Localizing GABAergic/Dopaminergic Hybrid Neurons
Session Number
Q09
Advisor(s)
Rajeshwar Awatramani, Northwestern University Giuliana Caronia-Brown, Northwestern University Jean-Francois Poulin, Northwestern University
Location
A-133
Start Date
28-4-2016 8:25 AM
End Date
28-4-2016 8:50 AM
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are the primary source of the dopamine produced in the central nervous system. These DA neurons have recently been shown to have diverse molecular and physiological properties. A recent study implied that the SNc neurons may release the neurotransmitter, GABA, along with dopamine. Through our research, we aimed to localize these “hybrid” neurons which produce both GABA and dopamine together. To achieve this objective we utilized an intersectional approach. We crossed the VgatCre mouse line to a ThFlpo,Frepe mouse line. The first mouse line expresses Cre recombinase from Vesicular GABA transporter (Vgat), a gene that defines GABAergic neurons. The latter mouse line allows expression of Flpo recombinase only in DA neurons. When the VgatCre and ThFlpo gene are both expressed, the reporter gene expresses a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and this allows us to localize these “hybrid” DA neurons. The results showed 11% of SNc dopamine neurons as hybrid neurons. On the other hand, 19% of VTA dopamine neurons are shown as hybrid neurons. The results reveal a higher density of hybrid neurons in the VTA than in SNc. Further studies will be needed to determine the functional consequences of Vgat in DA neurons
Localizing GABAergic/Dopaminergic Hybrid Neurons
A-133
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are the primary source of the dopamine produced in the central nervous system. These DA neurons have recently been shown to have diverse molecular and physiological properties. A recent study implied that the SNc neurons may release the neurotransmitter, GABA, along with dopamine. Through our research, we aimed to localize these “hybrid” neurons which produce both GABA and dopamine together. To achieve this objective we utilized an intersectional approach. We crossed the VgatCre mouse line to a ThFlpo,Frepe mouse line. The first mouse line expresses Cre recombinase from Vesicular GABA transporter (Vgat), a gene that defines GABAergic neurons. The latter mouse line allows expression of Flpo recombinase only in DA neurons. When the VgatCre and ThFlpo gene are both expressed, the reporter gene expresses a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and this allows us to localize these “hybrid” DA neurons. The results showed 11% of SNc dopamine neurons as hybrid neurons. On the other hand, 19% of VTA dopamine neurons are shown as hybrid neurons. The results reveal a higher density of hybrid neurons in the VTA than in SNc. Further studies will be needed to determine the functional consequences of Vgat in DA neurons