Mapping of the human HPC-1/syntaxin 1A gene (STX1A) to chromosome 7 band q11.2

The role of syntaxins in retinal function and health

The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) superfamily plays a pivotal role in cellular trafficking by facilitating membrane fusion events. These SNARE proteins, including syntaxins, assemble into complexes that actively facilitate specific membrane fusion events. Syntaxins, as integral components of the SNARE complex, play a crucial role in initiating and regulating these fusion activities. While specific syntaxins have been extensively studied in various cellular processes, including neurotransmitter release, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi protein transport, their roles in the retina remain less explored. This review aims to enhance our understanding of syntaxins' functions in the retina by shedding light on how syntaxins mediate membrane fusion events unique to the retina. Additionally, we seek to establish a connection between syntaxin mutations and retinal diseases. By exploring the intricate interplay of syntaxins in retinal function and health, we aim to contribute to the broader comprehension of cellular trafficking in the context of retinal physiology and pathology.

Activator of KAT3 histone acetyltransferase family ameliorates a neurodevelopmental disorder phenotype in the syntaxin 1A ablated mouse model

Syntaxin-1A (stx1a) repression causes a neurodevelopmental disorder phenotype, low latent inhibition (LI) behavior, by disrupting 5-hydroxytryptaminergic (5-HTergic) systems. Herein, we discovered that lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) 3B increases stx1a neuronal transcription and TTK21, a KAT3 activator, induces stx1a transcription and 5-HT release in vitro. Furthermore, glucose-derived CSP-TTK21 could restore decreased stx1a expression, 5-HTergic systems in the brain, and low LI in stx1a (+/-) mice by crossing the blood-brain barrier, whereas the KAT3 inhibitor suppresses stx1a expression, 5-HTergic systems, and LI behaviors in wild-type mice. Finally, in wild-type and stx1a (-/-) mice treated with IKK inhibitors and CSP-TTK21, respectively, we show that KAT3 activator-induced LI improvement is a direct consequence of KAT3B-stx1a pathway, not a side effect. In conclusion, KAT3B can positively regulate stx1a transcription in neurons, and increasing neuronal stx1a expression and 5-HTergic systems by a KAT3 activator consequently improves the low LI behavior in the stx1a ablation mouse model.

Syntaxin 1A Gene Is Negatively Regulated in a Cell/Tissue Specific Manner by YY1 Transcription Factor, Which Binds to the -183 to -137 Promoter Region Together with Gene Silencing Factors Including Histone Deacetylase

The HPC-1/syntaxin 1A (Stx1a) gene, which is involved in synaptic transmission and neurodevelopmental disorders, is a TATA-less gene with several transcription start sites. It is activated by the binding of Sp1 and acetylated histone H3 to the −204 to +2 core promoter region (CPR) in neuronal cell/tissue. Furthermore, it is depressed by the association of class 1 histone deacetylases (HDACs) to Stx1a–CPR in non-neuronal cell/tissue. To further clarify the factors characterizing Stx1a gene silencing in non-neuronal cell/tissue not expressing Stx1a, we attempted to identify the promoter region forming DNA–protein complex only in non-neuronal cells. Electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrated that the −183 to −137 OL2 promoter region forms DNA–protein complex only in non-neuronal fetal rat skin keratinocyte (FRSK) cells which do not express Stx1a. Furthermore, the Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) transcription factor binds to the −183 to −137 promoter region of Stx1a in FRSK cells, as shown by competitive EMSA and supershift assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that YY1 in vivo associates to Stx1a–CPR in cell/tissue not expressing Stx1a and that trichostatin A treatment in FRSK cells decreases the high-level association of YY1 to Stx1a-CPR in default. Reporter assay indicated that YY1 negatively regulates Stx1a transcription. Finally, mass spectrometry analysis showed that gene silencing factors, including HDAC1, associate onto the −183 to −137 promoter region together with YY1. The current study is the first to report that Stx1a transcription is negatively regulated in a cell/tissue-specific manner by YY1 transcription factor, which binds to the −183 to −137 promoter region together with gene silencing factors, including HDAC.

