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Jiang Y, Qi Z, Zhu H, Shen K, Liu R, Fang C, Lou W, Jiang Y, Yuan W, Cao X, Chen L, Zhuang Q. Role of the globus pallidus in motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1628-1643. [PMID: 38845220 PMCID: PMC11688550 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The globus pallidus plays a pivotal role in the basal ganglia circuit. Parkinson's disease is characterized by degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, which leads to dopamine deficiency in the brain that subsequently manifests as various motor and non-motor symptoms. This review aims to summarize the involvement of the globus pallidus in both motor and non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease. The firing activities of parvalbumin neurons in the medial globus pallidus, including both the firing rate and pattern, exhibit strong correlations with the bradykinesia and rigidity associated with Parkinson's disease. Increased beta oscillations, which are highly correlated with bradykinesia and rigidity, are regulated by the lateral globus pallidus. Furthermore, bradykinesia and rigidity are strongly linked to the loss of dopaminergic projections within the cortical-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loop. Resting tremors are attributed to the transmission of pathological signals from the basal ganglia through the motor cortex to the cerebellum-ventral intermediate nucleus circuit. The cortico-striato-pallidal loop is responsible for mediating pallidi-associated sleep disorders. Medication and deep brain stimulation are the primary therapeutic strategies addressing the globus pallidus in Parkinson's disease. Medication is the primary treatment for motor symptoms in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, while deep brain stimulation has been clinically proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, particularly for the movement disorders caused by levodopa. Deep brain stimulation targeting the globus pallidus internus can improve motor function in patients with tremor-dominant and non-tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease, while deep brain stimulation targeting the globus pallidus externus can alter the temporal pattern of neural activity throughout the basal ganglia-thalamus network. Therefore, the composition of the globus pallidus neurons, the neurotransmitters that act on them, their electrical activity, and the neural circuits they form can guide the search for new multi-target drugs to treat Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. Examining the potential intra-nuclear and neural circuit mechanisms of deep brain stimulation associated with the globus pallidus can facilitate the management of both motor and non-motor symptoms while minimizing the side effects caused by deep brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimiao Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zengxin Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixian Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kangli Shen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chenxin Fang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiwei Lou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wangrui Yuan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianxing Zhuang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Xiao B, Li T, Cao X, Zhang Y, He J, Xiao M, Zhang Z. In Situ Electrically Resettable Field-Effect Transistor Biosensors for Continuous and Multiplexed Neurotransmitter Detection. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025:e04497. [PMID: 40433802 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202504497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2025] [Revised: 05/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Accurate, real-time detection of neurotransmitters is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of brain function and tracking the progression of neurological diseases. Biosensors usually face poor reusability induced by difficulties in probe-target separation, hindering their application for continuous monitoring. In this work, a semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) film field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor is developed using pH-sensitive aptamers as probes to capture targets. Through tuning the potential of on-chip palladium electrodes, the biosensor facilitates in situ pH modulation and recovery of the sensor interface, which enables an electrically resettable biosensor. The fabricated sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity (with femtomolar-level detection limits), high selectivity (specific responses are 20 times stronger than non-specific ones), and excellent reusability (over ten reuse cycles). Furthermore, in vitro detection demonstrates that the biosensor arrays, incorporating regional modifications and pH-sensitive probes, enable the simultaneous detection of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and glutamate in complex biological samples. The combination of microfluidic techniques further lowers non-specific adsorption and cross-reactivity, ensuring reliable, repeatable real-time detection. The resettable CNT FET biosensor array holds significant promise for advancing the monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics, serving as a powerful tool for the early diagnosis and management of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xiao
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Hunan, 411105, China
| | - Tingxian Li
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices and Center for Carbon-based Electronics, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xianmao Cao
- School of Integrated Circuits, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Integrated Circuits, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Jianping He
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Hunan, 411105, China
| | - Mengmeng Xiao
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Hunan, 411105, China
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices and Center for Carbon-based Electronics, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Hunan, 411105, China
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices and Center for Carbon-based Electronics, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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3
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Epiney DG, Chaya GM, Dillon NR, Lai SL, Doe CQ. Single nuclei RNA-sequencing of adult brain neurons derived from type 2 neuroblasts reveals transcriptional complexity in the insect central complex. eLife 2025; 14:RP105896. [PMID: 40371710 PMCID: PMC12081001 DOI: 10.7554/elife.105896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
In both Drosophila and mammals, the brain contains the most diverse population of cell types of any tissue. It is generally accepted that transcriptional diversity is an early step in generating neuronal and glial diversity, followed by the establishment of a unique gene expression profile that determines morphology, connectivity, and function. In Drosophila, there are two types of neural stem cells, called Type 1 (T1) and Type 2 (T2) neuroblasts. The diversity of T2-derived neurons contributes a large portion of the central complex (CX), a conserved brain region that plays a role in sensorimotor integration. Recent work has revealed much of the connectome of the CX, but how this connectome is assembled remains unclear. Mapping the transcriptional diversity of T2-derived neurons is a necessary step in linking transcriptional profile to the assembly of the adult brain. Here we perform single nuclei RNA sequencing of T2 neuroblast-derived adult neurons and glia. We identify clusters containing all known classes of glia, clusters that are male/female enriched, and 161 neuron-specific clusters. We map neurotransmitter and neuropeptide expression and identify unique transcription factor combinatorial codes for each cluster. This is a necessary step that directs functional studies to determine whether each transcription factor combinatorial code specifies a distinct neuron type within the CX. We map several columnar neuron subtypes to distinct clusters and identify two neuronal classes (NPF+ and AstA+) that both map to two closely related clusters. Our data support the hypothesis that each transcriptional cluster represents one or a few closely related neuron subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek G Epiney
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Gonzalo Morales Chaya
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Noah R Dillon
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Sen-Lin Lai
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
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Morello T, Kollmar R, Stewart M, Orman R. Latexin and calretinin together define a novel excitatory neuron subclass in the claustrum of the short-tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2025. [PMID: 40289365 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15346] [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: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
The claustrum is a telencephalic structure with inputs from and outputs to many other brain structures. This central arrangement has motivated research on the claustrum's role in cognition and highlights the need to understand its intrinsic connectivity. In the fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, the large size of the claustrum offers access to its intrinsic structure. Previously, we defined the structure of the C. perspicillata claustrum with antibodies against latexin as an excitatory cell marker and against calcium-binding proteins as inhibitory cell markers. Using this immunohistochemical method, we have now identified an unexpected cell type with concurrent latexin and calretinin immunoreactivity. The calretinin+ neurons of the claustrum, including those that coexpress GAD67 (another inhibitory cell marker) and those that coexpress latexin, are located in the claustral shell subregion. Neuronal latexin+/calretinin+ somata are smaller than either latexin-/calretinin+ or latexin+/calretinin- somata. Since latexin labels glutamatergic neurons in multiple brain areas and has never been found to colocalize with GAD, we conclude that the latexin+/calretinin+ neurons in the claustral shell are excitatory. They represent one of three excitatory cell types that are identifiable in the claustral shell and demonstrate that calretinin can label both inhibitory and excitatory cells in the C. perspicillata claustrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Morello
- Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Kollmar
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mark Stewart
- Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Rena Orman
- Departments of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Chen M, Hu H. A novel brainstem nucleus orchestrating reward and aversion. Trends Neurosci 2025; 48:243-244. [PMID: 40044537 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2025.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 02/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025]
Abstract
Reward processing is a critical brain function. Zichó and colleagues recently identified a previously unrecognized brainstem nucleus, the subventricular tegmental nucleus (SVTg), as a novel reward center that modulates dopamine release and regulates reward processing by balancing the lateral habenula (LHb)-ventral tegmental area (VTA) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Hailan Hu
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Jia Y, Yang CC, Lauterborn JC, Gall CM, Wood MA, Lynch G. Cocaine Blocks Cholinergic Activity in the Medial Habenula Prior to But Not After Induced Preference for the Drug. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.03.20.644247. [PMID: 40196688 PMCID: PMC11974711 DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.20.644247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
Descending projections from the medial habenula potently influence brainstem systems associated with reward and mood. Relatedly, the ventral, cholinergic segment of the nucleus has been linked to nicotine and cocaine addiction. Here we report that cocaine has no effect on baseline firing in the ventral medial habenula but entirely blocks the self-sustained activity initiated by endogenous acetylcholine. This effect was not altered by antagonists to dopamine receptors and thus presumably reflects a direct action on cholinergic receptors. Remarkably, cocaine had no effect on endogenous cholinergic activity in mice that had been extinguished from an induced cocaine preference. In all, the drug has potent effects, albeit through an exotic mode of action, on the medial habenula and these are eliminated by prior experience with the drug. These results describe a novel target for cocaine that is plausibly related to the psychological effects of the drug, and an unexpected consequence of earlier use.
