1
|
Leitch B. Parvalbumin Interneuron Dysfunction in Neurological Disorders: Focus on Epilepsy and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5549. [PMID: 38791587 PMCID: PMC11122153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105549] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parvalbumin expressing (PV+) GABAergic interneurons are fast spiking neurons that provide powerful but relatively short-lived inhibition to principal excitatory cells in the brain. They play a vital role in feedforward and feedback synaptic inhibition, preventing run away excitation in neural networks. Hence, their dysfunction can lead to hyperexcitability and increased susceptibility to seizures. PV+ interneurons are also key players in generating gamma oscillations, which are synchronized neural oscillations associated with various cognitive functions. PV+ interneuron are particularly vulnerable to aging and their degeneration has been associated with cognitive decline and memory impairment in dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overall, dysfunction of PV+ interneurons disrupts the normal excitatory/inhibitory balance within specific neurocircuits in the brain and thus has been linked to a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review focuses on the role of dysfunctional PV+ inhibitory interneurons in the generation of epileptic seizures and cognitive impairment and their potential as targets in the design of future therapeutic strategies to treat these disorders. Recent research using cutting-edge optogenetic and chemogenetic technologies has demonstrated that they can be selectively manipulated to control seizures and restore the balance of neural activity in the brains of animal models. This suggests that PV+ interneurons could be important targets in developing future treatments for patients with epilepsy and comorbid disorders, such as AD, where seizures and cognitive decline are directly linked to specific PV+ interneuron deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beulah Leitch
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brünner H, Kim H, Ährlund-Richter S, van Lunteren JA, Crestani AP, Meletis K, Carlén M. Cell-type-specific representation of spatial context in the rat prefrontal cortex. iScience 2024; 27:109743. [PMID: 38711459 PMCID: PMC11070673 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability to represent one's own position in relation to cues, goals, or threats is crucial to successful goal-directed behavior. Using optotagging in knock-in rats expressing Cre recombinase in parvalbumin (PV) neurons (PV-Cre rats), we demonstrate cell-type-specific encoding of spatial and movement variables in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during goal-directed reward seeking. Single neurons encoded the conjunction of the animal's spatial position and the run direction, referred to as the spatial context. The spatial context was most prominently represented by the inhibitory PV interneurons. Movement toward the reward was signified by increased local field potential (LFP) oscillations in the gamma band but this LFP signature was not related to the spatial information in the neuronal firing. The results highlight how spatial information is incorporated into cognitive operations in the mPFC. The presented PV-Cre line opens the door for expanded research approaches in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Brünner
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hoseok Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Ana Paula Crestani
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marie Carlén
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji C, Yang X, Eleish M, Jiang Y, Tetlow A, Song S, Martín-Ávila A, Wu Q, Zhou Y, Gan W, Lin Y, Sigurdsson EM. Neuronal hypofunction and network dysfunction in a mouse model at an early stage of tauopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.29.591735. [PMID: 38746288 PMCID: PMC11092661 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.29.591735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
We previously reported altered neuronal Ca 2+ dynamics in the motor cortex of 12-month-old JNPL3 tauopathy mice during quiet wakefulness or forced running, with a tau antibody treatment significantly restoring the neuronal Ca 2+ activity profile and decreasing pathological tau in these mice 1 . Whether neuronal functional deficits occur at an early stage of tauopathy and if tau antibody treatment is effective in younger tauopathy mice needed further investigation. In addition, neuronal network activity and neuronal firing patterns have not been well studied in behaving tauopathy models. In this study, we first performed in vivo two-photon Ca 2+ imaging in JNPL3 mice in their early stage of tauopathy at 6 months of age, compared to 12 month old mice and age-matched wild-type controls to evaluate neuronal functional deficits. At the animal level, frequency of neuronal Ca 2+ transients decreased only in 6 month old tauopathy mice compared to controls, and only when animals were running on a treadmill. The amplitude of neuronal transients decreased in tauopathy mice compared to controls under resting and running conditions in both age groups. Total neuronal activity decreased only in 6 month old tauopathy mice compared to controls under resting and running conditions. Within either tauopathy or wild-type group, only total activity decreased in older wild-type animals. The tauopathy mice at different ages did not differ in neuronal Ca 2+ transient frequency, amplitude or total activity. In summary, neuronal function did significantly attenuate at an early age in tauopathy mice compared to controls