Article
Neurosciences
Alessandro Contestabile, Giulia Casarotto, Benoit Girard, Stamatina Tzanoulinou, Camilla Bellone
Summary: This study deconstructed key elements of social preference in mice and found the importance of social olfactory cues in approach behavior. It also showed that social odors activate dopaminergic neurons in a similar way as juvenile conspecifics, and that mice prefer exploring complex social stimuli over isolated sensory cues.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Hongwei Cai, Pei Zhang, Guangjian Qi, Lijun Zhang, Tongxia Li, Ming Li, Xinyuan Lv, Jie Lei, Jie Ming, Bo Tian
Summary: Social buffering is a common phenomenon that helps individuals recover from stress, with VTA dopamine neurons and ZI forming a neural loop that plays a crucial role in improving stress-coping abilities.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Stefano Musardo, Alessandro Contestabile, Marit Knoop, Olivier Baud, Camilla Bellone
Summary: The study revealed that 1 week of social isolation in male mice increased social interaction while decreasing social habituation and preference for social novelty, accompanied by changes in neural activity and synaptic plasticity. These effects were reversed by chemogenetic inhibition of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carole Morel, Sarah E. Montgomery, Long Li, Romain Durand-de Cuttoli, Emily M. Teichman, Barbara Juarez, Nikos Tzavaras, Stacy M. Ku, Meghan E. Flanigan, Min Cai, Jessica J. Walsh, Scott J. Russo, Eric J. Nestler, Erin S. Calipari, Allyson K. Friedman, Ming-Hu Han
Summary: This study demonstrates that ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons projecting to the basolateral amygdala (BLA) selectively control anxiety-like behaviors, but not depression-like behaviors. These findings provide important insights into the neural correlates of anxiety and depression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ornella Valenti, Alice Zambon, Stefan Boehm
Summary: The study found that a single dose of amphetamine and the selective adenosine A2A antagonist KW-6002 reduced population activity of dopamine neurons, while repeated administration led to drug-conditioned place preference and unaltered or enhanced activity. Conversely, recurring injections of caffeine or DPCPX did not cause conditioned place preference and consistently reduced dopamine neuron activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Casey R. Vickstrom, Shana Terai Snarrenberg, Vladislav Friedman, Qing-song Liu
Summary: The neurobiology of addiction has been a focus of research for over 50 years, with recent technological advancements such as optogenetics and miniaturized single-photon microscopy shedding light on the cellular and circuit mechanisms of addiction.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel C. Lowes, Linda A. Chamberlin, Lisa N. Kretsge, Emma S. Holt, Atheir Abbas, Alan J. Park, Lyubov Yusufova, Zachary H. Bretton, Ayesha Firdous, Armen G. Enikolopov, Joshua A. Gordon, Alexander Z. Harris
Summary: In this study, researchers found that stress triggers GABAergic activity in the ventral tegmental area which blunts reward-seeking behavior in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Emma E. Boxer, Charlotte Seng, David Lukacsovich, JungMin Kim, Samantha Schwartz, Matthew J. Kennedy, Csaba Foldy, Jason Aoto
Summary: The study reveals multiple roles for Nrxn3 at GABAergic synapses in vSUB, showing sexually dimorphic intrinsic connectivity and synaptic function. While PVs preferentially contact RS neurons in male mice, they favor BS neurons in female mice. Nrxn3 knockout affects synapse density and postsynaptic strength in males, but enhances presynaptic release in females.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Margherita Tassan Mazzocco, Fabrizia Claudia Guarnieri, Elena Monzani, Fabio Benfenati, Flavia Valtorta, Stefano Comai
Summary: Deletion of Syns in mice results in behavioral abnormalities and neurobiological changes, including hyperactivity, social impairment, anxiety-like behavior, reduced firing activity of DRN 5-HT neurons, enhanced responsiveness of DRN 5-HT-1A autoreceptors, and lower hippocampal 5-HT levels.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Teresa M. Nufer, Bridget J. Wu, Zachary Boyce, Scott C. Steffensen, Jeffrey G. Edwards
Summary: The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a crucial part of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) circuit involved in reward and motivated behaviors. This area contains DA neurons and GABAergic inhibitory cells that regulate DA cell activity. The plasticity of inhibitory inputs to VTA GABA neurons, specifically in response to drug exposure, is not well understood.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. Liu, Kunkun Pang, Min Liu, Xu Tan, Zhaofang Hang, Shouhong Mu, Weikai Han, Qingwei Yue, Stefano Comai, Jinhao Sun
