback from layer VI to affect the local feedforward frequency processing in auditory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Saldeitis
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Group, Cognitive Hearing in Primates Lab, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Jeschke
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Group, Cognitive Hearing in Primates Lab, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eike Budinger
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank W Ohl
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Biology (IBIO), University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Max F K Happel
- Department of Systems Physiology of Learning, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.,Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Neff R, Kambara K, Bertrand D. Ligand gated receptor interactions: A key to the power of neuronal networks. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114653. [PMID: 34129858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114653] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the chemical synapse was a seminal finding in Neurobiology but the large body of microscopic interactions involved in synaptic transmission could hardly have been foreseen at the time of these first discoveries. Characterization of the molecular players at work at synapses and the increased granularity at which we can now analyze electrical and chemical signal processing that occur in even the simplest neuronal system are shining a new light on receptor interactions. The aim of this review is to discuss the complexity of some representative interactions between excitatory and inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels and/or G protein coupled receptors, as well as other key machinery that can impact neurotransmission and to explain how such mechanisms can be an important determinant of nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Neff
- Janssen R&D, LLC, 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - K Kambara
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D Bertrand
- HiQScreen Sàrl, 6 rte de Compois, 1222 Vésenaz, Geneva, Switzerland.
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26
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Rockland KS. A Closer Look at Corticothalamic "Loops". Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:632668. [PMID: 33603649 PMCID: PMC7884447 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.632668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen S Rockland
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Clayton KK, Williamson RS, Hancock KE, Tasaka GI, Mizrahi A, Hackett T, Polley DB. Auditory Corticothalamic Neurons Are Recruited by Motor Preparatory Inputs. Curr Biol 2021; 31:310-321.e5. [PMID: 33157020 PMCID: PMC7855066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Corticothalamic (CT) neurons comprise the largest component of the descending sensory corticofugal pathway, but their contributions to brain function and behavior remain an unsolved mystery. To address the hypothesis that layer 6 (L6) CTs may be activated by extra-sensory inputs prior to anticipated sounds, we performed optogenetically targeted single-unit recordings and two-photon imaging of Ntsr1-Cre+ L6 CT neurons in the primary auditory cortex (A1) while mice were engaged in an active listening task. We found that L6 CTs and other L6 units began spiking hundreds of milliseconds prior to orofacial movements linked to sound presentation and reward, but not to other movements such as locomotion, which were not linked to an explicit behavioral task. Rabies tracing of monosynaptic inputs to A1 L6 CT neurons revealed a narrow strip of cholinergic and non-cholinergic projection neurons in the external globus pallidus, suggesting a potential source of motor-related input. These findings identify new pathways and local circuits for motor modulation of sound processing and suggest a new role for CT neurons in active sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameron K. Clayton
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
| | - Ross S. Williamson
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
| | - Kenneth E. Hancock
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
| | - Gen-ichi Tasaka
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Dept. Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem ISR
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, Dept. Neurobiology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem ISR
| | - Troy Hackett
- Dept. Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN, 37203 USA
| | - Daniel B Polley
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA 02114 USA
- Dept. Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02114 US
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Wolff M, Morceau S, Folkard R, Martin-Cortecero J, Groh A. A thalamic bridge from sensory perception to cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 120:222-235. [PMID: 33246018 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ability to adapt to dynamic environments requires tracking multiple signals with variable sensory salience and fluctuating behavioral relevance. This complex process requires integrative crosstalk between sensory and cognitive brain circuits. Functional interactions between cortical and thalamic regions are now considered essential for both sensory perception and cognition but a clear account of the functional link between sensory and cognitive circuits is currently lacking. This review aims to document how thalamic nuclei may effectively act as a bridge allowing to fuse perceptual and cognitive events into meaningful experiences. After highlighting key aspects of thalamocortical circuits such as the classic first-order/higher-order dichotomy, we consider the role of the thalamic reticular nucleus from directed attention to cognition. We next summarize research relying on Pavlovian learning paradigms, showing that both first-order and higher-order thalamic nuclei contribute to associative learning. Finally, we propose that modulator inputs reaching all thalamic nuclei may be critical for integrative purposes when environmental signals are computed. Altogether, the thalamus appears as the bridge linking perception, cognition and possibly affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wolff
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France.