but interestingly did not deteriorate between 6 and 12 months of age. A more detailed populational analysis of the pattern of Ca 2+ activity at the neuronal level in the 6 month old cohort confirmed neuronal hypoactivity in layer 2/3 of primary motor cortex, compared to wild-type controls, when animals were either resting or running on a treadmill. Despite reduced activity, neuronal Ca 2+ profiles exhibited enhanced synchrony and dysregulated responses to running stimulus. Further ex vivo electrophysiological recordings revealed reduction of spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission onto and in pyramidal neurons and enhanced excitability of inhibitory neurons in motor cortex, which were likely responsible for altered neuronal network activity in this region. Lastly, tau antibody treatment reduced pathological tau and gliosis partially restored the neuronal Ca 2+ activity deficits but failed to rescue altered network changes. Taken together, substantial neuronal and network dysfunction occurred in the early stage of tauopathy that was partially alleviated with acute tau antibody treatment, which highlights the importance of functional assessment when evaluating the therapeutic potential of tau antibodies. Highlights Layer 2/3 motor cortical neurons exhibited hypofunction in awake and behaving mice at the early stage of tauopathy.Altered neuronal network activity disrupted local circuitry engagement in tauopathy mice during treadmill running.Layer 2/3 motor cortical neurons in tauopathy mice exhibited enhanced neuronal excitability and altered excitatory synaptic transmissions.Acute tau antibody treatment reduced pathological tau and gliosis, and partially restored neuronal hypofunction profiles but not network dysfunction.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bogdańska-Chomczyk E, Równiak M, Huang ACW, Kozłowska A. Parvalbumin interneuron deficiency in the prefrontal and motor cortices of spontaneously hypertensive rats: an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder animal model insight. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1359237. [PMID: 38600979 PMCID: PMC11005678 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1359237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impairments in developmental-behavioral inhibition, resulting in impulsivity and hyperactivity. Recent research has underscored cortical inhibition deficiencies in ADHD via the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system, which is crucial for maintaining excitatory-inhibitory balance in the brain. This study explored postnatal changes in parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactivity, indicating GABAergic interneuron types, in the prefrontal (PFC) and motor (MC) cortices of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), an ADHD animal model. Methods Examining PV- positive (PV+) cells associated with dopamine D2 receptors (D2) and the impact of dopamine on GABA synthesis, we also investigated changes in the immunoreactivity of D2 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Brain sections from 4- to 10-week-old SHRs and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were immunohistochemically analyzed, comparing PV+, D2+ cells, and TH+ fiber densities across age-matched SHRs and WKYs in specific PFC/MC regions. Results The results revealed significantly reduced PV+ cell density in SHRs: prelimbic (~20% less), anterior cingulate (~15% less), primary (~15% less), and secondary motor (~17% less) cortices. PV+ deficits coincided with the upregulation of D2 in prepubertal SHRs and the downregulation of TH predominantly in pubertal/postpubertal SHRs. Conclusion Reduced PV+ cells in various PFC regions could contribute to inattention/behavioral alterations in ADHD, while MC deficits could manifest as motor hyperactivity. D2 upregulation and TH deficits may impact GABA synthesis, exacerbating behavioral deficits in ADHD. These findings not only shed new light on ADHD pathophysiology but also pave the way for future research endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Bogdańska-Chomczyk
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Maciej Równiak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Anna Kozłowska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chauvin RJ, Newbold DJ, Nielsen AN, Miller RL, Krimmel SR, Metoki A, Wang A, Van AN, Montez DF, Marek S, Suljic V, Baden NJ, Ramirez-Perez N, Scheidter KM, Monk JS, Whiting FI, Adeyemo B, Snyder AZ, Kay BP, Raichle ME, Laumann TO, Gordon EM, Dosenbach NU. Disuse-driven plasticity in the human thalamus and putamen. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.07.566031. [PMID: 37987000 PMCID: PMC10659348 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor adaptation in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loops has been studied mainly in animals using invasive electrophysiology. Here, we leverage functional neuroimaging in humans to study motor circuit plasticity in the human subcortex. We employed an experimental paradigm that combined two weeks of upper-extremity immobilization with daily resting-state and motor task fMRI before, during, and after the casting period. We previously showed that limb disuse leads to decreased functional connectivity (FC) of the contralateral somatomotor cortex (SM1) with the ipsilateral somatomotor cortex, increased FC with the cingulo-opercular network (CON) as well as the emergence of high amplitude, fMRI signal pulses localized in the contralateral SM1, supplementary motor area and the cerebellum. From our prior observations, it remains unclear whether the disuse plasticity affects the thalamus and striatum. We extended our analysis to include these subcortical regions and found that both exhibit strengthened cortical FC and spontaneous fMRI signal pulses induced by limb disuse. The dorsal posterior putamen and the central thalamus, mainly CM, VLP and VIM nuclei, showed disuse pulses and FC changes that lined up with fmri task activations from the Human connectome project motor system localizer, acquired before casting for each participant. Our findings provide a novel understanding of the role of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loops in human motor plasticity and a potential link with the physiology of sleep regulation. Additionally, similarities with FC observation from Parkinson Disease (PD) questions a pathophysiological link with limb disuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roselyne J. Chauvin
