Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brian R. Lee, Rachel Dalley, Jeremy A. Miller, Thomas Chartrand, Jennie Close, Rusty Mann, Alice Mukora, Lindsay Ng, Lauren Alfiler, Katherine Baker, Darren Bertagnolli, Krissy Brouner, Tamara Casper, Eva Csajbok, Nicholas Donadio, Stan L. W. Driessens, Tom Egdorf, Rachel Enstrom, Anna A. Galakhova, Amanda Gary, Emily Gelfand, Jeff Goldy, Kristen Hadley, Tim S. Heistek, Dijon Hill, Wen-Hsien Hou, Nelson Johansen, Nik Jorstad, Lisa Kim, Agnes Katalin Kocsis, Lauren Kruse, Michael Kunst, Gabriela Leon, Brian Long, Matthew Mallory, Michelle Maxwell, Medea Mcgraw, Delissa Mcmillen, Erica J. Melief, Gabor Molnar, Marty T. Mortrud, Dakota Newman, Julie Nyhus, Ximena Opitz-Araya, Attila Ozsvar, Trangthanh Pham, Alice Pom, Lydia Potekhina, Ram Rajanbabu, Augustin Ruiz, Susan M. Sunkin, Ildiko Szoets, Naz Taskin, Bargavi Thyagarajan, Michael Tieu, Jessica Trinh, Sara Vargas, David Vumbaco, Femke Waleboer, Sarah Walling-Bell, Natalie Weed, Grace Williams, Julia Wilson, Shenqin Yao, Thomas Zhou, Pal Barzo, Trygve Bakken, Charles Cobbs, Nick Dee, Richard G. Ellenbogen, Luke Esposito, Manuel Ferreira, Nathan W. Gouwens, Benjamin Grannan, Ryder P. Gwinn, Jason S. Hauptman, Rebecca Hodge, Tim Jarsky, C. Dirk Keene, Andrew L. Ko, Anders Rosendal Korshoej, Boaz P. Levi, Kaare Meier, Jeffrey G. Ojemann, Anoop Patel, Jacob Ruzevick, Daniel L. Silbergeld, Kimberly Smith, Jens Christian Sorensen, Jack Waters, Hongkui Zeng, Jim Berg, Marco Capogna, Natalia A. Goriounova, Brian Kalmbach, Christiaan P. J. de Kock, Huib D. Mansvelder, Staci A. Sorensen, Gabor Tamas, Ed S. Lein, Jonathan T. Ting
Summary: Recent studies have brought new insights into genetically defined cell types in the human brain through single-cell transcriptomic analysis. However, a deeper understanding of multimodal cellular properties, such as electrical activity and morphology, is still lacking, which is crucial for understanding the role of different cell types in cognitive function and disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seonhye Cheon, Allison M. Culver, Anna M. Bagnell, Foster D. Ritchie, Janay M. Vacharasin, Mikayla M. McCord, Carin M. Papendorp, Evelyn Chukwurah, Austin J. Smith, Mara H. Cowen, Trevor A. Moreland, Pankaj S. Ghate, Shannon W. Davis, Judy S. Liu, Sofia B. Lizarraga
Summary: ASH1L plays a role in regulating neuronal morphogenesis by counteracting the catalytic activity of PRC2. Depletion of ASH1L leads to decreased neurite outgrowth and decreased expression of the gene TrkB, which is linked to neuronal morphogenesis. The neuronal morphogenesis defect can be overcome by inhibiting PRC2 activity.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yuki Kajita, Hajime Mushiake
Summary: This study compared GAD65 expression among six GABAergic subtypes, revealing high-expression and low-expression groups in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Different GABAergic subtypes exhibit distinct GAD65 expression patterns in the layers of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, with GAD65 expression in the soma serving as a proxy for cytoplasmic GAD65 levels.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Benjamin Compans, Juan Burrone
Summary: Uncovering the wiring rules employed by neurons during development is challenging but important for neurodevelopmental disorders. Chandelier cells play a crucial role in the formation and plasticity of inhibitory synapses and recent data have provided insights into the molecules involved and the developmental plasticity of connections formed by Chandelier cells onto pyramidal cells.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiangying Meng, Didhiti Mukherjee, Joseph P. Y. Kao, Patrick O. Kanold
Summary: Early sensory experience can shape subplate circuits before thalamocortical circuits to L4 mature in mice. Peripheral activity sequentially shapes cortical circuits from earlier ages than previously appreciated.
