Gephyrin: a key regulatory protein of inhibitory synapses and beyond

Thermodynamic modulation of gephyrin condensation by inhibitory synapse components

Phase separation drives compartmentalization of intracellular contents into various biomolecular condensates. Individual condensate components are thought to differentially contribute to the organization and function of condensates. However, how intermolecular interactions among constituent biomolecules modulate the phase behaviors of multicomponent condensates remains unclear. Here, we used core components of the inhibitory postsynaptic density (iPSD) as a model system to quantitatively probe how the network of intra- and intermolecular interactions defines the composition and cellular distribution of biomolecular condensates. We found that oligomerization-driven phase separation of gephyrin, an iPSD-specific scaffold, is critically modulated by an intrinsically disordered linker region exhibiting minimal homotypic attractions. Other iPSD components, such as neurotransmitter receptors, differentially promote gephyrin condensation through distinct binding modes and affinities. We further demonstrated that the local accumulation of scaffold-binding proteins at the cell membrane promotes the nucleation of gephyrin condensates in neurons. These results suggest that in multicomponent systems, the extent of scaffold condensation can be fine-tuned by scaffold-binding factors, a potential regulatory mechanism for self-organized compartmentalization in cells.

Gephyrin phosphorylation facilitates sexually dimorphic development and function of parvalbumin interneurons in the mouse hippocampus

The precise function of specialized GABAergic interneuron subtypes is required to provide appropriate synaptic inhibition for regulating principal neuron excitability and synchronization within brain circuits. Of these, parvalbumin-type (PV neuron) dysfunction is a feature of several sex-biased psychiatric and brain disorders, although, the underlying developmental mechanisms are unclear. While the transcriptional action of sex hormones generates sexual dimorphism during brain development, whether kinase signaling contributes to sex differences in PV neuron function remains unexplored. In the hippocampus, we report that gephyrin, the main inhibitory post-synaptic scaffolding protein, is phosphorylated at serine S268 and S270 in a developmentally-dependent manner in both males and females. When examining GphnS268A/S270A mice in which site-specific phosphorylation is constitutively blocked, we found that sex differences in PV neuron density in the hippocampal CA1 present in WT mice were abolished, coincident with a female-specific increase in PV neuron-derived terminals and increased inhibitory input onto principal cells. Electrophysiological analysis of CA1 PV neurons indicated that gephyrin phosphorylation is required for sexually dimorphic function. Moreover, while male and female WT mice showed no difference in hippocampus-dependent memory tasks, GphnS268A/S270A mice exhibited sex- and task-specific deficits, indicating that gephyrin phosphorylation is differentially required by males and females for convergent cognitive function. In fate mapping experiments, we uncovered that gephyrin phosphorylation at S268 and S270 establishes sex differences in putative PV neuron density during early postnatal development. Furthermore, patch-sequencing of putative PV neurons at postnatal day 4 revealed that gephyrin phosphorylation contributes to sex differences in the transcriptomic profile of developing interneurons. Therefore, these early shifts in male-female interneuron development may drive adult sex differences in PV neuron function and connectivity. Our results identify gephyrin phosphorylation as a new substrate organizing PV neuron development at the anatomical, functional, and transcriptional levels in a sex-dependent manner, thus implicating kinase signaling disruption as a new mechanism contributing to the sex-dependent etiology of brain disorders.

The complex relationship between late-onset caloric restriction and synaptic plasticity in aged Wistar rats

Age-related reduction in spine density, synaptic marker expression, and synaptic efficiency are frequently reported. These changes provide the cellular and molecular basis for the cognitive decline characteristic for old age. Nevertheless, there are several approaches that have the potential to ameliorate these processes and improve cognition, caloric restriction being one of the most promising and widely studied. While lifelong caloric restriction is known for its numerous beneficial effects, including improved cognitive abilities and increased expression of proteins essential for synaptic structure and function, the effects of late-onset and/or short-term CR on synaptic plasticity have yet to be investigated. We have previously documented that the effects of CR are strongly dependent on whether CR is initiated in young or old subjects. With this in mind, we conducted a long-term study in aging Wistar rats to examine changes in the expression of several key synaptic markers under the regimen of CR started at different time points in life. We found a significant increase in the expression of both presynaptic and postsynaptic markers. However, taking into account previously reported changes in the behavior detected in these animals, we consider that this increase cannot represent beneficial effect of CR.

Integrated workflow for the identification of new GABAA R positive allosteric modulators based on the in silico screening with further in vitro validation. Case study using Enamine's stock chemical space

Numerous studies reported an association between GABAA R subunit genes and epilepsy, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and bipolar disorders. This study was aimed to find some potential positive allosteric modulators and was performed by combining the in silico approach with further in vitro evaluation of its real activity. We started from the GABAA R-diazepam complexes and assembled a lipid embedded protein ensemble to refine it via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Then we focused on the interaction of α1β2γ2 with some Z-drugs (non-benzodiazepine compounds) using an Induced Fit Docking (IFD) into the relaxed binding site to generate a pharmacophore model. The pharmacophore model was validated with a reference set and applied to decrease the pre-filtered Enamine database before the main docking procedure. Finally, we succeeded in identifying a set of compounds, which met all features of the docking model. The aqueous solubility and stability of these compounds in mouse plasma were assessed. Then they were tested for the biological activity using the rat Purkinje neurons and CHO cells with heterologously expressed human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to reveal the GABA induced currents. Our study represents a convenient and tunable model for the discovery of novel positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. A High-throughput virtual screening of the largest available database of chemical compounds resulted in the selection of 23 compounds. Further electrophysiological tests allowed us to determine a set of 3 the most outstanding active compounds. Considering the structural features of leader compounds, the study can develop into the MedChem project soon.