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Dillan J. Newbold
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Ashley N. Nielsen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Ryland L. Miller
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Samuel R. Krimmel
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Athanasia Metoki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Anxu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Andrew N. Van
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Division of Computation and Data Science, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - David F. Montez
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Scott Marek
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Vahdeta Suljic
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Noah J. Baden
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | | | - Kristen M. Scheidter
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Julia S. Monk
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Forrest I. Whiting
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Babatunde Adeyemo
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Abraham Z. Snyder
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Benjamin P. Kay
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marcus E. Raichle
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Timothy O. Laumann
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Evan M. Gordon
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Nico U.F. Dosenbach
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bosetti C, Ferrini L, Ferrari AR, Bartolini E, Calderoni S. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Abnormalities of Clinical EEG: A Qualitative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:279. [PMID: 38202286 PMCID: PMC10779511 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010279] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy has been widely demonstrated, and many hypotheses regarding the common neurobiological bases of these disorders have been put forward. A variable, but significant, prevalence of abnormalities on electroencephalogram (EEG) has been documented in non-epileptic children with ASD; therefore, several scientific studies have recently tried to demonstrate the role of these abnormalities as a possible biomarker of altered neural connectivity in ASD individuals. This narrative review intends to summarize the main findings of the recent scientific literature regarding abnormalities detected with standard EEG in children/adolescents with idiopathic ASD. Research using three different databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) was conducted, resulting in the selection of 10 original articles. Despite an important lack of studies on preschoolers and a deep heterogeneity in results, some authors speculated on a possible association between EEG abnormalities and ASD characteristics, in particular, the severity of symptoms. Although this correlation needs to be more strongly elucidated, these findings may encourage future studies aimed at demonstrating the role of electrical brain abnormalities as an early biomarker of neural circuit alterations in ASD, highlighting the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of EEG in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bosetti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Tuscany PhD Programme in Neurosciences, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sohn J. Synaptic configuration and reconfiguration in the neocortex are spatiotemporally selective. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:17-33. [PMID: 37837522 PMCID: PMC10771605 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Brain computation relies on the neural networks. Neurons extend the neurites such as dendrites and axons, and the contacts of these neurites that form chemical synapses are the biological basis of signal transmissions in the central nervous system. Individual neuronal outputs can influence the other neurons within the range of the axonal spread, while the activities of single neurons can be affected by the afferents in their somatodendritic fields. The morphological profile, therefore, binds the functional role each neuron can play. In addition, synaptic connectivity among neurons displays preference based on the characteristics of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Here, the author reviews the "spatial" and "temporal" connection selectivity in the neocortex. The histological description of the neocortical circuitry depends primarily on the classification of cell types, and the development of gene engineering techniques allows the cell type-specific visualization of dendrites and axons as well as somata. Using genetic labeling of particular cell populations combined with immunohistochemistry and imaging at a subcellular spatial resolution, we revealed the "spatial selectivity" of cortical wirings in which synapses are non-uniformly distributed on the subcellular somatodendritic domains in a presynaptic cell type-specific manner. In addition, cortical synaptic dynamics in learning exhibit presynaptic cell type-dependent "temporal selectivity": corticocortical synapses appear only transiently during the learning phase, while learning-induced new thalamocortical synapses persist, indicating that distinct circuits may supervise learning-specific ephemeral synapse and memory-specific immortal synapse formation. The selectivity of spatial configuration and temporal reconfiguration in the neural circuitry may govern diverse functions in the neocortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaerin Sohn
