During recent years, major advances have been made in neuroscience, i.e., asynchronous release, three-dimensional structural data sets, saliency maps, magnesium in brain research, and new functional roles of long non-...During recent years, major advances have been made in neuroscience, i.e., asynchronous release, three-dimensional structural data sets, saliency maps, magnesium in brain research, and new functional roles of long non-coding RNAs. Especially, the development of optogenetic technology provides access to important information about relevant neural circuits by allowing the activation of specific neurons in awake mammals and directly observing the resulting behavior. The Grand Research Plan for Neural Circuits of Emotion and Memory was launched by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. It takes emotion and memory as its main objects, making the best use of cutting-edge technologies from medical science, life science and information science. In this paper, we outline the current status of neural circuit studies in China and the technologies and methodologies being applied, as well as studies related to the impairments of emotion and memory. In this phase, we are making efforts to repair the current deficiencies by making adjustments, mainly involving four aspects of core scientific issues to investigate these circuits at multiple levels. Five research directions have been taken to solve important scientific problems while the Grand Research Plan is implemented. Future research into this area will be multimodal, incorporating a range of methods and sciences into each project. Addressing these issues will ensure a bright future, major discoveries, and a higher level of treatment for all affected by debilitating brain illnesses.展开更多
When charged bodies come up close to each other,the field energy is diffused and their states are regulated under bidirectional field coupling.For biological neurons,the diversity in intrinsic electric and magnetic fi...When charged bodies come up close to each other,the field energy is diffused and their states are regulated under bidirectional field coupling.For biological neurons,the diversity in intrinsic electric and magnetic field energy can create synaptic connection for fast energy balance and synaptic current is passed across the synapse channel;as a result,energy is pumped and exchanged to induce synchronous firing modes.In this paper,a capacitor is used to connect two neural circuits and energy propagation is activated along the coupling channel.The intrinsic field energy in the two neural circuits is exchanged and the coupling intensity is controlled adaptively using the Heaviside function.Some field energy is saved in the coupling channel and is then sent back to the coupled neural circuits to reach energy balance.Therefore the circuits can reach possible energy balance and complete synchronization.It is possible that the diffusive energy of the coupled neurons inspires the synaptic connections to grow stronger for possible energy balance.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no cure.Neural circuit dysfunction is the fundamental mechanism underlying the learning and memory deficits in patients with...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no cure.Neural circuit dysfunction is the fundamental mechanism underlying the learning and memory deficits in patients with AD.Therefore,it is important to understand the structural features and mechanisms underlying the deregulated circuits during AD progression,by which new tools for intervention can be developed.Here,we briefly summarize the most recently established cutting-edge experimental approaches and key techniques that enable neural circuit tracing and manipulation of their activity.We also discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches.Finally,we review the applications of these techniques in the discovery of circuit mechanisms underlyingβ-amyloid and tau pathologies during AD progression,and as well as the strategies for targeted AD treatments.展开更多
Nervous systems endow animals with cognition and behavior. To understand how nervous systems control behavior, neural circuits mediating distinct functions need to be identified and characterized. With superior geneti...Nervous systems endow animals with cognition and behavior. To understand how nervous systems control behavior, neural circuits mediating distinct functions need to be identified and characterized. With superior genetic manipulability, Drosophila is a model organism at the leading edge of neural circuit analysis. We briefly introduce the state-of-the-art genetic tools that permit precise labeling of neurons and their interconnectivity and investigating what is happening in the brain of a behaving animal and manipulating neurons to determine how behaviors are affected. Brain-wide wiring diagrams, created by light and electron microscopy, bring neural circuit analysis to a new level and scale. Studies enabled by these tools advances our understanding of the nervous system in relation to cognition and behavior.展开更多
Neurons are highly interwoven to form intricate neural circuits that underlie the diverse functions of the brain.Dissecting the anatomical organization of neural circuits is key to deciphering how the brain processes ...Neurons are highly interwoven to form intricate neural circuits that underlie the diverse functions of the brain.Dissecting the anatomical organization of neural circuits is key to deciphering how the brain processes information,produces thoughts,and instructs behaviors.Over the past decades,recombinant viral vectors have become the most commonly used tracing tools to define circuit architecture.In this review,we introduce the current categories of viral tools and their proper application in circuit tracing.We further discuss some advances in viral tracing strategy and prospective innovations of viral tools for future study.展开更多
