Article
Neurosciences
Ali Ozgur Argunsah, Inbal Israely
Summary: Dendritic spines are highly dynamic structures that can undergo structural and functional fluctuations influenced by multiple factors. This study demonstrates that unstimulated neighboring spines can also experience structural modifications, which are dependent on the temporal pattern of plasticity-inducing stimulus. The findings suggest that activity patterns at single dendritic spines can shape plasticity at nearby synapse clusters, potentially priming local inputs for further modifications.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Toviah Moldwin, Menachem Kalmenson, Idan Segev
Summary: Long-term synaptic plasticity is mediated via cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]), and the interplay between NMDA receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) can result in heterosynaptic effects. The activation of NMDA spike at a given dendritic location can induce heterosynaptic plasticity mainly at distal branches. Simultaneously activated synaptic clusters located at different dendritic locations synergistically affect the plasticity, enabling a sophisticated supervision of heterosynaptic plasticity. This research provides a novel framework for understanding synaptic plasticity and has implications in experimental and theoretical studies of dendritic computation and learning.
Article
Neurosciences
Justinas J. Dainauskas, Helene Marie, Michele Migliore, Ausra Saudargiene
Summary: Synaptic plasticity is a key mechanism for learning and memory. A new model based on NMDA receptors was developed to explain synaptic modifications in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. The model incorporates the functions of GluN2A-NMDA and GluN2B-NMDA receptors, and predicts altered learning rules in synapses formed on apical dendrites in the presence of GluN2B-NMDA receptor hypofunction. This model can be used to study learning in hippocampal networks.
FRONTIERS IN SYNAPTIC NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Rahumath Nasarudeen, Abhinav Singh, Zubin Singh Rana, Pradeep Punnakkal
Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of epilepsy in humans and is associated with cognitive impairment and memory consolidation problems. This study investigates the changes in synaptic plasticity in an epilepsy model and finds that epileptiform activity impairs long-term depression (LTD) in Schaffer-collateral (Sc) CA1 synapses. In addition, the study shows that LTD induction using NMDA and 1 Hz stimulation is NMDA receptor dependent, and the polarity changes in synaptic plasticity can be blocked by GluN2B antagonists. These findings provide new insights into the cellular mechanism of memory formation during epilepsy.
EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Masanori Nomoto, Noriaki Ohkawa, Kaoru Inokuchi, Naoya Oishi
Summary: This study found that NRs in the hippocampal CA3 are crucial for supporting hippocampal functions, such as pattern completion and reverberatory association of sensory inputs. Previous research showed that synchronous activation of distinct cell populations in CA3 could result in the artificial association of independent events, indicating the role of NRs in mediating memory event association in CA3. However, it is still unclear whether NRs in CA3 are essential for the artificial association of memory events stored in CA3 ensembles.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chengzhang Li, Zhenrong Li, Sihan Xu, Sanwei Jiang, Zhenli Ye, Bin Yu, Shixiang Gong, Junmei Li, Qilin Hu, Bingyan Feng, Mengmeng Wang, Chengbiao Lu
Summary: We found that exogenous AMPA can dose-dependently inhibit carbachol-induced oscillation in the CA3 area of rat hippocampal slices, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Our results suggest that CP-AMPAR and CaMKK negatively modulate the formation of oscillation, and AMPA downregulation of oscillation may be related to the reduced recurrent excitation within the CA3 local neuronal network.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Renee Chasse, Alexey Malyshev, Roslyn Holly Fitch, Maxim Volgushev
Summary: Theoretical and modeling studies suggest that heterosynaptic plasticity enhances discriminative learning and repetitive learning in Hebbian-type systems. Experimental manipulation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) to impair heterosynaptic plasticity resulted in impaired synaptic plasticity and deficits in visual discrimination learning in A1R KO mice. These results provide experimental evidence for the role of heterosynaptic plasticity in organism-level learning and suggest it as a potential target for interventions to enhance new learning.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guanglong Ding, Baidong Yang, Ruo-Si Chen, Wen-Ai Mo, Kui Zhou, Yang Liu, Gang Shang, Yongbiao Zhai, Su-Ting Han, Ye Zhou
Summary: In this study, a WSe2-based memtransistor is fabricated for mimicking both homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity. By optimizing input conditions, the number and linearity of resistance states can be improved. The device offers highly adjustable and reconfigurable characteristics, providing more freedom for tuning synaptic weight, optimizing circuit design, and building artificial neuromorphic computing systems.
Article
Neurosciences
Rachel Humphries, Jack R. Mellor, Cian O'Donnell
Summary: Acetylcholine enhances dendritic excitability and facilitates NMDA spike generation by inhibiting potassium channels. Distal SLM dendrites have a lower threshold for NMDA spike generation compared to SR dendrites. These results reveal the role of acetylcholine in promoting synaptic integration and NMDA spike generation in selected CA3 dendrites.