A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish

Environmental enrichment (EE) consists of a series of interventions carried out in the home environment to promote greater exposure to sensory stimuli and mimic the natural habitat of laboratory-housed animals, providing environments closer to those found in nature. Some studies have shown the positive effects of EE in zebrafish housed in a laboratory environment. However, this evidence is still recent and accompanied by contradictory results. Furthermore, there is great variability in the protocols applied and in the conditions of the tests, tanks and materials used to generate an enriched environment. This substantial variability can bring many uncertainties to the development of future studies and hinder the reproducibility and replicability of research. Here, in this context, we carried out a systematic review of the literature, aiming to provide an overview of the EE protocols used in zebrafish research. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science and the studies were selected on the basis of predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 901 articles were identified in the databases, and 27 of those studies were included in this review. We conducted data extraction and risk-of-bias analysis in the included studies. Among these studies, the effect of EE was evaluated in two different ways: (1) for animal welfare and (2) as an intervention to prevent behavioral, biochemical, molecular, developmental and breeding dysfunctions. Although the EE protocols in zebrafish presented a series of experimental differences, the results showed that the benefits of the EE for zebrafish were consistent. According to the results described here, the use of EE in the zebrafish home tank improves welfare and may reduce sources of bias in scientific research. However, it is still necessary to develop standardized protocols to improve the application of EE in scientific studies using zebrafish.

GSK-3β orchestrates the inhibitory innervation of adult-born dentate granule cells in vivo

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis enhances brain plasticity and contributes to the cognitive reserve during aging. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is impaired in neurological disorders, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating the maturation and synaptic integration of new neurons have not been fully elucidated. GABA is a master regulator of adult and developmental neurogenesis. Here we engineered a novel retrovirus encoding the fusion protein Gephyrin:GFP to longitudinally study the formation and maturation of inhibitory synapses during adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo. Our data reveal the early assembly of inhibitory postsynaptic densities at 1 week of cell age. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 Beta (GSK-3β) emerges as a key regulator of inhibitory synapse formation and maturation during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. GSK-3β-overexpressing newborn neurons show an increased number and altered size of Gephyrin+ postsynaptic clusters, enhanced miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents, shorter and distanced axon initial segments, reduced synaptic output at the CA3 and CA2 hippocampal regions, and impaired pattern separation. Moreover, GSK-3β overexpression triggers a depletion of Parvalbumin+ interneuron perineuronal nets. These alterations might be relevant in the context of neurological diseases in which the activity of GSK-3β is dysregulated.

Triptolide injection reduces Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in mice

Triptolide is an epoxidized diterpene lactone isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii. Studies have shown that triptolide exerts organ-protective effects. However, it remains unknown whether triptolide improves Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like presentations. Thirty healthy 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control (n = 10), model (n = 10), and triptolide (n = 10) groups. Amyloid-β (Aβ)42 was injected bilaterally into the ventricles of mice in the model group. Triptolide was injected intraperitoneally daily after injecting Aβ42 (a total of 30 days) in the triptolide group. Learning and memory were tested using the Morris water maze test. The deposition of Aβ42 in the hippocampus was detected using immunohistochemical staining. In the hippocampus, three synaptic-associated proteins-gephyrin, collybistin, and GABRA₁ -were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, we used ELISA to detect proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, in the blood and hippocampus. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and GSH levels were measured using the corresponding kits. We found that triptolide improved spatial learning and memory in AD-like mice. Additionally, triptolide maintained the expression of gephyrin, collybistin, and GABRA₁ and reduced Aβ in these mice. Additionally, triptolide reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and decreased oxidative damage in AD-like mice. Our study suggests that triptolide attenuates AD-like changes in the mouse brain.

The auditory efferent system in mosquitoes

Whilst acoustic communication forms an integral component of the mating behavior of many insect species, it is particularly crucial for disease-transmitting mosquitoes; swarming males rely on hearing the faint sounds of flying females for courtship initiation. That males can hear females within the din of a swarm is testament to their fabulous auditory systems. Mosquito hearing is highly frequency-selective, remarkably sensitive and, most strikingly, supported by an elaborate system of auditory efferent neurons that modulate the auditory function - the only documented example amongst insects. Peripheral release of octopamine, serotonin and GABA appears to differentially modulate hearing across major disease-carrying mosquito species, with receptors from other neurotransmitter families also identified in their ears. Because mosquito mating relies on hearing the flight tones of mating partners, the auditory efferent system offers new potential targets for mosquito control. It also represents a unique insect model for studying auditory efferent networks. Here we review current knowledge of the mosquito auditory efferent system, briefly compare it with its counterparts in other species and highlight future research directions to unravel its contribution to mosquito auditory perception.