Article
Neurosciences
Vivien Miczan, Krisztina Kelemen, Judit R. Glavinics, Zsofia Laszlo, Benjamin Barti, Kata Kenesei, Mate Kisfali, Istvan Katona
Summary: The molecular repertoire of calcium-binding proteins in Ca2+ signaling pathways plays a crucial role in meeting the specific kinetic requirements of Ca2+-dependent processes in different types of neurons. By investigating CB1/CCK-positive interneurons, it was revealed that NECAB1 and NECAB2 are predominant calcium-binding proteins in this cell type, showing functional differences at the subcellular nanoscale level.
Article
Anesthesiology
Hang Zhou, Zhongcong Xie, Ansgar M. Brambrink, Guang Yang
Summary: This study suggests that repeated exposure of neonatal mice to propofol anesthesia during early development leads to cortical circuit dysfunction and behavioral impairments in later life. However, enhancing neuronal activity during emergence from anesthesia can reduce these adverse effects of early-life anesthesia.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Martha Canto-Bustos, F. Kathryn Friason, Constanza Bassi, Anne-Marie M. Oswald
Summary: Inhibitory microcircuits play a crucial role in regulating cortical responses to sensory stimuli and the formation of sensory representations. This study using optogenetic approach in mice identifies that VIP interneurons mediate a disinhibitory circuit that controls synaptic plasticity during the formation of olfactory representations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sathish Venkataramanappa, Dagmar Schuetz, Friederike Saaber, Praveen Ashok Kumar, Philipp Abe, Stefan Schulz, Ralf Stumm
Summary: Mutations in the DONSON gene have been linked to skeletal abnormalities and microcephaly. Deletion of Donson in cortical progenitors led to extensive cell death and abnormalities in cortical development. Targeting Donson may be a potential strategy for experimental and therapeutic purposes.
Article
Neurosciences
Heloisa Alonso-Matielo, Elizamara S. Goncalves, Mariana Campos, Victoria R. S. Oliveira, Elaine F. Toniolo, Adilson S. Alves, Ivo Lebrun, Daniel C. de Andrade, Manoel J. Teixeira, Luiz R. G. Britto, Clement Hamani, Camila S. Dale
Summary: Repetitive electrical stimulation of the insular cortex can induce sustained mechanical antinociception without affecting locomotor activity. The study shows neuroplastic changes in central pain areas after repetitive ESI, with the involvement of GABAergic signaling in the effects of ESI.
Review
Neurosciences
Davide Warm, Jonas Schroer, Anne Sinning
Summary: During early brain development, the excitation and inhibition mechanisms play important roles in shaping the neocortex and establishing primary functions. The GABAergic system, as a major inhibitory mechanism, promotes the formation and refinement of neuronal circuits, enabling synchronization within cortical networks and region-specific modulation of neuronal firing.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Sahil Bajaj, Karina S. Blair, Johannah Bashford-Largo, Ru Zhang, Avantika Mathur, Amanda Schwartz, Jaimie Elowsky, Matthew Dobbertin, Soonjo Hwang, Ellen Leibenluft, R. James R. Blair
Summary: This study found that adolescents with high irritability had significantly reduced cortical volume in the bilateral control and default-mode networks, which was negatively associated with the severity of irritability. Additionally, IQ partially mediated the association between the control network volume and irritability severity.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristin M. Barry, Donald Robertson, Wilhelmina H. A. M. Mulders