1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in 19 patients with mild depression and in 13 controls.The mean age of the patients was 31 years.The mean Hamilton depression sco...1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in 19 patients with mild depression and in 13 controls.The mean age of the patients was 31 years.The mean Hamilton depression score of the patients was 22.5±13.2.N-acetylaspartate,choline and creatine concentrations and the average diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy values were measured in the bilateral hippocampus,striatum,thalamus and prefrontal deep white matter. Compared with the control group,the mild depressed patients had：（1）a higher choline/creatine ratio and a negative correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and the average diffusion coefficient in the hippocampus;（2）a lower choline/creatine ratio and a higher fractional anisotropy in the striatum;（3）a lower fractional anisotropy and a positive correlation between the fractional anisotropy and the choline/creatine ratio in the prefrontal deep white matter;and（4）a higher average diffusion coefficient and a positive correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and the N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio in the thalamus,as well as positive correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and Hamilton depression scores.These data suggest evidence of abnormal connectivity in neurofibrotic microstructures and abnormal metabolic alterations in the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic neural circuit in patients with mild depression.展开更多
Genetic tools,which can be used for the morphology study of specific neurons,pathway-selective connectome mapping,neuronal activity monitoring,and manipulation with a spatiotemporal resolution,have been widely applied...Genetic tools,which can be used for the morphology study of specific neurons,pathway-selective connectome mapping,neuronal activity monitoring,and manipulation with a spatiotemporal resolution,have been widely applied to the understanding of complex neural circuit formation,interactions,and functions in rodents.Recently,similar genetic approaches have been tried in non-human primates(NHPs)in neuroscience studies for dissecting the neural circuits involved in sophisticated behaviors and clinical brain disorders,although they are still very preliminary.In this review,we introduce the progress made in the development and application of genetic tools for brain studies on NHPs.We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach and provide a perspective for using genetic tools to study the neural circuits of NHPs.展开更多
Depressive disorder is a chronic,recurring,and potentially life-endangering neuropsychiatric disease.According to a report by the World Health Organization,the global population suffering from depression is experienci...Depressive disorder is a chronic,recurring,and potentially life-endangering neuropsychiatric disease.According to a report by the World Health Organization,the global population suffering from depression is experiencing a significant annual increase.Despite its prevalence and considerable impact on people,little is known about its pathogenesis.One major reason is the scarcity of reliable animal models due to the absence of consensus on the pathology and etiology of depression.Furthermore,the neural circuit mechanism of depression induced by various factors is particularly complex.Considering the variability in depressive behavior patterns and neurobiological mechanisms among different animal models of depression,a comparison between the neural circuits of depression induced by various factors is essential for its treatment.In this review,we mainly summarize the most widely used behavioral animal models and neural circuits under different triggers of depression,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for depression prevention.展开更多
Epilepsy,a common neurological disorder,is characterized by recurrent seizures that can lead to cognitive,psychological,and neurobiological consequences.The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves neuronal dysfunction at th...Epilepsy,a common neurological disorder,is characterized by recurrent seizures that can lead to cognitive,psychological,and neurobiological consequences.The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves neuronal dysfunction at the molecular,cellular,and neural circuit levels.Abnormal molecular signaling pathways or dysfunction of specific cell types can lead to epilepsy by disrupting the normal functioning of neural circuits.The continuous emergence of new technologies and the rapid advancement of existing ones have facilitated the discovery and comprehensive understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying epilepsy.Therefore,this review aims to investigate the current understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms in epilepsy based on various technologies,including electroencephalography,magnetic resonance imaging,optogenetics,chemogenetics,deep brain stimulation,and brain-computer interfaces.Additionally,this review discusses these mechanisms from three perspectives:structural,synaptic,and transmitter circuits.The findings reveal that the neural circuit mechanisms of epilepsy encompass information transmission among different structures,interactions within the same structure,and the maintenance of homeostasis at the cellular,synaptic,and neurotransmitter levels.These findings offer new insights for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and enhancing its clinical diagnosis and treatment.展开更多
