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Polet SS, de Koning TJ, Lambrechts RA, Tijssen MAJ, Sibon OCM, Gorter JA. Conventional and novel anti-seizure medications reveal a particular role for GABA A in a North Sea progressive myoclonus Epilepsy Drosophila model. Epilepsy Res 2024; 203:107380. [PMID: 38781737 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE North Sea Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy (NS-PME) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by ataxia, myoclonus and seizures with a progressive course. Although the cause of NS-PME is known, namely a homozygous mutation in the GOSR2 gene (c.430 G>T; p. Gly144Trp), sufficient treatment is lacking. Despite combinations of on average 3-5 anti-seizure medications (ASMs), debilitating myoclonus and seizures persist. Here we aimed to gain insight into the most effective anti-convulsive target in NS-PME by evaluating the individual effects of ASMs in a NS-PME Drosophila model. METHOD A previously generated Drosophila model for NS-PME was used displaying progressive heat-sensitive seizures. We used this model to test 1. a first-generation ASM (sodium barbital), 2. common ASMs used in NS-PME (clonazepam, valproic acid, levetiracetam, ethosuximide) and 3. a novel third-generation ASM (ganaxolone) with similar mode of action to sodium barbital. Compounds were administered by adding them to the food in a range of concentrations. After 7 days of treatment, the percentage of heat-induced seizures was determined and compared to non-treated but affected controls. RESULTS As previously reported in the NS-PME Drosophila model, sodium barbital resulted in significant seizure suppression, with increasing effect at higher dosages. Of the commonly prescribed ASMs, clonazepam and ethosuximide resulted in significant seizure suppression, whereas both valproic acid and levetiracetam did not show any changes in seizures. Interestingly, ganaxolone did result in seizure suppression as well. CONCLUSION Of the six drugs tested, three of the four that resulted in seizure suppression (sodium barbital, clonazepam, ganaxolone) are primary known for their direct effect on GABAA receptors. This suggests that GABAA could be a potentially important target in the treatment of NS-PME. Consequently, these findings add rationale to the exploration of the clinical effect of ganaxolone in NS-PME and other progressive myoclonus epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjoukje S Polet
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands.
| | - Tom J de Koning
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology and Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Lund University, Lund BMC I12, 221 84, Sweden
| | - Roald A Lambrechts
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Ody C M Sibon
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 FB32, Groningen 9700 AD, the Netherlands
| | - Jenke A Gorter
- Expertise Center Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 AB51, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 30.001 FB32, Groningen 9700 AD, the Netherlands
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2
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Silva-Cardoso GK, N'Gouemo P. Seizure-suppressor genes: can they help spearhead the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:657-664. [PMID: 37589085 PMCID: PMC10528013 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2248375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsies are disorders of neuronal excitability characterized by spontaneously recurrent focal and generalized seizures, some of which result from genetic mutations. Despite the availability of antiseizure medications, pharmaco-resistant epilepsy is seen in about 23% of epileptic patients worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsies. Several epilepsy-associated genes have been found in humans. Seizure susceptibility can also be induced in Drosophila mutants, some showing features resembling human epilepsies. Interestingly, several second-site mutation gene products have been found to suppress seizure susceptibility in the seizure genetic model Drosophila. Thus, these so-called 'seizure-suppressor' gene variants may lead to developing a novel class of antiseizure medications. AREA COVERED This review evaluates the potential therapeutic of seizure-suppressor gene variants. EXPERT OPINION Studies on epilepsy-associated genes have allowed analyses of mutations linked to human epilepsy by reproducing these mutations in Drosophila using reverse genetics to generate potential antiseizure therapeutics. As a result, about fifteen seizure-suppressor gene mutants have been identified. Furthermore, some of these epilepsy gene mutations affect ligand-and voltage-gated ion channels. Therefore, a better understanding of the antiseizure activity of seizure-suppressor genes is essential in advancing gene therapy and precision medicine for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleice Kelli Silva-Cardoso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Prosper N'Gouemo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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3