Summary: The brain circuit between the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens lateral shell (NAcLat) plays a crucial role in methamphetamine addiction. By isolating and profiling dopamine (DA) neurons in the VTA-NAcLat circuit of MA-treated mice, researchers discovered that downregulation of KCNQ genes, encoding Kv7 channel proteins, was associated with addiction. Activation of Kv7.2/3 and Kv7.4 channels attenuated MA-induced addiction behaviors by reducing neuronal excitability and dopamine release.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yann S. Mineur, Tenna N. Mose, Laura Vanopdenbosch, Ian M. Etherington, Chika Ogbejesi, Ashraful Islam, Cristiana M. Pineda, Richard B. Crouse, Wenliang Zhou, David C. Thompson, Matthew P. Bentham, Marina R. Picciotto
Summary: Acetylcholine (ACh) levels are elevated in depressed individuals. Blocking ACh receptors can have antidepressant effects and decrease stress-related behaviors. ACh levels increase in response to stress, while blocking the enzyme that degrades ACh induces depression-like symptoms. Cholinergic inputs from the medial septum/diagonal bands of Broca (MSDBB) or ChAT-positive neurons intrinsic to the hippocampus mediate stress-related behaviors in mice.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Jennifer Hernandez, Lynnea Perez, Rosy Soto, Nikki Le, Cassandra Gastelum, Edward J. Wagner
Summary: This study demonstrates that N/OFQ inhibits neuronal activity throughout the nervous system via its receptor, affecting energy balance and appetite regulation. Optogenetic stimulation of N/OFQ neurons can directly inhibit excitability of POMC and dopamine neurons, modulating ingestion of palatable food. Behavioral experiments also show that N/OFQ, through its receptor, regulates binge-eating behavior in VTA and ARC, with sensitivity influenced by sex hormones and diet.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dieter D. Brandner, Cassandra L. Retzlaff, Adrina Kocharian, Bethany J. Stieve, Mohammed A. Mashal, Paul G. Mermelstein, Patrick E. Rothwell
Summary: Chronic opioid use can lead to structural and functional changes in brain circuits, resulting in opioid use disorders. This study focuses on the role of synaptic cell-adhesion molecule NL3 in mediating opioid-induced plasticity in the brain. The findings suggest that the genetic knockout of NL3 in mice alters their response to chronic morphine, leading to a reduction in psychomotor sensitization and changes in locomotor stimulation. The study also reveals that NL3 expression by dopamine neurons plays a crucial role in opioid-evoked adaptations in brain function and behavior.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Taylor Russo, Markus Riessland
Summary: Immune responses are common in neurodegenerative diseases such as PD, AD, and ALS, but their role remains debated. This review discusses midbrain inflammation in PD patients and suggests that cellular senescence may be the cause for this immune response.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stamatina Tzanoulinou, Stefano Musardo, Alessandro Contestabile, Sebastiano Bariselli, Giulia Casarotto, Elia Magrinelli, Yong-hui Jiang, Denis Jabaudon, Camilla Bellone
Summary: Mutations in the SHANK3 gene have been identified as a genetic risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study demonstrates that region-specific downregulation of Shank3 in neonatal mice leads to hyperexcitability of certain neurons and impairs social behavior. Furthermore, acute inhibition of Trpv4 can rescue these behavioral deficits.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Clement Solie, Benoit Girard, Beatrice Righetti, Malika Tapparel, Camilla Bellone
Summary: In this study, the researchers demonstrated that VTA DA neurons show heterogeneous responses during interactions with unfamiliar conspecifics. The activity of DA neurons encodes social prediction error and drives social reinforcement learning.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clement Solie, Alessandro Contestabile, Pedro Espinosa, Stefano Musardo, Sebastiano Bariselli, Chieko Huber, Alan Carleton, Camilla Bellone
Summary: This study shows that the pathway from superior colliculus to ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a key role in encoding orienting behavior and modulating social interaction. The researchers found that this pathway affects VTA dopamine neurons projecting onto dorsolateral striatum, and the stimulation or inhibition of this pathway can influence social interaction in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Aude Molinard-Chenu, Michel Godel, Alicia Rey, Stefano Musardo, Timea Bodogan, Laszlo Vutskits, Camilla Bellone, Alexandre Dayer
Summary: This study reveals an important mechanism in the vulnerability to schizophrenia, showing that Dgcr2 knock-down affects the functional maturation of PNs and INs in the mPFC microcircuit.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Stefano Musardo, Sebastien Therin, Silvia Pelucchi, Laura D'Andrea, Ramona Stringhi, Ana Ribeiro, Annalisa Manca, Claudia Balducci, Jessica Pagano, Carlo Sala, Chiara Verpelli, Valeria Grieco, Valeria Edefonti, Gianluigi Forloni, Fabrizio Gardoni, Giovanni Meli, Daniele Di Marino, Monica Di Luca, Elena Marcello
Summary: The development of new therapeutic avenues targeting early stages of Alzheimer's disease is urgently needed. Research has demonstrated that interfering with the endocytosis of ADAM10 using PEP3 can restore its postsynaptic localization and activity, thereby improving cognitive defects. However, further studies are required to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of PEP3 administration.