- Department of Systematic Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gross J, Knipper M, Mazurek B. Candidate Key Proteins in Tinnitus: A Bioinformatic Study of Synaptic Transmission in Spiral Ganglion Neurons. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4189-4207. [PMID: 37736859 PMCID: PMC10661836 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01405-w] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
To study key proteins associated with changes in synaptic transmission in the spiral ganglion in tinnitus, we build three gene lists from the GeneCard database: 1. Perception of sound (PoS), 2. Acoustic stimulation (AcouStim), and 3. Tinnitus (Tin). Enrichment analysis by the DAVID database resulted in similar Gene Ontology (GO) terms for cellular components in all gene lists, reflecting synaptic structures known to be involved in auditory processing. The STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the Cytoscape data analyzer were used to identify the top two high-degree proteins (HDPs) and their high-score interaction proteins (HSIPs) identified by the combined score (CS) of the corresponding edges. The top two protein pairs (key proteins) for the PoS are BDNF-GDNF and OTOF-CACNA1D and for the AcouStim process BDNF-NTRK2 and TH-CALB1. The Tin process showed BDNF and NGF as HDPs, with high-score interactions with NTRK1 and NGFR at a comparable level. Compared to the PoS and AcouStim process, the number of HSIPs of key proteins (CS > 90. percentile) increases strongly in Tin. In the PoS and AcouStim networks, BDNF receptor signaling is the dominant pathway, and in the Tin network, the NGF-signaling pathway is of similar importance. Key proteins and their HSIPs are good indicators of biological processes and of signaling pathways characteristic for the normal hearing on the one hand and tinnitus on the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johann Gross
- Tinnitus Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Leibniz Society of Science Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marlies Knipper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Center (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Leibniz Society of Science Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnitus Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rupert DD, Pagliaro AH, Choe J, Shea SD. Selective Deletion of Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 from Parvalbumin Interneurons in the Auditory Cortex Delays the Onset of Maternal Retrieval in Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6745-6759. [PMID: 37625856 PMCID: PMC10552946 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0838-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in MECP2 cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome. MECP2 codes for methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator that activates genetic programs for experience-dependent plasticity. Many neural and behavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome may result from dysregulated timing and thresholds for plasticity. As a model of adult plasticity, we examine changes to auditory cortex inhibitory circuits in female mice when they are first exposed to pups; this plasticity facilitates behavioral responses to pups emitting distress calls. Brainwide deletion of Mecp2 alters expression of markers associated with GABAergic parvalbumin interneurons (PVins) and impairs the emergence of pup retrieval. We hypothesized that loss of Mecp2 in PVins disproportionately contributes to the phenotype. Here, we find that deletion of Mecp2 from PVins delayed the onset of maternal retrieval behavior and recapitulated the major molecular and neurophysiological features of brainwide deletion of Mecp2 We observed that when PVin-selective mutants were exposed to pups, auditory cortical expression of PVin markers increased relative to that in wild-type littermates. PVin-specific mutants also failed to show the inhibitory auditory cortex plasticity seen in wild-type mice on exposure to pups and their vocalizations. Finally, using an intersectional viral genetic strategy, we demonstrate that postdevelopmental loss of Mecp2 in PVins of the auditory cortex is sufficient to delay onset of maternal retrieval. Our results support a model in which PVins play a central role in adult cortical plasticity and may be particularly impaired by loss of Mecp2 SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes deficits in both communication and the ability to update brain connections and activity during learning (plasticity). This condition is caused by mutations in the gene MECP2 We use a maternal behavioral test in mice requiring both vocal perception and neural plasticity to probe the role of Mecp2 in social and sensory learning. Mecp2 is normally active in all brain cells, but here we remove it from a specific population (parvalbumin neurons). We find that this is sufficient to delay learned behavioral responses to pups and recreates many deficits seen in whole-brain Mecp2 deletion. Our findings suggest that parvalbumin neurons specifically are central to the consequences of loss of Mecp2 activity and yield clues as to possible mechanisms by which Rett syndrome impairs brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah D Rupert