GABAergic neurons maturation is regulated by a delicate network

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-expressing (GABAergic) neurons are implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, anxiety, autism, and other pathological processes, including cerebral ischemia injury and drug addiction. Therefore, GABAergic neuronal processes warrant further research. The development of GABAergic neurons is a tightly controlled process involving the activity of multiple transcription and growth factors. Here, we focus on the gene expression pathways and the molecular modulatory networks that are engaged during the development of GABAergic neurons with the goal of exploring regulatory mechanisms that influence GABAergic neuron fate (i.e., maturation). Overall, we hope to provide a basis for clarifying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Loss of CDKL5 Causes Synaptic GABAergic Defects That Can Be Restored with the Neuroactive Steroid Pregnenolone-Methyl-Ether

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by early-onset drug-resistant epilepsy and impaired cognitive and motor skills. CDD is caused by mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5), which plays a well-known role in regulating excitatory neurotransmission, while its effect on neuronal inhibition has been poorly investigated. We explored the potential role of CDKL5 in the inhibitory compartment in Cdkl5-KO male mice and primary hippocampal neurons and found that CDKL5 interacts with gephyrin and collybistin, two crucial organisers of the inhibitory postsynaptic sites. Through molecular and electrophysiological approaches, we demonstrated that CDKL5 loss causes a reduced number of gephyrin puncta and surface exposed γ₂ subunit-containing GABA_A receptors, impacting the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents, which we ascribe to a postsynaptic function of CDKL5. In line with previous data showing that CDKL5 loss impacts microtubule (MT) dynamics, we showed that treatment with pregnenolone-methyl-ether (PME), which promotes MT dynamics, rescues the above defects. The impact of CDKL5 deficiency on inhibitory neurotransmission might explain the presence of drug-resistant epilepsy and cognitive defects in CDD patients. Moreover, our results may pave the way for drug-based therapies that could bypass the need for CDKL5 and provide effective therapeutic strategies for CDD patients.

Hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons play a critical role in memory development

Episodic memories formed in early childhood rapidly decay, but their latent traces remain stored long term. These memories require the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) and seem to undergo a developmental critical period. It remains to be determined whether the maturation of parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs), a major mechanism of critical periods, contributes to memory development. Here, we show that episodic infantile learning significantly increases the levels of parvalbumin in the dHPC 48 h after training. Chemogenetic inhibition of PVIs before learning indicated that these neurons are required for infantile memory formation. A bilateral dHPC injection of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist diazepam after training elicited long-term memory expression in infant rats, although direct PVI chemogenetic activation had no effect. Finally, PVI activity was required for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent maturation of memory competence, i.e., adult-like long-term memory expression. Thus, dHPC PVIs are critical for the formation of infantile memories and for memory development.

A bibliometric analysis of the recent advances in diazepam from 2012 to 2021

Background: Diazepam is a classic benzodiazepine drug that has been widely used for disorders such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy, over the past 59 years. The study of diazepam has always been an important research topic. However, there are few bibliometric analyses or systematic studies in this field. This study undertook bibliometric and visual analysis to ascertain the current status of diazepam research, and to identify research hotspots and trends in the past 10 years, to better understand future developments in basic and clinical research.

Methods: Articles and reviews of diazepam were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica software, countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in the field were visually analyzed.

Results: A total of 3,870 publications were included. Diazepam-related literature had high volumes of publications and citations. The majority of publications were from the USA and China. The highest number of publications and co-citations, among the authors, was by James M Cook. Epilepsia and the Latin American Journal of Pharmacy were the journals with the most publications on diazepam and Epilepsia was the most frequently cited journal. Through a comprehensive analysis of keywords and references, we found that current research on diazepam has focused on its mechanism of action, application in disease, pharmacokinetics, risk, assessment, and management of use, status epilepticus, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAR), intranasal formulation, gephyrin, and that ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is the current research hotspot.

Conclusion: Research on diazepam is flourishing. We identified research hotspots and trends in diazepam research using bibliometric and visual analytic methods. The clinical applications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and assessment and management of the use of diazepam are the focus of current research and the development trend of future research.

Generational synaptic functions of GABAA receptor β3 subunit deteriorations in an animal model of social deficit

BACKGROUND

Disruption of normal brain development is implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders with neurodevelopmental origins, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Widespread abnormalities in brain structure and functions caused by dysregulations of neurodevelopmental processes has been recently shown to exert adverse effects across generations. An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) transmission is the putative hypothesis of ASD pathogenesis, supporting by the specific implications of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system in autistic individuals and animal models of ASD. However, the contribution of GABAergic system in the neuropathophysiology across generations of ASD is still unknown. Here, we uncover profound alterations in the expression and function of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) in the amygdala across generations of the VPA-induced animal model of ASD.

METHODS

The F2 generation was produced by mating an F1 VPA-induced male offspring with naïve females after a single injection of VPA on embryonic day (E12.5) in F0. Autism-like behaviors were assessed by animal behavior tests. Expression and functional properties of GABA_ARs and related proteins were examined by using western blotting and electrophysiological techniques.

RESULTS

Social deficit, repetitive behavior, and emotional comorbidities were demonstrated across two generations of the VPA-induced offspring. Decreased synaptic GABA_AR and gephyrin levels, and inhibitory transmission were found in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with greater reductions in the F2 generation. Weaker association of gephyrin with GABA_AR was shown in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Moreover, dysregulated NMDA-induced enhancements of gephyrin and GABA_AR at the synapse in the VPA-induced offspring was worsened in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Elevated glutamatergic modifications were additionally shown across generations of the VPA-induced offspring without generation difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings revealed the E/I synaptic abnormalities in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with GABAergic deteriorations in the F2 generation, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of the GABAergic system to generational pathophysiology of ASD.

Inhibitory postsynaptic density from the lens of phase separation

To faithfully transmit and decode signals released from presynaptic termini, postsynaptic compartments of neuronal synapses deploy hundreds of various proteins. In addition to distinct sets of proteins, excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic apparatuses display very different organization features and regulatory properties. Decades of extensive studies have generated a wealth of knowledge on the molecular composition, assembly architecture and activity-dependent regulatory mechanisms of excitatory postsynaptic compartments. In comparison, our understanding of the inhibitory postsynaptic apparatus trails behind. Recent studies have demonstrated that phase separation is a new paradigm underlying the formation and plasticity of both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic molecular assemblies. In this review, we discuss molecular composition, organizational and regulatory features of inhibitory postsynaptic densities through the lens of the phase separation concept and in comparison with the excitatory postsynaptic densities.