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Nukala KM, Lilienthal AJ, Lye SH, Bassuk AG, Chtarbanova S, Manak JR. Downregulation of oxidative stress-mediated glial innate immune response suppresses seizures in a fly epilepsy model. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112004. [PMID: 36641750 PMCID: PMC9942582 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous work in our laboratory has shown that mutations in prickle (pk) cause myoclonic-like seizures and ataxia in Drosophila, similar to what is observed in humans carrying mutations in orthologous PRICKLE genes. Here, we show that pk mutant brains show elevated, sustained neuronal cell death that correlates with increasing seizure penetrance, as well as an upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and innate immune response (IIR) genes. Moreover, flies exhibiting more robust seizures show increased levels of IIR-associated target gene expression suggesting they may be linked. Genetic knockdown in glia of either arm of the IIR (Immune Deficiency [Imd] or Toll) leads to a reduction in neuronal death, which in turn suppresses seizure activity, with oxidative stress acting upstream of IIR. These data provide direct genetic evidence that oxidative stress in combination with glial-mediated IIR leads to progression of an epilepsy disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna M Nukala
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Shu Hui Lye
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Alexander G Bassuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa and Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Iowa and Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; The Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa and Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - J Robert Manak
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa and Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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4
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Chen Y, Liu TT, Niu M, Li X, Wang X, Liu T, Li Y. Epilepsy gene prickle ensures neuropil glial ensheathment through regulating cell adhesion molecules. iScience 2022; 26:105731. [PMID: 36582832 PMCID: PMC9792895 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human PRICKLE1 gene has been associated with epilepsy. However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain elusive. Here we report a Drosophila prickle mutant pk IG1-1 exhibiting strong epileptic seizures and, intriguingly, abnormal glial wrapping. We found that pk is required in both neurons and glia, particularly neuropil ensheathing glia (EGN), the fly analog of oligodendrocyte, for protecting the animal from seizures. We further revealed that Pk directly binds to the membrane skeleton binding protein Ankyrin 2 (Ank2), thereby regulating the cell adhesion molecule Neuroglian (Nrg). Such protein interactions also apply to their human homologues. Moreover, nrg and ank2 mutant flies also display seizure phenotypes, and expression of either Nrg or Ank2 rescues the seizures of pk IG1-1 flies. Therefore, our findings indicate that Prickle ensures neuron-glial interaction within neuropils through regulating cell adhesion between neurons and ensheathing glia. Dysregulation of this process may represent a conserved pathogenic mechanism underlying PRICKLE1-associated epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Chen
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,Corresponding author
| | - Tong-Tong Liu
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengxia Niu
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Liu
- International Academic Center of Complex Systems, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,Corresponding author
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5
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Lilienthal AJ, Parida M, Manak JR. Characterization of prickle isoform-specific pk pk1 and pk sple1 mutations in Drosophila melanogaster. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000656. [PMID: 36338150 PMCID: PMC9634456 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We used paired-end next generation sequencing (NGS) to characterize the classic isoform-specific pk pk1 and pk sple1 mutations of the prickle gene in Drosophila melanogaster . Here we provide evidence that these previously reported null mutations are caused by either a tirant transposon insertion into the 5' UTR of pk pk1 or a premature stop codon in the second exon of pk sple1 . Additional likely benign missense mutations were identified in both mutant isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Robert Manak
- Dept of Biology, University of Iowa
- Dept of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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6
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Ueda A, O'Harrow TCDG, Xing X, Ehaideb S, Manak JR, Wu CF. Abnormal larval neuromuscular junction morphology and physiology in Drosophila prickle isoform mutants with known axonal transport defects and adult seizure behavior. J Neurogenet 2022; 36:65-73. [PMID: 35775303 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2022.2093353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the striking mutational effects of the Drosophila planar cell polarity gene prickle (pk) on larval motor axon microtubule-mediated vesicular transport and on adult epileptic behavior associated with neuronal circuit hyperexcitability. Mutant alleles of the prickle-prickle (pkpk) and prickle-spiny-legs (pksple) isoforms (hereafter referred to as pk and sple alleles, respectively) exhibit differential phenotypes. While both pk and sple affect larval motor axon transport, only sple confers motor circuit and behavior hyperexcitability. However, mutations in the two isoforms apparently counteract to ameliorate adult motor circuit and behavioral hyperexcitability in heteroallelic pkpk/pksple flies. We have further investigated the consequences of altered axonal transport in the development and function of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We uncovered robust dominant phenotypes in both pk and sple alleles, including synaptic terminal overgrowth (as revealed by anti-HRP and -Dlg immunostaining) and poor vesicle release synchronicity (as indicated by synaptic bouton focal recording). However, we observed recessive alteration of synaptic transmission only in pk/pk larvae, i.e. increased excitatory junctional potential (EJP) amplitude in pk/pk but not in pk/+ or sple/sple. Interestingly, for motor terminal excitability sustained by presynaptic Ca2+ channels, both pk and sple exerted strong effects to produce prolonged depolarization. Notably, only sple acted dominantly whereas pk/+ appeared normal, but was able to suppress the sple phenotypes, i.e. pk/sple appeared normal. Our observations contrast the differential roles of the pk and sple isoforms and highlight their distinct, variable phenotypic expression in the various structural and functional aspects of the larval NMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ueda
