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

Author

Listed:
  • Kelly A. Tennant

    (University of Victoria)

  • Stephanie L. Taylor

    (University of Victoria)

  • Emily R. White

    (University of Victoria)

  • Craig E. Brown

    (University of Victoria
    University of Victoria
    University of British Columbia)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelly A. Tennant & Stephanie L. Taylor & Emily R. White & Craig E. Brown, 2017. "Optogenetic rewiring of thalamocortical circuits to restore function in the stroke injured brain," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15879
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15879
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael R. Williamson & Stephanie P. Le & Ronald L. Franzen & Nicole A. Donlan & Jill L. Rosow & Mathilda S. Nicot-Cartsonis & Alexis Cervantes & Benjamin Deneen & Andrew K. Dunn & Theresa A. Jones & , 2023. "Subventricular zone cytogenesis provides trophic support for neural repair in a mouse model of stroke," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Mohamad Motaharinia & Kim Gerrow & Roobina Boghozian & Emily White & Sun-Eui Choi & Kerry R. Delaney & Craig E. Brown, 2021. "Longitudinal functional imaging of VIP interneurons reveals sup-population specific effects of stroke that are rescued with chemogenetic therapy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, December.

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