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Love JM, Shah SB. Ribosomal trafficking is reduced in Schwann cells following induction of myelination. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:306. [PMID: 26347606 PMCID: PMC4541260 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Local synthesis of proteins within the Schwann cell periphery is extremely important for efficient process extension and myelination, when cells undergo dramatic changes in polarity and geometry. Still, it is unclear how ribosomal distributions are developed and maintained within Schwann cell projections to sustain local translation. In this multi-disciplinary study, we expressed a plasmid encoding a fluorescently labeled ribosomal subunit (L4-GFP) in cultured primary rat Schwann cells. This enabled the generation of high-resolution, quantitative data on ribosomal distributions and trafficking dynamics within Schwann cells during early stages of myelination, induced by ascorbic acid treatment. Ribosomes were distributed throughout Schwann cell projections, with ~2-3 bright clusters along each projection. Clusters emerged within 1 day of culture and were maintained throughout early stages of myelination. Three days after induction of myelination, net ribosomal movement remained anterograde (directed away from the Schwann cell body), but ribosomal velocity decreased to about half the levels of the untreated group. Statistical and modeling analysis provided additional insight into key factors underlying ribosomal trafficking. Multiple regression analysis indicated that net transport at early time points was dependent on anterograde velocity, but shifted to dependence on anterograde duration at later time points. A simple, data-driven rate kinetics model suggested that the observed decrease in net ribosomal movement was primarily dictated by an increased conversion of anterograde particles to stationary particles, rather than changes in other directional parameters. These results reveal the strength of a combined experimental and theoretical approach in examining protein localization and transport, and provide evidence of an early establishment of ribosomal populations within Schwann cell projections with a reduction in trafficking following initiation of myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Love
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sameer B Shah
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland College Park, MD, USA ; Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA
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Harauz G, Boggs JM. Myelin management by the 18.5-kDa and 21.5-kDa classic myelin basic protein isoforms. J Neurochem 2013; 125:334-61. [PMID: 23398367 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The classic myelin basic protein (MBP) splice isoforms range in nominal molecular mass from 14 to 21.5 kDa, and arise from the gene in the oligodendrocyte lineage (Golli) in maturing oligodendrocytes. The 18.5-kDa isoform that predominates in adult myelin adheres the cytosolic surfaces of oligodendrocyte membranes together, and forms a two-dimensional molecular sieve restricting protein diffusion into compact myelin. However, this protein has additional roles including cytoskeletal assembly and membrane extension, binding to SH3-domains, participation in Fyn-mediated signaling pathways, sequestration of phosphoinositides, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Of the diverse post-translational modifications of this isoform, phosphorylation is the most dynamic, and modulates 18.5-kDa MBP's protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions, indicative of a rich repertoire of functions. In developing and mature myelin, phosphorylation can result in microdomain or even nuclear targeting of the protein, supporting the conclusion that 18.5-kDa MBP has significant roles beyond membrane adhesion. The full-length, early-developmental 21.5-kDa splice isoform is predominantly karyophilic due to a non-traditional P-Y nuclear localization signal, with effects such as promotion of oligodendrocyte proliferation. We discuss in vitro and recent in vivo evidence for multifunctionality of these classic basic proteins of myelin, and argue for a systematic evaluation of the temporal and spatial distributions of these protein isoforms, and their modified variants, during oligodendrocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Harauz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biophysics Interdepartmental Group and Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Monsma PC, Brown A. FluoroMyelin™ Red is a bright, photostable and non-toxic fluorescent stain for live imaging of myelin. J Neurosci Methods 2012; 209:344-50. [PMID: 22743799 PMCID: PMC3429707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
FluoroMyelin™ Red is a commercially available water-soluble fluorescent dye that has selectivity for myelin. This dye is marketed for the visualization of myelin in brain cryosections, though it is also used widely to stain myelin in chemically fixed tissue. Here we have investigated the suitability of FluoroMyelin™ Red as a vital stain for live imaging of myelin in myelinating co-cultures of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons. We show that addition of FluoroMyelin™ Red to the culture medium results in selective staining of myelin sheaths, with an optimal staining time of 2h, and has no apparent adverse effect on the neurons, their axons, or the myelinating cells at the light microscopic level. The fluorescence is bright and photostable, permitting long-term time-lapse imaging. After rinsing the cultures with medium lacking FluoroMyelin™ Red, the dye diffuses out of the myelin with a half life of about 130 min resulting in negligible fluorescence remaining after 18-24h. In addition, the large Stokes shift exhibited by FluoroMyelin™ Red makes it possible to readily distinguish it from popular and widely used green and red fluorescent probes such as GFP and mCherry. Thus FluoroMyelin™ Red is a useful reagent for live fluorescence imaging studies on myelinated axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula C. Monsma