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Xiaomin Xing
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Salleh Ehaideb
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Genetics Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - J Robert Manak
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Genetics Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chun-Fang Wu
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Genetics Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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7
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Characterization of Seizure Induction Methods in Drosophila. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0079-21.2021. [PMID: 34330816 PMCID: PMC8387149 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0079-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders. Around one third of patients do not respond to current medications. This lack of treatment indicates a need for better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and, importantly, the identification of novel targets for drug manipulation. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has a fast reproduction time, powerful genetics, and facilitates large sample sizes, making it a strong model of seizure mechanisms. To better understand behavioral and physiological phenotypes across major fly seizure genotypes we systematically measured seizure severity and secondary behavioral phenotypes at both the larval and adult stage. Comparison of several seizure-induction methods; specifically electrical, mechanical and heat induction, show that larval electroshock is the most effective at inducing seizures across a wide range of seizure-prone mutants tested. Locomotion in adults and larvae was found to be non-predictive of seizure susceptibility. Recording activity in identified larval motor neurons revealed variations in action potential (AP) patterns, across different genotypes, but these patterns did not correlate with seizure susceptibility. To conclude, while there is wide variation in mechanical induction, heat induction, and secondary phenotypes, electroshock is the most consistent method of seizure induction across known major seizure genotypes in Drosophila.
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8
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Abstract
One in three epilepsy cases is drug resistant, and seizures often begin in infancy, when they are life-threatening and when therapeutic options are highly limited. An important tool for prioritizing and validating genes associated with epileptic conditions, which is suitable for large-scale screening, is disease modeling in Drosophila. Approximately two-thirds of disease genes are conserved in Drosophila, and gene-specific fly models exhibit behavioral changes that are related to symptoms of epilepsy. Models are based on behavior readouts, seizure-like attacks and paralysis following stimulation, and neuronal, cell-biological readouts that are in the majority based on changes in nerve cell activity or morphology. In this review, we focus on behavioral phenotypes. Importantly, Drosophila modeling is independent of, and complementary to, other approaches that are computational and based on systems analysis. The large number of known epilepsy-associated gene variants indicates a need for efficient research strategies. We will discuss the status quo of epilepsy disease modelling in Drosophila and describe promising steps towards the development of new drugs to reduce seizure rates and alleviate other epileptic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Lasko
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kevin Lüthy
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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9
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Iyer J, Singh MD, Jensen M, Patel P, Pizzo L, Huber E, Koerselman H, Weiner AT, Lepanto P, Vadodaria K, Kubina A, Wang Q, Talbert A, Yennawar S, Badano J, Manak JR, Rolls MM, Krishnan A, Girirajan S. Pervasive genetic interactions modulate neurodevelopmental defects of the autism-associated 16p11.2 deletion in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2548. [PMID: 29959322 PMCID: PMC6026208 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As opposed to syndromic CNVs caused by single genes, extensive phenotypic heterogeneity in variably-expressive CNVs complicates disease gene discovery and functional evaluation. Here, we propose a complex interaction model for pathogenicity of the autism-associated 16p11.2 deletion, where CNV genes interact with each other in conserved pathways to modulate expression of the phenotype. Using multiple quantitative methods in Drosophila RNAi lines, we identify a range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes for knockdown of individual 16p11.2 homologs in different tissues. We test 565 pairwise knockdowns in the developing eye, and identify 24 interactions between pairs of 16p11.2 homologs and 46 interactions between 16p11.2 homologs and neurodevelopmental genes that suppress or enhance cell proliferation phenotypes compared to one-hit knockdowns. These interactions within cell proliferation pathways are also enriched in a human