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Zhao WJ, Feng HJ, Wang S, Liu CH, Lv PY, Zhu H, Zhang PX, Hu XY, Li JN, Dong YL. Involvement of a central amygdaloid nucleus-lateral habenular nucleus pathway in the processing of formalin-induced pain. Neuroscience 2025; 569:103-113. [PMID: 39884420 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
The central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) and the lateral habenular nucleus (LHb) are essential nuclei playing modulatory roles in encoding noxious stimuli. Their interaction has recently been demonstrated in chronic pain-induced depression. However, little is known about the CeA-LHb pathway in a formalin-induced pain model. In the present study, we aimed to clarify whether the CeA-LHb pathway modulates the formalin-induced pain model using a neuroanatomical tracing method combined with a designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drugs strategy (DREADD). The results revealed that the CeA predominantly sends projections to vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (VGluT2)-expressing neurons of the LHb, and inhibition of LHb function exhibits an analgesic effect in the formalin-induced pain model. Furthermore, activating the CeA-LHb pathway significantly attenuates pain sensation only in phase 2 of formalin-induced pain in mice. The present results indicate the participation of the LHb in inflammatory pain sensation and reveal a CeA-LHbVGluT2 pathway that displays analgesic effects in a formalin pain model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Innovation Researh Institute, Xijing Hopsital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hui-Jie Feng
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Anatomy, Medical College, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chu-Han Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Lv
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; The Fourth Cadets Brigade of Basic Medical University, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Innovation Researh Institute, Xijing Hopsital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Peng-Xin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; The Fourth Cadets Brigade of Basic Medical University, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xue-Yu Hu
- Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia-Ni Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Beijing Institute of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100080, China.
| | - Yu-Lin Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Innovation Researh Institute, Xijing Hopsital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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Epiney D, Morales Chaya GN, Dillon NR, Lai SL, Doe CQ. Transcriptional complexity in the insect central complex: single nuclei RNA-sequencing of adult brain neurons derived from type 2 neuroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2023.12.10.571022. [PMID: 40093129 PMCID: PMC11908175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.10.571022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
In both invertebrates such as Drosophila and vertebrates such as mouse or human, the brain contains the most diverse population of cell types of any tissue. It is generally accepted that transcriptional diversity is an early step in generating neuronal and glial diversity, followed by the establishment of a unique gene expression profile that determines morphology, connectivity, and function. In Drosophila, there are two types of neural stem cells, called Type 1 (T1) and Type 2 (T2) neuroblasts. In contrast to T1 neuroblasts, T2 neuroblasts generate intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) that expand the number and diversity of cell types. The diversity of T2-derived neurons contributes a large portion of the central complex (CX), a conserved brain region that plays a role in sensorimotor integration. Recent work has revealed much of the connectome of the CX, but how this connectome is assembled remains unclear. Mapping the transcriptional diversity of neurons derived from T2 neuroblasts is a necessary step in linking transcriptional profile to the assembly of the adult brain. Here we perform single nuclei RNA sequencing of T2 neuroblast-derived adult neurons and glia. We identify clusters containing all known classes of glia, clusters that are male/female enriched, and 161 neuron-specific clusters. We map neurotransmitter and neuropeptide expression and identify unique transcription factor combinatorial codes for each cluster (presumptive neuron subtype). This is a necessary step that directs functional studies to determine whether each transcription factor combinatorial code specifies a distinct neuron type within the CX. We map several columnar neuron subtypes to distinct clusters and identify two neuronal classes (NPF+ and AstA+) that both map to two closely related clusters. Our data support the hypothesis that each transcriptional cluster represents one or a few closely related neuron subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sen-Lin Lai
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
| | - Chris Q. Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
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9
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Park H, Ryu H, Zhang S, Kim S, Chung C. Mitogen-activated protein kinase dependent presynaptic potentiation in the lateral habenula mediates depressive-like behaviors in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2025; 50:540-547. [PMID: 39528624 PMCID: PMC11735983 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-02025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the enhanced activity of lateral habenula (LHb) is involved in depressive disorders. This abnormal potentiation of LHb neurons was shown to originate from presynaptic alterations; however, the mechanisms underlying this presynaptic enhancement and physiological consequences are yet to be elucidated. Previously, we reported that presynaptic transmission in the LHb is temporally rhythmic, showing greater activity in the afternoon than in the morning. Here, we used a learned helpless rodent model of depression to show that exposure to a stressor or incubation with the stress hormone, corticosterone, abolished the presynaptic temporal variation in the LHb. In addition, selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MAPKK, MEK) activity in the LHb restored the presynaptic alteration even after stress exposure. Moreover, we observed a slight increase in phosphorylated synapsin I after stress exposure. Finally, we found that a blockade of MAPK signaling before stress exposure successfully prevented the depression-like behaviors, including behavioral despair and helplessness, in an acute learned helpless animal model of depression. Our study delineates the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the abnormal presynaptic enhancement of the LHb in depression, which may mediate depressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyong Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hakyun Ryu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seungjae Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sungmin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - ChiHye Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
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10
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Yang R, Chen J, Yue S, Yu Y, Fan J, Luo Y, He H, Duan M, Jiang S, Yao D, Luo C. Disturbed hierarchy and mediation in reward-related circuits in depression. Neuroimage Clin 2025; 45:103739. [PMID: 39864168 PMCID: PMC11803893 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2025.103739] [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: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/12/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTIVE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proved the viability of alleviating depression symptoms by stimulating deep reward-related nuclei. This study aims to investigate the abnormal connectivity profiles among superficial, intermediate, and deep brain regions within the reward circuit in major depressive disorder (MDD) and therefore provides references for identifying potential superficial cortical targets for non-invasive neuromodulation. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from a cohort of depression patients (N = 52) and demographically matched healthy controls (N = 60). Utilizing existing DBS targets as seeds, we conducted step-wise functional connectivity (sFC) analyses to delineate hierarchical pathways linking to cerebral cortices. Subsequently, the mediation effects of cortical regions on the interaction within reward-related circuits were further explored by constructing mediation models. RESULTS In both cohorts, sFC analysis revealed two reward-related pathways from the deepest DBS targets to intermediate regions including the thalamus, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), then to the superficial cortical cortex including medial frontal cortex, posterior default mode network (pDMN), and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Patients exhibited reduced sFC in bilateral thalamus and medial frontal cortex in short and long steps respectively compared to healthy controls. We also discovered the disappearance of the mediation effects of superficial cortical regions on the interaction between DBS targets and intermediate regions in reward-related pathways in patients with MDD. CONCLUSION Our findings support abnormal hierarchical connectivity and mediation effects in reward-related brain regions at different depth levels in MDD, which might elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and inspire novel targets for non-invasive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruikun Yang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Junxia Chen
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Suping Yue
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Yue Yu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Jiamin Fan
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Yuling Luo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Hui He
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Mingjun Duan
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Sisi Jiang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Center for Information in Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China
| | - Dezhong Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Center for Information in Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China; Research Unit of NeuroInformation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu PR China
| | - Cheng Luo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation School of Life Science and Technology University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China; High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Center for Information in Medicine University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu PR China; Research Unit of NeuroInformation Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Chengdu PR China.
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11
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Locantore J, Liu Y, White J, Wallace JB, Beron C, Kraft E, Sabatini B, Wallace M. Mixed representations of choice direction and outcome by GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons in the entopeduncular nucleus. eLife 2025; 13:RP100488. [PMID: 39835778 PMCID: PMC11750137 DOI: 10.7554/elife.100488] [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: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
The basal ganglia (BG) are an evolutionarily conserved and phylogenetically old set of sub-cortical nuclei that guide action selection, evaluation, and reinforcement. The entopeduncular nucleus (EP) is a major BG output nucleus that contains a population of GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons (EPSst+) that specifically target the lateral habenula (LHb) and whose function in behavior remains mysterious. Here, we use a probabilistic switching task that requires an animal to maintain flexible relationships between action selection and evaluation to examine when and how GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons contribute to behavior. We find that EPSst+ neurons are strongly engaged during this task and show bidirectional changes in activity during the choice and outcome periods of a trial. We then tested the effects of either permanently blocking cotransmission or modifying the GABA/glutamate ratio on behavior in well-trained animals. Neither manipulation produced detectable changes in behavior despite significant changes in synaptic transmission in the LHb, demonstrating that the outputs of these neurons are not required for ongoing action-outcome updating in a probabilistic switching task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianna Locantore
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States
| | - Jesse White
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States
| | - Janet Berrios Wallace
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Celia Beron
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Emily Kraft
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States
| | - Bernardo Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Michael Wallace
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonUnited States
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12
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Benedict J, Cudmore RH, Oden D, Spruell A, Linden DJ. The Lateral Habenula Is Necessary for Maternal Behavior in the Naturally Parturient Primiparous Mouse Dam. eNeuro 2025; 12:ENEURO.0092-24.2024. [PMID: 39689968 PMCID: PMC11734883 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0092-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 11/23/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian parenting is an unusually demanding commitment. How has the reward system been co-opted to ensure parental care? Previous work has implicated the lateral habenula (LHb), an epithalamic nucleus, as a potential intersection of parenting behavior and reward. Here, we examine the role of the LHb in the maternal behavior of naturally parturient primiparous mouse dams. We show that kainic acid lesions of the LHb induced a severe maternal neglect phenotype in dams toward their biological pups. Next, we demonstrate that chronic chemogenetic inactivation of the LHb using inhibitory DREADDs impaired acquisition and performance of various maternal behaviors, such as pup retrieval and nesting. We present a random intercept model suggesting LHb inactivation prevents the acquisition of pup retrieval, a novel maternal behavior in primiparous mouse dams, and decreases nest building performance, an already-established behavior, in primiparous mouse dams. Lastly, we examine the spatial histology of kainic acid-treated dams with a random intercept model, which suggests the role of LHb in maternal behavior may be preferentially localized at the posterior aspect of this structure. Together, these findings serve to establish the LHb as required for maternal behavior in the mouse dam, thereby complementing previous findings implicating the LHb in parental behavior using pup-sensitized virgin female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Benedict