Transcription regulation mechanism of the syntaxin 1A gene via protein kinase A

Syntaxin 1A (Stx1a) is primarily involved in the docking of synaptic vesicles at active zones in neurons. Its gene is a TATA-less gene, with several transcription initiation sites, which is activated by the binding of Sp1 and acetylated histone H3 (H3) in the core promoter region (CPR) through the derepression of class I histone deacetylase (HDAC). In the present study, to clarify the factor characterizing Stx1a gene expression via the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway inducing the Stx1a mRNA, we investigated whether the epigenetic process is involved in the Stx1a gene transcription induced by PKA signaling. We found that the PKA activator forskolin induced Stx1a expression in non-neuronal cells, FRSK and 3Y1, which do not endogenously express Stx1a, unlike PC12. HDAC8 inhibition by shRNA knockdown and specific inhibitors induced Stx1a expression in FRSK. The PKA inhibitor H89 suppressed HDAC8-Ser39 phosphorylation, H3 acetylation and Stx1a induction by forskolin in FRSK cells. Finally, we also found that forskolin led to the dissociation of HDAC8-CPR interaction and the association of Sp1 and Ac-H3 to CPR in FRSK. The results of the current study suggest that forskolin phosphorylates HDAC8-Ser39 via the PKA pathway and increases histone H3 acetylation in cells expressing HDAC8, resulting in the induction of the Stx1a gene.

The cell- and tissue-specific transcription mechanism of the TATA-less syntaxin 1A gene

Syntaxin 1A (Stx1a) plays an important role in regulation of neuronal synaptic function. To clarify the mechanism of basic transcriptional regulation and neuron-specific transcription of Stx1a we cloned the Stx1a gene from rat, in which knowledge of the expression profile was accumulated, and elucidated that Stx1a consisting of 10 exons, possesses multiple transcription initiation sites and a 204-bp core promoter region (CPR) essential for transcription in PC12 cells. The TATA-less, conserved, GC-rich CPR has 2 specific protein (SP) sites that bind SP1 and are responsible for 65% of promoter activity. The endogenous CPR, including 23 CpG sites, is not methylated in PC12 cells, which express Stx1a and fetal rat skin keratinocyte (FRSK) cells, which do not, although an exogenous methylated CPR suppresses reporter activity in both lines. Trichostatin A (TSA) and class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, but not 5-azacytidine, induce Stx1a in FRSK cells. Acetylated histone H3 only associates to the CPR in FRSK cells after TSA addition, whereas the high acetylated histone H3-CPR association in PC12 cells was unchanged following treatment. HDAC inhibitor induction of Stx1a was negated by mithramycin A and deletion/mutation of 2 SP sites. HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC8 detach from the CPR when treated with TSA in FRSK cells and are associated with the CPR in lungs, and acetylated histone H3 associates to this region in the brain. In the first study characterizing a syntaxin promoter, we show that association of SP1 and acetylated histone H3 to CPR is important for Stx1a transcription and that HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC8 decide cell/tissue specificity in a suppressive manner.

Syntaxin 1C, a soluble form of syntaxin, attenuates membrane recycling by destabilizing microtubules

Syntaxin 1C (STX1C), produced by alternative splicing of the stx1A gene, is a soluble syntaxin lacking a SNARE domain and a transmembrane domain. It is unclear how soluble syntaxin can control intracellular membrane trafficking. We found that STX1C affected microtubule (MT) dynamics through its tubulin-binding domain (TBD) and regulated recycling of intracellular vesicles carrying glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1). We demonstrated that the amino acid sequence VRSK of the TBD was important for the interaction between STX1C and tubulin and that wild-type STX1C (STX1C-WT), but not the TBD mutant, reduced the V(max) of glucose transport and GLUT1 translocation to the plasma membrane in FRSK cells. Moreover, by time-lapse analysis, we revealed that STX1C-WT suppressed MT stability and vesicle-transport motility in cells expressing GFP-α-tubulin, whereas TBD mutants had no effect. We also identified that GLUT1 was recycled in the 45 minutes after endocytosis and that GLUT1 vesicles moved along with MTs. Finally, we showed, by a recycling assay and FCM analysis, that STX1C-WT delayed the recycling phase of GLUT1 to PM, without affecting the endocytotic process of GLUT1. These data indicate that STX1C delays the GLUT1 recycling phase by suppressing MT stability and vesicle-transport motility through its TBD, providing the first insight into how soluble syntaxin controls membrane trafficking.