General anesthesia(GA)is a pharmacologically induced,reversible state characterized by unconsciousness,amnesia,analgesia,and immobility in response to noxious stimuli.Accumulating evidence from animal models has eluci...General anesthesia(GA)is a pharmacologically induced,reversible state characterized by unconsciousness,amnesia,analgesia,and immobility in response to noxious stimuli.Accumulating evidence from animal models has elucidated diverse mechanisms of the action underlying GA,including disruption of large-scale brain network connectivity,regulation of multiple neural pathways,and modulation of specific receptors and ion channels.Despite advances in dissecting the neurobiological basis of anesthetic action,the precise cellular and circuit-level processes remain incompletely understood,limiting the development of safer and more effective strategies.Recent studies in Drosophila melanogaster,a genetically tractable model organism offering robust genetic analysis,advanced imaging capabilities,and compact neural architecture,have yielded critical insights into the conserved neurobiological mechanisms of GA,offering translational value for mammalian systems.This review outlines:1)experimental paradigms used to evaluate anesthetic sensitivity and behavioral responses in Drosophila;2)molecular targets and their mechanistic roles in mediating GA;and 3)neural circuit architectures and activity patterns shared by GA and sleep.Cross-species comparisons are integrated to highlight conserved mechanisms that may guide the development of more refined anesthetic strategies.展开更多
The complexity and intricacy of the brain,which is composed of billions of neurons,pose significant challenges to its study.Understanding neural connections and communication at the single-cell level is crucial for un...The complexity and intricacy of the brain,which is composed of billions of neurons,pose significant challenges to its study.Understanding neural connections and communication at the single-cell level is crucial for unraveling the brain’s functions.This study presents a novel strategy that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs)and magnetic fields to manipulate neurons,thereby creating customized small-scale neural circuits for studying neural connections.To establish the feasibility of this approach,the effects of MNPs on neurons were initially investigated,demonstrating their low toxicity.Subsequently,a micromagnet array(MMA)chip was employed to manipulate the neurons,facilitating their precise arrangement on the electrodes.Over several days,the neurons extended their axons and established connections with neighboring cells,forming small-scale circular neural circuits.These artificially engineered circuits offer a simplified and controlled environment for studying neural networks in contrast to naturally occurring biological networks.Furthermore,electrophysiological recordings were conducted to investigate the connections between the manipulated neurons.This study introduces a customized small-scale neural circuit platform with electrode-specific recording and stimulating capabilities,enabling the study of neuron-to-neuron interactions at the single-cell level.By leveraging MNPs and an MMA chip,this research offers a powerful tool for studying neural connections and advancing our understanding of the brain’s intricate workings.展开更多
After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the tim...After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.展开更多
Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of bo...Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of both sexes,it is often displayed in a sexually dimorphic manner,with males typically exhibiting higher levels of aggression than females.展开更多
Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by reexperiencing,avoidance and hyperarousal.Memory abnormalities manifested as intrusive thoughts and prolonged distressful emot...Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by reexperiencing,avoidance and hyperarousal.Memory abnormalities manifested as intrusive thoughts and prolonged distressful emotions are postulated as key roles in PTSD development and persistence.Over the past decades,convergent results from human and animal studies have systematically investigated contributions of the amygdala,hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC)in fear memory processes,including fear acquisition,storage,reconsolidation and extinction.These findings provide mechanistic insights for cognitive-behavioural therapy and aid in developing pathological region-targeted neuromodulation treatment for PTSD.Taking advantage of advances in cell-type selective labelling and manipulation technologies,recent studies have focused on the spatiotemporal regulation of neural circuits underlying distinct phases of fear memory processes.These findings have revealed that multiple distributed brain areas participate in the fear memory encoding network.Moreover,the functional role of distinct neuronal ensembles within the amygdala-hippocampus-mPFC pathway,identified by genetic markers and projection profiles,has been assigned to temporally separate features of fear processing,demonstrating the sophistication of the fear encoding circuit.These results provide mechanistic insights into PTSD pathology and might shed light on aetiology-based clinical interventions for PTSD.Therefore,the present review will mainly focus on the recent progress in elucidating neural circuit mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulation of fear memory,with an emphasis on the spatial distribution of fear memory encoding neural networks and the temporal coherence between neuronal ensemble activity and fear expression.展开更多
