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Slater CR. Neuromuscular Transmission in a Biological Context. Compr Physiol 2024; 14:5641-5702. [PMID: 39382166 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c240001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Neuromuscular transmission is the process by which motor neurons activate muscle contraction and thus plays an essential role in generating the purposeful body movements that aid survival. While many features of this process are common throughout the Animal Kingdom, such as the release of transmitter in multimolecular "quanta," and the response to it by opening ligand-gated postsynaptic ion channels, there is also much diversity between and within species. Much of this diversity is associated with specialization for either slow, sustained movements such as maintain posture or fast but brief movements used during escape or prey capture. In invertebrates, with hydrostatic and exoskeletons, most motor neurons evoke graded depolarizations of the muscle which cause graded muscle contractions. By contrast, vertebrate motor neurons trigger action potentials in the muscle fibers which give rise to all-or-none contractions. The properties of neuromuscular transmission, in particular the intensity and persistence of transmitter release, reflect these differences. Neuromuscular transmission varies both between and within individual animals, which often have distinct tonic and phasic subsystems. Adaptive plasticity of neuromuscular transmission, on a range of time scales, occurs in many species. This article describes the main steps in neuromuscular transmission and how they vary in a number of "model" species, including C. elegans , Drosophila , zebrafish, mice, and humans. © 2024 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 14:5641-5702, 2024.
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2
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Dill H, Liewald JF, Becker M, Seidenthal M, Gottschalk A. Neuropeptidergic regulation of neuromuscular signaling in larval zebrafish alters swimming behavior and synaptic transmission. iScience 2024; 27:110687. [PMID: 39252958 PMCID: PMC11381845 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110687] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical synaptic transmission is modulated to accommodate different activity levels, thus enabling homeostatic scaling in pre- and postsynaptic compartments. In nematodes, cholinergic neurons use neuropeptide signaling to modulate synaptic vesicle content. To explore if this mechanism is conserved in vertebrates, we studied the involvement of neuropeptides in cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction of larval zebrafish. Optogenetic stimulation by photoactivated adenylyl cyclase evoked locomotion. We generated mutants lacking the neuropeptide-processing enzyme carboxypeptidase E (cpe), and the most abundant neuropeptide precursor in motor neurons, tachykinin (tac1). Both mutants showed exaggerated locomotion after photostimulation. Recording excitatory postsynaptic currents demonstrated overall larger amplitudes in the wild type. Exaggerated locomotion in the mutants thus reflected upscaling of postsynaptic excitability. Both mutant muscles expressed more nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on their surface; thus, neuropeptide signaling regulates synaptic transmitter output in zebrafish motor neurons, and muscle cells homeostatically regulate nAChR surface expression, compensating reduced presynaptic input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Dill
- Buchmann Institute, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jana F Liewald
- Buchmann Institute, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michelle Becker
- Buchmann Institute, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marius Seidenthal
- Buchmann Institute, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Gottschalk
- Buchmann Institute, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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3
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Markert SM. Studying zebrafish nervous system structure and function in health and disease with electron microscopy. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:502-516. [PMID: 37740826 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established model for studying the nervous system. Findings in zebrafish often inform studies on human diseases of the nervous system and provide crucial insight into disease mechanisms. The functions of the nervous system often rely on communication between neurons. Signal transduction is achieved via release of signaling molecules in the form of neuropeptides or neurotransmitters at synapses. Snapshots of membrane dynamics of these processes are imaged by electron microscopy. Electron microscopy can reveal ultrastructure and thus synaptic processes. This is crucial both for mapping synaptic connections and for investigating synaptic functions. In addition, via volumetric electron microscopy, the overall architecture of the nervous system becomes accessible, where structure can inform function. Electron microscopy is thus of particular value for studying the nervous system. However, today a plethora of electron microscopy techniques and protocols exist. Which technique is most suitable highly depends on the research question and scope as well as on the type of tissue that is examined. This review gives an overview of the electron microcopy techniques used on the zebrafish nervous system. It aims to give researchers a guide on which techniques are suitable for their specific questions and capabilities as well as an overview of the capabilities of electron microscopy in neurobiological research in the zebrafish model.