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert H Cudmore
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California-Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Diarra Oden
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aleah Spruell
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David J Linden
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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13
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Hirai H, Konno K, Yamasaki M, Watanabe M, Sakaba T, Hashimotodani Y. Distinct release properties of glutamate/GABA co-transmission serve as a frequency-dependent filtering of supramammillary inputs. eLife 2024; 13:RP99711. [PMID: 39680436 DOI: 10.7554/elife.99711] [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: 12/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate and GABA co-transmitting neurons exist in several brain regions; however, the mechanism by which these two neurotransmitters are co-released from the same synaptic terminals remains unclear. Here, we show that the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) to dentate granule cell synapses, which co-release glutamate and GABA, exhibit differences between glutamate and GABA release properties in paired-pulse ratio, Ca2+-sensitivity, presynaptic receptor modulation, and Ca2+ channel-vesicle coupling configuration. Moreover, uniquantal synaptic responses show independent glutamatergic and GABAergic responses. Morphological analysis reveals that most SuM terminals form distinct glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in proximity, each characterized by GluN1 and GABAAα1 labeling, respectively. Notably, glutamate/GABA co-transmission exhibits distinct short-term plasticities, with frequency-dependent depression of glutamate and frequency-independent stable depression of GABA. Our findings suggest that glutamate and GABA are co-released from different synaptic vesicles within the SuM terminals, and reveal that distinct transmission modes of glutamate/GABA co-release serve as frequency-dependent filters of SuM inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himawari Hirai
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kohtarou Konno
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miwako Yamasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakaba
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
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14
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Kim W, Chung C. Effect of dynamic interaction of estrous cycle and stress on synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the lateral habenula. FASEB J 2024; 38:e70275. [PMID: 39734271 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202402296rr] [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: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/31/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of depressive disorders in women has been reported in many countries. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating such sex differences in stress susceptibility remain largely unknown. Previously, we showed that lateral habenula (LHb) neurons are more activated in female mice than in male mice by restraint stress. Given the important role of LHb in depressive disorders, we aimed to investigate the synaptic differences between male and female LHb and to examine the possible impact of the estrous cycle on neurotransmission in LHb. We found that the passive and active properties of LHb neurons differed according to the estrous cycle. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents exhibited higher amplitudes during the diestrus stage and lower frequencies in females than in males, whereas inhibitory postsynaptic currents showed no significant differences. Acute stress-induced hyperpolarization of resting membrane potentials (RMP) was observed in both sexes, with notable changes in female silent and tonic neurons. Stress exposure eliminated estrous cycle-dependent RMP differences and introduced cycle-specific excitability changes, especially in the metestrus and diestrus stages, suggesting that the hormonal cycle may set the synaptic tone of the LHb, thus modulating stress responses in females. Our study provides invaluable groundwork for understanding the detailed interaction between the estrous cycle and stress exposure in female LHb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woonhee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - ChiHye Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
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15
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Du C, Wang J, Tan H, Han N, Li X, Sun B, Zhang G, Chang M. Dopamine D 4 receptors in the lateral habenula regulate anxiety-related behaviors in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res Bull 2024; 219:111122. [PMID: 39521183 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Although the output of the lateral habenula (LHb) controls the activity of midbrain dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) containing systems, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety, it is not clear how activation and blockade of LHb D4 receptors affects anxiety-like behaviors, particularly in Parkinson's disease related anxiety. In this study, unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) in rats induced anxiety-like behaviors, which attribute to hyperactivity of LHb neurons and decrease in the level of DA in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and ventral hippocampus (vHip) compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-LHb injection of D4 receptor agonist A412997 induced or increased the expression of anxiety-like behaviors, while injection of D4 receptor antagonist L741742 showed anxiolytic effects in sham-operated and the SNc-lesioned rats. However, the doses producing behavioral effects in the lesioned rats were higher than those of sham-operated rats. Intra-LHb injection of A412997 increased firing rate of LHb neurons, and decreased levels of DA and 5-HT in the mPFC, amygdala and vHip; conversely, L741742 decreased firing rate of LHb neurons, and increased levels of DA and 5-HT in two groups of rats. Compared to sham-operated rats, the duration of A412997 and L741742 action on the firing rate of neurons was markedly shortened in the lesioned rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that D4 receptors in the LHb are involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors, and degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway down-regulates function and/or expression of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxue Du
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiachen Wang
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Huihui Tan
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Nannan Han
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Baihua Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Gejuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China.
| | - Mingze Chang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, China.
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16
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Ceballos CC, Ma L, Qin M, Zhong H. Widespread co-release of glutamate and GABA throughout the mouse brain. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1502. [PMID: 39537846 PMCID: PMC11560972 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07198-y] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Several brain neuronal populations transmit both the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, glutamate, and GABA. However, it remains largely unknown whether these opposing neurotransmitters are co-released simultaneously or are independently transmitted at different times and locations. By recording from acute mouse brain slices, we observed biphasic miniature postsynaptic currents, i.e., minis with time-locked excitatory and inhibitory currents, in striatal spiny projection neurons. This observation cannot be explained by accidental coincidence of monophasic excitatory and inhibitory minis. Interestingly, these biphasic minis could either be an excitatory current leading an inhibitory current or vice versa. Deletion of dopaminergic neurons did not eliminate biphasic minis, indicating that they originate from another source. Importantly, we found that both types of biphasic minis were present in multiple striatal neuronal types and in nine out of ten other brain regions. Overall, co-release of glutamate and GABA appears to be a widespread mode of neurotransmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar C Ceballos
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lei Ma
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Maozhen Qin
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Haining Zhong
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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17
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Yuan X, Yang P, Hu J, Cai D, Hu B, Rui G, Lin Z. Causal association between plasma metabolites and diverse autoimmune diseases: a two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1437688. [PMID: 39575250 PMCID: PMC11578997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1437688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are a category of conditions characterized by misrecognition of autologous tissues and organs by the immune system, leading to severe impairment of patients' health and quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests a connection between fluctuations in plasma metabolites and ADs. However, the existence of a causal relationship behind these associations remains uncertain. Methods Applying the two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) method, the reciprocal causality between plasma metabolites and ADs was analyzed. We took the intersection of two metabolite genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for GWAS-meta and obtained 1,009 metabolites' GWAS data using METAL software. We accessed GWAS summary statistics for 5 common ADs, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1D), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from published GWAS data. MR analyses were performed in discovery and replication stage simultaneously. Meanwhile, the reverse MR analysis was conducted to investigate the possibility of reverse causal association. Furthermore, a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness of the results. These statistical analyses were conducted using R software. Finally, the web version of MetaboAnalyst 5.0. was applied to analyze metabolic pathways. Ultimately, we conducted ELISA assays on plasma samples from patients to validate the results. Results 4 metabolites were identified to have causal relationships with IBD, 2 metabolites with MS, 13 metabolites with RA, and 4 metabolites with T1D. In the reverse MR analysis, we recognized causality between SLE and 22 metabolites, IBD and 4 metabolites, RA and 22 metabolites, and T1D and 37 metabolites. Additionally, 4 significant metabolic pathways were identified in RA by metabolic pathway analysis in the forward MR analysis. Correspondingly, in the reverse, 11 significant metabolic pathways in RA, 8 in SLE, and 4 in T1D were obtained using identical approaches. Furthermore, the protective role of glutamate was confirmed through ELISA assays. Conclusions Our research established a reciprocal causality between plasma metabolites and ADs. Furthermore, diverse metabolic pathways correlated with ADs were uncovered. Novel insights into the prediction and diagnosis were provided, as well as new targets for precise treatment of these conditions were discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwen Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Peiyan Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiapeng Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dixin Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Baoshan Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Rui
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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18
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Locantore JR, Liu Y, White J, Wallace JB, Beron CC, Kraft E, Sabatini BL, Wallace ML. Mixed representations of choice direction and outcome by GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons in the entopeduncular nucleus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597980. [PMID: 38895480 PMCID: PMC11185773 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The basal ganglia (BG) are an evolutionarily conserved and phylogenetically old set of sub-cortical nuclei that guide action selection, evaluation, and reinforcement. The entopeduncular nucleus (EP) is a major BG output nucleus that contains a population of GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons (EP Sst+ ) that specifically target the lateral habenula (LHb) and whose function in behavior remains mysterious. Here we use a probabilistic switching task that requires an animal to maintain flexible relationships between action selection and evaluation to examine when and how GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons contribute to behavior. We find that EP Sst+ neurons are strongly engaged during this task and show bidirectional changes in activity during the choice and outcome periods of a trial. We then tested the effects of either permanently blocking cotransmission or modifying the GABA/glutamate ratio on behavior in well-trained animals. Neither manipulation produced detectable changes in behavior despite significant changes in synaptic transmission in the LHb, demonstrating that the outputs of these neurons are not required for on-going action-outcome updating in a probabilistic switching task.
