The communication between neurons and microglia is bidirectional. Microglia modulate neurotransmission, facilitate synapse formation and dissolution, and provide neuronal protection, but cellular/molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Much of the premise for interactions between dopamine neurons and microglia is supported by presence of dopamine receptors on microglial cells allowing them to respond to neuronal signals. The idea is that dopamine receptor stimulation on microglial cells alters microglial function, which in turn could then (reciprocally) affect dopamine neurotransmission. Here we will use patch clamp electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, biochemical and histological approaches to determine whether and how depleting microglia affects dopamine neurotransmission and whether HIV-1 Tat, a protein produced in microglial cells following HIV-1 infection, disrupts dopamine neurotransmission by altering microglial/DA neurons interactions (Aim 1). We will examine how microglial activity is affected by dopaminergic signaling in the presence or absence of HIV- 1 Tat, and conversely how microglial products may modulate dopamine neurotransmission (Aim 2). Finally, since there is a high comorbidity between HIV-1 infection and drug abuse, and since both methamphetamine and HIV-1 Tat alter dopamine neurotransmission and affect the immune system, in Aim 3 we will determine how the combined exposure to HIV-1 Tat and methamphetamine influences these processes. The proposed work will address two significant knowledge gaps: 1) reveal the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying bidirectional communication between dopamine neurons and microglia, and 2) determine how HIV-1 Tat modulation of this bidirectional communication reduces dopamine neurotransmission.

Public Health Relevance

Dopamine neurotransmission is implicated in drug addition, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. This project examines the bidirectional communications between dopamine neurotransmission and microglial cells in the midbrain regions in the context of HIV infection. The results will provide overarching information about how neuronal activity affects microglial cell activity, and vice versa, in health and disease conditions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21DA043895-01
Application #
9314711
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-N (02)M)
Program Officer
Purohit, Vishnudutt
Project Start
2017-03-01
Project End
2019-02-28
Budget Start
2017-03-01
Budget End
2018-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$226,488
Indirect Cost
$76,488
Name
University of Florida
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Mackie, Phillip; Lebowitz, Joe; Saadatpour, Leila et al. (2018) The dopamine transporter: An unrecognized nexus for dysfunctional peripheral immunity and signaling in Parkinson's Disease. Brain Behav Immun 70:21-35
Miller, Douglas R; Shaerzadeh, Fatemeh; Phan, Leah et al. (2018) HIV-1 Tat regulation of dopamine transmission and microglial reactivity is brain region specific. Glia 66:1915-1928
Sambo, Danielle O; Lebowitz, Joseph J; Khoshbouei, Habibeh (2018) The sigma-1 receptor as a regulator of dopamine neurotransmission: A potential therapeutic target for methamphetamine addiction. Pharmacol Ther 186:152-167
Gaskill, Peter J; Miller, Douglas R; Gamble-George, Joyonna et al. (2017) HIV, Tat and dopamine transmission. Neurobiol Dis 105:51-73