Synaptic and dendritic physiology in the prefrontal cortex

New York University, New York NY

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The prefrontal cortex is important for controlling cognition, emotion and memory in animals ranging from rodents to primates. The importance of the prefrontal cortex is highlighted in multiple neuropsychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia and depression. Pyramidal neurons are the principal cells of the prefrontal cortex, and process diverse excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. These neurons also receive extensive dopaminergic inputs from subcortical regions that modulate intrinsic and synaptic physiology. Dopamine activates metabotropic D1 receptors to enhance pyramidal neuron firing and support cognitive functions like working memory. However, previous studies have found heterogeneous effects of D1 receptors on excitatory and inhibitory responses at pyramidal neurons. We recently discovered that D1 receptors are selectively expressed in only a subpopulation of layer 5 pyramidal neurons (D1+ neurons). These neurons have compact dendrites, high input resistance, minimal h-current and pronounced burst firing compared to their D1- neighbors. Importantly, they are also selectively modulated by D1 receptors, which signal through the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway to boost excitability. The goal of this proposal is to assess how D1 receptors modulate excitatory and inhibitory responses at D1+ neurons in the mouse PFC. We first characterize the different excitatory inputs onto D1+ neurons, using a powerful combination of whole-cell recordings, optogenetics and two-photon microscopy. We then use these approaches to assess the properties of inhibitory inputs onto D1+ neurons, which derive from a variety of GABAergic interneurons. In both cases, we examine the mechanisms that underlie differential synaptic responses at D1+ neurons and their D1-neighbors. Having defined these connections, we test our hypothesis that D1 receptors regulate excitatory and inhibitory synapses only at D1+ neurons. The proposed experiments will reveal how this subpopulation of pyramidal neurons interacts with their long-range and local circuits. The results from these experiments will answer fundamental questions about dopamine regulation of cellular and synaptic physiology. They will also help to identify novel therapeutic targets for the many neuropsychiatric diseases that arise from disrupted dopamine modulation in the PFC.