Striatal and prefrontal D2R and SERT distributions contrastingly correlate with default-mode connectivity

Ionescu, Tudor M.; Amend, Mario; Hafiz, Rakibul; Biswal, Bharat B.; Maurer, Andreas; Pichler, Bernd J.; Wehrl, Hans F.; Herfert, Kristina

doi:10.1101/2021.04.28.441769

2021

DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.28.441769

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Striatal and prefrontal D2R and SERT distributions contrastingly correlate with default-mode connectivity

Tudor M. Ionescu

Mario Amend

Rakibul Hafiz

et al.

Abstract: The molecular substrate of resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) remains poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate interactions of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and serotonin transporter (SERT) availabilities in main dopaminergic and serotonergic projection areas with the default-mode network (DMN) and two other resting-state networks (RSNs), the salience (SN) and sensorimotor networks (SMN). We performed simultaneous PET/fMRI scans in rats using [11C]raclopride and [11C]DASB to image D2R and SERT distribu… Show more

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Combining CRISPR/Cas9 and brain imaging: from genes to molecules to networks

Marciano

Ionescu

Saw

et al. 2021

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Understanding how functional connections between brain regions are arranged and influenced by genes, in the healthy and diseased states, is a major goal in neuroscience. Functional connectivity alterations are linked to molecular changes in several neurodegenerative disorders and could serve as early markers of pathology. Yet, the underlying molecular signatures driving the functional alterations remain largely unknown. Here, we combine CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing with in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the direct link between genes, proteins, and the brain connectome. The extensive knowledge of the Slc18a2 gene encoding the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2), involved in the storage and release of dopamine, makes it an excellent basis for studying the gene networks relationships. We edited Slc18a2 into the substantia nigra pars compacta of adult rats and used in vivo molecular imaging, behavioral, histological, and biochemical assessments to characterize the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated VMAT2 knockdown. Simultaneous PET/fMRI was performed to inspect the functional brain adaptations, beyond the predicted dopaminergic changes. Further, [11C]flumazenil PET was carried out to investigate the dopamine-GABA interplay. We found a regional increase in postsynaptic dopamine receptor availability, preceded by a reorganization of brain networks that adapt to reduced dopamine transmission states by becoming functionally connected and organized. The hyperconnectivity within and between brain networks spreads from the contralateral thalamus and prefrontal cortical regions to the striata and hippocampi. Additionally, impaired striatal dopamine release reduces GABA-A receptor availability, complementing the increased synchrony and functional connectivity between networks observed at rest. Our study reveals that recruiting different brain networks may be an early response to the dopaminergic dysfunction preceding neuronal cell loss, postsynaptic changes, and motor impairment in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. We anticipate our combinatorial approach to be a starting point to investigate the impact of specific genes on brain molecular and functional dynamics, aiding in the identification of early neurobiological markers and promising therapeutic interventions.

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Combining CRISPR/Cas9 and brain imaging: from genes to molecules to networks

Marciano

Ionescu

Saw

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

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Striatal and prefrontal D2R and SERT distributions contrastingly correlate with default-mode connectivity

Cited by 1 publication

References 76 publications

Combining CRISPR/Cas9 and brain imaging: from genes to molecules to networks

Combining CRISPR/Cas9 and brain imaging: from genes to molecules to networks

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