Article
Neurosciences
Pojeong Park, Heather Kang, John Georgiou, Min Zhuo, Bong-Kiun Kaang, Graham L. Collingridge
Summary: The study demonstrates that calcium-permeable AMPA receptors are crucial for heterosynaptic metaplasticity. Results show that significant metaplasticity occurs when a strong TBS precedes a weak TBS, and pausing stimulation can largely eliminate this metaplasticity.
Article
Neurosciences
S. Murat Durakoglugil, R. Catherine Wasser, H. Connie Wong, Theresa Pohlkamp, Xunde Xian, Courtney Lane-Donovan, Katja Fritschle, Lea Naestle, Joachim Herz
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to synaptic dysfunction. Reelin protects synapses against Aβ toxicity through ApoE receptors. Experiments showed that Reelin modulates mGluR-LTD, potentially impacting memory consolidation or neurodegeneration.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Christopher M. Davenport, Rajit Rajappa, Ljudmila Katchan, Charlotte R. Taylor, Ming-Chi Tsai, Caleb M. Smith, Johannes W. de Jong, Don B. Arnold, Stephan Lammel, Richard H. Kramer
Summary: The study uncovers a hidden form of inhibitory synaptic plasticity that prevents the accumulation of excitatory long-term potentiation (LTP). Induction of excitatory LTP relocates α5-GABARs to inhibitory synapses, interrupting further LTP induction. This dual plasticity between inhibitory and excitatory synapses may be a critical early step in memory preservation.
Article
Neurosciences
Hristo Varbanov, Shaobo Jia, Gaga Kochlamazashvili, Subhrajit Bhattacharya, Manal Ali Buabeid, Mohamed El Tabbal, Hussam Hayani, Stoyan Stoyanov, Weilun Sun, Hauke Thiesler, Iris Roeckle, Herbert Hildebrandt, Oleg Senkov, Vishnu Suppiramaniam, Rita Gerardy-Schahn, Alexander Dityatev
Summary: Dysregulated cortical expression of NCAM and deficits of its associated polySia are found in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Acute enzymatic removal of polySia in the prefrontal cortex leads to increased transmission mediated by GluN1/GluN2B NMDARs, impaired LTP, and increased tonic currents. Treatment with polySia fragments or inhibition of GluN1/GluN2B receptors restores LTP and cognitive tasks in polySia-deficient mice and Alzheimer's disease models. The data highlight the crucial role of polySia-NCAM in balancing signaling through synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDARs and the therapeutic potential of polySia fragments.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Amin Charousaei, Mohammad Nasehi, Vahab Babapour, Salar Vaseghi, Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
Summary: The study demonstrated the involvement of CA3 5-HT4 receptors in D-AP5-induced anxiolytic-like behaviors in rats. Specifically, the experimental results showed that these receptors play an important role in modulating anxiety-related behaviors in rats.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Junfeng Su, Fengwen Huang, Yu Tian, Ran Tian, Qianqian Gao, Stephen Temitayo Bello, Dingxaun Zeng, Peter Jendrichovsky, C. Geoffrey Lau, Wenjun Xiong, Daiguan Yu, Micky Tortorella, Xi Chen, Jufang He
Summary: This study reveals the critical role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in heterosynaptic neuromodulation from the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) to the hippocampus, affecting CA3-CA1 LTP and space-related performance.
Review
Neurosciences
Marco Capogna, Pablo E. Castillo, Arianna Maffei
Summary: GABAergic interneurons are highly diverse and play a crucial role in regulating neural circuits for learning and memory. Inhibitory synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and neocortex is essential for circuit dynamics, with different interneuron types supporting unique roles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kyle R. Jensen, Coralie Berthoux, Kaoutsar Nasrallah, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: Recurrent excitatory neural networks in the hippocampus involving excitatory mossy cells (MCs) can promote epilepsy. Physiologically relevant activity patterns of MCs induce robust presynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) of MC-GC transmission. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) at MC axon terminals play a crucial role in modulating presynaptic metaplasticity and excitatory transmission onto granule cells (GCs).
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sachin Makani, Stefano Lutzu, Pablo J. Lituma, David L. Hunt, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: A new study in the hippocampus reveals a Ca2+-dependent retrograde suppression mechanism for MF-PTP, requiring burst activity and Ca2+ release from internal stores. This suggests that the MF-CA3 synapse can negatively regulate its own strength not only during normal exploratory behaviors but also during epileptic activity.