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19
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Hernandez Silva JC, Pausic N, Marroquin Rivera A, Labonté B, Proulx CD. Chronic Social Defeat Stress Induces Pathway-Specific Adaptations at Lateral Habenula Neuronal Outputs. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2082232024. [PMID: 39164106 PMCID: PMC11426382 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2082-23.2024] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) has emerged as a pivotal brain region implicated in depression, displaying hyperactivity in human and animal models of depression. While the role of LHb efferents in depressive disorders has been acknowledged, the specific synaptic alterations remain elusive. Here, employing optogenetics, retrograde tracing, and ex vivo whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, we investigated synaptic transmission in male mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) at three major LHb neuronal outputs: the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Our findings uncovered distinct synaptic adaptations in LHb efferent circuits in response to CSDS. Specifically, CSDS induced in susceptible mice postsynaptic potentiation and postsynaptic depression at the DRN and VTA neurons, respectively, receiving excitatory inputs from the LHb, while CSDS altered presynaptic transmission at the LHb terminals in RMTg in both susceptible and resilient mice. Moreover, whole-cell recordings at projection-defined LHb neurons indicate decreased spontaneous activity in VTA-projecting LHb neurons, accompanied by an imbalance in excitatory-inhibitory inputs at the RMTg-projecting LHb neurons. Collectively, these novel findings underscore the circuit-specific alterations in LHb efferents following chronic social stress, shedding light on potential synaptic adaptations underlying stress-induced depressive-like states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Cesar Hernandez Silva
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Nikola Pausic
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Arturo Marroquin Rivera
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Benoît Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Christophe D Proulx
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
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20
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Mondoloni S, Molina P, Lecca S, Wu CH, Michel L, Osypenko D, Cachin F, Flanigan M, Congiu M, Lalive AL, Kash T, Deng F, Li Y, Mameli M. Serotonin release in the habenula during emotional contagion promotes resilience. Science 2024; 385:1081-1086. [PMID: 39236168 DOI: 10.1126/science.adp3897] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Negative emotional contagion-witnessing others in distress-affects an individual's emotional responsivity. However, whether it shapes coping strategies when facing future threats remains unknown. We found that mice that briefly observe a conspecific being harmed become resilient, withstanding behavioral despair after an adverse experience. Photometric recordings during negative emotional contagion revealed increased serotonin (5-HT) release in the lateral habenula. Whereas 5-HT and emotional contagion reduced habenular burst firing, limiting 5-HT synthesis prevented burst plasticity. Enhancing raphe-to-habenula 5-HT was sufficient to recapitulate resilience. In contrast, reducing 5-HT release in the habenula made witnessing a conspecific in distress ineffective to promote the resilient phenotype after adversity. These findings reveal that 5-HT supports vicarious emotions and leads to resilience by tuning definite patterns of habenular neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mondoloni
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cheng-Hsi Wu
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Léo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denys Osypenko
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fanchon Cachin
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Meghan Flanigan
- The Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mauro Congiu
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud L Lalive
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kash
- The Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France
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21
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Michel L, Molina P, Mameli M. The behavioral relevance of a modular organization in the lateral habenula. Neuron 2024; 112:2669-2685. [PMID: 38772374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral strategies for survival rely on the updates the brain continuously makes based on the surrounding environment. External stimuli-neutral, positive, and negative-relay core information to the brain, where a complex anatomical network rapidly organizes actions, including approach or escape, and regulates emotions. Human neuroimaging and physiology in nonhuman primates, rodents, and teleosts suggest a pivotal role of the lateral habenula in translating external information into survival behaviors. Here, we review the literature describing how discrete habenular modules-reflecting the molecular signatures, anatomical connectivity, and functional components-are recruited by environmental stimuli and cooperate to prompt specific behavioral outcomes. We argue that integration of these findings in the context of valence processing for reinforcing or discouraging behaviors is necessary, offering a compelling model to guide future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Michel
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Molina
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005 Paris, France.
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22
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Ba W, Nollet M, Yin C, Yu X, Wong S, Miao A, Beckwith EJ, Harding EC, Ma Y, Yustos R, Vyssotski AL, Wisden W, Franks NP. A REM-active basal ganglia circuit that regulates anxiety. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3301-3314.e4. [PMID: 38944034 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep has been hypothesized to promote emotional resilience, but any neuronal circuits mediating this have not been identified. We find that in mice, somatostatin (Som) neurons in the entopeduncular nucleus (EPSom)/internal globus pallidus are predominantly active during REM sleep. This unique REM activity is both necessary and sufficient for maintaining normal REM sleep. Inhibiting or exciting EPSom neurons reduced or increased REM sleep duration, respectively. Activation of the sole downstream target of EPSom neurons, Vglut2 cells in the lateral habenula (LHb), increased sleep via the ventral tegmental area (VTA). A simple chemogenetic scheme to periodically inhibit the LHb over 4 days selectively removed a significant amount of cumulative REM sleep. Chronic, but not acute, REM reduction correlated with mice becoming anxious and more sensitive to aversive stimuli. Therefore, we suggest that cumulative REM sleep, in part generated by the EP → LHb → VTA circuit identified here, could contribute to stabilizing reactions to habitual aversive stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ba
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mathieu Nollet
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Chunyu Yin
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Department of Neonatal Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sara Wong
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Andawei Miao
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Esteban J Beckwith
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Edward C Harding
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Raquel Yustos
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alexei L Vyssotski
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - William Wisden
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Nicholas P Franks
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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23
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Beck DW, Heaton CN, Davila LD, Rakocevic LI, Drammis SM, Tyulmankov D, Vara P, Giri A, Umashankar Beck S, Zhang Q, Pokojovy M, Negishi K, Batson SA, Salcido AA, Reyes NF, Macias AY, Ibanez-Alcala RJ, Hossain SB, Waller GL, O'Dell LE, Moschak TM, Goosens KA, Friedman A. Model of a striatal circuit exploring biological mechanisms underlying decision-making during normal and disordered states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.29.605535. [PMID: 39211231 PMCID: PMC11361035 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.29.605535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Decision-making requires continuous adaptation to internal and external contexts. Changes in decision-making are reliable transdiagnostic symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders. We created a computational model demonstrating how the striosome compartment of the striatum constructs a mathematical space for decision-making computations depending on context, and how the matrix compartment defines action value depending on the space. The model explains multiple experimental results and unifies other theories like reward prediction error, roles of the direct versus indirect pathways, and roles of the striosome versus matrix, under one framework. We also found, through new analyses, that striosome and matrix neurons increase their synchrony during difficult tasks, caused by a necessary increase in dimensionality of the space. The model makes testable predictions about individual differences in disorder susceptibility, decision-making symptoms shared among neuropsychiatric disorders, and differences in neuropsychiatric disorder symptom presentation. The model reframes the role of the striosomal circuit in neuroeconomic and disorder-affected decision-making. Highlights Striosomes prioritize decision-related data used by matrix to set action values. Striosomes and matrix have different roles in the direct and indirect pathways. Abnormal information organization/valuation alters disorder presentation. Variance in data prioritization may explain individual differences in disorders. eTOC Beck et al. developed a computational model of how a striatal circuit functions during decision-making. The model unifies and extends theories about the direct versus indirect pathways. It further suggests how aberrant circuit function underlies decision-making phenomena observed in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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24
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Tye KM, Miller EK, Taschbach FH, Benna MK, Rigotti M, Fusi S. Mixed selectivity: Cellular computations for complexity. Neuron 2024; 112:2289-2303. [PMID: 38729151 PMCID: PMC11257803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The property of mixed selectivity has been discussed at a computational level and offers a strategy to maximize computational power by adding versatility to the functional role of each neuron. Here, we offer a biologically grounded implementational-level mechanistic explanation for mixed selectivity in neural circuits. We define pure, linear, and nonlinear mixed selectivity and discuss how these response properties can be obtained in simple neural circuits. Neurons that respond to multiple, statistically independent variables display mixed selectivity. If their activity can be expressed as a weighted sum, then they exhibit linear mixed selectivity; otherwise, they exhibit nonlinear mixed selectivity. Neural representations based on diverse nonlinear mixed selectivity are high dimensional; hence, they confer enormous flexibility to a simple downstream readout neural circuit. However, a simple neural circuit cannot possibly encode all possible mixtures of variables simultaneously, as this would require a combinatorially large number of mixed selectivity neurons. Gating mechanisms like oscillations and neuromodulation can solve this problem by dynamically selecting which variables are mixed and transmitted to the readout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay M Tye
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, La Jolla, CA; Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Earl K Miller
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Felix H Taschbach
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Biological Science Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Marcus K Benna
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | | | - Stefano Fusi
- Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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25
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Harding EK, Zhang Z, Canet-Pons J, Stokes-Heck S, Trang T, Zamponi GW. Expression of GAD2 in excitatory neurons projecting from the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray to the locus coeruleus. iScience 2024; 27:109972. [PMID: 38868198 PMCID: PMC11166693 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109972] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) functionally projects to diverse brain regions, including the locus coeruleus (LC). Excitatory projections from the vlPAG to the LC are well described, while few studies have indicated the possibility of inhibitory projections. Here, we quantified the relative proportion of excitatory and inhibitory vlPAG-LC projections in male and female mice, and found an unexpected overlapping population of neurons expressing both GAD2 and VGLUT2. Combined in vitro optogenetic stimulation and electrophysiology of LC neurons revealed that vlPAG neurons expressing channelrhodopsin-2 under the GAD2 promoter release both GABA and glutamate. Subsequent experiments identified a population of GAD2+/VGLUT2+ vlPAG neurons exclusively releasing glutamate onto LC neurons. Altogether, we demonstrate that ∼25% of vlPAG-LC projections are inhibitory, and that there is a significant GAD2 expressing population of glutamatergic projections. Our findings have broad implications for the utility of GAD2-Cre lines within midbrain and brainstem regions, and especially within the PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K. Harding
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Julia Canet-Pons
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sierra Stokes-Heck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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26
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Groos D, Helmchen F. The lateral habenula: A hub for value-guided behavior. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113968. [PMID: 38522071 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily highly conserved diencephalic brain region divided into two major parts, medial and lateral. Over the past two decades, studies of the lateral habenula (LHb), in particular, have identified key functions in value-guided behavior in health and disease. In this review, we focus on recent insights into LHb connectivity and its functional relevance for different types of aversive and appetitive value-guided behavior. First, we give an overview of the anatomical organization of the LHb and its main cellular composition. Next, we elaborate on how distinct LHb neuronal subpopulations encode aversive and appetitive stimuli and on their involvement in more complex decision-making processes. Finally, we scrutinize the afferent and efferent connections of the LHb and discuss their functional implications for LHb-dependent behavior. A deepened understanding of distinct LHb circuit components will substantially contribute to our knowledge of value-guided behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Groos