Unusual retinal layer organization in HPC-1/syntaxin 1A knockout mice

HPC-1/syntaxin 1A (STX1A) is abundantly expressed in neurons. STX1A is believed to regulate exocytosis in synaptic vesicles. In our recent studies, STX1A knockout (KO) mice showed normal development, and basal synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurons appeared to be normal. However, behavioral abnormalities were observed in STX1A KO mice. In the normal rodent retina, the STX1A protein is expressed in two synaptic layers (plexiform layers). Here, to evaluate the effects of the loss of STX1A on retinal structure, we examined the retinal layer structure in STX1A KO mice using hematoxylin staining and immunostaining. We found that the general layer structures in the retina were preserved in all genotypes. However, the outer plexiform layer (OPL) was significantly thicker in KO and heterozygous mutant (HT) mice compared with that in wild-type (WT) mice. No significant differences were observed in the thicknesses of the other layers. Immunostaining for protein kinase C α showed that the alignment of rod bipolar cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer (INL) was slightly disrupted in HT and KO retinas. Furthermore, the dendrites of these cells in the OPL of KO mice were sparse, compared to those in WT mice. Our results show that STX1A KO mice have increased thickness of the OPL and changes in the morphology of the INL that may contribute to the change in OPL thickness. We suggest that STX1A may play a role in the structural formation of the INL and OPL in the retina.

Search for genetic variants of the SYNTAXIN 1A (STX1A) gene: the −352 A>T variant in the STX1A promoter associates with impaired glucose metabolism in an Italian obese population

OBJECTIVE

To test if sequence variations of the SYNTAXIN 1A (STX1A) gene contribute to the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in a cohort of overweight/obese subjects.

METHODS

A total of 717 overweight/obese individuals underwent oral glucose tolerance test and were stratified in four groups according to fasting and 2 h glucose levels (NGT, IGT, CGI, T2DM), representing the natural history of diabetes from normal glucose tolerance to overt disease. These subjects were analysed by a two-step genetic study. Functional analysis was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and by supershift with CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)beta antibody.

RESULTS

Among the several sequence variations detected in the STX1A gene, the T allele of the -352 A>T single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter was found in a lower frequency in the subset of individuals with greater impairment of insulin secretion (CGI). To confirm that a lower frequency of the T allele was associated with this condition, we genotyped a second group of 202 overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the frequency of the T allele was reduced in this group also (P<0.01). Logistic regression confirmed a protective odds ratio (0.49, P<0.01) for the T allele. The EMSA showed that the PRM -352 A allele binds transcription factors with lower affinity compared to the T allele, and incubation with C/EBPbeta antibody 'supershifted' the complex, indicating that C/EBPbeta had a different binding with the PRM -352T allele.

CONCLUSION

A lower frequency of the PRM -352T allele of the STX1A gene was observed in overweight/obese subjects with impaired glucose regulation, particularly among individuals with combined glucose intolerance and overt diabetes. Both these groups have a greater defect in beta-cell function compared to normal and glucose intolerant subjects, and this association together with the functional study suggests a possible role of the PRM -352 A>T variant in insulin secretion.

Analysis of knock-out mice to determine the role of HPC-1/syntaxin 1A in expressing synaptic plasticity