The article Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a customized neural circuit,written by Hongyong Zhang,Lingrui Zhao,Nan Huang,Xiaobo Zhang,Tian Xu,Sumin Bian,and Mohamad Sawan,was originally...The article Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a customized neural circuit,written by Hongyong Zhang,Lingrui Zhao,Nan Huang,Xiaobo Zhang,Tian Xu,Sumin Bian,and Mohamad Sawan,was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 22 May 2025 without open access.展开更多
Biological neurons exhibit a double-membrane structure and perform specialized functions.Replicating the doublemembrane architecture in artificial neurons to mimic biological neuronal functions is a compelling researc...Biological neurons exhibit a double-membrane structure and perform specialized functions.Replicating the doublemembrane architecture in artificial neurons to mimic biological neuronal functions is a compelling research challenge.In this study,we propose a multifunctional neural circuit composed of two capacitors,two linear resistors,a phototube cell,a nonlinear resistor,and a memristor.The phototube and charge-controlled memristor serve as sensors for external light and electric field signals,respectively.By applying Kirchhoff's and Helmholtz's laws,we derive the system's nonlinear dynamical equations and energy function.We further investigate the circuit's dynamics using methods from nonlinear dynamics.Our results show that the circuit can exhibit both periodic and chaotic patterns under stimulation by external light and electric fields.展开更多
Light is a powerful environmental factor influencing diverse brain functions.Clinical evidence supports the beneficial effect of light therapy on several diseases,including depression,cognitive dysfunction,chronic pai...Light is a powerful environmental factor influencing diverse brain functions.Clinical evidence supports the beneficial effect of light therapy on several diseases,including depression,cognitive dysfunction,chronic pain,and sleep disorders.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of light therapy are still not well understood.In this review,we critically evaluate current clinical evidence showing the beneficial effects of light therapy on diseases.In addition,we introduce the research progress regarding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of light on brain functions,including mood,memory,pain perception,sleep,circadian rhythm,brain development,and metabolism.展开更多
Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.Obesity is associated with numerous pathological changes including insulin resistance,fatty liver,hyperlipidemias,and other obesity-r...Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.Obesity is associated with numerous pathological changes including insulin resistance,fatty liver,hyperlipidemias,and other obesity-related diseases.These comorbidities comprise a significant public health threat.Existing anti-obesity drugs have been limited by side effects that include depression,suicidal thoughts,cardiovascular complications and stroke.Acupuncture treatment has been shown to be effective for treating obesity and obesity-related conditions,while avoiding side effects.However,the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating obesity-related diseases,especially its effect on neural circuits,are not well understood.A growing body of research has studied acupuncture’s effects on the endocrine system and other mechanisms related to the regulation of neural circuits.In this article,recent research that was relevant to the use of acupuncture to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases through the neuroendocrine system,as well as some neural circuits involved,was summarized.Based on this,acupuncture’s potential ability to regulate neural circuits and its mechanisms of action in the endocrine system were reviewed,leading to a deeper mechanistic understanding of acupuncture’s effects and providing insight and direction for future research about obesity.展开更多
A gas sensor can convert external gas concentration or species into electric voltage or current signals by physical adsorption or chemical changes. As a result, a gas sensor in a nonlinear circuit can be used as a sen...A gas sensor can convert external gas concentration or species into electric voltage or current signals by physical adsorption or chemical changes. As a result, a gas sensor in a nonlinear circuit can be used as a sensitive sensor for detecting external gas signals from the olfactory system. In this paper, a gas sensor and a field-effect transistor are incorporated into a simple FithzHugh–Nagumo neural circuit for capturing and encoding external gas signals. An improved functional neural circuit is obtained, and the effect of gas concentration, gas species and neuronal activity can be discerned as the gate voltage, threshold voltage and activation coefficient of the field-effect transistor, respectively. The gas concentration can affect the neural activities from quiescent to normal working and, finally, to saturation state in bursting, spiking, periodic and chaotic firings with different frequencies. The effects of gas species and neuronal activity on the firing state can also be achieved in this functional neural circuit. In addition, variations in the gate voltage, threshold voltage and activation coefficient can cause switching between different firing modes. These results can be helpful in designing artificial olfactory devices for bionic gas recognition and other coupled systems arising in applied sciences.展开更多