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4
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Zink M, Seewald A, Rohrbach M, Brodehl A, Liedtke D, Williams T, Childs SJ, Gerull B. Altered Expression of TMEM43 Causes Abnormal Cardiac Structure and Function in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9530. [PMID: 36076925 PMCID: PMC9455580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by heterozygous missense mutations within the gene encoding for the nuclear envelope protein transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43). The disease is characterized by myocyte loss and fibro-fatty replacement, leading to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, the role of TMEM43 in the pathogenesis of ACM remains poorly understood. In this study, we generated cardiomyocyte-restricted transgenic zebrafish lines that overexpress eGFP-linked full-length human wild-type (WT) TMEM43 and two genetic variants (c.1073C>T, p.S358L; c.332C>T, p.P111L) using the Tol2-system. Overexpression of WT and p.P111L-mutant TMEM43 was associated with transcriptional activation of the mTOR pathway and ribosome biogenesis, and resulted in enlarged hearts with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Intriguingly, mutant p.S358L TMEM43 was found to be unstable and partially redistributed into the cytoplasm in embryonic and adult hearts. Moreover, both TMEM43 variants displayed cardiac morphological defects at juvenile stages and ultrastructural changes within the myocardium, accompanied by dysregulated gene expression profiles in adulthood. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9 mutants demonstrated an age-dependent cardiac phenotype characterized by heart enlargement in adulthood. In conclusion, our findings suggest ultrastructural remodeling and transcriptomic alterations underlying the development of structural and functional cardiac defects in TMEM43-associated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Zink
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Seewald
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mareike Rohrbach
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Brodehl
- Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Daniel Liedtke
- Institute for Human Genetics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Williams
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah J. Childs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Brenda Gerull
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Helmprobst F, Hupfer A, Lauth M, Pagenstecher A. Electron Microscopy of Cells Grown on Polyacrylamide Hydrogels. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e524. [PMID: 35943400 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.524] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The composition of the cell culture environment profoundly affects cultured cells. Standard cell culture equipment such as plastic and glass provide extremely stiff surfaces compared to physiological cell environments (i.e., tissue). A growing body of evidence documents the artificial behavior and morphology of cells cultured on supraphysiologically stiff surfaces, such as glass (elastic modulus ca. 70,000 MPA) or plastic (e.g., polystyrol ca. 3300 MPA). Therefore, polymer-based hydrogels are increasingly employed as more physiologically appropriate (<100 kPA) supports for 2D or 3D culture. Since multiple properties that influence the cultured cells may be easily adjusted, hydrogels have become versatile tools for studying cells in a more native in vitro environment. Polyacrylamide-based hydrogels can be used as culture substrates for a broad variety of adherent cells and are easy to handle in most downstream biological assays, such as immunohistochemistry or molecular biology methods. We faced, however, serious difficulties with processing high stiffness polyacrylamide-based hydrogels for electron microscopy. To overcome this problem, we developed a simple protocol for embedding and processing cells grown on high stiffness polyacrylamide hydrogels that do not require modifications of routine embedding protocols. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Embedding of polyacrylamide-based hydrogels for transmission electron microscopy Alternate Protocol 1: Procedure for detached hydrogels Alternate Protocol 2: Procedure for attached hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Helmprobst
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Neuropathology, Marburg, Germany
- Philipps University Marburg, Core Facility for Mouse Pathology and Electron Microscopy, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Hupfer
- Philipps University Marburg, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Marburg, Germany
| | - Axel Pagenstecher
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Neuropathology, Marburg, Germany
- Philipps University Marburg, Core Facility for Mouse Pathology and Electron Microscopy, Marburg, Germany
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6
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Chakrabarti R, Jaime Tobón LM, Slitin L, Redondo Canales M, Hoch G, Slashcheva M, Fritsch E, Bodensiek K, Özçete ÖD, Gültas M, Michanski S, Opazo F, Neef J, Pangrsic T, Moser T, Wichmann C. Optogenetics and electron tomography for structure-function analysis of cochlear ribbon synapses. eLife 2022; 11:79494. [PMID: 36562477 PMCID: PMC9908081 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are specialized to indefatigably transmit sound information at high rates. To understand the underlying mechanisms, structure-function analysis of the active zone (AZ) of these synapses is essential. Previous electron microscopy studies of synaptic vesicle (SV) dynamics at the IHC AZ used potassium stimulation, which limited the temporal resolution to minutes. Here, we established optogenetic IHC stimulation followed by quick freezing within milliseconds and electron tomography to study the ultrastructure of functional synapse states with good temporal resolution in mice. We characterized optogenetic IHC stimulation by patch-clamp recordings from IHCs and postsynaptic boutons revealing robust IHC depolarization and neurotransmitter release. Ultrastructurally, the number of docked SVs increased upon short (17-25 ms) and long (48-76 ms) light stimulation paradigms. We did not observe enlarged SVs or other morphological correlates of homotypic fusion events. Our results indicate a rapid recruitment of SVs to the docked state upon stimulation and suggest that univesicular release prevails as the quantal mechanism of exocytosis at IHC ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Lina María Jaime Tobón
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Loujin Slitin
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Magdalena Redondo Canales
