51
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zur Nedden S, Eith R, Schwarzer C, Zanetti L, Seitter H, Fresser F, Koschak A, Cameron AJ, Parker PJ, Baier G, Baier-Bitterlich G. Protein kinase N1 critically regulates cerebellar development and long-term function. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:2076-2088. [PMID: 29494346 PMCID: PMC5919825 DOI: 10.1172/jci96165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that synapse dysfunctions are a major determinant of several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we identify protein kinase N1 (PKN1) as a novel key player in fine-tuning the balance between axonal outgrowth and presynaptic differentiation in the parallel fiber-forming (PF-forming) cerebellar granule cells (Cgcs). Postnatal Pkn1-/- animals showed a defective PF-Purkinje cell (PF-PC) synapse formation. In vitro, Pkn1-/- Cgcs exhibited deregulated axonal outgrowth, elevated AKT phosphorylation, and higher levels of neuronal differentiation-2 (NeuroD2), a transcription factor preventing presynaptic maturation. Concomitantly, Pkn1-/- Cgcs had a reduced density of presynaptic sites. By inhibiting AKT with MK-2206 and siRNA-mediated knockdown, we found that AKT hyperactivation is responsible for the elongated axons, higher NeuroD2 levels, and reduced density of presynaptic specifications in Pkn1-/- Cgcs. In line with our in vitro data, Pkn1-/- mice showed AKT hyperactivation, elevated NeuroD2 levels, and reduced expression of PF-PC synaptic markers during stages of PF maturation in vivo. The long-term effect of Pkn1 knockout was further seen in cerebellar atrophy and mild ataxia. In summary, our results demonstrate that PKN1 functions as a developmentally active gatekeeper of AKT activity, thereby fine-tuning axonal outgrowth and presynaptic differentiation of Cgcs and subsequently the correct PF-PC synapse formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lucia Zanetti
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hartwig Seitter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Friedrich Fresser
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Angus J.M. Cameron
- Kinase Biology Laboratory, John Vane Science Centre, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Parker
- Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Studies, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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52
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Hoxha E, Balbo I, Miniaci MC, Tempia F. Purkinje Cell Signaling Deficits in Animal Models of Ataxia. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2018; 10:6. [PMID: 29760657 PMCID: PMC5937225 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2018.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje cell (PC) dysfunction or degeneration is the most frequent finding in animal models with ataxic symptoms. Mutations affecting intrinsic membrane properties can lead to ataxia by altering the firing rate of PCs or their firing pattern. However, the relationship between specific firing alterations and motor symptoms is not yet clear, and in some cases PC dysfunction precedes the onset of ataxic signs. Moreover, a great variety of ionic and synaptic mechanisms can affect PC signaling, resulting in different features of motor dysfunction. Mutations affecting Na+ channels (NaV1.1, NaV1.6, NaVβ4, Fgf14 or Rer1) reduce the firing rate of PCs, mainly via an impairment of the Na+ resurgent current. Mutations that reduce Kv3 currents limit the firing rate frequency range. Mutations of Kv1 channels act mainly on inhibitory interneurons, generating excessive GABAergic signaling onto PCs, resulting in episodic ataxia. Kv4.3 mutations are responsible for a complex syndrome with several neurologic dysfunctions including ataxia. Mutations of either Cav or BK channels have similar consequences, consisting in a disruption of the firing pattern of PCs, with loss of precision, leading to ataxia. Another category of pathogenic mechanisms of ataxia regards alterations of synaptic signals arriving at the PC. At the parallel fiber (PF)-PC synapse, mutations of glutamate delta-2 (GluD2) or its ligand Crbl1 are responsible for the loss of synaptic contacts, abolishment of long-term depression (LTD) and motor deficits. At the same synapse, a correct function of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1) receptors is necessary to avoid ataxia. Failure of climbing fiber (CF) maturation and establishment of PC mono-innervation occurs in a great number of mutant mice, including mGlu1 and its transduction pathway, GluD2, semaphorins and their receptors. All these models have in common the alteration of PC output signals, due to a variety of mechanisms affecting incoming synaptic signals or the way they are processed by the repertoire of ionic channels responsible for intrinsic membrane properties. Although the PC is a final common pathway of ataxia, the link between specific firing alterations and neurologic symptoms has not yet been systematically studied and the alterations of the cerebellar contribution to motor signals are still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Balbo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Miniaci
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Turin, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Turin, Italy
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53
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Abstract
