scholarly journals Novel self-replicating α-synuclein polymorphs that escape ThT monitoring can spontaneously emerge and acutely spread in neurons

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (40) ◽  
pp. eabc4364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca De Giorgi ◽  
Florent Laferrière ◽  
Federica Zinghirino ◽  
Emilie Faggiani ◽  
Alons Lends ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Insular Cortex ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Strain Diversity ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Self Replication

The conformational strain diversity characterizing α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid fibrils is thought to determine the different clinical presentations of neurodegenerative diseases underpinned by a synucleinopathy. Experimentally, various α-syn fibril polymorphs have been obtained from distinct fibrillization conditions by altering the medium constituents and were selected by amyloid monitoring using the probe thioflavin T (ThT). We report that, concurrent with classical ThT-positive products, fibrillization in saline also gives rise to polymorphs invisible to ThT (τ−). The generation of τ− fibril polymorphs is stochastic and can skew the apparent fibrillization kinetics revealed by ThT. Their emergence has thus been ignored so far or mistaken for fibrillization inhibitions/failures. They present a yet undescribed atomic organization and show an exacerbated propensity toward self-replication in cortical neurons, and in living mice, their injection into the substantia nigra pars compacta triggers a synucleinopathy that spreads toward the dorsal striatum, the nucleus accumbens, and the insular cortex.

scholarly journals Emergence of stealth polymorphs that escape α-synuclein amyloid monitoring, take over and acutely spread in neurons

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca De Giorgi ◽  
Florent Laferrière ◽  
Federica Zinghirino ◽  
Emilie Faggiani ◽  
Alons Lends ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Amyloid Fibrils ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Spontaneous Generation ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Strain Diversity ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Self Replication

AbstractThe conformational strain diversity characterizing α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid fibrils is possibly at the origin of the different clinical presentations of synucleinopathies. Experimentally, various α-syn fibril polymorphs have been obtained from distinct fibrillization conditions by altering the medium constituents and were selected by amyloid monitoring using the probe Thioflavin T (ThT). We report here that besides classical ThT positive products, fibrillization in saline simultaneously gives rise to competing fibril polymorphs that are invisible to ThT (stealth polymorphs), and that can take over. Due to competition, spontaneous generation of such stealth polymorphs bears on the apparent fibrillization kinetics and on the final plateau values. Their emergence has thus been ignored so far or mistaken for fibrillization inhibitions/failures. Compared to their ThT-positive counterparts, and as judged from their chemical shift resonances fingerprint, these new stealth polymorphs present a yet undescribed atomic organization and show an exacerbated propensity (approx. 20-fold) towards self-replication in cortical neurons. They also trigger a long distance synucleinopathic spread along nigro-striatal projections in vivo. In order to rapidly screen fibrillization products for the presence of such stealth polymorphs, we designed a simple multiplexed assay that can be easily and rapidly operated. This assay allows us to demonstrate the sustainability of the conformational replication of these novel and particularly invasive strains. It should also be of help to avoid erroneous upstream interpretations of fibrillization rates based on sole ThT, and to expedite further structural and functional characterization of stealth amyloid assemblies.One Sentence Summarystealth α-synuclein fibrils take over

Modulation of Somatodendritic Dopamine Release by Endogenous H2O2: Susceptibility in Substantia Nigra But Resistance in VTA

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 1155-1158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy T. Chen ◽  
Marat V. Avshalumov ◽  
Margaret E. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Dopamine Release ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry ◽  
Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes ◽  
Da Release ◽  
Striking Contrast

We showed previously that dopamine (DA) release in dorsal striatum is inhibited by endogenously generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Here, we examined whether endogenous H2O2 can also modulate somatodendritic DA release in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), with companion measurements in DA terminal regions. Evoked DA release was monitored in brain slices using carbon-fiber microelectrodes with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Exogenous H2O2decreased DA release by 50–60% in SNc and VTA but only by 35% in nucleus accumbens. Whether endogenous H2O2 also modulated somatodendritic release was examined using the glutathione peroxidase inhibitor, mercaptosuccinate (MCS), which should increase stimulation-evoked H2O2levels. In the presence of MCS, DA release was suppressed by 30–40% in SNc as well as in dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens. In striking contrast, DA release in the VTA was unaffected by MCS. These data are consistent with stronger H2O2 regulation or lower H2O2 generation in VTA than in the other regions. Importantly, oxidative stress has been linked causally to Parkinson's disease, in which DA cells in SNc degenerate, but VTA cells are spared. The present data suggest that differences in oxidant regulation or generation between SNc and VTA could contribute to this.