Summary: This study examines the impact of peripheral deafferentation on the central nervous system in the adult auditory system, focusing on the functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and MGN. Results suggest a compensatory mechanism after cochlear trauma to increase sensory gating and prevent altered activity from reaching the cortex.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhen Wang, Jing Zou, Le Zhang, Jinghua Ning, Xin Zhang, Bei Jiang, Yi Liang, Yuzhe Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the causal relationship between early adversity and changes in cerebral cortex structure. While no causal relationship was found globally, early adversity was shown to potentially influence specific regions of the brain. The findings suggest an association between early adversity and alterations in brain cortical structure, with implications for early interventions for mental disorders.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jia Cai, Wei Wei, Liansheng Zhao, Mingli Li, Xiaojing Li, Sugai Liang, Wei Deng, Xiang Dong Du, Qiang Wang, Wan-jun Guo, Xiaohong Ma, Pak C. Sham, Tao Li
Summary: Individuals with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS), who have less exposure to environmental and medication influences, provide valuable evidence for studying the pathogenesis and phenotypic pattern of schizophrenia. This study found that EOS patients exhibit abnormal brain structure morphology, particularly in the temporal and frontal lobes.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Svenja L. Kreis, Heiko J. Luhmann, Dumitru Ciolac, Sergiu Groppa, Muthuraman Muthuraman
Summary: This study investigated the connectivity between premotor and primary motor cortex in humans and between caudal and rostral forelimb areas in mice, revealing strong relationships between spectral power, functional connectivity, and effective connectivity.
Review
Neurosciences
Heiko J. Luhmann
Summary: This review article provides a brief summary of the novel technologies, challenges, current understanding, and open questions in the field of neurophysiology of the developing cerebral cortex in rodents. The use of high-density multi-electrode arrays and genetically encoded calcium indicators has allowed the recording of neuronal activity in large cortical networks, revealing surprising patterns of cortical and subcortical activity during early development. However, the functional roles of these activity patterns and their impact on cortical maturation are not yet fully understood. Future research will focus on targeted genetic manipulations and optogenetics to elucidate the function of early cortical circuits and their role in the generation of activity patterns.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Davide Warm, Jonas Schroer, Anne Sinning
Summary: During early brain development, the excitation and inhibition mechanisms play important roles in shaping the neocortex and establishing primary functions. The GABAergic system, as a major inhibitory mechanism, promotes the formation and refinement of neuronal circuits, enabling synchronization within cortical networks and region-specific modulation of neuronal firing.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Chia-Fang Wang, Jenq-Wei Yang, Zi-Hui Zhuang, Hsiang-Wei Hsing, Heiko J. Luhmann, Shen-Ju Chou
Summary: This study revealed a bottom-up feedback mechanism for regulating the development of TCAs, which involves feedback signals from L4 neurons and the regulation by Lhx2 and Sema7a.
Article
Neurosciences
Jens R. Vandevelde, Jenq-Wei Yang, Steffen Albrecht, Henry Lam, Paul Kaufmann, Heiko J. Luhmann, Maik C. Stuettgen
Summary: Through multi-electrode recordings and behavioral detection, we investigated the importance of different cell types and layers in the brain for the perception of sensory stimuli. Our findings indicate that the highest sensitivity is observed in layer 4, and inhibitory neurons show higher sensitivity compared to excitatory neurons across all layers. Mice perform better when they are not moving, which is reflected by increased firing rates in response to stimuli at the neuronal level.