The protein HPC-1/syntaxin 1A is abundantly expressed in neurons and localized in the neuronal plasma membrane. It forms a complex with SNAP-25 (25 kDa synaptosomal-associated protein) and VAMP-2 (vesicle-associated membrane protein)/synaptobrevin called SNARE (a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor) complex, which is considered essential for synaptic vesicle exocytosis; thus, HPC-1/syntaxin 1A is considered crucial for synaptic transmission. To examine the physiological function of HPC-1/syntaxin 1A in vivo, we produced knock-out (KO) mice by targeted gene disruption. Although HPC-1/syntaxin 1A expression was completely depleted without any effect on the expression of other SNARE proteins, the KO mice were viable. They grew normally, were fertile, and displayed no difference in appearance compared with control littermate. In cultured hippocampal neurons derived from the KO mice, the basic synaptic transmission in vitro was normal. However, the mutant mice had impaired long-term potentiation in the hippocampal slice. Also, although KO mice exhibited normal spatial memory in the hidden platform test, consolidation of conditioned fear memory was impaired. Interestingly, the KO mice had impaired conditioned fear memory extinction. These observations suggest that HPC-1/syntaxin 1A may be closely related to synaptic plasticity.

Association between schizophrenia and the syntaxin 1A gene

BACKGROUND

Both microarray and candidate molecule studies have demonstrated that protein and mRNA expression of syntaxin and other genes involved in synaptic function are altered in the cerebral cortex of patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS

Genetic association between polymorphic markers in the syntaxin 1A gene and schizophrenia was assessed in a matched case-control sample of 192 pairs, and in an independent sample of 238 nuclear families.

RESULTS

In the family-based sample, a significant genetic association was found between schizophrenia and one of the four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tested: an intron 7 SNP (transmission disequilibrium test [TDT] chi(2) = 5.898; df = 1; p =.015, family-based association test [FBAT] z = 2.280, p =.023). When the results for the TDT and case-control analyses were combined, the association was stronger (n = 430; z(c) = 2.859; p =.004). Haplotype analysis supported the association with several significant values that appear to be driven by the intron 7 SNP.

CONCLUSIONS

The results should be treated with caution until replicated, but this is the first report of a genetic association between syntaxin 1A and schizophrenia.

Williams syndrome deficits in visual spatial processing linked to GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I on chromosome 7q11.23

PURPOSE

To identify the relationship between specific genes and phenotypic features of Williams syndrome.

METHODS

Subjects were selected based on their deletion status determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a panel of 24 BACs and cosmids spanning the region commonly deleted and single gene analysis using Southern blotting. From the cohort of subjects, three had atypical deletions. Physical examinations and cognitive tests were administered to the three subjects and the results were compared to those from a cohort of typical WS subjects.

RESULTS

The molecular results indicate smaller deletions for each subject. In all three cases, typical Williams facies were absent and visual spatial abilities were above that of full deletion WS subjects, particularly in the qualitative aspects of visual spatial processing.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining the molecular analysis with the cognitive results suggest that the genes GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I contribute to deficits on visual spatial functioning.

Expression of syntaxin 1C, an alternative splice variant of HPC-1/syntaxin 1A, is enhanced by phorbol-ester stimulation in astroglioma: participation of the PKC signaling pathway

Syntaxin 1C is an alternative splice variant of HPC-1/syntaxin 1A; the latter participates in neurotransmitter release and is assigned to the gene domain responsible for Williams' syndrome (WS). It is expressed in the soluble fraction extracted from human astroglioma cell lines T98G and U87MG. Quantitative immunoblot and indirect immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the expression of syntaxin 1C was upregulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not by forskolin. A protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor suppressed this enhancement. These results suggest that syntaxin 1C expression is regulated via the PKC signal pathway. This is the first report of a signal transduction system that directly affects the expression of syntaxin protein.

Refinement of the genomic structure of STX1A and mutation analysis in nondeletion Williams syndrome patients

Williams syndrome (WS) is a contiguous gene deletion disorder in which the commonly deleted region contains at least 17 genes. One of these genes, Syntaxin 1A (STX1A), codes for a protein that is highly expressed in the nervous system and is essential for the docking of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane. In this study, we refine the complete genomic structure of the human STX1A gene by direct sequencing and primer walking of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones and show that STX1A contains at least 10 exons and 9 introns. The length of exons range from 27 bp to 138 bp and all splice sites conform to the GT-AG rule. Investigation of the STX1A gene sequence in five WS patients without detectable deletions did not identify any point mutations. Although the regulatory elements that control STX1A transcription were not examined, these results do not support a role for STX1A in the WS phenotype.