Authors

Fran van Heusden,1,3 Anežka Macey-Dare,1,3 Jack Gordon,1 Rohan Krajeski,1 Andrew Sharott,2 and Tommas Ellender1,4,∗

Affiliations

1Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
2MRC BNDU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TH, UK

Topic

Neuroscience, Optogenetics

Abstract

Synaptic circuits in the brain are precisely organized, but the processes that govern this precision are poorly understood. Here, we explore how distinct embryonic neural progenitor pools in the lateral ganglionic eminence contribute to neuronal diversity and synaptic circuit connectivity in the mouse striatum. In utero labeling of Tα1-expressing apical intermediate progenitors (aIP), as well as other progenitors (OP), reveals that both progenitors generate direct and indirect pathway spiny projection neurons (SPNs) with similar electrophysiological and anatomical properties and are intermingled in medial striatum. Subsequent optogenetic circuit-mapping experiments demonstrate that progenitor origin significantly impacts long-range excitatory input strength, with medial prefrontal cortex preferentially driving aIP-derived SPNs and visual cortex preferentially driving OP-derived SPNs. In contrast, the strength of local inhibitory inputs among SPNs is controlled by birthdate rather than progenitor origin. Combined, these results demonstrate distinct roles for embryonic progenitor origin in shaping neuronal and circuit properties of the postnatal striatum.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.celrep.2021.109041

Extract

Photoactivation of ChR2 was achieved using widefield 2-5 ms duration light pulses of ∼1 mW via a TTL triggered CoolLED pE-300 system (CoolLED, Andover, UK).

Product Associated Features

The broad spectrum pE-300white and pE-300ultra offer TTL triggering, individual channel control and software integration. This makes it ideal for fast pulsing at differing durations and irradiance, such as in these optogenetic protocols.

Product Type

pE-300white, pE-300ultra

Journal

Cell Reports

Year of Publication

2021

Country of Publication

UK