Article
Neurosciences
Linbi Cai, Jenq-Wei Yang, Chia-Fang Wang, Shen-Ju Chou, Heiko J. Luhmann, Theofanis Karayannis
Summary: The whiskers of rodents play a crucial role in providing tactile information for navigation and object exploration. This study investigates the developmental engagement of different cortical areas in processing whisker stimuli. The researchers find that the primary sensory cortex is activated by sensory stimuli shortly after birth, while the secondary somatosensory area begins to process this information at the end of the first postnatal week. Additionally, the study uncovers a developmental window when information transfer between these cortical areas reaches mature function.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Heiko J. Luhmann, Patrick O. Kanold, Zoltan Molnar, Sampsa Vanhatalo
Summary: This article reviews the methods for assessing neuronal activity in both clinical and animal models, and discusses the urgent need for translational research, the challenges and possible solutions in translating biomedical research into clinical diagnostics or treatments.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Davide Warm, Davide Bassetti, Jonas Schroer, Heiko J. Luhmann, Anne Sinning
Summary: The early occurrence of calcium transients is strongly linked to neuronal survival, with silent neurons exhibiting a higher probability of cell death. Activity of neighboring neurons in local clusters exerts a pro-survival effect, while networks with a high modular topology are associated with lower cell death rates.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Levente Gellert, Heiko J. Luhmann, Werner Kilb
Summary: The functional connections between S1 and M1 or S2 are not confined to the same cortical area, but exist already at the day of birth between adjacent cortical areas. These connections play an important role in the development of sensorimotor integration.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonas Schroer, Davide Warm, Federico De Rosa, Heiko J. Luhmann, Anne Sinning
Summary: During early brain development, the BAX/BCL-2 pathway plays a role in regulating cortical neuron removal, with electrical activity serving as a set point of regulation. The upregulation of BAX and downregulation of BCL-2 during the first postnatal week result in a high BAX/BCL-2 ratio, contributing to neuronal death rates. Pharmacological blockade of activity leads to upregulation of Bax, while elevated activity leads to increased BCL-2 expression, indicating the modulation of BAX/BCL-2 expression by electrical activity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Heiko J. Luhmann
Summary: This review article provides an overview of the molecular, cellular, and network mechanisms underlying focal seizures in neocortical networks with developmental malformations. Neocortical malformations are a large variety of structural abnormalities associated with epilepsy and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Animal models and state-of-the-art techniques have contributed to our understanding of neocortical hyperexcitability in developmental disorders. Additionally, molecular biological and electro-physiological techniques have provided insights into the subcellular, cellular, and network mechanisms of focal seizures.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Heiko J. Luhmann
Summary: The neocortical network is composed of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, organized in microcircuits that provide various types of neural connections and influences. This network is activated by specific inputs from thalamic nuclei, subcortical regions, and cortico-cortical projections. Different types of neurons in the neocortex have unique firing patterns, synaptic connectivity, and dynamics of their interactions. Repetitive stimulation can activate or inactivate microcircuits within the neocortex. Specific networks within the neocortex generate synchronized activity patterns that contribute to higher cognitive function and behavior. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the structure and function of the neocortical network.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Margaryta Tevosian, Hristo Todorov, Ermelinda Lomazzo, Laura Bindila, Natsuo Ueda, Davide Bassetti, Davide Warm, Sergei Kirischuk, Heiko J. Luhmann, Susanne Gerber, Beat Lutz
Summary: AEA is an endogenous ligand of the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, playing a protective role against the development of pathological states after prolonged stress exposure. In a study using a genetically modified mouse line, deficiency of the AEA synthesizing enzyme NAPE-PLD in neurons activated during chronic stress led to increased anxiety-like behavior. The molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotype may involve desensitization of the HPA axis, disinhibition of the amygdala by the prefrontal cortex, and altered neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela Mirzac, Svenja L. Kreis, Heiko J. Luhmann, Gabriel Gonzalez-Escamilla, Sergiu Groppa
Summary: In this article, recent experimental and clinical studies on Parkinson's disease are reviewed, focusing on abnormal neuronal activity and pathological network oscillations and their underlying mechanisms and modulation. The aim is to enhance understanding of the progression of Parkinson's disease pathology and the timing of symptom manifestation. Mechanistic insights on the generation of aberrant oscillatory activity within the cortico-basal ganglia circuits are presented, along with discussions on the advantages, limitations, and differential applicability of available PD animal models, and suggestions for transferring knowledge on disease pathology into future research and clinical applications.
Article
Neurosciences
Aniello Lombardi, Qiang Wang, Maik C. Stuettgen, Thomas Mittmann, Heiko J. Luhmann, Werner Kilb
Summary: This study investigates the role of short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) in excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the cortical layer 2/3 of mice. The results show that burst stimulation leads to short-term depression (STD) in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, with stronger depression observed in inhibitory synapses and longer decay time.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)