Article
Biology
Pablo J. Lituma, Hyung-Bae Kwon, Karina Alvina, Rafael Lujan, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: The study reveals that activation of presynaptic NMDA receptors can selectively enhance short-term synaptic plasticity at mossy fiber inputs onto CA3 pyramidal cells and mossy cells in the rodent hippocampus. These receptors also facilitate brain-derived neurotrophic factor release and contribute to presynaptic calcium rise.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irantzu Rico-Barrio, Sara Penasco, Leire Lekunberri, Maitane Serrano, Jon Egana-Huguet, Amaia Mimenza, Edgar Soria-Gomez, Almudena Ramos, Ianire Buceta, Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia, Juan Mendizabal-Zubiaga, Izaskun Elezgarai, Nagore Puente, Pedro Grandes
Summary: Binge drinking in adolescents can affect memory and synaptic plasticity, but memory recovery in an enriched environment may depend on cannabinoid receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors. The study suggests that an enriched environment has a positive impact on the brains exposed to water and alcohol.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jon Egana-Huguet, Edgar Soria-Gomez, Pedro Grandes
Summary: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, with millions of people diagnosed each year. Glial cells play a crucial role in neuronal viability and dysfunction in various neurological disorders. The regulation of the endocannabinoid system on glial cells, especially in pathological conditions like epilepsy, is not well understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Czarina Ramos, Stefano Lutzu, Miwako Yamasaki, Yuchio Yanagawa, Kenji Sakimura, Susumu Tomita, Masahiko Watanabe, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: This study provides the first direct evidence of functional extrasynaptic kainate receptors (KARs) on mossy cells (MCs) in the hippocampus. These KARs are mainly located extrasynaptically and play a critical role in the activity of MCs. Increases in ambient glutamate can activate the KARs on MCs.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pablo J. Lituma, Evan Woo, Bruce F. O'Hara, Pablo E. Castillo, Nicholas E. S. Sibinga, Sayan Nandi
Summary: Growing evidence suggests that Iba1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic pruning, transmission, and plasticity. Aif1(-/-) mice exhibited deficits in excitatory synapse number, synaptic drive, and behavior, indicating the importance of Iba1 in microglial activity and neuroglial developmental processes. These findings highlight the significant contribution of Iba1 in excitatory synaptic growth and its impact on behavior.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniele Linaro, Matthew J. Levy, David L. Hunt
Summary: The transformation of synaptic input into action potential output is a fundamental process in cellular computation, which is determined by cellular morphology and the expression profile of ion channels. This study uses high-resolution morphological reconstructions and patch-clamp electrophysiology data to build biophysically detailed models of hippocampal neurons, and successfully matches the firing phenotypes of different cell types by adjusting the expression pattern of ion channel genes.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Svein Achicallende, Itziar Bonilla-Del Rio, Maitane Serrano, Amaia Mimenza, Leire Lekunberri, Ilazki Anaut-Lusar, Nagore Puente, Inmaculada Gerrikagoitia, Pedro Grandes
Summary: This study compared the use of GLAST and GFAP for the localization of CB1 receptors in astrocytes, finding that GLAST provided better visualization of astroglial area and membranes compared to GFAP. Additionally, 12% of the total CB1 receptor labeling was detected in GLAST-positive astrocytes.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah R. Monday, Shivani C. Kharod, Young J. Yoon, Robert H. Singer, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: Learning and memory rely on long-lasting, synapse-specific modifications. This study found that presynaptic FMRP and protein synthesis dynamically control presynaptic structure and function in the mature mammalian brain.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pablo E. Castillo
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaoutsar Nasrallah, M. Agustina Frechou, Young J. Yoon, Subrina Persaud, J. Tiago Goncalves, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: Epilepsy is a devastating brain disorder with limited effective treatments. This study investigates the cellular mechanisms during the early stages of epilepsy and finds that the initial seizures are associated with synaptic strengthening, which may promote later epileptic activity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pablo J. Lituma, Robert H. Singer, Sulagna Das, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: The ability of neurons to process and store salient environmental features is essential for brain information processing. The transcription dynamics of the Arc gene, which is critical for long-term synaptic plasticity and memory, vary depending on the activation of different excitatory inputs. This finding highlights how different synaptic inputs may encode information by modulating the transcription dynamics of this gene.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shivani C. Kharod, Hannah R. Monday, Young J. Yoon, Pablo E. Castillo
Summary: This article introduces a method using HaloTag self-labeling technology to detect local protein synthesis in presynaptic mossy fiber boutons in mice. The method involves injecting a HaloTag-expressing virus into the brain region of interest, preparing brain slices, labeling the HaloTag-fused protein, and acquiring images to visualize the labeled protein in an intact circuit.