Egocentric (self-centered) and allocentric (viewpoint independent) representations of space are essential for spatial navigation and wayfinding. Deficits in spatial memory come with age-related cognitive decline, are marked in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and are associated with cognitive deficits in autism. In most of these disorders, a change in the brain areas engaged in the spatial reference system processing has been documented. However, the spatial memory deficits observed during physiological and pathological aging are quite different. While patients with AD and MCI have a general spatial navigation impairment in both allocentric and egocentric strategies, healthy older adults are particularly limited in the allocentric navigation, but they can still count on egocentric navigation strategy to solve spatial tasks. Therefore, specific navigational tests should be considered for differential diagnosis between healthy and pathological aging conditions. Finally, more research is still needed to better understand the spatial abilities of autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Concetta Miniaci
- Department of Pharmacy , School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) , National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Telethon Foundation, Pozzuoli, Italy
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54
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Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor and its signaling molecules as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cerebellar disorders. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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55
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Extracellular Cyclic GMP Modulates Membrane Expression of The GluA1 and GluA2 Subunits of AMPA Receptor in Cerebellum: Molecular Mechanisms Involved. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17656. [PMID: 29247190 PMCID: PMC5732250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that extracellular cGMP modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission and some forms of learning. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We proposed the hypotheses that extracellular cGMP may regulate membrane expression of AMPA receptors. To do this extracellular cGMP should act on a membrane protein and activate signal transduction pathways modulating phosphorylation of the GluA1 and/or GluA2 subunits. It has been shown that extracellular cGMP modulates glycine receptors. The aims of this work were to assess: 1) whether extracellular cGMP modulates membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 subunits of AMPA receptors in cerebellum in vivo; 2) whether this is mediated by glycine receptors; 3) the role of GluA1 and GluA2 phosphorylation and 4) identify steps of the intracellular pathways involved. We show that extracellular cGMP modulates membrane expression of GluA1 and GluA2 in cerebellum in vivo and unveil the mechanisms involved. Extracellular cGMP reduced glycine receptor activation, modulating cAMP, protein kinases and phosphatases, and GluA1 and GluA2 phosphorylation, resulting in increased GluA1 and reduced GluA2 membrane expression. Extracellular cGMP therefore modulates membrane expression of AMPA receptors and glutamatergic neurotransmission. The steps identified may be therapeutic targets to improve neurotransmission and neurological function in pathological situations with abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission.
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56
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Hernández-Briones ZS, García-Bañuelos P, Hernández ME, López ML, Chacón AM, Carrillo P, Coria-Avila G, Manzo J, García LI. Olfactory stimulation induces cerebellar vermis activation during sexual learning in male rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 146:31-36. [PMID: 29104177 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a complex structure mainly recognized for its participation in motor activity and balance, and less understood for its role in olfactory processing. Herein, we assessed Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in the cerebellar vermis following exposure to different odors during sexual training in male rats. Males were allowed to copulate for either one, three or five sessions. One day after the corresponding session they were exposed during 60 min to woodshaving that was either: clean (Control), sprayed with almond scent (Alm) or from cages of sexually receptive females (RF). The vermis of the cerebellum was removed, cut in sagittal sections and analyzed for Fos-IR to infer activation. Our results showed that the cerebellum responded with more Fos-IR in the Alm and RF groups as compared to Control. More copulatory sessions resulted in more odor-induced Fos-IR, especially in the RF group. Accordingly, we discuss possible mechanisms on how the cerebellum mediates processing of both unconditioned and conditioned odors, and how sexual experience accelerates such process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - María-Leonor López
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico
| | | | - Porfirio Carrillo
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico
| | - Genaro Coria-Avila
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico
| | - Jorge Manzo
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico
| | - Luis Isauro García
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., Mexico.