The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate ne...The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.展开更多
文摘During recent years, major advances have been made in neuroscience, i.e., asynchronous release, three-dimensional structural data sets, saliency maps, magnesium in brain research, and new functional roles of long non-coding RNAs. Especially, the development of optogenetic technology provides access to important information about relevant neural circuits by allowing the activation of specific neurons in awake mammals and directly observing the resulting behavior. The Grand Research Plan for Neural Circuits of Emotion and Memory was launched by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. It takes emotion and memory as its main objects, making the best use of cutting-edge technologies from medical science, life science and information science. In this paper, we outline the current status of neural circuit studies in China and the technologies and methodologies being applied, as well as studies related to the impairments of emotion and memory. In this phase, we are making efforts to repair the current deficiencies by making adjustments, mainly involving four aspects of core scientific issues to investigate these circuits at multiple levels. Five research directions have been taken to solve important scientific problems while the Grand Research Plan is implemented. Future research into this area will be multimodal, incorporating a range of methods and sciences into each project. Addressing these issues will ensure a bright future, major discoveries, and a higher level of treatment for all affected by debilitating brain illnesses.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12062009)the Gansu National Science of Foundation,China(Grant No.20JR5RA473)。
文摘When charged bodies come up close to each other,the field energy is diffused and their states are regulated under bidirectional field coupling.For biological neurons,the diversity in intrinsic electric and magnetic field energy can create synaptic connection for fast energy balance and synaptic current is passed across the synapse channel;as a result,energy is pumped and exchanged to induce synchronous firing modes.In this paper,a capacitor is used to connect two neural circuits and energy propagation is activated along the coupling channel.The intrinsic field energy in the two neural circuits is exchanged and the coupling intensity is controlled adaptively using the Heaviside function.Some field energy is saved in the coupling channel and is then sent back to the coupled neural circuits to reach energy balance.Therefore the circuits can reach possible energy balance and complete synchronization.It is possible that the diffusive energy of the coupled neurons inspires the synaptic connections to grow stronger for possible energy balance.
基金Grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China(31730035,82071219,91632305,and 91949205)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2016YFC1305800)the Guangdong Provincial Key S&T Program(2018B030336001).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no cure.Neural circuit dysfunction is the fundamental mechanism underlying the learning and memory deficits in patients with AD.Therefore,it is important to understand the structural features and mechanisms underlying the deregulated circuits during AD progression,by which new tools for intervention can be developed.Here,we briefly summarize the most recently established cutting-edge experimental approaches and key techniques that enable neural circuit tracing and manipulation of their activity.We also discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches.Finally,we review the applications of these techniques in the discovery of circuit mechanisms underlyingβ-amyloid and tau pathologies during AD progression,and as well as the strategies for targeted AD treatments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (6531000063, 31571093, 31622028, 31471063, and 31671074)the Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China (BK20160025)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (2242016R20028 and 2017FZA7003)
文摘Nervous systems endow animals with cognition and behavior. To understand how nervous systems control behavior, neural circuits mediating distinct functions need to be identified and characterized. With superior genetic manipulability, Drosophila is a model organism at the leading edge of neural circuit analysis. We briefly introduce the state-of-the-art genetic tools that permit precise labeling of neurons and their interconnectivity and investigating what is happening in the brain of a behaving animal and manipulating neurons to determine how behaviors are affected. Brain-wide wiring diagrams, created by light and electron microscopy, bring neural circuit analysis to a new level and scale. Studies enabled by these tools advances our understanding of the nervous system in relation to cognition and behavior.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021ZD0202700 and 2021ZD0202703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070974).
