Summary: Layer 5 pyramid neurons, essential for brain data processing, vary considerably in their neuronal proteins composition based on neuron type. Research indicates that pyramidal tract ( PT ) and intratelencephalic ( IT ) neurons have different synaptic proteins but also have unique characteristics that affect how they function.
These distinctions might reveal dementia and schizophrenia’s varying vulnerabilities. Future research will focus on understanding how autism-related chromosomes impact the cable and control of IT cells.
Important Information:
- Neuron-Specific Synapses: IT and PT cells have special neural proteins compositions that influence their functions and illness susceptibilities.
- Autism Risk: IT neurons ‘ synapses appear more vulnerable to autism-related hereditary disruptions.
- Mapping Technique: Proteomics was used to report connections, revealing insight into neuron-specific jobs in mental wires.
Origin: VIB
Layer 5 pyramid cells, a class of brain tissue, play a crucial part in how our brains process information.
The differences between the types of these brain cells, intracellular ( IT ) neurons and pyramidal tract ( PT ) neurons, as well as how these differences may affect their vulnerability to conditions like schizophrenia and autism, are highlighted by the research by the team led by Prof. Joris de Wit (VIB-KU Leuven ).
Monitoring connections
Layer 5 pyramid neurons, one of the neural networks that control how our brains process information, combine information from various sources and distribute it where it needs to proceed, like circuit hubs in our brains.
The team of Prof. Joris de Wit (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research ) used a delicate technique called proteomics to profile the synapses of two different mouse layer 5 neurons, intratelencephalic ( IT ) neurons and pyramidal tract ( PT ) neurons, each with different functions in relaying information, to understand how these brain cells exchange information through synapses ( junctions to exchange chemical “messages” ( messages ).
They collaborated with proteomics professional Prof. Andy Howden of the University of Dundee in the UK to discover that while both types of neurons share some neural proteins, they also have unique characteristics that might affect how they function and are susceptible to various disabled traits and mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
Condition vulnerability
According to Prof. Joris de Wit, “exploring the neural protein content of level 5 cells is a crucial stage in understanding how these cells are wired into neural circuits and how this approach may be impacted by developmental disorders.”
” Our observations point to a higher level 5 IT neuronal risk of autism,” we say.
The team led by Prof. Joris de Wit may check whether dementia risk genes affect level 5 IT cells ‘ cable and data processing in follow-up research funded by the Simons Foundation.
Dr. Gabriele Marcassa, first author of the study, adds,” By extending our approach to tracking neural characteristics of various nerve forms in the mind, we may begin to understand their roles in health and illness”.
Funding
FWO – Research Foundation Flanders provided funding for this study.
About this news from neurodevelopment research
Author: India Jane Wise
Source: VIB
Contact: India Jane Wise – VIB
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
” Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons ‘ Synaptic Signatures and Disease Vulnerabilities” by , Joris de Wit et al. Nature Communications
Abstract
Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons ‘ Synaptic Signatures and Disease Vulnerabilities
In distinct information processing pathways are embedded intratelencephalic ( IT ) and pyramidal tract ( PT ) neurons in cortical layer 5 ( L5 ).
Their morphology, connectivity, electrophysiological properties, and role in behavior have been extensively analyzed. However, the molecular composition of their synapses remains largely uncharacterized.
We use an optimized proximity biotinylation process with high spatial accuracy to examine the protein composition of the excitatory postsynaptic compartment of mouse L5 neurons in intact somatosensory circuits.
We discover distinct synaptic signatures for L5 IT and PT neurons, which are defined by proteins that control synaptic organization and transmission, such as cell-surface proteins ( CSPs ), neurotransmitter receptors, and ion channels.
In addition, we discover a different level of disease vulnerability, with significantly higher levels of autism risk genes in L5 IT neurons ‘ synaptic signatures than PT neurons.
These findings support human studies and suggest that autism is a symptom of the excitatory postsynaptic compartment of L5 IT neurons.
Our approach is adaptable and can be broadly applied to other neuron types to create a protein-based, synaptic atlas of cortical circuits.