Glycine Receptor Subtypes and Their Roles in Nociception and Chronic Pain

Disruption of the inhibitory control provided by the glycinergic system is one of the major mechanisms underlying chronic pain. In line with this concept, recent studies have provided robust proof that pharmacological intervention of glycine receptors (GlyRs) restores the inhibitory function and exerts anti-nociceptive effects on preclinical models of chronic pain. A targeted regulation of the glycinergic system requires the identification of the GlyR subtypes involved in chronic pain states. Nevertheless, the roles of individual GlyR subunits in nociception and in chronic pain are yet not well defined. This review aims to provide a systematic outline on the contribution of GlyR subtypes in chronic pain mechanisms, with a particular focus on molecular pathways of spinal glycinergic dis-inhibition mediated by post-translational modifications at the receptor level. The current experimental evidence has shown that phosphorylation of synaptic α1β and α3β GlyRs are involved in processes of spinal glycinergic dis-inhibition triggered by chronic inflammatory pain. On the other hand, the participation of α2-containing GlyRs and of β subunits in pain signaling have been less studied and remain undefined. Although many questions in the field are still unresolved, future progress in GlyR research may soon open new exciting avenues into understanding and controlling chronic pain.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Nervous System of Culex pipiens (Diptera, Culicidae)

Arthropod-borne diseases represent one of the greatest infection-related threats as a result of climate change and globalization. Repeatedly, arbovirus-infected mosquitoes show behavioral changes whose underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown, but might help to develop control strategies. However, in contrast to well-characterized insects such as fruit flies, little is known about neuroanatomy and neurotransmission in mosquitoes. To overcome this limitation, the study focuses on the immunohistochemical characterization of the nervous system of Culex pipiens biotype molestus in comparison to Drosophila melanogaster using 13 antibodies labeling nervous tissue, neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter-related enzymes. Antibodies directed against γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, tyrosine-hydroxylase and glutamine synthetase were suitable for investigations in Culex pipiens and Drosophila melanogaster, albeit species-specific spatial differences were observed. Likewise, similar staining results were achieved for neuronal glycoproteins, axons, dendrites and synaptic zones in both species. Interestingly, anti-phosphosynapsin and anti-gephyrin appear to represent novel markers for synapses and glial cells, respectively. In contrast, antibodies directed against acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, elav and repo failed to produce a signal in Culex pipiens comparable to that in Drosophila melanogaster. In summary, present results enable a detailed investigation of the nervous system of mosquitoes, facilitating further studies of behavioral mechanisms associated with arboviruses in the course of vector research.

Digging Deeper: Advancements in Visualization of Inhibitory Synapses in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Recent research has provided strong evidence that neurodegeneration may develop from an imbalance between synaptic structural components in the brain. Lately, inhibitory synapses communicating via the neurotransmitters GABA or glycine have come to the center of attention. Increasing evidence suggests that imbalance in the structural composition of inhibitory synapses affect deeply the ability of neurons to communicate effectively over synaptic connections. Progressive failure of synaptic plasticity and memory are thus hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. In order to prove that structural changes at synapses contribute to neurodegeneration, we need to visualize single-molecule interactions at synaptic sites in an exact spatial and time frame. This visualization has been restricted in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. New developments in electron microscopy and super-resolution microscopy have improved spatial and time resolution tremendously, opening up numerous possibilities. Here we critically review current and recently developed methods for high-resolution visualization of inhibitory synapses in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. We present advantages, strengths, weaknesses, and current limitations for selected methods in research, as well as present a future perspective. A range of new options has become available that will soon help understand the involvement of inhibitory synapses in neurodegenerative disorders.

SynapseJ: An Automated, Synapse Identification Macro for ImageJ

While electron microscopy represents the gold standard for detection of synapses, a number of limitations prevent its broad applicability. A key method for detecting synapses is immunostaining for markers of pre- and post-synaptic proteins, which can infer a synapse based upon the apposition of the two markers. While immunostaining and imaging techniques have improved to allow for identification of synapses in tissue, analysis and identification of these appositions are not facile, and there has been a lack of tools to accurately identify these appositions. Here, we delineate a macro that uses open-source and freely available ImageJ or FIJI for analysis of multichannel, z-stack confocal images. With use of a high magnification with a high NA objective, we outline two methods to identify puncta in either sparsely or densely labeled images. Puncta from each channel are used to eliminate non-apposed puncta and are subsequently linked with their cognate from the other channel. These methods are applied to analysis of a pre-synaptic marker, bassoon, with two different post-synaptic markers, gephyrin and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 1 (NR1). Using gephyrin as an inhibitory, post-synaptic scaffolding protein, we identify inhibitory synapses in basolateral amygdala, central amygdala, arcuate and the ventromedial hypothalamus. Systematic variation of the settings identify the parameters most critical for this analysis. Identification of specifically overlapping puncta allows for correlation of morphometry data between each channel. Finally, we extend the analysis to only examine puncta overlapping with a cytoplasmic marker of specific cell types, a distinct advantage beyond electron microscopy. Bassoon puncta are restricted to virally transduced, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPN) axons expressing yellow fluorescent protein. NR1 puncta are restricted to tyrosine hydroxylase labeled dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The macro identifies bassoon-NR1 overlap throughout the image, or those only restricted to the PPN-SNc connections. Thus, we have extended the available analysis tools that can be used to study synapses in situ. Our analysis code is freely available and open-source allowing for further innovation.