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8434
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| | - Alexa H Pagliaro
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| | - Jane Choe
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| | - Stephen D Shea
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Druga R, Salaj M, Al-Redouan A. Parvalbumin - Positive Neurons in the Neocortex: A Review. Physiol Res 2023; 72:S173-S191. [PMID: 37565421 PMCID: PMC10660579 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935005] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The calcium binding protein parvalbumin (PV) in the mammalian neocortex is expressed in a subpopulation of cortical GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. PV - producing interneurons represent the largest subpopulation of neocortical inhibitory cells, exhibit mutual chemical and electrical synaptic contacts and are well known to generate gamma oscillation. This review summarizes basic data of the distribution, afferent and efferent connections and physiological properties of parvalbumin expressing neurons in the neocortex. Basic data about participation of PV-positive neurons in cortical microcircuits are presented. Autaptic connections, metabolism and perineuronal nets (PNN) of PV positive neurons are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Druga
- Department of Anatomy, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Haimson B, Mizrahi A. Plasticity in auditory cortex during parenthood. Hear Res 2023; 431:108738. [PMID: 36931020 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Most animals display robust parental behaviors that support the survival and well-being of their offspring. The manifestation of parental behaviors is accompanied by physiological and hormonal changes, which affect both the body and the brain for better care giving. Rodents exhibit a behavior called pup retrieval - a stereotyped sequence of perception and action - used to identify and retrieve their newborn pups back to the nest. Pup retrieval consists of a significant auditory component, which depends on plasticity in the auditory cortex (ACx). We review the evidence of neural changes taking place in the ACx of rodents during the transition to parenthood. We discuss how the plastic changes both in and out of the ACx support the encoding of pup vocalizations. Key players in the mechanism of this plasticity are hormones and experience, both of which have a clear dynamic signature during the transition to parenthood. Mothers, co caring females, and fathers have been used as models to understand parental plasticity at disparate levels of organization. Yet, common principles of cortical plasticity and the biological mechanisms underlying its involvement in parental behavior are just beginning to be unpacked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baruch Haimson
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - Adi Mizrahi
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, and 2Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang P, Davidson JO, Zhou KQ, Wilson R, Wassink G, Prasad JD, Bennet L, Gunn AJ, Dean JM. Therapeutic Hypothermia Attenuates Cortical Interneuron Loss after Cerebral Ischemia in Near-Term Fetal Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043706. [PMID: 36835117 PMCID: PMC9962824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043706] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic hypothermia significantly improves outcomes after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) encephalopathy but is only partially protective. There is evidence that cortical inhibitory interneuron circuits are particularly vulnerable to HI and that loss of interneurons may be an important contributor to long-term neurological dysfunction in these infants. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the duration of hypothermia has differential effects on interneuron survival after HI. Near-term fetal sheep received sham ischemia or cerebral ischemia for 30 min, followed by cerebral hypothermia from 3 h after ischemia end and continued up to 48 h, 72 h, or 120 h recovery. Sheep were euthanized after 7 days for histology. Hypothermia up to 48 h recovery resulted in moderate neuroprotection of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)+ and parvalbumin+ interneurons but did not improve survival of calbindin+ cells. Hypothermia up to 72 h recovery was associated with significantly increased survival of all three interneuron phenotypes compared with sham controls. By contrast, while hypothermia up to 120 h recovery did not further improve (or impair) GAD+ or parvalbumin+ neuronal survival compared with hypothermia up to 72 h, it was associated with decreased survival of calbindin+ interneurons. Finally, protection of parvalbumin+ and GAD+ interneurons, but not calbindin+ interneurons, with hypothermia was associated with improved recovery of electroencephalographic (EEG) power and frequency by day 7 after HI. The present study demonstrates differential effects of increasing the duration of hypothermia on interneuron survival after HI in near-term fetal sheep. These findings may contribute to the apparent preclinical and clinical lack of benefit of very prolonged hypothermia.