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57
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Bossi S, Musante I, Bonfiglio T, Bonifacino T, Emionite L, Cerminara M, Cervetto C, Marcoli M, Bonanno G, Ravazzolo R, Pittaluga A, Puliti A. Genetic inactivation of mGlu5 receptor improves motor coordination in the Grm1 crv4 mouse model of SCAR13 ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 109:44-53. [PMID: 28982591 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deleterious mutations in the glutamate receptor metabotropic 1 gene (GRM1) cause a recessive form of cerebellar ataxia, SCAR13. GRM1 and GRM5 code for the metabotropic glutamate type 1 (mGlu1) and type 5 (mGlu5) receptors, respectively. Their different expression profiles suggest they could have distinct functional roles. In a previous study, homozygous mice lacking mGlu1 receptors (Grm1crv4/crv4) and exhibiting ataxia presented cerebellar overexpression of mGlu5 receptors, that was proposed to contribute to the mouse phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we here crossed Grm1crv4 and Grm5ko mice to generate double mutants (Grm1crv4/crv4Grm5ko/ko) lacking both mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors. Double mutants and control mice were analyzed for spontaneous behavior and for motor activity by rotarod and footprint analyses. In the same mice, the release of glutamate from cerebellar nerve endings (synaptosomes) elicited by 12mM KCl or by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) was also evaluated. Motor coordination resulted improved in double mutants when compared to Grm1crv4/crv4 mice. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, glutamate release elicited by both KCl depolarization and activation of AMPA autoreceptors resulted reduced in Grm1crv4/crv4 mice compared to wild type mice, while it presented normal levels in double mutants. Moreover, we found that Grm1crv4/crv4 mice showed reduced expression of GluA2/3 AMPA receptor subunits in cerebellar synaptosomes, while it resulted restored to wild type level in double mutants. To conclude, blocking of mGlu5 receptor reduced the dysregulation of glutamate transmission and improved motor coordination in the Grm1crv4 mouse model of SCAR13, thus suggesting the possible usefulness of pharmacological therapies based on modulation of mGlu5 receptor activity for the treatment of this type of ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bossi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bonfiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- Animal Facility, IRCCS A.U.O. San Martino-IST, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cerminara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, via Gaslini 5, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
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58
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Hoxha E, Lippiello P, Scelfo B, Tempia F, Ghirardi M, Miniaci MC. Maturation, Refinement, and Serotonergic Modulation of Cerebellar Cortical Circuits in Normal Development and in Murine Models of Autism. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:6595740. [PMID: 28894610 PMCID: PMC5574313 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6595740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the complex cerebellar cortical circuits follows different phases, with initial synaptogenesis and subsequent processes of refinement guided by a variety of mechanisms. The regularity of the cellular and synaptic organization of the cerebellar cortex allowed detailed studies of the structural plasticity mechanisms underlying the formation of new synapses and retraction of redundant ones. For the attainment of the monoinnervation of the Purkinje cell by a single climbing fiber, several signals are involved, including electrical activity, contact signals, homosynaptic and heterosynaptic interaction, calcium transients, postsynaptic receptors, and transduction pathways. An important role in this developmental program is played by serotonergic projections that, acting on temporally and spatially regulated postsynaptic receptors, induce and modulate the phases of synaptic formation and maturation. In the adult cerebellar cortex, many developmental mechanisms persist but play different roles, such as supporting synaptic plasticity during learning and formation of cerebellar memory traces. A dysfunction at any stage of this process can lead to disorders of cerebellar origin, which include autism spectrum disorders but are not limited to motor deficits. Recent evidence in animal models links impairment of Purkinje cell function with autism-like symptoms including sociability deficits, stereotyped movements, and interspecific communication by vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Bibiana Scelfo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy
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59
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Kawashima T. The role of the serotonergic system in motor control. Neurosci Res 2017; 129:32-39. [PMID: 28774814 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The serotonergic system in the vertebrate brain is implicated in various behaviors and diseases. Its involvement in motor control has been studied for over half a century, but efforts to build a unified model of its functions have been hampered due to the complexity of serotonergic neuromodulation. This review summarizes the anatomical structure of the serotonergic system, its afferent and efferent connections to other brain regions, and recent insights into the sensorimotor computations in the serotonergic system, and considers future research directions into the roles of serotonergic system in motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kawashima
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
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