Gephyrin-Lacking PV Synapses on Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons

Gephyrin has long been thought of as a master regulator for inhibitory synapses, acting as a scaffold to organize γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) at the post-synaptic density. Accordingly, gephyrin immunostaining has been used as an indicator of inhibitory synapses; despite this, the pan-synaptic localization of gephyrin to specific classes of inhibitory synapses has not been demonstrated. Genetically encoded fibronectin intrabodies generated with mRNA display (FingRs) against gephyrin (Gephyrin.FingR) reliably label endogenous gephyrin, and can be tagged with fluorophores for comprehensive synaptic quantitation and monitoring. Here we investigated input- and target-specific localization of gephyrin at a defined class of inhibitory synapse, using Gephyrin.FingR proteins tagged with EGFP in brain tissue from transgenic mice. Parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neuron presynaptic boutons labeled using Cre- dependent synaptophysin-tdTomato were aligned with postsynaptic Gephyrin.FingR puncta. We discovered that more than one-third of PV boutons adjacent to neocortical pyramidal (Pyr) cell somas lack postsynaptic gephyrin labeling. This finding was confirmed using correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy. Our findings suggest some inhibitory synapses may lack gephyrin. Gephyrin-lacking synapses may play an important role in dynamically regulating cell activity under different physiological conditions.

The Evolutionary Assembly of Neuronal Machinery

Neurons are highly specialized cells equipped with a sophisticated molecular machinery for the reception, integration, conduction and distribution of information. The evolutionary origin of neurons remains unsolved. How did novel and pre-existing proteins assemble into the complex machinery of the synapse and of the apparatus conducting current along the neuron? In this review, the step-wise assembly of functional modules in neuron evolution serves as a paradigm for the emergence and modification of molecular machinery in the evolution of cell types in multicellular organisms. The pre-synaptic machinery emerged through modification of calcium-regulated large vesicle release, while the postsynaptic machinery has different origins: the glutamatergic postsynapse originated through the fusion of a sensory signaling module and a module for filopodial outgrowth, while the GABAergic postsynapse incorporated an ancient actin regulatory module. The synaptic junction, in turn, is built around two adhesion modules controlled by phosphorylation, which resemble septate and adherens junctions. Finally, neuronal action potentials emerged via a series of duplications and modifications of voltage-gated ion channels. Based on these origins, key molecular innovations are identified that led to the birth of the first neuron in animal evolution.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk Factor Met Regulates the Organization of Inhibitory Synapses

A common hypothesis explains autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder linked to excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance in neuronal network connectivity. Mutation of genes including Met and downstream signaling components, e.g., PTEN, Tsc2 and, Rheb are involved in the control of synapse formation and stabilization and were all considered as risk genes for ASD. While the impact of Met on glutamatergic synapses was widely appreciated, its contribution to the stability of inhibitory, GABAergic synapses is poorly understood. The stabilization of GABAergic synapses depends on clustering of the postsynaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin. Here, we show in vivo and in vitro that Met is necessary and sufficient for the stabilization of GABAergic synapses via induction of gephyrin clustering. Likewise, we provide evidence for Met-dependent gephyrin clustering via activation of mTOR. Our results support the notion that deficient GABAergic signaling represents a pathomechanism for ASD.

Artemisinin-treatment in pre-symptomatic APP-PS1 mice increases gephyrin phosphorylation at Ser270: a modification regulating postsynaptic GABAAR density

Artemisinins, a group of plant-derived sesquiterpene lactones, are efficient antimalarial agents. They also share anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities and were considered for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, artemisinins bind to gephyrin, the multifunctional scaffold of GABAergic synapses, and modulate inhibitory neurotransmission in vitro. We previously reported an increased expression of gephyrin and GABA_A receptors in early pre-symptomatic stages of an AD mouse model (APP-PS1) and in parallel enhanced CDK5-dependent phosphorylation of gephyrin at S270. Here, we studied the effects of artemisinin on gephyrin in the brain of young APP-PS1 mice. We detected an additional increase of gephyrin protein level, elevated gephyrin phosphorylation at Ser270, and an increased amount of GABA_AR-γ2 subunits after artemisinin-treatment. Interestingly, the CDK5 activator p35 was also upregulated. Moreover, we demonstrate decreased density of postsynaptic gephyrin and GABA_AR-γ2 immunoreactivities in cultured hippocampal neurons expressing gephyrin with alanine mutations at two CDK5 phosphorylation sites. In addition, the activity-dependent modulation of synaptic protein density was abolished in neurons expressing gephyrin lacking one or both of these phosphorylation sites. Thus, our results reveal that artemisinin modulates expression as well as phosphorylation of gephyrin at sites that might have important impact on GABAergic synapses in AD.