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Laboratory of Neural Circuit Dynamics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University Research Priority Program (URPP), Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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27
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Ceballos CC, Ma L, Qin M, Zhong H. Prevalent co-release of glutamate and GABA throughout the mouse brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.587069. [PMID: 38585864 PMCID: PMC10996720 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.587069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Several neuronal populations in the brain transmit both the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, glutamate, and GABA, to downstream neurons. However, it remains largely unknown whether these opposing neurotransmitters are co-released onto the same postsynaptic neuron simultaneously or are independently transmitted at different time and locations (called co-transmission). Here, using whole-cell patch-clamp recording on acute mouse brain slices, we observed biphasic miniature postsynaptic currents, i.e., minis with time-locked excitatory and inhibitory currents, in striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs). This observation cannot be explained by accidental coincidence of monophasic miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs, respectively), arguing for the co-release of glutamate and GABA. Interestingly, these biphasic minis could either be an mEPSC leading an mIPSC or vice versa. Although dopaminergic axons release both glutamate and GABA in the striatum, deletion of dopamine neurons did not eliminate biphasic minis, indicating that the co-release originates from another neuronal type. Importantly, we found that both types of biphasic minis were detected in other neuronal subtypes in the striatum as well as in nine out of ten additionally tested brain regions. Our results suggest that co-release of glutamate and GABA is a prevalent mode of neurotransmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar C Ceballos
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lei Ma
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Maozhen Qin
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Haining Zhong
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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28
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Benedict J, Cudmore RH, Oden D, Spruell A, Linden DJ. The lateral habenula is required for maternal behavior in the mouse dam. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.577842. [PMID: 38405910 PMCID: PMC10888914 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.577842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian parenting is an unusually demanding commitment. How did evolution co-opt the reward system to ensure parental care? Previous work has implicated the lateral habenula (LHb), an epithalamic nucleus, as a potential intersection of parenting behavior and reward. Here, we examine the role of the LHb in the maternal behavior of naturally parturient mouse dams. We show that kainic acid lesions of the LHb induced a severe maternal neglect phenotype in dams towards their biological pups. Next, we demonstrate that through chronic chemogenetic inactivation of the LHb using DREADDs impaired acquisition and performance of various maternal behaviors, such as pup retrieval and nesting. We present a random intercepts model suggesting LHb-inactivation prevents the acquisition of the novel pup retrieval maternal behavior and decreases nest building performance, an already-established behavior, in primiparous mouse dams. Lastly, we examine the spatial histology of kainic-acid treated dams with a random intercepts model, which suggests that the role of LHb in maternal behavior may be preferentially localized at the posterior aspect of this structure. Together, these findings serve to establish the LHb as required for maternal behavior in the mouse dam, thereby complementing previous findings implicating the LHb in parental behavior using pup-sensitized virgin female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Benedict
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert H Cudmore
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California -Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Diarra Oden
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aleah Spruell
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David J Linden
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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29
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Warlow SM, Singhal SM, Hollon NG, Faget L, Dowlat DS, Zell V, Hunker AC, Zweifel LS, Hnasko TS. Mesoaccumbal glutamate neurons drive reward via glutamate release but aversion via dopamine co-release. Neuron 2024; 112:488-499.e5. [PMID: 38086374 PMCID: PMC10922836 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) drive reward-related motivation. Although dopamine neurons are predominant, a substantial glutamatergic projection is also present, and a subset of these co-release both dopamine and glutamate. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA glutamate neurons not only supports self-stimulation but can also induce avoidance behavior, even in the same assay. Here, we parsed the selective contribution of glutamate or dopamine co-release from VTA glutamate neurons to reinforcement and avoidance. We expressed channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in mouse VTA glutamate neurons in combination with CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt either the gene encoding vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) or tyrosine hydroxylase (Th). Selective disruption of VGLUT2 abolished optogenetic self-stimulation but left real-time place avoidance intact, whereas CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of Th preserved self-stimulation but abolished place avoidance. Our results demonstrate that glutamate release from VTA glutamate neurons is positively reinforcing but that dopamine release from VTA glutamate neurons can induce avoidance behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley M Warlow
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sarthak M Singhal
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina S Dowlat
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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30
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Chen C, Wang M, Yu T, Feng W, Xu Y, Ning Y, Zhang B. Habenular functional connections are associated with depression state and modulated by ketamine. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:177-185. [PMID: 37879411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a widespread mental health disorder with complex neurobiological underpinnings. The habenula, known as the 'anti-reward center', is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depression. This study aims to elucidate the association between the functional connections of the habenula and depression severity and to explore the modulation of these connections by ketamine. METHODS We studied 177 participants from a 7-T resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging subset of the Human Connectome Project dataset to determine the associations between the functional connections of the habenula and depression. Additionally, we analyzed 60 depressed patients from our ketamine database to conduct a preliminary study on alterations in the functional connections of the habenula after ketamine infusions. We also investigated whether the baseline functional connectivity of the habenula is linked to subsequent improvement in depression. RESULTS We found that functional connections between the habenula and the substantia nigra, as well as the ventral tegmental area were negatively correlated with depression scores and elevated after ketamine infusions. Furthermore, the connection between the right habenula and the right substantia nigra was negatively associated with the improvement of depression. LIMITATIONS The Human Connectome Project dataset primarily consists of data from healthy participants, with varying levels of depression scores. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the habenula may facilitate depression by suppressing dopamine reward centers, and ketamine may relieve depression by disinhibiting these dopaminergic regions. This study may enhance our understanding of the neural underpinnings of depression and ketamine's antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfeng Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqia Wang
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanting Feng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyi Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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31
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Khan S, Wong A, Tripp B. Modeling the Role of Contour Integration in Visual Inference. Neural Comput 2023; 36:33-74. [PMID: 38052088 DOI: 10.1162/neco_a_01625] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Under difficult viewing conditions, the brain's visual system uses a variety of recurrent modulatory mechanisms to augment feedforward processing. One resulting phenomenon is contour integration, which occurs in the primary visual (V1) cortex and strengthens neural responses to edges if they belong to a larger smooth contour. Computational models have contributed to an understanding of the circuit mechanisms of contour integration, but less is known about its role in visual perception. To address this gap, we embedded a biologically grounded model of contour integration in a task-driven artificial neural network and trained it using a gradient-descent variant. We used this model to explore how brain-like contour integration may be optimized for high-level visual objectives as well as its potential roles in perception. When the model was trained to detect contours in a background of random edges, a task commonly used to examine contour integration in the brain, it closely mirrored the brain in terms of behavior, neural responses, and lateral connection patterns. When trained on natural images, the model enhanced weaker contours and distinguished whether two points lay on the same versus different contours. The model learned robust features that generalized well to out-of-training-distribution stimuli. Surprisingly, and in contrast with the synthetic task, a parameter-matched control network without recurrence performed the same as or better than the model on the natural-image tasks. Thus, a contour integration mechanism is not essential to perform these more naturalistic contour-related tasks. Finally, the best performance in all tasks was achieved by a modified contour integration model that did not distinguish between excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Khan
- Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, Department of System Design Engineering
- Vision and Image Processing Group, Department of System Design Engineering
- Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Alexander Wong
- Vision and Image Processing Group, Department of System Design Engineering
- Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Bryan Tripp
- Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, Department of System Design Engineering
- Vision and Image Processing Group, Department of System Design Engineering
- Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute: University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
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32
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Congiu M, Mondoloni S, Zouridis IS, Schmors L, Lecca S, Lalive AL, Ginggen K, Deng F, Berens P, Paolicelli RC, Li Y, Burgalossi A, Mameli M. Plasticity of neuronal dynamics in the lateral habenula for cue-punishment associative learning. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5118-5127. [PMID: 37414924 PMCID: PMC11041652 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
The brain's ability to associate threats with external stimuli is vital to execute essential behaviours including avoidance. Disruption of this process contributes instead to the emergence of pathological traits which are common in addiction and depression. However, the mechanisms and neural dynamics at the single-cell resolution underlying the encoding of associative learning remain elusive. Here, employing a Pavlovian discrimination task in mice we investigate how neuronal populations in the lateral habenula (LHb), a subcortical nucleus whose excitation underlies negative affect, encode the association between conditioned stimuli and a punishment (unconditioned stimulus). Large population single-unit recordings in the LHb reveal both excitatory and inhibitory responses to aversive stimuli. Additionally, local optical inhibition prevents the formation of cue discrimination during associative learning, demonstrating a critical role of LHb activity in this process. Accordingly, longitudinal in vivo two-photon imaging tracking LHb calcium neuronal dynamics during conditioning reveals an upward or downward shift of individual neurons' CS-evoked responses. While recordings in acute slices indicate strengthening of synaptic excitation after conditioning, support vector machine algorithms suggest that postsynaptic dynamics to punishment-predictive cues represent behavioral cue discrimination. To examine the presynaptic signaling in LHb participating in learning we monitored neurotransmitter dynamics with genetically-encoded indicators in behaving mice. While glutamate, GABA, and serotonin release in LHb remain stable across associative learning, we observe enhanced acetylcholine signaling developing throughout conditioning. In summary, converging presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms in the LHb underlie the transformation of neutral cues in valued signals supporting cue discrimination during learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Congiu
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Mondoloni
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis S Zouridis
- Institute of Neurobiology and Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Schmors
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud L Lalive
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kyllian Ginggen
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fei Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Philipp Berens
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen AI Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rosa Chiara Paolicelli
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yulong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Andrea Burgalossi
- Institute of Neurobiology and Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005, Paris, France.