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Gerhard Hoch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Marina Slashcheva
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Elisabeth Fritsch
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Kai Bodensiek
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Özge Demet Özçete
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Mehmet Gültas
- Faculty of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied SciencesSoestGermany
| | - Susann Michanski
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbHGöttingenGermany,Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Jakob Neef
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Tina Pangrsic
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany,Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany
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7
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Primary and secondary motoneurons use different calcium channel types to control escape and swimming behaviors in zebrafish. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26429-26437. [PMID: 33020266 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015866117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The escape response and rhythmic swimming in zebrafish are distinct behaviors mediated by two functionally distinct motoneuron (Mn) types. The primary (1°Mn) type depresses and has a large quantal content (Qc) and a high release probability (Pr). Conversely, the secondary (2°Mn) type facilitates and has low and variable Qc and Pr. This functional duality matches well the distinct associated behaviors, with the 1°Mn providing the strong, singular C bend initiating escape and the 2°Mn conferring weaker, rhythmic contractions. Contributing to these functional distinctions is our identification of P/Q-type calcium channels mediating transmitter release in 1°Mns and N-type channels in 2°Mns. Remarkably, despite these functional and behavioral distinctions, all ∼15 individual synapses on each muscle cell are shared by a 1°Mn bouton and at least one 2°Mn bouton. This blueprint of synaptic sharing provides an efficient way of controlling two different behaviors at the level of a single postsynaptic cell.
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8
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Krziminski C, Kammann S, Hansmann J, Edenhofer F, Dandekar G, Walles H, Leistner M. Development of a bioreactor system for pre-endothelialized cardiac patch generation with enhanced viscoelastic properties by combined collagen I compression and stromal cell culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1749-1762. [PMID: 32893470 DOI: 10.1002/term.3129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of terminal heart failure still poses a significant clinical problem. Cardiac tissue engineering could offer autologous solutions for the replacement of nonfunctional myocardial tissue. So far, soft matrix construction and missing large-scale prevascularization prevented the application of sizeable cardiac repair patches. We developed a novel bioreactor system for semi-automatic compression of a collagen I hydrogel applying 16 times higher pressure than in previous studies. Resistance towards compression stress was investigated for multiple cardiac-related cell types. For scaffold prevascuarization, a tubular cavity was imprinted during the compaction process. Primary cardiac-derived endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated from human left atrial appendages (HLAAs) and characterized by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunocytology. EC were then seeded into the preformed channel with dermal fibroblasts as interstitial cell component of the fully cellularized patch. After 8 days of constant perfusion culture within the same bioreactor, scaffold dynamic modulus and cell viability were analyzed. Endothelial proliferation and vessel maturation were examined by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Our design allowed for scaffold production and dynamic culture in a one-stop-shop model. Enhanced compression and cell-mediated matrix remodeling induced a significant increase in scaffold stiffness while ensuring excellent cell survival. For the first time, we could isolate HLAA-derived EC with proliferative potential. ECs within the central channel proliferated during flow culture, continuously expressing endothelial markers (CD31) and displaying basal membrane synthesis (collagen IV, ultrastructural analysis). After 7 days of culture, a complete endothelial monolayer could be observed. Covering cells aligned themselves in flow direction and developed mature cell-cell contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Krziminski
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kammann
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT), Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Faculty Electrical Engineering, University for Applied Sciences Wuerzburg-Schweinfurt, Schweinfurt, Germany.,Translational Center Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Research Center Dynamic Systems: Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Dandekar
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Translational Center Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Walles
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Research Center Dynamic Systems: Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Leistner
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Research Center Dynamic Systems: Systems Engineering, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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9
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Quantitative basis of meiotic chromosome synapsis analyzed by electron tomography. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16102. [PMID: 31695079 PMCID: PMC6834585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex is a multiprotein complex, which mediates the synapsis and recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. The complex is comprised of two lateral elements and a central element connected by perpendicular transverse filaments (TFs). A 3D model based on actual morphological data of the SC is missing. Here, we applied electron tomography (ET) and manual feature extraction to generate a quantitative 3D model of the murine SC. We quantified the length (90 nm) and width (2 nm) of the TFs. Interestingly, the 80 TFs/µm are distributed asymmetrically in the central region of the SC challenging available models of SC organization. Furthermore, our detailed 3D topological analysis does not support a bilayered organization of the central region as proposed earlier. Overall, our quantitative analysis is relevant to understand the functions and dynamics of the SC and provides the basis for analyzing multiprotein complexes in their morphological context using ET.