Article
Neurosciences
David Hauser, Katharina Behr, Kohtarou Konno, Dietmar Schreiner, Alexander Schmidt, Masahiko Watanabe, Josef Bischofberger, Peter Scheiffele
Summary: This study focuses on the synapse-specific functions of splice isoforms of the synaptic adhesion molecule Neurexin-3 (NRXN3). They discovered a highly expressed proteoform, NRXN3 AS5, in GABAergic interneurons and dendrite-targeting GABAergic terminals. The deletion of Nrxn3 AS5 isoform specifically impaired dendrite-targeting interneuron synapses, highlighting the importance of alternative splicing regulation for synapse function.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Philippe Faure, Sophie L. Fayad, Clement Solie, Lauren M. Reynolds
Summary: Individuals vary in their traits and preferences, which impact their interactions, survival prospects, and susceptibility to diseases. Although there is evidence for these correlations, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms and their relation to vulnerability to diseases are not well understood. Social ties are believed to play a significant role in modulating personality traits and psychiatric vulnerability, but most neuroscience studies are conducted on socially deprived rodents. Rodent micro-society paradigms are therefore crucial for understanding how social life contributes to diversity through shaping individual traits.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Stefano Musardo, Alessandro Contestabile, Marit Knoop, Olivier Baud, Camilla Bellone
Summary: The study revealed that 1 week of social isolation in male mice increased social interaction while decreasing social habituation and preference for social novelty, accompanied by changes in neural activity and synaptic plasticity. These effects were reversed by chemogenetic inhibition of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maxime Mazille, Katarzyna Buczak, Peter Scheiffele, Oriane Mauger
Summary: The nuclear envelope not only acts as a physical barrier between the nucleus and cytosol, but also plays a role in regulating gene expression. This study reveals that a majority of stable intron-retaining mRNAs are retained in the nucleus in mature mouse cortical neurons. Upon neuronal stimulation, some transcripts undergo degradation while others complete splicing and are exported to the cytosol, leading to rapid increases in protein levels. Different forms of stimulation mobilize distinct groups of intron-retaining transcripts, with selectivity arising from specific signaling pathways.
Article
Cell Biology
Roberto Oleari, Antonella Lettieri, Stefano Manzini, Alyssa Paganoni, Valentina Andre, Paolo Grazioli, Marco Busnelli, Paolo Duminuco, Antonio Vitobello, Christophe Philippe, Varoona Bizaoui, Helen L. Storr, Federica Amoruso, Fani Memi, Valeria Vezzoli, Valentina Massa, Peter Scheiffele, Sasha R. Howard, Anna Cariboni
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify novel biological mechanisms and genetic determinants underlying GnRH deficiency (GD). The researchers combined transcriptome analysis of GnRH neurons with exome sequencing from GD patients and found loss-of-function (LoF) variants of the NLGN3 gene, which is linked to autism, in two GD patients. This study provides evidence that NLGN3 variants may contribute to GD and suggests common genetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alessandro Contestabile, Giulia Casarotto, Stefano Musardo, Pedro Espinosa, Federica Maltese, Yong-hui Jiang, Camilla Bellone, Christelle Glangetas
Summary: Anxiety disorders are the most common co-morbidity factor associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The role of Shank3 protein in anxiety behaviors and the neuronal mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of ASD and anxiety disorders are still poorly understood. In this study, the researchers characterized the developmental trajectories of locomotor, social behavior, and anxiety traits in a mouse model of ASD. They found that Shank3 downregulation in the anteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (amBNST) induced anxiety and social avoidance behaviors, accompanied by alterations in glutamatergic synaptic functions. These findings highlight the important role of Shank3 in the maturation of amBNST and anxiety control.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lisa Traunmuller, Jan Schulz, Raul Ortiz, Huijuan Feng, Elisabetta Furlanis, Andrea M. Gomez, Dietmar Schreiner, Josef Bischofberger, Chaolin Zhang, Peter Scheiffele
Summary: The specification of synaptic properties is regulated by terminal selector transcription factors and RNA-binding protein SLM2 plays a critical role in hippocampal synapse specification.