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33
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Zhang M, Pan X, Jung W, Halpern AR, Eichhorn SW, Lei Z, Cohen L, Smith KA, Tasic B, Yao Z, Zeng H, Zhuang X. Molecularly defined and spatially resolved cell atlas of the whole mouse brain. Nature 2023; 624:343-354. [PMID: 38092912 PMCID: PMC10719103 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06808-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian brains, millions to billions of cells form complex interaction networks to enable a wide range of functions. The enormous diversity and intricate organization of cells have impeded our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of brain function. Recent advances in spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomics have enabled systematic mapping of the spatial organization of molecularly defined cell types in complex tissues1-3, including several brain regions (for example, refs. 1-11). However, a comprehensive cell atlas of the whole brain is still missing. Here we imaged a panel of more than 1,100 genes in approximately 10 million cells across the entire adult mouse brains using multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization12 and performed spatially resolved, single-cell expression profiling at the whole-transcriptome scale by integrating multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization and single-cell RNA sequencing data. Using this approach, we generated a comprehensive cell atlas of more than 5,000 transcriptionally distinct cell clusters, belonging to more than 300 major cell types, in the whole mouse brain with high molecular and spatial resolution. Registration of this atlas to the mouse brain common coordinate framework allowed systematic quantifications of the cell-type composition and organization in individual brain regions. We further identified spatial modules characterized by distinct cell-type compositions and spatial gradients featuring gradual changes of cells. Finally, this high-resolution spatial map of cells, each with a transcriptome-wide expression profile, allowed us to infer cell-type-specific interactions between hundreds of cell-type pairs and predict molecular (ligand-receptor) basis and functional implications of these cell-cell interactions. These results provide rich insights into the molecular and cellular architecture of the brain and a foundation for functional investigations of neural circuits and their dysfunction in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xingjie Pan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Won Jung
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aaron R Halpern
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen W Eichhorn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhiyun Lei
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Limor Cohen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Zizhen Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zhuang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Li Y, Chitturi J, Yu B, Zhang Y, Wu J, Ti P, Hung W, Zhen M, Gao S. UBR-1 ubiquitin ligase regulates the balance between GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57014. [PMID: 37811674 PMCID: PMC10626437 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance is carefully maintained by the nervous system. The neurotransmitter GABA has been reported to be co-released with its sole precursor, the neurotransmitter glutamate. The genetic and circuitry mechanisms to establish the balance between GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling have not been fully elucidated. Caenorhabditis elegans DVB is an excitatory GABAergic motoneuron that drives the expulsion step in the defecation motor program. We show here that in addition to UNC-47, the vesicular GABA transporter, DVB also expresses EAT-4, a vesicular glutamate transporter. UBR-1, a conserved ubiquitin ligase, regulates DVB activity by suppressing a bidirectional inhibitory glutamate signaling. Loss of UBR-1 impairs DVB Ca2+ activity and expulsion frequency. These impairments are fully compensated by the knockdown of EAT-4 in DVB. Further, glutamate-gated chloride channels GLC-3 and GLC-2/4 receive DVB's glutamate signals to inhibit DVB and enteric muscle activity, respectively. These results implicate an intrinsic cellular mechanism that promotes the inherent asymmetric neural activity. We propose that elevated glutamate in ubr-1 mutants, being the cause of the E/I shift, potentially contributes to Johanson Blizzard syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jyothsna Chitturi
- Lunenfeld‐Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai HospitalUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yongning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Panpan Ti
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Wesley Hung
- Lunenfeld‐Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai HospitalUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Mei Zhen
- Lunenfeld‐Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai HospitalUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Shangbang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Puelles L, Stühmer T, Rubenstein JLR, Diaz C. Critical test of the assumption that the hypothalamic entopeduncular nucleus of rodents is homologous with the primate internal pallidum. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:1715-1750. [PMID: 37695031 PMCID: PMC11418882 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The globus pallidus (GP) of primates is divided conventionally into distinct internal and external parts. The literature repeats since 1930 the opinion that the homolog of the primate internal pallidum in rodents is the hypothalamic entopeduncular nucleus (embedded within fiber tracts of the cerebral peduncle). To test this idea, we explored its historic fundaments, checked the development and genoarchitecture of mouse entopeduncular and pallidal neurons, and examined relevant comparative connectivity data. We found that the extratelencephalic mouse entopeduncular structure consists of four different components arrayed along a dorsoventral sequence in the alar hypothalamus. The ventral entopeduncular nucleus (EPV), with GABAergic neurons expressing Dlx5&6 and Nkx2-1, lies within the hypothalamic peduncular subparaventricular area. Three other formations-the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus (EPD), the prereticular entopeduncular nucleus (EPPRt ), and the preeminential entopeduncular nucleus (EPPEm )-lie within the overlying paraventricular area, under the subpallium. EPD contains glutamatergic neurons expressing Tbr1, Otp, and Pax6. The EPPRt has GABAergic cells expressing Isl1 and Meis2, whereas the EPPEm population expresses Foxg1 and may be glutamatergic. Genoarchitectonic observations on relevant areas of the mouse pallidal/diagonal subpallium suggest that the GP of rodents is constituted as in primates by two adjacent but molecularly and hodologically differentiable telencephalic portions (both expressing Foxg1). These and other reported data oppose the notion that the rodent extratelencephalic entopeduncular nucleus is homologous to the primate internal pallidum. We suggest instead that all mammals, including rodents, have dual subpallial GP components, whereas primates probably also have a comparable set of hypothalamic entopeduncular nuclei. Remarkably, there is close similarity in some gene expression properties of the telencephalic internal GP and the hypothalamic EPV. This apparently underlies their notable functional analogy, sharing GABAergic neurons and thalamopetal connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Puelles
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, University of Murcia, El Palmar (Murcia), 30120, Spain
| | - Thorsten Stühmer
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Medical School, San Francisco, California
| | - John L. R. Rubenstein
- Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, UCSF Medical School, San Francisco, California
| | - Carmen Diaz
- School of Medicine and Institute for Research in Neurological Disabilities, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, 02006, Spain
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Wang XY, Xu X, Chen R, Jia WB, Xu PF, Liu XQ, Zhang Y, Liu XF, Zhang Y. The thalamic reticular nucleus-lateral habenula circuit regulates depressive-like behaviors in chronic stress and chronic pain. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113170. [PMID: 37738124 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress and chronic pain are two major predisposing factors to trigger depression. Enhanced excitatory input to the lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. However, the contribution of inhibitory transmission remains unclear. Here, we dissect an inhibitory projection from the sensory thalamic reticular nucleus (sTRN) to the LHb, which is activated by acute aversive stimuli. However, chronic restraint stress (CRS) weakens sTRN-LHb synaptic strength, and this synaptic attenuation is indispensable for CRS-induced LHb neural hyperactivity and depression onset. Moreover, artificially inhibiting the sTRN-LHb circuit induces depressive-like behaviors in healthy mice, while enhancing this circuit relieves depression induced by both chronic stress and chronic pain. Intriguingly, neither neuropathic pain nor comorbid mechanical hypersensitivity in chronic stress is affected by this pathway. Altogether, our study demonstrates an sTRN-LHb circuit in establishing and modulating depression, thus shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for preventing or managing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wen-Bin Jia
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Xin-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
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Meng F, Wang L. Bidirectional mechanism of comorbidity of depression and insomnia based on synaptic plasticity. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1518-1528. [PMID: 38432881 PMCID: PMC10929903 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Insomnia is one of the most common accompanying symptoms of depression, with both sharing highly overlapping molecular pathways. The same pathological changes can trigger comorbidity of insomnia and depression, which further forms a vicious cycle with the involvement of more mechanisms and disease progression. Thus, understanding the potential interaction mechanisms between insomnia and depression is critical for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Comorbidity genetic factors, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, along with circadian rhythms of cortisol and the brain reward mechanism, are important ways in contributing to the comorbidity occurrence and development. However, owing to lack of pertinent investigational data, intricate molecular mechanisms necessitate further elaboration. Synaptic plasticity is a solid foundation for neural homeostasis. Pathological alterations of depression and insomnia may perturb the production and release of neurotransmitter, dendritic spine remodeling and elimination, which converges and reflects in aberrant synaptic dynamics. Hence, the introduction of synaptic plasticity research route and the construction of a comprehensive model of depression and insomnia comorbidity can provide new ideas for clinical depression insomnia comorbidity treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanhao Meng
- First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040.