文摘Neurons are highly interwoven to form intricate neural circuits that underlie the diverse functions of the brain.Dissecting the anatomical organization of neural circuits is key to deciphering how the brain processes information,produces thoughts,and instructs behaviors.Over the past decades,recombinant viral vectors have become the most commonly used tracing tools to define circuit architecture.In this review,we introduce the current categories of viral tools and their proper application in circuit tracing.We further discuss some advances in viral tracing strategy and prospective innovations of viral tools for future study.
文摘1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in 19 patients with mild depression and in 13 controls.The mean age of the patients was 31 years.The mean Hamilton depression score of the patients was 22.5±13.2.N-acetylaspartate,choline and creatine concentrations and the average diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy values were measured in the bilateral hippocampus,striatum,thalamus and prefrontal deep white matter. Compared with the control group,the mild depressed patients had：（1）a higher choline/creatine ratio and a negative correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and the average diffusion coefficient in the hippocampus;（2）a lower choline/creatine ratio and a higher fractional anisotropy in the striatum;（3）a lower fractional anisotropy and a positive correlation between the fractional anisotropy and the choline/creatine ratio in the prefrontal deep white matter;and（4）a higher average diffusion coefficient and a positive correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and the N-acetylaspartate/creatine ratio in the thalamus,as well as positive correlation between the choline/creatine ratio and Hamilton depression scores.These data suggest evidence of abnormal connectivity in neurofibrotic microstructures and abnormal metabolic alterations in the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic neural circuit in patients with mild depression.
基金This review was supported by grants from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project,the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,and the Lingang National Laboratory Key Project.
文摘Genetic tools,which can be used for the morphology study of specific neurons,pathway-selective connectome mapping,neuronal activity monitoring,and manipulation with a spatiotemporal resolution,have been widely applied to the understanding of complex neural circuit formation,interactions,and functions in rodents.Recently,similar genetic approaches have been tried in non-human primates(NHPs)in neuroscience studies for dissecting the neural circuits involved in sophisticated behaviors and clinical brain disorders,although they are still very preliminary.In this review,we introduce the progress made in the development and application of genetic tools for brain studies on NHPs.We also discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach and provide a perspective for using genetic tools to study the neural circuits of NHPs.
基金supported by the Brain&Behavior Research Foundation(30233).
文摘Depressive disorder is a chronic,recurring,and potentially life-endangering neuropsychiatric disease.According to a report by the World Health Organization,the global population suffering from depression is experiencing a significant annual increase.Despite its prevalence and considerable impact on people,little is known about its pathogenesis.One major reason is the scarcity of reliable animal models due to the absence of consensus on the pathology and etiology of depression.Furthermore,the neural circuit mechanism of depression induced by various factors is particularly complex.Considering the variability in depressive behavior patterns and neurobiological mechanisms among different animal models of depression,a comparison between the neural circuits of depression induced by various factors is essential for its treatment.In this review,we mainly summarize the most widely used behavioral animal models and neural circuits under different triggers of depression,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for depression prevention.
基金supported by Basic Research Programs of Science and Technology Commission Foundation of Shanxi Province,No.20210302123486(to WJ).
文摘Epilepsy,a common neurological disorder,is characterized by recurrent seizures that can lead to cognitive,psychological,and neurobiological consequences.The pathogenesis of epilepsy involves neuronal dysfunction at the molecular,cellular,and neural circuit levels.Abnormal molecular signaling pathways or dysfunction of specific cell types can lead to epilepsy by disrupting the normal functioning of neural circuits.The continuous emergence of new technologies and the rapid advancement of existing ones have facilitated the discovery and comprehensive understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms underlying epilepsy.Therefore,this review aims to investigate the current understanding of the neural circuit mechanisms in epilepsy based on various technologies,including electroencephalography,magnetic resonance imaging,optogenetics,chemogenetics,deep brain stimulation,and brain-computer interfaces.Additionally,this review discusses these mechanisms from three perspectives:structural,synaptic,and transmitter circuits.The findings reveal that the neural circuit mechanisms of epilepsy encompass information transmission among different structures,interactions within the same structure,and the maintenance of homeostasis at the cellular,synaptic,and neurotransmitter levels.These findings offer new insights for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and enhancing its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32371063,82341288,32071009)to C.L.Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024A1515011500)to C.L.