Binding of gephyrin to microtubules is regulated by its phosphorylation at Ser270

Gephyrin is a multifunctional scaffolding protein anchoring glycine- and subtypes of GABA type A- receptors at inhibitory postsynaptic membrane specializations by binding to the microtubule (MT) and/or the actin cytoskeleton. However, the conditions under which gephyrin can bind to MTs and its regulation are currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that during the purification of MTs from rat brain by sedimentation of polymerized tubulin using high-speed centrifugation a fraction of gephyrin was bound to MTs, whereas gephyrin phosphorylated at the CDK5-dependent site Ser270 was detached from MTs and remained in the soluble protein fraction. Moreover, after collybistin fostered phosphorylation at Ser270 the binding of a recombinant gephyrin to MTs was strongly reduced in co-sedimentation assays. Correspondingly, upon substitution of wild-type gephyrin with recombinant gephyrin carrying alanine mutations at putative CDK5 phosphorylation sites the binding of gephyrin to MTs was increased. Furthermore, the analysis of cultured HEK293T and U2OS cells by immunofluorescence-microscopy disclosed a dispersed and punctuated endogenous gephyrin immunoreactivity co-localizing with MTs which was evidently not phosphorylated at Ser270. Thus, our study provides additional evidence for the binding of gephyrin to MTs in brain tissue and in in vitro cell systems. More importantly, our findings indicate that gephyrin-MT binding is restricted to a specific gephyrin fraction and depicts phosphorylation of gephyrin as a regulatory mechanism of this process by showing that soluble gephyrin detached from MTs can be detected specifically with the mAb7a antibody, which recognizes the Ser270 phosphorylated- version of gephyrin.

Gephyrin-mediated formation of inhibitory postsynaptic density sheet via phase separation

Inhibitory synapses are also known as symmetric synapses due to their lack of prominent postsynaptic densities (PSDs) under a conventional electron microscope (EM). Recent cryo-EM tomography studies indicated that inhibitory synapses also contain PSDs, albeit with a rather thin sheet-like structure. It is not known how such inhibitory PSD (iPSD) sheet might form. Here, we demonstrate that the key inhibitory synapse scaffold protein gephyrin, when in complex with either glycine or GABA_A receptors, spontaneously forms highly condensed molecular assemblies via phase separation both in solution and on supported membrane bilayers. Multivalent and specific interactions between the dimeric E-domain of gephyrin and the glycine/GABA_A receptor multimer are essential for the iPSD condensate formation. Gephyrin alone does not form condensates. The linker between the G- and E-domains of gephyrin inhibits the iPSD condensate formation via autoinhibition. Phosphorylation of specific residues in the linker or binding of target proteins such as dynein light chain to the linker domain regulates gephyrin-mediated glycine/GABA_A receptor clustering. Thus, analogous to excitatory PSDs, iPSDs are also formed by phase separation-mediated condensation of scaffold protein/neurotransmitter receptor complexes.

Impaired formation of high-order gephyrin oligomers underlies gephyrin dysfunction-associated pathologies

Gephyrin is critical for the structure, function, and plasticity of inhibitory synapses. Gephyrin mutations have been linked to various neurological disorders; however, systematic analyses of the functional consequences of these mutations are lacking. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of gephyrin to predict how six reported point mutations might change the structural stability and/or function of gephyrin. Additional in silico analyses revealed that the A91T and G375D mutations reduce the binding free energy of gephyrin oligomer formation. Gephyrin A91T and G375D displayed altered clustering patterns in COS-7 cells and nullified the inhibitory synapse-promoting effect of gephyrin in cultured neurons. However, only the G375D mutation reduced gephyrin interaction with GABA_A receptors and neuroligin-2 in mouse brain; it also failed to normalize deficits in GABAergic synapse maintenance and neuronal hyperactivity observed in hippocampal dentate gyrus-specific gephyrin-deficient mice. Our results provide insights into biochemical, cell-biological, and network-activity effects of the pathogenic G375D mutation.

Recruitment of Plasma Membrane GABA-A Receptors by Submembranous Gephyrin/Collybistin Clusters

It has been shown that subunit composition is the main determinant of the synaptic or extrasynaptic localization of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs). Synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA_ARs are involved in phasic and tonic inhibition, respectively. It has been proposed that synaptic GABA_ARs bind to the postsynaptic gephyrin/collybistin (Geph/CB) lattice, but not the typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs. Nevertheless, there are no studies of the direct binding of various types of GABA_ARs with the submembranous Geph/CB lattice in the absence of other synaptic proteins, some of which are known to interact with GABA_ARs. We have reconstituted GABA_ARs of various subunit compositions, together with the Geph/CB scaffold, in HEK293 cells, and have investigated the recruitment of surface GABA_ARs by submembranous Geph/CB clusters. Results show that the typically synaptic α1β3γ2 GABA_ARs were trapped by submembranous Geph/CB clusters. The α5β3γ2 GABA_ARs, which are both synaptic and extrasynaptic, were also trapped by Geph/CB clusters. Extrasynaptic α4β3δ GABA_ARs consistently showed little or no trapping by the Geph/CB clusters. However, the extrasynaptic α6β3δ, α1β3, α6β3 (and less α4β3) GABA_ARs were highly trapped by the Geph/CB clusters. AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors were not trapped. The results suggest: (I) in the absence of other synaptic molecules, the Geph/CB lattice has the capacity to trap not only synaptic but also several typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs; (II) the Geph/CB lattice is important but does not play a decisive role in the synaptic localization of GABA_ARs; and (III) in neurons there must be mechanisms preventing the trapping of several typically extrasynaptic GABA_ARs by the postsynaptic Geph/CB lattice.

