Project description:Vestibular nuclei (VN) are critical for the processing of movement input, and motion-induced activation of VN neurons recapitulates MS-related signs. However, the genetic identity of VN neurons mediating MS-related autonomic and aversive responses remains unknown. Here, we identify diferent markers of glutamatergic vestibular neuronal populations using the RiboTag apparoach.
Project description:Pooled Immunoflourescent guided laser capture microdisection of calyceal vestibular primary afferent neurons (calretinin positive) and dimorphic-bouton vestibular primary afferent neurons (calretinin negative) were used for microarray expression profiling. Transcription analysis of each of these biologically diverse pools was completed.
Project description:Background Vestibular migraine (VM) is a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of dizziness or vertigo and is often accompanied by headache. The mechanisms underlying vestibular dysfunction and pain in VM remain unclear. Methods Chronic migraine (CM) and VM models were induced by NTG and kainic acid, respectively. Behavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate vestibular dysfunction and pain in the VM and CM models. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine peripheral receptor impairment. Immunofluorescence, including staining for Cellular Proto-oncogene (c-Fos), Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), identified activated brain regions such as the cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum. Multiplex immunohistochemistry and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) tracing were performed to analyze nuclear heterogeneity and neural communication. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) immunostaining were used to investigate ion channel expression in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5c). Results CM and VM-related behaviors, such as allodynia and balance disturbance, were successfully reproduced in mouse model. TEM revealed significant damage to peripheral sensory receptors, particularly in the trigeminal ganglion and cochlear cells. Distinct activation patterns of c-Fos and CGRP were observed in VMs and CMs. CTB tracing confirmed that signals are transmitted from the vestibulocerebellum (VbC) to the Sp5c via the vestibular nuclei (VN). Furthermore, RNA-Seq combined with coimmunostaining revealed an increased expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) ion channels in microglia within Sp5c, indicating their potential role in VM pathology. Conclusions This study preliminarily explored VbC-VN-Sp5c communication and identified TRPV2 ion channels in microglia as key players in neuron-glia crosstalk in VM. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying vestibular migraine and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Project description:Medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons were functionally classified by single-cell gene expression profiling. The transcriptional diversity across MVN neuronal subtypes was further examined by microarray analysis.
Project description:Motion sickness susceptible (MSS) and insusceptible (inMSS) rats were identified by quantifying rotation-induced MS symptoms: defecation and spontaneous locomotion activity. Microarray analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes in the caudal vestibular nucleus (CVN) after rotation.
Project description:Microarray analysis was used to examine the expression of genes upregulated or downregulated in the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus at 1 and 7 days following unilateral labyrinthectomy. Changes in gene expression during the chronic phase of vestibular compensation following unilateral labyrinthectomy in rats Three conditioned experiment: nl:control with sham operation, 1day:1day after labyrninthectomy, 7day:7day after labyrinthectomy
Project description:The molecular logic that specifies and assembles closely-related subtypes of neurons into functional sensorimotor circuits remains unclear. The goal of this study was to characterize the molecular profiles of hindbrain vestibular neurons in the larval zebrafish to identify candidate molecular programs that specify their subtype fate, topography, and circuit assembly. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to generate a comprehensive atlas of hindbrain vestibular neurons and fluorecent in situ hybridization to annotate profiled neurons. Our dataset serves as a reference for evaluating developmental changes in molecular profiles following perturbations and identifies new candidate molecular solutions that assemble closely-related subtypes into functional circuits.
Project description:The functional diversity of neuropeptides and/or their receptors may provide a complex means to modulate vestibular primary afferent neuronal function. The precise role of these neuropeptides in the physiology of the vestibular neuroepithelium is poorly understood. The vestibular caliceal afferent neurons when compared to the dimorphic and bouton afferent neurons have different functional properties. Immunofluorescent laser capture microdissection utilizing calretinin (calbindin 2, Calb2) antibodies allowed selective acquisition of these two primary afferent neuronal populations from the rat (Rattus norvegicus). After capturing the caliceal afferent neurons, as well as the dimorphic and bouton afferent neurons, microarray expression profiling was completed. Analysis of the resulting data revealed that there were 732 genes involved in synaptic/signaling, calcium binding/solute transport, and other. Of those genes, 52 were related to afferent modulation, including 21 genes representing neuropeptides or their receptors. The observed expression of 52 genes related to afferent modulation identified using microarray were confirmed using PCR from the Wackym-Soares normalized rat vestibular periphery cDNA library or by RT-PCR from fresh ganglia tissue. The majority of the neuropeptides and/or receptors were found to be expressed in both groups, although there were neuropeptides and/or receptors that were unique to the dimorphic and bouton afferent neuron pool. The expression of selected neuropeptides or their receptors was confirmed using immunohistochemistry in the crista ampullares. Our results suggest that the unexpected neuropeptide diversity and their differences in expression pattern could serve unique roles in the physiology of the vestibular neuroepithelium. Keywords: expression profiling, neuropeptides, vestibular neuroepithelium, calretinin
Project description:Microarray analysis was used to examine the expression of genes upregulated or downregulated in the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus at 1 and 7 days following unilateral labyrinthectomy. Changes in gene expression during the chronic phase of vestibular compensation following unilateral labyrinthectomy in rats