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Optogenetic rewiring of thalamocortical circuits to restore function in the stroke injured brain.


ABSTRACT: To regain sensorimotor functions after stroke, surviving neural circuits must reorganize and form new connections. Although the thalamus is critical for processing and relaying sensory information to the cortex, little is known about how stroke affects the structure and function of these connections, or whether a therapeutic approach targeting these circuits can improve recovery. Here we reveal with in vivo calcium imaging that stroke in somatosensory cortex dampens the excitability of surviving thalamocortical circuits. Given this deficit, we hypothesized that chronic transcranial window optogenetic stimulation of thalamocortical axons could facilitate recovery. Using two-photon imaging, we show that optogenetic stimulation promotes the formation of new and stable thalamocortical synaptic boutons, without impacting axon branch dynamics. Stimulation also enhances the recovery of somatosensory cortical circuit function and forepaw sensorimotor abilities. These results demonstrate that an optogenetic approach can rewire thalamocortical circuits and restore function in the damaged brain.

SUBMITTER: Tennant KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5490053 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Optogenetic rewiring of thalamocortical circuits to restore function in the stroke injured brain.

Tennant Kelly A KA   Taylor Stephanie L SL   White Emily R ER   Brown Craig E CE  

Nature communications 20170623


To regain sensorimotor functions after stroke, surviving neural circuits must reorganize and form new connections. Although the thalamus is critical for processing and relaying sensory information to the cortex, little is known about how stroke affects the structure and function of these connections, or whether a therapeutic approach targeting these circuits can improve recovery. Here we reveal with in vivo calcium imaging that stroke in somatosensory cortex dampens the excitability of surviving  ...[more]

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