| | - S Morceau
- CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France; University of Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - R Folkard
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - J Martin-Cortecero
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Groh
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Biophysics, Heidelberg University, INF 326, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Shine JM. The thalamus integrates the macrosystems of the brain to facilitate complex, adaptive brain network dynamics. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 199:101951. [PMID: 33189781 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The human brain is a complex, adaptive system comprised of billions of cells with trillions of connections. The interactions between the elements of the system oppose this seemingly limitless capacity by constraining the system's dynamic repertoire, enforcing distributed neural states that balance integration and differentiation. How this trade-off is mediated by the brain, and how the emergent, distributed neural patterns give rise to cognition and awareness, remains poorly understood. Here, I argue that the thalamus is well-placed to arbitrate the interactions between distributed neural assemblies in the cerebral cortex. Different classes of thalamocortical connections are hypothesized to promote either feed-forward or feedback processing modes in the cerebral cortex. This activity can be conceptualized as emerging dynamically from an evolving attractor landscape, with the relative engagement of distinct distributed circuits providing differing constraints over the manner in which brain state trajectories change over time. In addition, inputs to the distinct thalamic populations from the cerebellum and basal ganglia, respectively, are proposed to differentially shape the attractor landscape, and hence, the temporal evolution of cortical assemblies. The coordinated engagement of these neural macrosystems is then shown to share key characteristics with prominent models of cognition, attention and conscious awareness. In this way, the crucial role of the thalamus in mediating the distributed, multi-scale network organization of the central nervous system can be related to higher brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Shine
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
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30
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Parmhans N, Fuller AD, Nguyen E, Chuang K, Swygart D, Wienbar SR, Lin T, Kozmik Z, Dong L, Schwartz GW, Badea TC. Identification of retinal ganglion cell types and brain nuclei expressing the transcription factor Brn3c/Pou4f3 using a Cre recombinase knock-in allele. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:1926-1953. [PMID: 33135183 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Members of the POU4F/Brn3 transcription factor family have an established role in the development of retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) types, the main transducers of visual information from the mammalian eye to the brain. Our previous work using sparse random recombination of a conditional knock-in reporter allele expressing alkaline phosphatase (AP) and intersectional genetics had identified three types of Brn3c positive (Brn3c+ ) RGCs. Here, we describe a novel Brn3cCre mouse allele generated by serial Dre to Cre recombination and use it to explore the expression overlap of Brn3c with Brn3a and Brn3b and the dendritic arbor morphologies and visual stimulus response properties of Brn3c+ RGC types. Furthermore, we explore brain nuclei that express Brn3c or receive input from Brn3c+ neurons. Our analysis reveals a much larger number of Brn3c+ RGCs and more diverse set of RGC types than previously reported. Most RGCs expressing Brn3c during development are still Brn3c positive in the adult, and all express Brn3a while only about half express Brn3b. Genetic Brn3c-Brn3b intersection reveals an area of increased RGC density, extending from dorsotemporal to ventrolateral across the retina and overlapping with the mouse binocular field of view. In addition, we report a Brn3c+ RGC projection to the thalamic reticular nucleus, a visual nucleus that was not previously shown to receive retinal input. Furthermore, Brn3c+ neurons highlight a previously unknown subdivision of the deep mesencephalic nucleus. Thus, our newly generated allele provides novel biological insights into RGC type classification, brain connectivity, and cytoarchitectonic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Parmhans
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne Drury Fuller
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eileen Nguyen
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine Chuang
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Swygart
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sophia Rose Wienbar
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tyger Lin
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lijin Dong
- Genetic Engineering Facility, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory William Schwartz
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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31
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Buchan MJ. A subpopulation of L6b neurons provides driver-like input to the posteromedial thalamus. J Physiol 2020; 598:5313-5315. [PMID: 32857864 DOI: 10.1113/jp280472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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32
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Augustinaite S, Kuhn B. Complementary Ca 2+ Activity of Sensory Activated and Suppressed Layer 6 Corticothalamic Neurons Reflects Behavioral State. Curr Biol 2020; 30:3945-3960.e5. [PMID: 32822605 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Layer 6 (L6) corticothalamic neurons project to thalamus, where they are thought to regulate sensory information transmission to cortex. However, the activity of these neurons during different behavioral states has not been described. Here, we imaged calcium changes in visual cortex L6 primary corticothalamic neurons with two-photon microscopy in head-fixed mice in response to passive viewing during a range of behavioral states, from locomotion to sleep. In addition to a substantial fraction of quiet neurons, we found sensory-activated and suppressed neurons, comprising two functionally distinct L6 feedback channels. Quiet neurons could be dynamically recruited to one or another functional channel, and the opposite, functional neurons could become quiet under different stimulation conditions or behavior states. The state dependence of neuronal activity was heterogeneous with respect to locomotion or level of alertness, although the average activity was largest during highest vigilance within populations of functional neurons. Interestingly, complementary activity of these distinct populations kept the overall corticothalamic feedback relatively constant during any given behavioral state. Thereby, in addition to sensory and non-sensory information, a constant activity level characteristic of behavioral state is conveyed to thalamus, where it can regulate signal transmission from the periphery to cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigita Augustinaite
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Optical Neuroimaging Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan.
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