| | - Long Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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Campbell RR, Lobo MK. Pallidal circuits drive addiction behavior. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:S0166-2236(23)00228-X. [PMID: 39492310 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms that control addiction processes, including drug-seeking and relapse, is key to finding new targets for substance use disorder (SUD) pharmacotherapies and circuit-based therapies. Addictive drugs alter activity in distinct neural circuits that can lead to SUD symptoms, including compulsive drug craving and taking. This includes the pallidum, a region in the basal ganglia that acts as an integrator of associative, sensorimotor, and limbic information to shape motor responses, promote reward-learning, and regulate habit formation. Here, we review key findings that demonstrate the sub-regional and circuit-specific functions of the pallidum that drive addiction-related behaviors in rodents. We also highlight newly discovered mechanisms within distinct cell types and circuits of the pallidum that drive drug-seeking. Overall, this review serves to emphasize the importance of the pallidum in addiction processes and underscore the need for studying circuit-specific mechanisms in SUD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Wallace ML, Sabatini BL. Synaptic and circuit functions of multitransmitter neurons in the mammalian brain. Neuron 2023; 111:2969-2983. [PMID: 37463580 PMCID: PMC10592565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian brain are not limited to releasing a single neurotransmitter but often release multiple neurotransmitters onto postsynaptic cells. Here, we review recent findings of multitransmitter neurons found throughout the mammalian central nervous system. We highlight recent technological innovations that have made the identification of new multitransmitter neurons and the study of their synaptic properties possible. We also focus on mechanisms and molecular constituents required for neurotransmitter corelease at the axon terminal and synaptic vesicle, as well as some possible functions of multitransmitter neurons in diverse brain circuits. We expect that these approaches will lead to new insights into the mechanism and function of multitransmitter neurons, their role in circuits, and their contribution to normal and pathological brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wallace
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Green MV, Gallegos DA, Boua JV, Bartelt LC, Narayanan A, West AE. Single-Nucleus Transcriptional Profiling of GAD2-Positive Neurons From Mouse Lateral Habenula Reveals Distinct Expression of Neurotransmission- and Depression-Related Genes. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:686-697. [PMID: 37881543 PMCID: PMC10593960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glutamatergic projection neurons of the lateral habenula (LHb) drive behavioral state modulation by regulating the activity of midbrain monoaminergic neurons. Identifying circuit mechanisms that modulate LHb output is of interest for understanding control of motivated behaviors. Methods A small population of neurons within the medial subnucleus of the mouse LHb express the GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic)-synthesizing enzyme GAD2, and they can inhibit nearby LHb projection neurons; however, these neurons lack markers of classic inhibitory interneurons, and they coexpress the vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2. To determine the molecular phenotype of these neurons, we genetically tagged the nuclei of GAD2-positive cells and used fluorescence-activated nuclear sorting to isolate and enrich these nuclei for single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Results Our data confirm that GAD2+/VGLUT2+ neurons intrinsic to the LHb coexpress markers of both glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission and that they are transcriptionally distinct from either GABAergic interneurons or habenular glutamatergic neurons. We identify gene expression programs within these cells that show sex-specific differences in expression and that are implicated in major depressive disorder, which has been linked to LHb hyperactivity. Finally, we identify the Ntng2 gene encoding the cell adhesion protein netrin-G2 as a marker of LHb GAD2+/VGLUT2+ neurons and a gene product that may contribute to their target projections. Conclusions These data show the value of using genetic enrichment of rare cell types for transcriptome studies, and they advance understanding of the molecular composition of a functionally important class of GAD2+ neurons in the LHb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew V. Green
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Luke C. Bartelt
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Arthy Narayanan
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne E. West
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Akhoondian M, Rashtiani S, Khakpour-Taleghani B, Rostampour M, Jafari A, Rohampour K. Lateral habenula deep brain stimulation alleviates depression-like behaviors and reverses the oscillatory pattern in the nucleus accumbens in an animal model of depression. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110745. [PMID: 37598800 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a series of symptoms that influence mood, thinking, and behavior and create unpleasant emotions like hopelessness and apathy. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects 30 % of depression patients despite the availability of several non-invasive therapies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a novel therapy for TRD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of LHb-DBS by recording local field potentials (LFP) and conducting behavioral experiments. Thirty-two mature male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, chronic mild stress (CMS), CMS+DBS, and DBS. After surgery and electrode placement in the lateral habenula (LHb), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and prelimbic cortex (PrL), the CMS protocol was applied for 3 weeks to create depression-like models. The open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swim test (FST) were also performed. In the DBS groups, the LHb area was stimulated for four consecutive days. Finally, on the 22nd day, LFP was recorded from the NAc and PrL and analyzed using MATLAB software. Analyzing the findings using ANOVA and P-values ≤ 0.05 was considered. LHb-DBS alleviated depression-like behaviors in chronic moderate stress model rats (P ≤ 0.05). Three weeks of CMS enhanced almost all band powers in the NAc, while LHb-DBS decreased the power of the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands in the NAc (P ≤ 0.05), and the low-gamma band in the PrL. CMS also boosted the NAc-PrL coherence in low-frequency bands, while LHb-DBS increased beta and low gamma band coherence (P ≤ 0.05). In sum, the results of the present study showed that depression enhances low-frequency coherence between NAc and PrL cortex. Depression also potentiates many brain oscillations in the NAc, which can be mainly reversed by LHb-DBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Akhoondian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Samira Rashtiani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behrooz Khakpour-Taleghani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rostampour
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Adele Jafari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Kambiz Rohampour
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Chen T, Cheng L, Ma J, Yuan J, Pi C, Xiong L, Chen J, Liu H, Tang J, Zhong Y, Zhang X, Liu Z, Zuo Y, Shen H, Wei Y, Zhao L. Molecular mechanisms of rapid-acting antidepressants: New perspectives for developing antidepressants. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106837. [PMID: 37379962 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic relapsing psychiatric disorder. Conventional antidepressants usually require several weeks of continuous administration to exert clinically significant therapeutic effects, while about two-thirds of the patients are prone to relapse of symptoms or are completely ineffective in antidepressant treatment. The recent success of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine as a rapid-acting antidepressant has propelled extensive research on the action mechanism of antidepressants, especially in relation to its role in synaptic targets. Studies have revealed that the mechanism of antidepressant action of ketamine is not limited to antagonism of postsynaptic NMDA receptors or GABA interneurons. Ketamine produces powerful and rapid antidepressant effects by affecting α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors, adenosine A1 receptors, and the L-type calcium channels, among others in the synapse. More interestingly, the 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin has demonstrated potential for rapid antidepressant effects in depressed mouse models and clinical studies. This article focuses on a review of new pharmacological target studies of emerging rapid-acting antidepressant drugs such as ketamine and hallucinogens (e.g., psilocybin) and briefly discusses the possible strategies for new targets of antidepressants, with a view to shed light on the direction of future antidepressant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Ling Cheng
- Hospital-Acquired Infection Control Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jiyuan Yuan
- Clinical trial center, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Chao Pi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China
| | - Linjin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jinglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Huiyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yueting Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Institute of medicinal chemistry of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Zerong Liu
- Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Credit Pharmaceutical CO., Ltd., Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ying Zuo
- Department of Comprehensive Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University; Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Hongping Shen
- Clinical trial center, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Yumeng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000 China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Ling Zhao
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000 China; Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Development Planning Department of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
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Senba E, Kami K. Exercise therapy for chronic pain: How does exercise change the limbic brain function? NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100143. [PMID: 38099274 PMCID: PMC10719519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
We are exposed to various external and internal threats which might hurt us. The role of taking flexible and appropriate actions against threats is played by "the limbic system" and at the heart of it there is the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens (brain reward system). Pain-related fear causes excessive excitation of amygdala, which in turn causes the suppression of medial prefrontal cortex, leading to chronification of pain. Since the limbic system of chronic pain patients is functionally impaired, they are maladaptive to their situations, unable to take goal-directed behavior and are easily caught by fear-avoidance thinking. We describe the neural mechanisms how exercise activates the brain reward system and enables chronic pain patients to take goal-directed behavior and overcome fear-avoidance thinking. A key to getting out from chronic pain state is to take advantage of the behavioral switching function of the basal nucleus of amygdala. We show that exercise activates positive neurons in this nucleus which project to the nucleus accumbens and promote reward behavior. We also describe fear conditioning and extinction are affected by exercise. In chronic pain patients, the fear response to pain is enhanced and the extinction of fear memories is impaired, so it is difficult to get out of "fear-avoidance thinking". Prolonged avoidance of movement and physical inactivity exacerbate pain and have detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Based on the recent findings on multiple bran networks, we propose a well-balanced exercise prescription considering the adherence and pacing of exercise practice. We conclude that therapies targeting the mesocortico-limbic system, such as exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, may become promising tools in the fight against chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Senba
- Department of Physical Therapy, Osaka Yukioka College of Health Science, 1-1-41 Sojiji, Ibaraki-City, Osaka 567-0801, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kami