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10
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Spindler MC, Redolfi J, Helmprobst F, Kollmannsberger P, Stigloher C, Benavente R. Electron tomography of mouse LINC complexes at meiotic telomere attachment sites with and without microtubules. Commun Biol 2019; 2:376. [PMID: 31633067 PMCID: PMC6791847 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0621-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere movements during meiotic prophase I facilitate synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes. Hereby, chromosome movements depend on the dynamic attachment of meiotic telomeres to the nuclear envelope and generation of forces that actively move the telomeres. In most eukaryotes, forces that move telomeres are generated in the cytoplasm by microtubule-associated motor proteins and transduced into the nucleus through the LINC complexes of the nuclear envelope. Meiotic LINC complexes, in mouse comprised of SUN1/2 and KASH5, selectively localize to the attachment sites of meiotic telomeres. For a better understanding of meiotic telomere dynamics, here we provide quantitative information of telomere attachment sites that we have generated with the aid of electron microscope tomography (EM tomography). Our data on the number, length, width, distribution and relation with microtubules of the reconstructed structures indicate that an average number of 76 LINC complexes would be required to move a telomere attachment site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Spindler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Josef Redolfi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Frederik Helmprobst
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
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11
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Brehm P, Wen H. Zebrafish neuromuscular junction: The power of N. Neurosci Lett 2019; 713:134503. [PMID: 31557523 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the early 1950s, Katz and his colleagues capitalized on the newly developed intracellular microelectrode recording technique to investigate synaptic transmission. For study they chose frog neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which was ideally suited due to the accessibility and large size of the muscle cells. Paradoxically, the large size precluded the use of next generation patch clamp technology. Consequently, electrophysiological study of synaptic function shifted to small central synapses made amenable by patch clamp. Recently, however, the unique features offered by zebrafish have rekindled interest in the NMJ as a model for electrophysiological study of synaptic transmission. The small muscle size and synaptic simplicity provide the singular opportunity to perform in vivo spinal motoneuron-target muscle patch clamp recordings. Additional incentive is provided by zebrafish lines harboring mutations in key synaptic proteins, many of which are embryonic lethal in mammals, but all of which are able to survive well past synapse maturation in zebrafish. This mini-review will highlight features that set zebrafish NMJs apart from traditional NMJs. We also draw into focus findings that offer the promise of identifying features that define release sites, which serve to set the upper limit of transmitter release. Since its conception several candidates representing release sites have been proposed, most of which are based on distinctions among vesicle pools in their state of readiness for release. However, models based on distinctions among vesicles have become enormously complicated and none adequately account for setting an upper limit for exocytosis in response to an action potential (AP). Specifically, findings from zebrafish NMJ point to an alternative model, positing that elements other than vesicles per se set the upper limits of release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Brehm
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Hua Wen
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, USA
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12
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Chakrabarti R, Wichmann C. Nanomachinery Organizing Release at Neuronal and Ribbon Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2147. [PMID: 31052288 PMCID: PMC6539712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical aim in neuroscience is to obtain a comprehensive view of how regulated neurotransmission is achieved. Our current understanding of synapses relies mainly on data from electrophysiological recordings, imaging, and molecular biology. Based on these methodologies, proteins involved in a synaptic vesicle (SV) formation, mobility, and fusion at the active zone (AZ) membrane have been identified. In the last decade, electron tomography (ET) combined with a rapid freezing immobilization of neuronal samples opened a window for understanding the structural machinery with the highest spatial resolution in situ. ET provides significant insights into the molecular architecture of the AZ and the organelles within the presynaptic nerve terminal. The specialized sensory ribbon synapses exhibit a distinct architecture from neuronal synapses due to the presence of the electron-dense synaptic ribbon. However, both synapse types share the filamentous structures, also commonly termed as tethers that are proposed to contribute to different steps of SV recruitment and exocytosis. In this review, we discuss the emerging views on the role of filamentous structures in SV exocytosis gained from ultrastructural studies of excitatory, mainly central neuronal compared to ribbon-type synapses with a focus on inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses. Moreover, we will speculate on the molecular entities that may be involved in filament formation and hence play a crucial role in the SV cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