Collybistin SH3-protein isoforms are expressed in the rat brain promoting gephyrin and GABA-A receptor clustering at GABAergic synapses

Collybistin (CB) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) selectively localized at GABAergic and glycinergic postsynapses. Analysis of mRNA shows that several isoforms of collybistin are expressed in the brain. Some of the isoforms have a SH3 domain (CBSH3+) and some have no SH3 domain (CBSH3-). The CBSH3+ mRNAs are predominantly expressed over CBSH3-. However, in an immunoblot study of mouse brain homogenates, only CBSH3+ protein isoforms were detected, proposing that CBSH3- protein might not be expressed in the brain. The expression or lack of expression of CBSH3- protein is an important issue because CBSH3- has a strong effect in promoting the postsynaptic clustering of gephyrin and GABA-A receptors (GABA_A Rs). Moreover CBSH3- is constitutively active; therefore lower expression of CBSH3- protein might play a relatively stronger functional role than the more abundant but self-inhibited CBSH3+ isoforms, which need to be activated. We are now showing that: (a) CBSH3- protein is expressed in the brain; (b) parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons show higher expression of CBSH3- protein than other neurons; (c) CBSH3- is associated with GABAergic synapses in various regions of the brain and (d) knocking down CBSH3- in hippocampal neurons decreases the synaptic clustering of gephyrin and GABA_A Rs. The results show that CBSH3- protein is expressed in the brain and that it plays a significant role in the size regulation of the GABAergic postsynapse.

Molybdenum cofactor biology, evolution and deficiency

The molybdenum cofactor (Moco) represents an ancient metal‑sulfur cofactor, which participates as catalyst in carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycles, both on individual and global scale. Given the diversity of biological processes dependent on Moco and their evolutionary age, Moco is traced back to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA), while Moco biosynthetic genes underwent significant changes through evolution and acquired additional functions. In this review, focused on eukaryotic Moco biology, we elucidate the benefits of gene fusions on Moco biosynthesis and beyond. While originally the gene fusions were driven by biosynthetic advantages such as coordinated expression of functionally related proteins and product/substrate channeling, they also served as origin for the development of novel functions. Today, Moco biosynthetic genes are involved in a multitude of cellular processes and loss of the according gene products result in severe disorders, both related to Moco biosynthesis and secondary enzyme functions.

Loss of IQSEC3 Disrupts GABAergic Synapse Maintenance and Decreases Somatostatin Expression in the Hippocampus

Gephyrin interacts with various GABAergic synaptic proteins to organize GABAergic synapse development. Among the multitude of gephyrin-binding proteins is IQSEC3, a recently identified component at GABAergic synapses that acts through its ADP ribosylation factor-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ARF-GEF) activity to orchestrate GABAergic synapse formation. Here, we show that IQSEC3 knockdown (KD) reduced GABAergic synaptic density in vivo, suggesting that IQSEC3 is required for GABAergic synapse maintenance in vivo. We further show that IQSEC3 KD in the dentate gyrus (DG) increases seizure susceptibility and triggers selective depletion of somatostatin (SST) peptides in the DG hilus in an ARF-GEP activity-dependent manner. Strikingly, selective introduction of SST into SST interneurons in DG-specific IQSEC3-KD mice reverses GABAergic synaptic deficits. Thus, our data suggest that IQSEC3 is required for linking gephyrin-GABAA receptor complexes with ARF-dependent pathways to prevent aberrant, runaway excitation and thereby contributes to the integrity of SST interneurons and proper GABAergic synapse maintenance.

Synaptic deficits in iPSC-derived cortical interneurons in schizophrenia are mediated by NLGN2 and rescued by N-acetylcysteine

Human postmortem studies suggest a major role for abnormalities in GABAergic interneurons in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. Cortical interneurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of schizophrenia subjects showed significantly lower levels of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), replicating findings from multiple postmortem studies, as well as reduced levels of synaptic proteins gehpyrin and NLGN2. Co-cultures of the interneurons with excitatory cortical pyramidal neurons from schizophrenia iPSCs showed reduced synaptic puncta density and lower action potential frequency. NLGN2 overexpression in schizophrenia neurons rescued synaptic puncta deficits while NLGN2 knockdown in healthy neurons resulted in reduced synaptic puncta density. Schizophrenia interneurons also had significantly smaller nuclear area, suggesting an innate oxidative stressed state. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine increased the nuclear area in schizophrenia interneurons, increased NLGN2 expression and rescued synaptic deficits. These results implicate specific deficiencies in the synaptic machinery in cortical interneurons as critical regulators of synaptic connections in schizophrenia and point to a nexus between oxidative stress and NLGN2 expression in mediating synaptic deficits in schizophrenia.

cAMP-EPAC-Dependent Regulation of Gephyrin Phosphorylation and GABAAR Trapping at Inhibitory Synapses

GABA_A and glycine receptors are thought to compete for gephyrin-binding sites at mixed inhibitory synapses. Changes in the occupancy of one receptor type are therefore expected to have opposite effects on the clustering of the other receptors. This does not explain, however, whether different receptors can be regulated independently from one another. Here we show that cAMP-dependent signaling reduces gephyrin phosphorylation at residue S270 in spinal cord neurons. Although no ultrastructural changes of the synaptic scaffold were detected using super-resolution imaging, gephyrin de-phosphorylation was associated with a selective increase in GABA_AR diffusion and the loss of the receptors from synapses. As opposed to the PKA-dependent dispersal of α3-containing GlyRs, the regulation of gephyrin phosphorylation and GABA_AR dynamics acts via non-canonical EPAC signaling. Subtype-specific changes in receptor mobility can thus differentially contribute to changes in inhibitory synaptic strength, such as the disinhibition of spinal cord neurons during inflammatory processes.

Cellular Mechanisms Contributing to the Functional Heterogeneity of GABAergic Synapses

GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission contributes to diverse aspects of brain development and adult plasticity, including the expression of complex cognitive processes. This is afforded for in part by the dynamic adaptations occurring at inhibitory synapses, which show great heterogeneity both in terms of upstream signaling and downstream effector mechanisms. Single-particle tracking and live imaging have revealed that complex receptor-scaffold interactions critically determine adaptations at GABAergic synapses. Super-resolution imaging studies have shown that protein interactions at synaptic sites contribute to nano-scale scaffold re-arrangements through post-translational modifications (PTMs), facilitating receptor and scaffold recruitment to synaptic sites. Additionally, plasticity mechanisms may be affected by the protein composition at individual synapses and the type of pre-synaptic input. This mini-review article examines recent discoveries of plasticity mechanisms that are operational within GABAergic synapses and discusses their contribution towards functional heterogeneity in inhibitory neurotransmission.

