Topic: Chrna2

Differences along the dorsal and ventral axis of the hippocampus reveal distinct processing characteristics, yet the connectivity patterns of different types of interneurons across hippocampal regions are not well understood. One specific group of interneurons, identified by the Chrna2 gene, known as OLMα2 cells, are noteworthy for their unique properties. These cells have a gate-switching function that regulates memory processes and risk-taking behavior differently across the dorsoventral axis. Using monosynaptic rabies tracing, we investigated how OLMα2 cells are wired in the dorsal, interme

Aims: Mutations in the CHRNA4, CHRNB2, and CHRNA2 genes, respectively encoding the α4, β2 and α2 subunits of the neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are linked to autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. The pathogenesis is uncertain, as different nAChR subunits exert complex physiological roles in the mature neocortex as well as during synaptogenesis.Methods: We generated different F2A-based tri-cistronic constructs for equimolar expression of α2/β4 nAChR subunits and carried out functional tests by patch-clamp recording on HEK 293 cells. Whole-cell currents were elicited by fa

The cerebral cortex is structured into functional areas and six horizontal layers. Within the cortex, different subtypes of neurons have distinct projections patterns and functions. To better understand how information is processed, and how the pyramidal cell output signal is formed, we need specific markers to investigate the function of more homogenous subpopulations of interneurons. In this study we used Chrna2 to specifically label a subset of Martinotti cells. With rabies viral tracers, combined with immunohistochemistry, we investigated the presynaptic connectivity of these cells, in dif