brain-specific network, providing translational relevance in humans. Our study indicates a role for pervasive genetic interactions within CNVs towards cellular and developmental phenotypes. The 16p11.2 deletion leads to a range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes, but to date, sequencing studies have not been able to pinpoint individual genes that are causative for the disease on their own. Here, using Drosophila homologs of 14 16p11.2 genes, the authors take a combinatorial approach to show that gene interactions contribute to a neurological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Mayanglambam Dhruba Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Matthew Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Payal Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lucilla Pizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Emily Huber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Haley Koerselman
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Alexis T Weiner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Paola Lepanto
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, CP11400, Uruguay
| | - Komal Vadodaria
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Alexis Kubina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Qingyu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Abigail Talbert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Sneha Yennawar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jose Badano
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, CP11400, Uruguay
| | - J Robert Manak
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Arjun Krishnan
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Sala S, Ampe C. An emerging link between LIM domain proteins and nuclear receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1959-1971. [PMID: 29428964 PMCID: PMC11105726 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that partake in several biological processes including development, reproduction and metabolism. Over the last decade, evidence has accumulated that group 2, 3 and 4 LIM domain proteins, primarily known for their roles in actin cytoskeleton organization, also partake in gene transcription regulation. They shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, amongst other as a consequence of triggering cells with ligands of nuclear receptors. LIM domain proteins act as important coregulators of nuclear receptor-mediated gene transcription, in which they can either function as coactivators or corepressors. In establishing interactions with nuclear receptors, the LIM domains are important, yet pleiotropy of LIM domain proteins and nuclear receptors frequently occurs. LIM domain protein-nuclear receptor complexes function in diverse physiological processes. Their association is, however, often linked to diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sala
- Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Ampe
- Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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11
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Arnatkevic̆iūtė A, Fulcher BD, Pocock R, Fornito A. Hub connectivity, neuronal diversity, and gene expression in the Caenorhabditis elegans connectome. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1005989. [PMID: 29432412 PMCID: PMC5825174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of nervous system connectivity, in a wide variety of species and at different scales of resolution, have identified several highly conserved motifs of network organization. One such motif is a heterogeneous distribution of connectivity across neural elements, such that some elements act as highly connected and functionally important network hubs. These brain network hubs are also densely interconnected, forming a so-called rich club. Recent work in mouse has identified a distinctive transcriptional signature of neural hubs, characterized by tightly coupled expression of oxidative metabolism genes, with similar genes characterizing macroscale inter-modular hub regions of the human cortex. Here, we sought to determine whether hubs of the neuronal C. elegans connectome also show tightly coupled gene expression. Using open data on the chemical and electrical connectivity of 279 C. elegans neurons, and binary gene expression data for each neuron across 948 genes, we computed a correlated gene expression score for each pair of neurons, providing a measure of their gene expression similarity. We demonstrate that connections between hub neurons are the most similar in their gene expression while connections between nonhubs are the least similar. Genes with the greatest contribution to this effect are involved in glutamatergic and cholinergic signaling, and other communication processes. We further show that coupled expression between hub neurons cannot be explained by their neuronal subtype (i.e., sensory, motor, or interneuron), separation distance, chemically secreted neurotransmitter, birth time, pairwise lineage distance, or their topological module affiliation. Instead, this coupling is intrinsically linked to the identity of most hubs as command interneurons, a specific class of interneurons that regulates locomotion. Our results suggest that neural hubs may possess a distinctive transcriptional signature, preserved across scales and species, that is related to the involvement of hubs in regulating the higher-order behaviors of a given organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurina Arnatkevic̆iūtė
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben D. Fulcher
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Roger Pocock
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex Fornito
- Brain and Mental Health Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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