- Collaborative Research Center 1286 "Quantitative Synaptology", 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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13
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Gundersen CB. Fast, synchronous neurotransmitter release: Past, present and future. Neuroscience 2019; 439:22-27. [PMID: 31047980 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This mini-review starts with a summary of the crucial contributions Ricardo Miledi made to our understanding of how the action potential triggers fast, synchronous transmitter release. It then transitions to the discovery of synaptotagmin and its role as the exocytotic Ca2+ sensor at nerve terminals. The final section confronts the array of unique models that have been proposed to explain the membrane fusion step of exocytosis. More than a dozen different hypotheses seek to explain the terminal steps of the exocytotic cascade. It will be an interesting challenge for the field to distinguish among these possibilities. Nevertheless, with ongoing technological advances, perhaps we will have a better picture of this process by the end of the coming decade. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron B Gundersen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
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Kaltdorf KV, Theiss M, Markert SM, Zhen M, Dandekar T, Stigloher C, Kollmannsberger P. Automated classification of synaptic vesicles in electron tomograms of C. elegans using machine learning. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205348. [PMID: 30296290 PMCID: PMC6175533 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles (SVs) are a key component of neuronal signaling and fulfil different roles depending on their composition. In electron micrograms of neurites, two types of vesicles can be distinguished by morphological criteria, the classical “clear core” vesicles (CCV) and the typically larger “dense core” vesicles (DCV), with differences in electron density due to their diverse cargos. Compared to CCVs, the precise function of DCVs is less defined. DCVs are known to store neuropeptides, which function as neuronal messengers and modulators [1]. In C. elegans, they play a role in locomotion, dauer formation, egg-laying, and mechano- and chemosensation [2]. Another type of DCVs, also referred to as granulated vesicles, are known to transport Bassoon, Piccolo and further constituents of the presynaptic density in the center of the active zone (AZ), and therefore are important for synaptogenesis [3]. To better understand the role of different types of SVs, we present here a new automated approach to classify vesicles. We combine machine learning with an extension of our previously developed vesicle segmentation workflow, the ImageJ macro 3D ART VeSElecT. With that we reliably distinguish CCVs and DCVs in electron tomograms of C. elegans NMJs using image-based features. Analysis of the underlying ground truth data shows an increased fraction of DCVs as well as a higher mean distance between DCVs and AZs in dauer larvae compared to young adult hermaphrodites. Our machine learning based tools are adaptable and can be applied to study properties of different synaptic vesicle pools in electron tomograms of diverse model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Verena Kaltdorf
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Theiss
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Mei Zhen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (PK); (CS); (TD)
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (PK); (CS); (TD)
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (PK); (CS); (TD)
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Chakrabarti R, Michanski S, Wichmann C. Vesicle sub-pool organization at inner hair cell ribbon synapses. EMBO Rep 2018; 19:embr.201744937. [PMID: 30201800 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201744937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The afferent inner hair cell synapse harbors the synaptic ribbon, which ensures a constant vesicle supply. Synaptic vesicles (SVs) are arranged in morphologically discernable pools, linked via filaments to the ribbon or the presynaptic membrane. We propose that filaments play a major role in SV resupply and exocytosis at the ribbon. Using advanced electron microscopy, we demonstrate that SVs are organized in sub-pools defined by the filament number per vesicle and its connections. Upon stimulation, SVs increasingly linked to other vesicles and to the ribbon, whereas single-tethered SVs dominated at the membrane. Mutant mice for the hair cell protein otoferlin (pachanga, Otof Pga/Pga ) are profoundly deaf with reduced sustained release, serving as a model to investigate the SV replenishment at IHCs. Upon stimulation, multiple-tethered and docked vesicles (rarely observed in wild-type) accumulated at Otof Pga/Pga active zones due to an impairment downstream of docking. Conclusively, vesicles are organized in sub-pools at ribbon-type active zones by filaments to support vesicle supply, transport, and finally release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susann Michanski
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", Göttingen, Germany.,Georg-August University School of Science, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany .,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing", Göttingen, Germany