Collapse
|
14
|
Reilly TJ. Ketamine: Linking NMDA receptor hypofunction, gamma oscillations and psychosis (commentary on Qin et al., 2022). Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:456-457. [PMID: 36442864 PMCID: PMC10107757 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rupert DD, Pagliaro A, Choe J, Shea SD. Selective deletion of Methyl CpG binding protein 2 from parvalbumin interneurons in the auditory cortex delays the onset of maternal retrieval in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526321. [PMID: 36778467 PMCID: PMC9915474 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in MECP2 cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome. MECP2 codes for methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator that activates genetic programs for experience-dependent plasticity. Many neural and behavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome may result from dysregulated timing and threshold for plasticity. As a model of adult plasticity, we examine changes to auditory cortex inhibitory circuits in female mice when they are first exposed to pups; this plasticity facilitates behavioral responses to pups emitting distress calls. Brain-wide deletion of Mecp2 alters expression of markers associated with GABAergic parvalbumin interneurons (PVin) and impairs the emergence of pup retrieval. We hypothesized that loss of Mecp2 in PVin disproportionately contributes to the phenotype. Here we find that deletion of Mecp2 from PVin delayed the onset of maternal retrieval behavior and recapitulated the major molecular and neurophysiological features of brain-wide deletion of Mecp2 . We observed that when PVin-selective mutants were exposed to pups, auditory cortical expression of PVin markers increased relative to that in wild type littermates. PVin-specific mutants also failed to show the inhibitory auditory cortex plasticity seen in wild type mice upon exposure to pups and their vocalizations. Finally, using an intersectional viral genetic strategy, we demonstrate that post-developmental loss of Mecp2 in PVin of the auditory cortex is sufficient to delay onset of maternal retrieval. Our results support a model in which PVin play a central role in adult cortical plasticity and may be particularly impaired by loss of Mecp2 . SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes deficits in both communication and the ability to update brain connections and activity during learning ('plasticity'). This condition is caused by mutations in the gene MECP2 . We use a maternal behavioral test in mice requiring both vocal perception and neural plasticity to probe Mecp2' s role in social and sensory learning. Mecp2 is normally active in all brain cells, but here we remove it from a specific population ('parvalbumin neurons'). We find that this is sufficient to delay learned behavioral responses to pups and recreates many deficits seen in whole brain Mecp2 deletion. Our findings suggest that parvalbumin neurons specifically are central to the consequences of loss of Mecp2 activity and yield clues as to possible mechanisms by which Rett syndrome impairs brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah D. Rupert
- Dept of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, and Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
| | | | - Jane Choe
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schiff HC, Kogan JF, Isaac M, Czarnecki LA, Fontanini A, Maffei A. Experience-dependent plasticity of gustatory insular cortex circuits and taste preferences. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade6561. [PMID: 36630501 PMCID: PMC9833665 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade6561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Early experience with food influences taste preference in adulthood. How gustatory experience influences development of taste preferences and refinement of cortical circuits has not been investigated. Here, we exposed weanling mice to an array of taste solutions and determined the effects on the preference for sweet in adulthood. We demonstrate an experience-dependent shift in sucrose preference persisting several weeks following the termination of exposure. A shift in sucrose palatability, altered neural responsiveness to sucrose, and inhibitory synaptic plasticity in the gustatory portion of the insular cortex (GC) were also induced. The modulation of sweet preference occurred within a restricted developmental window, but restoration of the capacity for inhibitory plasticity in adult GC reactivated the sensitivity of sucrose preference to taste experience. Our results establish a fundamental link between gustatory experience, sweet preference, inhibitory plasticity, and cortical circuit function and highlight the importance of early life nutrition in setting taste preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary C. Schiff
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Joshua F. Kogan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Maria Isaac
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Alfredo Fontanini
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Arianna Maffei