文摘General anesthesia(GA)is a pharmacologically induced,reversible state characterized by unconsciousness,amnesia,analgesia,and immobility in response to noxious stimuli.Accumulating evidence from animal models has elucidated diverse mechanisms of the action underlying GA,including disruption of large-scale brain network connectivity,regulation of multiple neural pathways,and modulation of specific receptors and ion channels.Despite advances in dissecting the neurobiological basis of anesthetic action,the precise cellular and circuit-level processes remain incompletely understood,limiting the development of safer and more effective strategies.Recent studies in Drosophila melanogaster,a genetically tractable model organism offering robust genetic analysis,advanced imaging capabilities,and compact neural architecture,have yielded critical insights into the conserved neurobiological mechanisms of GA,offering translational value for mammalian systems.This review outlines:1)experimental paradigms used to evaluate anesthetic sensitivity and behavioral responses in Drosophila;2)molecular targets and their mechanistic roles in mediating GA;and 3)neural circuit architectures and activity patterns shared by GA and sleep.Cross-species comparisons are integrated to highlight conserved mechanisms that may guide the development of more refined anesthetic strategies.
基金supported by Westlake Universitythe Research Center for Industries of the Future of Westlake University (No. WU2022C040).
文摘The complexity and intricacy of the brain,which is composed of billions of neurons,pose significant challenges to its study.Understanding neural connections and communication at the single-cell level is crucial for unraveling the brain’s functions.This study presents a novel strategy that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs)and magnetic fields to manipulate neurons,thereby creating customized small-scale neural circuits for studying neural connections.To establish the feasibility of this approach,the effects of MNPs on neurons were initially investigated,demonstrating their low toxicity.Subsequently,a micromagnet array(MMA)chip was employed to manipulate the neurons,facilitating their precise arrangement on the electrodes.Over several days,the neurons extended their axons and established connections with neighboring cells,forming small-scale circular neural circuits.These artificially engineered circuits offer a simplified and controlled environment for studying neural networks in contrast to naturally occurring biological networks.Furthermore,electrophysiological recordings were conducted to investigate the connections between the manipulated neurons.This study introduces a customized small-scale neural circuit platform with electrode-specific recording and stimulating capabilities,enabling the study of neuron-to-neuron interactions at the single-cell level.By leveraging MNPs and an MMA chip,this research offers a powerful tool for studying neural connections and advancing our understanding of the brain’s intricate workings.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2023YFC3603705(to DX)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82302866(to YZ).
文摘After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.
基金supported by the New Cornerstone Science Foundation and the Key R&D Program of Zhejiang(2024SSYS0016).
文摘Aggression,an evolutionarily conserved social behavior,is essential for animals to compete for valuable resources like food,territory,and mates,and to protect kin.Although aggression is required for the survival of both sexes,it is often displayed in a sexually dimorphic manner,with males typically exhibiting higher levels of aggression than females.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82401772)the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(2021-01-07-00-02-E0086).
文摘Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by reexperiencing,avoidance and hyperarousal.Memory abnormalities manifested as intrusive thoughts and prolonged distressful emotions are postulated as key roles in PTSD development and persistence.Over the past decades,convergent results from human and animal studies have systematically investigated contributions of the amygdala,hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex(mPFC)in fear memory processes,including fear acquisition,storage,reconsolidation and extinction.These findings provide mechanistic insights for cognitive-behavioural therapy and aid in developing pathological region-targeted neuromodulation treatment for PTSD.Taking advantage of advances in cell-type selective labelling and manipulation technologies,recent studies have focused on the spatiotemporal regulation of neural circuits underlying distinct phases of fear memory processes.These findings have revealed that multiple distributed brain areas participate in the fear memory encoding network.Moreover,the functional role of distinct neuronal ensembles within the amygdala-hippocampus-mPFC pathway,identified by genetic markers and projection profiles,has been assigned to temporally separate features of fear processing,demonstrating the sophistication of the fear encoding circuit.These results provide mechanistic insights into PTSD pathology and might shed light on aetiology-based clinical interventions for PTSD.Therefore,the present review will mainly focus on the recent progress in elucidating neural circuit mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulation of fear memory,with an emphasis on the spatial distribution of fear memory encoding neural networks and the temporal coherence between neuronal ensemble activity and fear expression.