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Egashira Y, Zempo B, Sakata S, Ono F. Recent advances in neuromuscular junction research prompted by the zebrafish model. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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Jean P, Lopez de la Morena D, Michanski S, Jaime Tobón LM, Chakrabarti R, Picher MM, Neef J, Jung S, Gültas M, Maxeiner S, Neef A, Wichmann C, Strenzke N, Grabner C, Moser T. The synaptic ribbon is critical for sound encoding at high rates and with temporal precision. eLife 2018; 7:29275. [PMID: 29328020 PMCID: PMC5794258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.29275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the role of the synaptic ribbon for sound encoding at the synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in mice lacking RIBEYE (RBEKO/KO). Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy revealed a lack of synaptic ribbons and an assembly of several small active zones (AZs) at each synaptic contact. Spontaneous and sound-evoked firing rates of SGNs and their compound action potential were reduced, indicating impaired transmission at ribbonless IHC-SGN synapses. The temporal precision of sound encoding was impaired and the recovery of SGN-firing from adaptation indicated slowed synaptic vesicle (SV) replenishment. Activation of Ca2+-channels was shifted to more depolarized potentials and exocytosis was reduced for weak depolarizations. Presynaptic Ca2+-signals showed a broader spread, compatible with the altered Ca2+-channel clustering observed by super-resolution immunofluorescence microscopy. We postulate that RIBEYE disruption is partially compensated by multi-AZ organization. The remaining synaptic deficit indicates ribbon function in SV-replenishment and Ca2+-channel regulation. Our sense of hearing relies on our ears quickly and tirelessly processing information in a precise manner. Sounds cause vibrations in a part of the inner ear called the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, the vibrations move hair-like structures on sensory cells that translate these movements into electrical signals. These hair cells are connected to specialized nerve cells that relay the signals to the brain, which then interprets them as sounds. Hair cells communicate with the specialized nerve cells via connections known as chemical synapses. This means that the electrical signals in the hair cell activate channel proteins that allow calcium ions to flow in. This in turn triggers membrane-bound packages called vesicles inside the hair cell to fuse with its surface membrane and release their contents to the outside. The contents, namely chemicals called neurotransmitters, then travels across the space between the cells, relaying the signal to the nerve cell. The junctions between the hair cells and the nerve cells are more specifically known as ribbon synapses. This is because they have a ribbon-like structure that appears to tether a halo of vesicles close to the active zone where neurotransmitters are released. However, the exact role of this synaptic ribbon has remained mysterious despite decades of study. The ribbon is mainly composed of a protein called Ribeye, and now Jean, Lopez de la Morena, Michanski, Jaime Tobón et al. show that mutant mice that lack this protein do not have any ribbons at their “ribbon synapses”. Hair cells without synaptic ribbons are less able to timely and reliably send signals to the nerve cells, most likely because they cannot replenish the vesicles at the synapse quickly enough. Further analysis showed that the synaptic ribbon also helps to regulate the calcium channels at the synapse, which is important for linking the electrical signals in the hair cell to the release of the neurotransmitters. Jean et al. also saw that hair cells without ribbons reorganize their synapses to form multiple active zones that could transfer neurotransmitter to the nerve cells. This could partially compensate for the loss of the ribbons, meaning the impact of their loss may have been underestimated. Future studies could explore this by eliminating the Ribeye protein only after the ribbon synapses are fully formed. These findings may help scientists to better understand deafness and other hearing disorders in humans. They will also be of interest to neuroscientists who research synapses, hearing and other sensory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Jean
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Lopez de la Morena
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susann Michanski
- Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lina María Jaime Tobón
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria Magdalena Picher
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Neef
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - SangYong Jung
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Neuro Modulation and Neuro Circuitry Group, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC), Biomedical Sciences Institutes, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mehmet Gültas
- Department of Breeding Informatics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Maxeiner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neef
- Bernstein Group Biophysics of Neural Computation, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Strenzke
- Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Systems Physiology Group, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Chad Grabner
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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18
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Spindler MC, Helmprobst F, Stigloher C, Benavente R. EM Tomography of Meiotic LINC Complexes. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1840:3-15. [PMID: 30141033 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8691-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Electron microscope (EM) tomography is a powerful technique that enables the three-dimensional analysis of subcellular structures at high resolution. We have applied this method to the quantitative analysis of LINC complex distribution and interaction with the cytoskeleton in meiotic cells from male mice. In this chapter, we describe methods to generate and analyze the tomograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Spindler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ricardo Benavente