scholarly journals The tectonigral pathway regulates appetitive locomotion in predatory hunting in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meizhu Huang ◽  
Dapeng Li ◽  
Xinyu Cheng ◽  
Qing Pei ◽  
Zhiyong Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Superior Colliculus ◽  
Dopamine Release ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Dopamine Neurons ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Neuronal Circuitry ◽  
Locomotion Speed ◽  
Brain Circuit ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior

AbstractAppetitive locomotion is essential for animals to approach rewards, such as food and prey. The neuronal circuitry controlling appetitive locomotion is unclear. In a goal-directed behavior—predatory hunting, we show an excitatory brain circuit from the superior colliculus (SC) to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) to enhance appetitive locomotion in mice. This tectonigral pathway transmits locomotion-speed signals to dopamine neurons and triggers dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. Synaptic inactivation of this pathway impairs appetitive locomotion but not defensive locomotion. Conversely, activation of this pathway increases the speed and frequency of approach during predatory hunting, an effect that depends on the activities of SNc dopamine neurons. Together, these data reveal that the SC regulates locomotion-speed signals to SNc dopamine neurons to enhance appetitive locomotion in mice.

Differential Modulation by Nicotine of Substantia Nigra Versus Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons

2007 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 3388-3396 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Russel Keath ◽  
Michael P. Iacoviello ◽  
Lindy E. Barrett ◽  
Huibert D. Mansvelder ◽  
Daniel S. McGehee
Keyword(s):  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Ventral Tegmental Area ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Dopamine Neurons ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Synaptic Modulation ◽  
Afferent Projections ◽  
Ventral Tegmental ◽  
Midbrain Dopamine ◽  
Da Release

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are found in two nuclei, the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). The SNc dopaminergic projections to the dorsal striatum are involved in voluntary movement and habit learning, whereas the VTA projections to the ventral striatum contribute to reward and motivation. Nicotine induces profound DA release from VTA dopamine neurons but substantially less from the SNc. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression differs between these nuclei, but it is unknown whether there are differences in nAChR expression on the afferent projections to these nuclei. Here we have compared the nicotinic modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to VTA and SNc dopamine neurons. Although nicotine enhances both the excitatory and inhibitory drive to SNc DA cells with response magnitudes similar to those seen in the VTA, the prevalence of these responses in SNc is much lower. We also found that a mixture of nAChR subtypes underlies the synaptic modulation in SNc, further distinguishing this nucleus from the VTA, where α7 nAChRs enhance glutamate inputs and non-α7 receptors enhance GABA inputs. Finally, we compared the nicotine sensitivity of DA neurons in these two nuclei and found larger response magnitudes in VTA relative to SNc. Thus the observed differences in nicotine-induced DA release from VTA and SNc are likely due to differences in nAChR expression on the afferent inputs as well as on the DA neurons themselves. This may explain why nicotine has a greater effect on behaviors associated with the VTA than the SNc.

scholarly journals Effects of Chemogenetic Inhibition of D1 or D2 Receptor-Containing Neurons of the Substantia Nigra and Striatum in Mice With Tourette Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixue Lin ◽  
Yuye Lan ◽  
He Zhu ◽  
Lingling Yu ◽  
Shuang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Tourette Syndrome ◽  
D2 Receptor ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Stereotyped Behavior ◽  
D1 Receptor ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Motor Functions ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Immunofluorescence Labeling

As tourette syndrome (TS) is a common neurobehavioral disorder, the primary symptoms of which include behavioral stereotypies. Dysfunction of the substantia nigra–striatum network could be the main pathogenesis of TS, which is closely associated with dopamine (DA) and its receptors. TS is often resistant to conventional treatments. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether chemogenetic activation or inhibition of dopaminergic D1 receptor (D1R)- or D2 receptor (D2R)-containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) or dorsal striatum (dSTR) affected the stereotyped behavior and motor functions of TS mice. Intraperitoneal injection of 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) was used to induce TS in mice. Stereotyped behavior test and open-field, rotarod, and grip strength tests were performed to evaluate stereotyped behavior and motor functions, respectively. Immunofluorescence labeling was used to detect the co-labeling of virus fluorescence and D1R or D2R. We found that chemogenetic inhibition of D1R- or D2R-containing neurons in the SNpc and dSTR alleviated behavioral stereotypies and motor functions in TS mice. Chemogenetic activation of D1R-containing neurons in the dSTR aggravated behavioral stereotypies and motor functions in vehicle-treated mice, but neither was aggravated in TS mice. In conclusion, chemogenetic inhibition of D1R- or D2R-containing neurons in the SNpc and dSTR alleviated behavioral stereotypies of TS, providing a new treatment target for TS. Moreover, the activation of D1R-containing neurons in the dSTR may contribute to the pathogenesis of TS, which can be chosen as a more precise target for treatment.