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Anthony Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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Smith GS, De Avila M, Paez PM, Spreuer V, Wills MK, Jones N, Boggs JM, Harauz G. Proline substitutions and threonine pseudophosphorylation of the SH3 ligand of 18.5-kDa myelin basic protein decrease its affinity for the Fyn-SH3 domain and alter process development and protein localization in oligodendrocytes. J Neurosci Res 2012; 90:28-47. [PMID: 21887699 PMCID: PMC3527418 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The developmentally regulated myelin basic proteins (MBPs), which arise from the golli (gene of oligodendrocyte lineage) complex, are highly positively charged, intrinsically disordered, multifunctional proteins having several alternatively spliced isoforms and posttranslational modifications, and they play key roles in myelin compaction. The classic 18.5-kDa MBP isoform has a proline-rich region comprising amino acids 92-99 (murine sequence -T(92)PRTPPPS(99)-) that contains a minimal SH3 ligand domain. We have previously shown that 18.5-kDa MBP binds to several SH3 domains, including that of Fyn, a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases involved in a number of signaling pathways during CNS development. To determine the physiological role of this binding as well as the role of phosphorylation of Thr92 and Thr95, in the current study we have produced several MBP variants specifically targeting phosphorylation sites and key structural regions of MBP's SH3 ligand domain. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we have demonstrated that, compared with the wild-type protein, these variants have lower affinity for the SH3 domain of Fyn. Moreover, overexpression of N-terminal-tagged GFP versions in immortalized oligodendroglial N19 and N20.1 cell cultures results in aberrant elongation of membrane processes and increased branching complexity and inhibits the ability of MBP to decrease Ca(2+) influx. Phosphorylation of Thr92 can also cause MBP to traffic to the nucleus, where it may participate in additional protein-protein interactions. Coexpression of MBP with a constitutively active form of Fyn kinase resulted in membrane process elaboration, a phenomenon that was abolished by point amino acid substitutions in MBP's SH3 ligand domain. These results suggest that MBP's SH3 ligand domain plays a key role in intracellular protein interactions in vivo and may be required for proper membrane elaboration of developing oligodendrocytes and, further, that phosphorylation of Thr92 and Thr95 can regulate this function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham S.T. Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miguel De Avila
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo M. Paez
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vilma Spreuer
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melanie K.B. Wills
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nina Jones
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joan M. Boggs
- Molecular Structure and Function, Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Harauz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Smith GST, Paez PM, Spreuer V, Campagnoni CW, Boggs JM, Campagnoni AT, Harauz G. Classical 18.5-and 21.5-kDa isoforms of myelin basic protein inhibit calcium influx into oligodendroglial cells, in contrast to golli isoforms. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:467-80. [PMID: 21312222 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The myelin basic protein (MBP) family arises from different transcription start sites of the golli (gene of oligodendrocyte lineage) complex, with further variety generated by differential splicing. The "classical" MBP isoforms are peripheral membrane proteins that facilitate compaction of the mature myelin sheath but also have multiple protein interactions. The early developmental golli isoforms have previously been shown to promote process extension and enhance Ca(2+) influx into primary and immortalized oligodendrocyte cell lines. Here, we have performed similar studies with the classical 18.5- and 21.5-kDa isoforms of MBP. In contrast to golli proteins, overexpression of classical MBP isoforms significantly reduces Ca(2+) influx in the oligodendrocyte cell line N19 as well as in primary cultures of oligodendroglial progenitor cells. Pharmacological experiments demonstrate that this effect is mediated by voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCCs) and not by ligand-gated Ca(2+) channels or Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. The pseudo-deiminated 18.5-kDa and the full-length 21.5-kDa isoforms do not reduce Ca(2+) influx as much as the unmodified 18.5-kDa isoform. However, more efficient membrane localization (of overexpressed, pseudo-deiminated 18.5-kDa and 21.5-kDa isoforms of classical MBP containing the 21-nt 3'-untranslated region transit signal) further reduces the Ca(2+) response after plasma membrane depolarization, suggesting that binding of classical MBP isoforms to the plasma membrane is important for modulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis. Furthermore, we have found that the mature 18.5-kDa isoform expressed in oligodendrocytes colocalizes with VOCCs, particularly at the leading edge of extending membrane processes. In summary, our findings suggest a key role for classical MBP proteins in regulating voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels at the plasma membrane of oligodendroglial cells and thus also in regulation of multiple developmental stages in this cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham S T Smith
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biophysics Interdepartmental Group, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Thaxton C, Bott M, Walker B, Sparrow NA, Lambert S, Fernandez-Valle C. Schwannomin/merlin promotes Schwann cell elongation and influences myelin segment length. Mol Cell Neurosci 2010; 47:1-9. [PMID: 21182951 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor, schwannomin (Sch) is a plasma membrane-cytoskeleton linking protein that regulates receptor signaling and actin dynamics. We examined Sch's role in specifying morphological changes needed for Schwann cell (SC) function in vitro. Isolated Sch-GFP-expressing SCs extended bipolar processes 82% longer than those formed by GFP-expressing cells. In contrast, SCs expressing dominant negative Sch-BBA-GFP extended bipolar processes 16% shorter than controls and 64% shorter than Sch-GFP-expressing SCs. nf2 gene inactivation caused isolated mouse SCs to transition from bipolar to multipolar cells. Live imaging revealed that SCs co-expressing Sch-GFP and dominant negative RacN17 behaved similarly in dorsal root ganglion explant cultures; they quickly aligned on axons and slowly elongated bipolar processes. In contrast, SCs expressing constitutively active RacV12 underwent continuous transitions in morphology that interfered with axon alignment. When co-cultured with neurons under myelin-promoting conditions, Sch-GFP-expressing SCs elaborated longer myelin segments than GFP-expressing SCs. In contrast, Sch-BBA-GFP-expressing SCs failed to align on or myelinate axons. Together, these results demonstrate that Sch plays an essential role in inducing and/or maintaining the SC's spindle shape and suggest that the mechanism involves Sch-dependent inhibition of Rac activity. By stabilizing the bipolar morphology, Sch promotes the alignment of SCs with axons and ultimately influences myelin segment length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Thaxton