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, SUNY Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bijlsma A, Omrani A, Spoelder M, Verharen JPH, Bauer L, Cornelis C, de Zwart B, van Dorland R, Vanderschuren LJMJ, Wierenga CJ. Social Play Behavior Is Critical for the Development of Prefrontal Inhibitory Synapses and Cognitive Flexibility in Rats. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8716-8728. [PMID: 36253083 PMCID: PMC9671579 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0524-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory driven activity during early life is critical for setting up the proper connectivity of the sensory cortices. We ask here whether social play behavior, a particular form of social interaction that is highly abundant during postweaning development, is equally important for setting up connections in the developing prefrontal cortex (PFC). Young male rats were deprived from social play with peers during the period in life when social play behavior normally peaks [postnatal day 21-42] (SPD rats), followed by resocialization until adulthood. We recorded synaptic currents in layer 5 cells in slices from medial PFC of adult SPD and control rats and observed that inhibitory synaptic currents were reduced in SPD slices, while excitatory synaptic currents were unaffected. This was associated with a decrease in perisomatic inhibitory synapses from parvalbumin-positive GABAergic cells. In parallel experiments, adult SPD rats achieved more reversals in a probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task, which depends on the integrity of the PFC, by using a more simplified cognitive strategy than controls. Interestingly, we observed that one daily hour of play during SPD partially rescued the behavioral performance in the PRL, but did not prevent the decrease in PFC inhibitory synaptic inputs. Our data demonstrate the importance of unrestricted social play for the development of inhibitory synapses in the PFC and cognitive skills in adulthood and show that specific synaptic alterations in the PFC can result in a complex behavioral outcome.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study addressed the question whether social play behavior in juvenile rats contributes to functional development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We found that rats that had been deprived from juvenile social play (social play deprivation - SPD) showed a reduction in inhibitory synapses in the PFC and a simplified strategy to solve a complex behavioral task in adulthood. Providing one daily hour of play during SPD partially rescued the cognitive skills in these rats, but did not prevent the reduction in PFC inhibitory synapses. Our results demonstrate a key role for unrestricted juvenile social play in PFC development and emphasize the complex relation between PFC circuit connectivity and cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ate Bijlsma
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Azar Omrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P H Verharen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Bauer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cosette Cornelis
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Beleke de Zwart
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René van Dorland
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Section Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Corette J Wierenga
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Miranda JM, Cruz E, Bessières B, Alberini CM. Hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons play a critical role in memory development. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111643. [PMID: 36384113 PMCID: PMC9737056 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodic memories formed in early childhood rapidly decay, but their latent traces remain stored long term. These memories require the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) and seem to undergo a developmental critical period. It remains to be determined whether the maturation of parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs), a major mechanism of critical periods, contributes to memory development. Here, we show that episodic infantile learning significantly increases the levels of parvalbumin in the dHPC 48 h after training. Chemogenetic inhibition of PVIs before learning indicated that these neurons are required for infantile memory formation. A bilateral dHPC injection of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist diazepam after training elicited long-term memory expression in infant rats, although direct PVI chemogenetic activation had no effect. Finally, PVI activity was required for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent maturation of memory competence, i.e., adult-like long-term memory expression. Thus, dHPC PVIs are critical for the formation of infantile memories and for memory development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janelle M Miranda
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Emmanuel Cruz
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Benjamin Bessières
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Cristina M Alberini
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|