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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19
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García-Fernández E, Koch G, Wagner RM, Fekete A, Stengel ST, Schneider J, Mielich-Süss B, Geibel S, Markert SM, Stigloher C, Lopez D. Membrane Microdomain Disassembly Inhibits MRSA Antibiotic Resistance. Cell 2017; 171:1354-1367.e20. [PMID: 29103614 PMCID: PMC5720476 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A number of bacterial cell processes are confined functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), structurally and functionally similar to lipid rafts of eukaryotic cells. How bacteria organize these intricate platforms and what their biological significance is remain important questions. Using the pathogen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), we show here that membrane-carotenoid interaction with the scaffold protein flotillin leads to FMM formation, which can be visualized using super-resolution array tomography. These membrane platforms accumulate multimeric protein complexes, for which flotillin facilitates efficient oligomerization. One of these proteins is PBP2a, responsible for penicillin resistance in MRSA. Flotillin mutants are defective in PBP2a oligomerization. Perturbation of FMM assembly using available drugs interferes with PBP2a oligomerization and disables MRSA penicillin resistance in vitro and in vivo, resulting in MRSA infections that are susceptible to penicillin treatment. Our study demonstrates that bacteria possess sophisticated cell organization programs and defines alternative therapies to fight multidrug-resistant pathogens using conventional antibiotics. Staphyloxanthin and flotillin preferentially interact and accumulate in FMMs FMMs facilitate efficient oligomerization of multimeric protein complexes PBP2a, which confers β-lactam resistance on S. aureus, is harbored within FMMs FMM disruption disables PBP2a oligomerization and thus, S. aureus antibiotic resistance
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther García-Fernández
- National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gudrun Koch
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rabea M Wagner
- National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Fekete
- Julius-von-Sachs-Institute Biocenter, Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie T Stengel
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Schneider
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mielich-Süss
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Geibel
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M Markert
- Division of Electron Microscopy, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Division of Electron Microscopy, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Lopez
- National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain; Research Centre for Infectious Diseases (ZINF), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Kaltdorf KV, Schulze K, Helmprobst F, Kollmannsberger P, Dandekar T, Stigloher C. FIJI Macro 3D ART VeSElecT: 3D Automated Reconstruction Tool for Vesicle Structures of Electron Tomograms. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005317. [PMID: 28056033 PMCID: PMC5289597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Automatic image reconstruction is critical to cope with steadily increasing data from advanced microscopy. We describe here the Fiji macro 3D ART VeSElecT which we developed to study synaptic vesicles in electron tomograms. We apply this tool to quantify vesicle properties (i) in embryonic Danio rerio 4 and 8 days past fertilization (dpf) and (ii) to compare Caenorhabditis elegans N2 neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) wild-type and its septin mutant (unc-59(e261)). We demonstrate development-specific and mutant-specific changes in synaptic vesicle pools in both models. We confirm the functionality of our macro by applying our 3D ART VeSElecT on zebrafish NMJ showing smaller vesicles in 8 dpf embryos then 4 dpf, which was validated by manual reconstruction of the vesicle pool. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of C. elegans septin mutant unc-59(e261) on vesicle pool formation and vesicle size. Automated vesicle registration and characterization was implemented in Fiji as two macros (registration and measurement). This flexible arrangement allows in particular reducing false positives by an optional manual revision step. Preprocessing and contrast enhancement work on image-stacks of 1nm/pixel in x and y direction. Semi-automated cell selection was integrated. 3D ART VeSElecT removes interfering components, detects vesicles by 3D segmentation and calculates vesicle volume and diameter (spherical approximation, inner/outer diameter). Results are collected in color using the RoiManager plugin including the possibility of manual removal of non-matching confounder vesicles. Detailed evaluation considered performance (detected vesicles) and specificity (true vesicles) as well as precision and recall. We furthermore show gain in segmentation and morphological filtering compared to learning based methods and a large time gain compared to manual segmentation. 3D ART VeSElecT shows small error rates and its speed gain can be up to 68 times faster in comparison to manual annotation. Both automatic and semi-automatic modes are explained including a tutorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Verena Kaltdorf
- Division of Electron Microscopy, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Katja Schulze
- Molecular Biotechnology and Functional Genomics, Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau, Wildau, Germany
| | - Frederik Helmprobst
- Division of Electron Microscopy, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (TD); (CS)
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Division of Electron Microscopy, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (TD); (CS)