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Health Science Campus, 6900 Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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Gatto CL, Walker BJ, Lambert S. Asymmetric ERM activation at the Schwann cell process tip is required in axon-associated motility. J Cell Physiol 2007; 210:122-32. [PMID: 17061246 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Axon-associated Schwann cell (SC) motility and process dynamics are crucial in the development and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The bipolar morphology of SCs represents an unexplored conundrum in terms of directed motility. Using fluorescence time-lapse microscopy of transfected SCs within myelinating dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants, we demonstrate cycling of SCs between bipolar and highly motile, unipolar morphologies as a result of asymmetric process retraction and extension. Unipolar SC motility appears nucleotaxic in nature, similar to the movement of neurons on radial glia during cortical development. We also show that asymmetric process retraction is associated with the activation of ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins and subsequent recruitment of ezrin-binding phospho-protein 50 kDa (EBP50) at the retracting process tip. This activation occurs in response to localized synthesis of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) at this site. Finally, we demonstrate that the activation of ERM proteins at the SC process tip is essential for motility and the maintenance of SC polarity, as ERM disruption yields a dysfunctional, multi-polar cell. These results demonstrate that specializations at the tips of SC processes regulate their dynamics, which in turn is associated with directed motility in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Gatto
- Department of Cell Biology, Programs in Neuroscience and Cell Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Gatto CL, Walker BJ, Lambert S. Local ERM activation and dynamic growth cones at Schwann cell tips implicated in efficient formation of nodes of Ranvier. J Cell Biol 2003; 162:489-98. [PMID: 12900397 PMCID: PMC2172691 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200303039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodes of Ranvier are specialized, highly polarized axonal domains crucial to the propagation of saltatory action potentials. In the peripheral nervous system, axo-glial cell contacts have been implicated in Schwann cell (SC) differentiation and formation of the nodes of Ranvier. SC microvilli establish axonal contact at mature nodes, and their components have been observed to localize early to sites of developing nodes. However, a role for these contacts in node formation remains controversial. Using a myelinating explant culture system, we have observed that SCs reorganize and polarize microvillar components, such as the ezrin-binding phosphoprotein 50 kD/regulatory cofactor of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHERF-1), actin, and the activated ezrin, radixin, and moesin family proteins before myelination in response to inductive signals. These components are targeted to the SC distal tips where live cell imaging reveals novel, dynamic growth cone-like behavior. Furthermore, localized activation of the Rho signaling pathway at SC tips gives rise to these microvillar component-enriched "caps" and influences the efficiency of node formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Gatto
- Department of Cell Biology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 4 Biotech, 377 Plantation St., Suite 326, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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Reyes SD, Campagnoni AT. Two separate domains in the golli myelin basic proteins are responsible for nuclear targeting and process extension in transfected cells. J Neurosci Res 2002; 69:587-96. [PMID: 12210824 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The golli products of the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene are expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs). In certain neuronal populations, golli proteins undergo translocation between the nucleus and cytoplasm/processes during development. The proteins consist of two domains, a golli domain of 133 amino acids and an MBP domain of variable length. One objective of this study was to identify the sequences responsible for nuclear targeting. Site-directed mutagenesis and deletion analyses were used to generate a series of golli-green fluorescent protein (GFP) DNA constructs that were transfected into OL and neuronal cell lines to follow localization by confocal microscopy. The results indicated that a 36-residue stretch in the MBP domain is essential for nuclear targeting, and the sequence appears to be a nontraditional localization signal motif. The studies also revealed that overexpression of golli proteins could induce dramatic changes in cell morphology. In OL lines, overexpression of intact golli proteins, or golli peptide alone, caused an increase in the length and number of processes, and the elaboration of membrane sheets. In the neuronal lines, there was a dramatic increase in number and length of extensions. The results, consistent with the timing of golli expression in cells during neural development, suggest that golli proteins may be involved in process formation/extension in OLs and neurons during development. These studies have defined two functional domains in the golli protein. Sequences in the MBP domain target the protein into the nucleus and sequences within the golli domain induce process sheet extension in OLs and neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Reyes
- Developmental Biology Group, Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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