scholarly journals The SC-SNc pathway boosts appetitive locomotion in predatory hunting

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meizhu Huang ◽  
Dapeng Li ◽  
Qing Pei ◽  
Zhiyong Xie ◽  
Huating Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Superior Colliculus ◽  
Dopamine Release ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Dopamine Neurons ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Locomotion Speed ◽  
Brain Circuit ◽  
Goal Directed Behavior ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACTAppetitive locomotion is essential for organisms to approach rewards, such as food and prey. How the brain controls appetitive locomotion is poorly understood. In a naturalistic goal-directed behavior—predatory hunting, we demonstrate an excitatory brain circuit from the superior colliculus (SC) to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) to boost appetitive locomotion. The SC-SNc pathway transmitted locomotion-speed signals to dopamine neurons and triggered dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. Activation of this pathway increased the speed and frequency of approach during predatory hunting, an effect that depended on the activities of SNc dopamine neurons. Conversely, synaptic inactivation of this pathway impaired appetitive locomotion but not defensive or exploratory locomotion. Together, these data revealed the SC as an important source to provide locomotion-related signals to SNc dopamine neurons to boost appetitive locomotion.

Heterogeneity of Electrically Evoked Dopamine Release and Reuptake in Substantia Nigra, Ventral Tegmental Area, and Striatum

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 863-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Cragg ◽  
M. E. Rice ◽  
S. A. Greenfield
Keyword(s):  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Ventral Tegmental Area ◽  
Dopamine Release ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Gbr 12909 ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Uptake Inhibitor ◽  
Ventral Tegmental

Cragg, S. J., M. E. Rice, and S. A. Greenfield. Heterogeneity of electrically evoked dopamine release and reuptake in substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, and striatum. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 863–873, 1997. Somatodendritic dopamine (DA) released in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) may mediate extrasynaptic neuronal signaling. The concentration of extracellular DA ([DA]o) attained during somatodendritic activation will be governed by the density of release sites and properties of DA uptake. We evaluated these factors in SNc, VTA, and dorsal striatum with carbon-fiber microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to monitor [DA]o during local electrical stimulation (10 Hz, 5 s) in guinea pig brain slices. Stimulated DA efflux was site specific, with significantly higher [DA]o in caudal (0.48 ± 0.03 μM, mean ± SE) than rostral SNc (0.16 ± 0.01 μM), averaged over their mediolateral extents, and higher [DA]o in VTA (0.74 ± 0.07 μM) than in medial (0.43 ± 0.04 μM) or lateral SNc (0.29 ± 0.05 μM), averaged rostrocaudally. Throughout SNc, evoked [DA]o correlated positively ( r = 0.91) with the density of tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells. Modulation of evoked [DA]o by uptake was also site specific. The selective DA uptake inhibitor GBR 12909 significantly increased evoked [DA]o in caudal SNc (to 185 ± 27%) and striatum (408 ± 24%), but had no effect in rostral SNc or VTA. Conversely, the norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor desipramine did not alter stimulated [DA]o in caudal SNc or striatum, but caused significant enhancement in rostral SNc (196 ± 17%) and VTA (126 ± 12%). Paroxetine, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibitor, had little effect in any region tested. Site-specific sensitivity to desipramine mandated evaluation of dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunoreactivity (DβH-ir) in midbrain. The density of filaments positive for DβH-ir was greater in rostral SNc and VTA than in caudal SNc, suggesting DA clearance via the NE transporter in these regions. Importantly, DβH-ir was most dense in sections rostral to SNc where no catecholamine signal was detected and no enhancement was observed with desipramine, indicating a lack of NE contribution to evoked release in any region examined. Taken together, these data confirmed that evoked somatodendritic [DA]o depends on DA cell density and on local uptake properties. Uptake was less efficient in SNc and VTA than in striatum. Moreover, enhancement of stimulated [DA]o by GBR 12909 demonstrated that evoked release from dendrites is not via reversal of the DA transporter. Lastly, the heterogeneous patterns of DA uptake within SNc and VTA were consistent with the pattern of degeneration in Parkinson's disease: less vulnerable DA cells, e.g., those in VTA, have less DA uptake than the more vulnerable cells of caudal SNc.

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