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21
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Bruckner JJ, Zhan H, Gratz SJ, Rao M, Ukken F, Zilberg G, O'Connor-Giles KM. Fife organizes synaptic vesicles and calcium channels for high-probability neurotransmitter release. J Cell Biol 2016; 216:231-246. [PMID: 27998991 PMCID: PMC5223599 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201601098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fife is a Piccolo-RIM–related protein that regulates neurotransmission and motor behavior through an unknown mechanism. Here, Bruckner et al. show that Fife organizes synaptic vesicle docking and coupling to calcium channels to establish and modulate synaptic strength. The strength of synaptic connections varies significantly and is a key determinant of communication within neural circuits. Mechanistic insight into presynaptic factors that establish and modulate neurotransmitter release properties is crucial to understanding synapse strength, circuit function, and neural plasticity. We previously identified Drosophila Piccolo-RIM-related Fife, which regulates neurotransmission and motor behavior through an unknown mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that Fife localizes and interacts with RIM at the active zone cytomatrix to promote neurotransmitter release. Loss of Fife results in the severe disruption of active zone cytomatrix architecture and molecular organization. Through electron tomographic and electrophysiological studies, we find a decrease in the accumulation of release-ready synaptic vesicles and their release probability caused by impaired coupling to Ca2+ channels. Finally, we find that Fife is essential for the homeostatic modulation of neurotransmission. We propose that Fife organizes active zones to create synaptic vesicle release sites within nanometer distance of Ca2+ channel clusters for reliable and modifiable neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Hong Zhan
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Scott J Gratz
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Monica Rao
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Fiona Ukken
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Gregory Zilberg
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Kate M O'Connor-Giles
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 .,Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.,Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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22
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Zhan H, Bruckner J, Zhang Z, O’Connor-Giles K. Three-dimensional imaging of Drosophila motor synapses reveals ultrastructural organizational patterns. J Neurogenet 2016; 30:237-246. [PMID: 27981875 PMCID: PMC5281062 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2016.1253693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We combined cryo-preservation of intact Drosophila larvae and electron tomography with comprehensive segmentation of key features to reconstruct the complete ultrastructure of a model glutamatergic synapse in a near-to-native state. Presynaptically, we detail a complex network of filaments that connects and organizes synaptic vesicles. We link the complexity of this synaptic vesicle network to proximity to the active zone cytomatrix, consistent with the model that these protein structures function together to regulate synaptic vesicle pools. We identify a net-shaped network of electron-dense filaments spanning the synaptic cleft that suggests conserved organization of trans-synaptic adhesion complexes at excitatory synapses. Postsynaptically, we characterize a regular pattern of macromolecules that yields structural insights into the scaffolding of neurotransmitter receptors. Together, these analyses reveal an unexpected level of conservation in the nanoscale organization of diverse glutamatergic synapses and provide a structural foundation for understanding the molecular machines that regulate synaptic communication at a powerful model synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhan
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Joseph Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Ziheng Zhang
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Kate O’Connor-Giles
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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23
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Bruckner JJ, Zhan H, O'Connor-Giles KM. Advances in imaging ultrastructure yield new insights into presynaptic biology. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:196. [PMID: 26052269 PMCID: PMC4440913 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the fundamental functional units of neural circuits, and their dysregulation has been implicated in diverse neurological disorders. At presynaptic terminals, neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles are released in response to calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels activated by the arrival of an action potential. Decades of electrophysiological, biochemical, and genetic studies have contributed to a growing understanding of presynaptic biology. Imaging studies are yielding new insights into how synapses are organized to carry out their critical functions. The development of techniques for rapid immobilization and preservation of neuronal tissues for electron microscopy (EM) has led to a new renaissance in ultrastructural imaging that is rapidly advancing our understanding of synapse structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hong Zhan
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kate M O'Connor-Giles
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA ; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA ; Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
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