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wakayama Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Takarazuka University of Medical and Health Care, 2252 Nakanoshima, Wakayama City, Wakayama 640-8392, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Gong L, Cheng F, Li X, Wang Z, Wang S, Xu R, Zhang B, Xi C. Abnormal functional connectivity in the habenula is associated with subjective hyperarousal state in chronic insomnia disorder. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1119595. [PMID: 37588671 PMCID: PMC10426801 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1119595] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The hyperarousal process model plays a central role in the physiology of chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Recent evidence has demonstrated that the habenula is involved in the arousal and sleep-wake cycle. However, whether the intrinsic habenular functional network contributes to the underlying mechanism of CID and its relationship to the arousal state in CID remains unclear. Methods This single-centered study included 34 patients with subjective CID and 22 matched good sleep control (GSC), and underwent a series of neuropsychological tests and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The habenular functional network was assessed using seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis. The subjective arousal state was evaluated with the hyperarousal scale (HAS). Alterations in the habenular FC network and their clinical significance in patients with CID were explored. Results Compared with the GSC group, the CID group showed decreased habenular FC in the left caudate nucleus and right inferior parietal lobule and increased FC in the right habenula, bilateral calcarine cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. The decreased FC between the left habenula and caudate nucleus was associated with an increased arousal state in the CID group. Conclusion The present results provide evidence for a dysfunctional habenular network in patients with CID. These findings extend our understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms underlying the hyperarousal model in chronic insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Gong
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ronghua Xu
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunhua Xi
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Chen KJ, Yoshimura R, Edmundo CA, Truong TM, Civelli O, Alachkar A, Abbott GW. Behavioral and neuro-functional consequences of eliminating the KCNQ3 GABA binding site in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1192628. [PMID: 37305551 PMCID: PMC10248464 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1192628] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels formed by α subunits KCNQ2-5 are important in regulating neuronal excitability. We previously found that GABA directly binds to and activates channels containing KCNQ3, challenging the traditional understanding of inhibitory neurotransmission. To investigate the functional significance and behavioral role of this direct interaction, mice with a mutated KCNQ3 GABA binding site (Kcnq3-W266L) were generated and subjected to behavioral studies. Kcnq3-W266L mice exhibited distinctive behavioral phenotypes, of which reduced nociceptive and stress responses were profound and sex-specific. In female Kcnq3-W266L mice, the phenotype was shifted towards more nociceptive effects, while in male Kcnq3-W266L mice, it was shifted towards the stress response. In addition, female Kcnq3-W266L mice exhibited lower motor activity and reduced working spatial memory. The neuronal activity in the lateral habenula and visual cortex was altered in the female Kcnq3-W266L mice, suggesting that GABAergic activation of KCNQ3 in these regions may play a role in the regulation of the responses. Given the known overlap between the nociceptive and stress brain circuits, our data provide new insights into a sex-dependent role of KCNQ3 in regulating neural circuits involved in nociception and stress, via its GABA binding site. These findings identify new targets for effective treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions such as pain and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiki J. Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Yoshimura
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa Adriana Edmundo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tri Minh Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Geoffrey W. Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Zheng Y, Xu C, Sun J, Ming W, Dai S, Shao Y, Qiu X, Li M, Shen C, Xu J, Fei F, Fang J, Jiang X, Zheng G, Hu W, Wang Y, Wang S, Ding M, Chen Z. Excitatory somatostatin interneurons in the dentate gyrus drive a widespread seizure network in cortical dysplasia. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:186. [PMID: 37193687 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizures due to cortical dysplasia are notorious for their poor prognosis even with medications and surgery, likely due to the widespread seizure network. Previous studies have primarily focused on the disruption of dysplastic lesions, rather than remote regions such as the hippocampus. Here, we first quantified the epileptogenicity of the hippocampus in patients with late-stage cortical dysplasia. We further investigated the cellular substrates leading to the epileptic hippocampus, using multiscale tools including calcium imaging, optogenetics, immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology. For the first time, we revealed the role of hippocampal somatostatin-positive interneurons in cortical dysplasia-related seizures. Somatostatin-positive were recruited during cortical dysplasia-related seizures. Interestingly, optogenetic studies suggested that somatostatin-positive interneurons paradoxically facilitated seizure generalization. By contrast, parvalbumin-positive interneurons retained an inhibitory role as in controls. Electrophysiological recordings and immunohistochemical studies revealed glutamate-mediated excitatory transmission from somatostatin-positive interneurons in the dentate gyrus. Taken together, our study reveals a novel role of excitatory somatostatin-positive neurons in the seizure network and brings new insights into the cellular basis of cortical dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Cenglin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Jinyi Sun
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wenjie Ming
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Sijie Dai
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuying Shao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Menghan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Chunhong Shen
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jinghong Xu
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Fan Fei
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiajia Fang
- Department of Neurology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, China
| | - Xuhong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Guoqing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Meiping Ding
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310060, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Yang SH, Yang E, Lee J, Kim JY, Yoo H, Park HS, Jung JT, Lee D, Chun S, Jo YS, Pyeon GH, Park JY, Lee HW, Kim H. Neural mechanism of acute stress regulation by trace aminergic signalling in the lateral habenula in male mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2435. [PMID: 37105975 PMCID: PMC10140019 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress management is necessary for vertebrate survival. Chronic stress drives depression by excitation of the lateral habenula (LHb), which silences dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) via GABAergic neuronal projection from the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). However, the effect of acute stress on this LHb-RMTg-VTA pathway is not clearly understood. Here, we used fluorescent in situ hybridisation and in vivo electrophysiology in mice to show that LHb aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase-expressing neurons (D-neurons) are activated by acute stressors and suppress RMTg GABAergic neurons via trace aminergic signalling, thus activating VTA dopaminergic neurons. We show that the LHb regulates RMTg GABAergic neurons biphasically under acute stress. This study, carried out on male mice, has elucidated a molecular mechanism in the efferent LHb-RMTg-VTA pathway whereby trace aminergic signalling enables the brain to manage acute stress by preventing the hypoactivity of VTA dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jaekwang Lee
- Division of Functional Food Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, 55365, South Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Hyeijung Yoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jin Taek Jung
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Dongmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Sungkun Chun
- Department of Physiology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, South Korea
| | - Yong Sang Jo
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Gyeong Hee Pyeon
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
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48
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Ables JL, Park K, Ibañez-Tallon I. Understanding the habenula: A major node in circuits regulating emotion and motivation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106734. [PMID: 36933754 PMCID: PMC11081310 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, the understanding of the habenula has rapidly advanced from being an understudied brain area with the Latin name 'habena" meaning "little rein", to being considered a "major rein" in the control of key monoaminergic brain centers. This ancient brain structure is a strategic node in the information flow from fronto-limbic brain areas to brainstem nuclei. As such, it plays a crucial role in regulating emotional, motivational, and cognitive behaviors and has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and addiction. This review will summarize recent findings on the medial (MHb) and lateral (LHb) habenula, their topographical projections, cell types, and functions. Additionally, we will discuss contemporary efforts that have uncovered novel molecular pathways and synaptic mechanisms with a focus on MHb-Interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) synapses. Finally, we will explore the potential interplay between the habenula's cholinergic and non-cholinergic components in coordinating related emotional and motivational behaviors, raising the possibility that these two pathways work together to provide balanced roles in reward prediction and aversion, rather than functioning independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ables
- Psychiatry Department, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kwanghoon Park
- The Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Inés Ibañez-Tallon
- The Laboratory of Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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49
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Winters ND, Kondev V, Loomba N, Delpire E, Grueter BA, Patel S. Opposing retrograde and astrocyte-dependent endocannabinoid signaling mechanisms regulate lateral habenula synaptic transmission. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112159. [PMID: 36842084 PMCID: PMC10846612 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) encodes aversive states, and its dysregulation is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a neuromodulatory signaling system that broadly serves to counteract the adverse effects of stress; however, CB1 receptor signaling within the LHb can paradoxically promote anxiogenic- and depressive-like effects. Current reports of synaptic actions of eCBs in the LHb are conflicting and lack systematic investigation of eCB regulation of excitatory and inhibitory transmission. Here, we report that eCBs differentially regulate glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in the LHb, exhibiting canonical and circuit-specific inhibition of both systems and an opposing potentiation of synaptic glutamate release mediated via activation of CB1 receptors on astrocytes. Moreover, simultaneous depression of GABA and potentiation of glutamate release increases the net excitation-inhibition ratio onto LHb neurons, suggesting a potential cellular mechanism by which cannabinoids may promote LHb activity and subsequent anxious- and depressive-like aversive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Winters
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Veronika Kondev
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Niharika Loomba
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Eric Delpire
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brad A Grueter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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50
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Lecourtier L, Durieux L, Mathis V. Alteration of Lateral Habenula Function Prevents the Proper Exploration of a Novel Environment. Neuroscience 2023; 514:56-66. [PMID: 36716915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic brain region viewed as a converging hub, integrating information from a large connectome and then projecting to few critical midbrain monoaminergic systems. Numerous studies have explored the roles of the LHb, notably in aversion and avoidance. An important recurring finding when manipulating the LHb is the induction of anxiety-related behaviours. However, its exact role in such behaviours remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used two pharmacological approaches altering LHb activity, intra-LHb infusion of either the GABA-A receptor agonist, Muscimol, or the glutamatergic AMPA receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and exposed rats to three consecutive open field (OF) sessions. We found that both pharmacological treatments prevented rats to explore the centre of the OF, considered as the most anxiogenic part of the apparatus, across the three OF sessions. In addition, during the first, but not the two consecutive sessions, both treatments prevented a thorough exploration of the OF. Altogether, these results confirm the crucial role played by the LHb in anxiety-related behaviours and further suggest its implication in the exploration of new anxiogenic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lecourtier
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Durieux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France
| | - Victor Mathis
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364 Strasbourg, France.
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