文摘The article Magnetic nanoparticles for single-neuron manipulation to design a customized neural circuit,written by Hongyong Zhang,Lingrui Zhao,Nan Huang,Xiaobo Zhang,Tian Xu,Sumin Bian,and Mohamad Sawan,was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 22 May 2025 without open access.
基金Project supported by the Gansu Provincial Department of Education University Teacher Innovation Fund Project(Grant No.2024A-168)the Qingyang Science and Technology Plan Project(Grant No.QY-STK-2024B-193)the Horizontal Research Project of Longdong University(Grant No.HXZK2422)。
文摘Biological neurons exhibit a double-membrane structure and perform specialized functions.Replicating the doublemembrane architecture in artificial neurons to mimic biological neuronal functions is a compelling research challenge.In this study,we propose a multifunctional neural circuit composed of two capacitors,two linear resistors,a phototube cell,a nonlinear resistor,and a memristor.The phototube and charge-controlled memristor serve as sensors for external light and electric field signals,respectively.By applying Kirchhoff's and Helmholtz's laws,we derive the system's nonlinear dynamical equations and energy function.We further investigate the circuit's dynamics using methods from nonlinear dynamics.Our results show that the circuit can exhibit both periodic and chaotic patterns under stimulation by external light and electric fields.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171010 and 32100820)STI2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0203100)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2023B1515040010).
文摘Light is a powerful environmental factor influencing diverse brain functions.Clinical evidence supports the beneficial effect of light therapy on several diseases,including depression,cognitive dysfunction,chronic pain,and sleep disorders.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of light therapy are still not well understood.In this review,we critically evaluate current clinical evidence showing the beneficial effects of light therapy on diseases.In addition,we introduce the research progress regarding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of light on brain functions,including mood,memory,pain perception,sleep,circadian rhythm,brain development,and metabolism.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81804180)。
文摘Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health.Obesity is associated with numerous pathological changes including insulin resistance,fatty liver,hyperlipidemias,and other obesity-related diseases.These comorbidities comprise a significant public health threat.Existing anti-obesity drugs have been limited by side effects that include depression,suicidal thoughts,cardiovascular complications and stroke.Acupuncture treatment has been shown to be effective for treating obesity and obesity-related conditions,while avoiding side effects.However,the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating obesity-related diseases,especially its effect on neural circuits,are not well understood.A growing body of research has studied acupuncture’s effects on the endocrine system and other mechanisms related to the regulation of neural circuits.In this article,recent research that was relevant to the use of acupuncture to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases through the neuroendocrine system,as well as some neural circuits involved,was summarized.Based on this,acupuncture’s potential ability to regulate neural circuits and its mechanisms of action in the endocrine system were reviewed,leading to a deeper mechanistic understanding of acupuncture’s effects and providing insight and direction for future research about obesity.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (Grant No. CSTB2024NSCQ-MSX0944)。
文摘A gas sensor can convert external gas concentration or species into electric voltage or current signals by physical adsorption or chemical changes. As a result, a gas sensor in a nonlinear circuit can be used as a sensitive sensor for detecting external gas signals from the olfactory system. In this paper, a gas sensor and a field-effect transistor are incorporated into a simple FithzHugh–Nagumo neural circuit for capturing and encoding external gas signals. An improved functional neural circuit is obtained, and the effect of gas concentration, gas species and neuronal activity can be discerned as the gate voltage, threshold voltage and activation coefficient of the field-effect transistor, respectively. The gas concentration can affect the neural activities from quiescent to normal working and, finally, to saturation state in bursting, spiking, periodic and chaotic firings with different frequencies. The effects of gas species and neuronal activity on the firing state can also be achieved in this functional neural circuit. In addition, variations in the gate voltage, threshold voltage and activation coefficient can cause switching between different firing modes. These results can be helpful in designing artificial olfactory devices for bionic gas recognition and other coupled systems arising in applied sciences.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82272171(to ZY),82271403(to XL),81941011(to XL),31971279(to ZY),31730030(to XL)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7222004(to HD).
文摘The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.
