Topic: hM3Dq

Clinical studies in PRISM1 (Psychiatric Ratings using Intermediate Stratified Markers) indicated that social dysfunction is transdiagnostically associated with default mode network dysconnectivity. Low social functioning groups exhibit decreased DTI fractional anisotropy in backbone structures of the DMN such as forceps minor, the interhemispheric connection of the orbitofrontal cortices (OFC). This study aims to back-translate these data by understanding the role of parvalbumin interneurons (PV+) in OFC.We studied the effect PV+ interneuron activation on social behaviors in mice by using an a

During cortical development, GABAergic interneurons refine their connectivity in response to changes in activity of their postsynaptic targets, contributing to the establishment of functional neural circuits. Parvalbumin-expressing chandelier cells, a GABAergic interneuron subtype that forms axo-axonic synapses at the axon-initial segment (AIS) of pyramidal neurons, are optimally positioned to regulate network-wide spiking activity. It has been shown that chandelier cells change the number and density of their axon-targeting synapses onto L2/3 pyramidal neurons following chronic changes in net

Bergmann glia (BG) are radial glial cells in the cerebellar cortex that have multiple functions. They have been shown to interact with Purkinje cells in several ways: they modulate synaptic inputs to Purkinje cells, regulate excitability through external potassium concentration, and directly affect Purkinje cells through neurotransmitter release. In this study, we genetically expressed hM3Dq in BGs through GFAP-promoter-contained AAV virus. We showed that this BG-PC regulation is mediated by the NMDA receptor and GABAA receptor. Furthermore, using calcium imaging, we confirmed that BG activati

Experience and neuronal activity can induce dynamic changes in myelination during development and in adult life, suggesting a new form of plasticity to adapt brain function to environmental stimuli. Myelin remodeling is driven mainly by newly-formed oligodendrocytes from precursors cells. However, the role of mature oligodendrocytes in plastic changes of myelin is less known. In order to analyze the role of mature oligodendrocytes, we have used inducible transgenic mice expressing the DREADD receptor hM3Dq in PLP+ myelinating cells. In vivo chronic CNO treatment shortened the nodes of Ranvier

Electrical activity plays a crucial role in the development of neurons and the formation of neuronal networks. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are chemogenetic tools that can control the activity of neurons at the single-cell level by activating specific G protein signaling. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the excitatory hM3Dq receptor is sufficient to influence the growth of dendrites and axons in cortical neurons. When activated, Gq-coupled hM3Dq leads to depolarization by increasing intracellular calcium levels. We biolistically transfecte

Higher order sensory information is typically relayed through the posterior thalamustowards the cortex. Using a transgenic mouse strain, we identified a neuronpopulation in the posterior thalamic nuclear group, based on their transient embryonicexpression of secretagogin, a calcium sensor protein. Anterograde tracing wasperformed by using adeno-associated viral vectors carrying the mCherry transgene in12-16 weeks old Scgn-Cre mice and imaging was performed after standardimmunohistochemistry on a ZEISS 780 CLSM platform. Other animals received AAVparticles carrying Cre-dependent DREADD expressi