Defining morphologically and genetically distinct GABAergic/cholinergic amacrine cell subtypes in the vertebrate retina.

In mammals, retinal direction selectivity originates from GABAergic/cholinergic amacrine cells (ACs) specifically expressing the sox2 gene. However, the cellular diversity of GABAergic/cholinergic ACs of other vertebrate species remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified 2 morphologically and genetically distinct GABAergic/cholinergic AC types in zebrafish, a previously undescribed bhlhe22+ type and a mammalian counterpart sox2+ type. Notably, while sole sox2 disruption removed sox2+ type, the codisruption of bhlhe22 and bhlhe23 was required to remove bhlhe22+ type. Also, both types significantly differed in dendritic arbors, lamination, and soma position. Furthermore, in vivo two-photon calcium imaging and the behavior assay suggested the direction selectivity of both AC types. Nevertheless, the 2 types showed preferential responses to moving bars of different sizes. Thus, our findings provide new cellular diversity and functional characteristics of GABAergic/cholinergic ACs in the vertebrate retina.

The landscape of regulatory genes in brain-wide neuronal phenotypes of a vertebrate brain.

Multidimensional landscapes of regulatory genes in neuronal phenotypes at whole-brain levels in the vertebrate remain elusive. We generated single-cell transcriptomes of ~67,000 region- and neurotransmitter/neuromodulator-identifiable cells from larval zebrafish brains. Hierarchical clustering based on effector gene profiles ('terminal features') distinguished major brain cell types. Sister clusters at hierarchical termini displayed similar terminal features. It was further verified by a population-level statistical method. Intriguingly, glutamatergic/GABAergic sister clusters mostly expressed distinct transcription factor (TF) profiles ('convergent pattern'), whereas neuromodulator-type sister clusters predominantly expressed the same TF profiles ('matched pattern'). Interestingly, glutamatergic/GABAergic clusters with similar TF profiles could also display different terminal features ('divergent pattern'). It led us to identify a library of RNA-binding proteins that differentially marked divergent pair clusters, suggesting the post-transcriptional regulation of neuron diversification. Thus, our findings reveal multidimensional landscapes of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators in whole-brain neuronal phenotypes in the zebrafish brain.

The brain harbors an astounding diversity of interconnected cells. Each cell contains the same basic set of genetic instructions, but only a fraction of the genome is used in each cell to assemble proteins. This selective gene expression gives rise to each cell's characteristic properties, such as their shape and location, or whether they can activate or inhibit neighbouring cells. How these defining features are encoded on a genetic level and selectively activated in cells to produce such diversity in the brain is not fully understood. One way to study gene expression in single cells involves profiling the transcriptome, the full range of intermediary RNA molecules a cell produces from its genes to make proteins. Zhang et al. used transcriptome profiling to better understand how thousands of regulatory genes encoding regulatory proteins called transcription factors create different types of neurons in the zebrafish brain, which is similar to but much simpler than the human brain. To do so, they analysed transcriptome data extracted from cell populations located in specific brain regions and displaying different properties. Zhang et al. identified distinct clusters of neurons in the larval zebrafish brain. Mathematical models then analysed the transcriptome profiles of these neuronal clusters with characteristic features. They revealed that neurons with similar characteristics did not necessarily share the same transcription factors. In other words, distinct sets of transcription factors gave rise to the same types of cells. Zhang et al. described this observation as a 'convergent' pattern. On the contrary, some neurons with dissimilar features expressed the same sorts of transcription factors, suggesting a 'divergent' developmental pattern also exists. In summary, this work sheds light on variable gene expression patterns akin to design principles that shape neuronal diversity in the brain. It gives a new appreciation of how neuronal subtypes result from a complex set of regulatory factors controlling gene expression.

Bipotent progenitors as embryonic origin of retinal stem cells.

In lower vertebrates, retinal stem cells (RSCs) capable of producing all retinal cell types are a resource for retinal tissue growth throughout life. However, the embryonic origin of RSCs remains largely elusive. Using a Zebrabow-based clonal analysis, we characterized the RSC niche in the ciliary marginal zone of zebrafish retina and illustrate that blood vessels associated with RSCs are required for the maintenance of actively proliferating RSCs. Full lineage analysis of RSC progenitors reveals lineage patterns of RSC production. Moreover, in vivo lineage analysis demonstrates that these RSC progenitors are the direct descendants of a set of bipotent progenitors in the medial epithelial layer of developing optic vesicles, suggesting the involvement of the mixed-lineage states in the RSC lineage specification.

Treadmill exercise promotes neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which is associated with serious physical deficits that affect daily living and quality of life and produces immense public health and economic burdens. Both clinical and experimental data suggest that early physical training after ischemic brain injury may reduce the extent of motor dysfunction. However, the exact mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroprotection and understand the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was conducted to establish a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury to mimic ischemic stroke. Experimental animals were divided into the following three groups: sham (n=34), MCAO (n=39), and MCAO plus treadmill exercise (n=28). The effects of aerobic exercise intervention on ischemic brain injury were evaluated using functional scoring, histological analysis, and Bio-Plex Protein Assays. RESULTS: Early aerobic exercise intervention was found to improve motor function, prevent death of neuronal cells, and suppress the activation of microglial cells and astrocytes. Furthermore, it was observed that aerobic exercise downregulated the expression of the cytokine interleukin-1ß and the chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 after transient MCAO in experimental rats. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that treadmill exercise rehabilitation promotes neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the downregulation of proinflammatory mediators.

Effects of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction on Infarcted Cerebral Cortical Neurons: Suppression of the Inflammatory Response following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion in a Rat Model.

The mechanisms by which Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD) inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines in serum and brain tissue after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI-RP) in rats were investigated. A right middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to induce CI-RP after which the rats were divided into model (n = 39), SGD (n = 28), clopidogrel (n = 25) and sham operated (n = 34) groups. The Bederson scale was used to evaluate changes in behavioral indices. The levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-10, RANTES, VEGF, and TGF-ß1 in the serum and infarcted brain tissues were measured. Nissl body and immunohistochemical staining methods were used to detect biochemical changes in neurons, microglial cells, and astrocytes. Serum levels of VEGF, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1ß, and IL-10 increased significantly 24 h after CI-RP. In brain tissue, levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß significantly increased 24 h after CI-RP, whereas levels of TGF-ß1 and MCP-1 were significantly higher 96 h after CI-RP (P < 0.05). SGD or clopidogrel after CI-RP reduced TNF-α and IL-1ß levels in brain tissue and serum levels of MCP-1, IL-1ß, and IL-10. SGD increased the number of NeuN-positive cells in infarcted brain tissue and reduced the number of IBA1-positive and GFAP-positive cells. The efficacy of SGD was significantly higher than that of clopidogrel.