Subsynaptic Domains in Super-Resolution Microscopy: The Treachery of Images

The application of super-resolution optical microscopy to investigating synaptic structures has revealed a highly heterogeneous and variable intra-synaptic organization. Dense subsynaptic protein assemblies named subsynaptic domains or SSDs have been proposed as structural units that regulate the efficacy of neuronal transmission. However, an in-depth characterization of SSDs has been hampered by technical limitations of super-resolution microscopy of synapses, namely the stochasticity of the signals during the imaging procedures and the variability of the synaptic structures. Here, we synthetize the available evidence for the existence of SSDs at central synapses, as well as the possible functional relevance of SSDs. In particular, we discuss the possible regulation of co-transmission at mixed inhibitory synapses as a consequence of the subsynaptic distribution of glycine receptors (GlyRs) and GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs).

LAY ABSTRACT

Super-resolution imaging strategies bypass the resolution limit of conventional optical microscopy and have given new insights into the distribution of proteins at synapses in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitter receptors and scaffold proteins appear to occupy specialized locations within synapses that we refer to as subsynaptic domains or SSDs. Interestingly, these SSDs are highly dynamic and their formation seems to be related to the remodeling of synapses during synaptic plasticity. It was also shown that SSDs of pre-and post-synaptic proteins are aligned in so-called nanocolumns, highlighting the role of SSDs in the regulation of synaptic transmission. Despite recent advances, however, the detection of SSDs with super-resolution microscopy remains difficult due to the inherent technical limitations of these approaches that are discussed in this review article.

Targeting GABAAR-Associated Proteins: New Modulators, Labels and Concepts

γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) are the major mediators of synaptic inhibition in the brain. Aberrant GABA_AR activity or regulation is observed in various neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Benzodiazepines, anesthetics and other pharmaceutics targeting these receptors find broad clinical use, but their inherent lack of receptor subtype specificity causes unavoidable side effects, raising a need for new or adjuvant medications. In this review article, we introduce a new strategy to modulate GABAeric signaling: targeting the intracellular protein interactors of GABA_ARs. Of special interest are scaffolding, anchoring and supporting proteins that display high GABA_AR subtype specificity. Recent efforts to target gephyrin, the major intracellular integrator of GABAergic signaling, confirm that GABA_AR-associated proteins can be successfully targeted through diverse molecules, including recombinant proteins, intrabodies, peptide-based probes and small molecules. Small-molecule artemisinins and peptides derived from endogenous interactors, that specifically target the universal receptor binding site of gephyrin, acutely affect synaptic GABA_AR numbers and clustering, modifying neuronal transmission. Interference with GABA_AR trafficking provides another way to modulate inhibitory signaling. Peptides blocking the binding site of GABA_AR to AP2 increase the surface concentration of GABA_AR clusters and enhance GABAergic signaling. Engineering of gephyrin binding peptides delivered superior means to interrogate neuronal structure and function. Fluorescent peptides, designed from gephyrin binders, enable live neuronal staining and visualization of gephyrin in the post synaptic sites with submicron resolution. We anticipate that in the future, novel fluorescent probes, with improved size and binding efficiency, may find wide application in super resolution microscopy studies, enlightening the nanoscale architecture of the inhibitory synapse. Broader studies on GABA_AR accessory proteins and the identification of the exact molecular binding interfaces and affinities will advance the development of novel GABA_AR modulators and following in vivo studies will reveal their clinical potential as adjuvant or stand-alone drugs.

Fractional occupancy of synaptic binding sites and the molecular plasticity of inhibitory synapses

The postsynaptic density (PSD) at inhibitory synapses is a complex molecular assembly that serves as a platform for the interaction of neurotransmitter receptors, scaffold and adapter proteins, cytoskeletal elements and signalling molecules. The stability of the PSD depends on a multiplicity of interactions linking individual components. At the same time the PSD retains a substantial degree of flexibility. The continuous exchange of synaptic molecules and the preferential addition or removal of certain components induce plastic changes in the synaptic structure. This property necessarily implies that interactors are in dynamic equilibrium and that not all synaptic binding sites are occupied simultaneously. This review discusses the molecular plasticity of inhibitory synapses in terms of the connectivity of their components. Whereas stable protein complexes are marked by stoichiometric relationships between subunits, the majority of synaptic interactions have fractional occupancy, which is here defined as the non-saturation of synaptic binding sites. Fractional occupancy can have several causes: reduced kinetic or thermodynamic stability of the interactions, an imbalance in the concentrations or limited spatio-temporal overlap of interacting proteins, negative cooperativity or mutually exclusive binding. The role of fractional occupancy in the regulation of synaptic structure and function is explored based on recent data about the connectivity of inhibitory receptors and scaffold proteins. I propose that the absolute quantification of interactors and their stoichiometry at identified synapses can provide new mechanistic insights into the dynamic properties of inhibitory PSDs at the molecular level. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Mobility and trafficking of neuronal membrane proteins'.

Synaptopathology Involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects 1 in 59 children, and is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls. Strong genetic components, together with environmental factors in the early stage of development, contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Multiple studies have revealed that mutations in genes like NRXN, NLGN, SHANK, TSC1/2, FMR1, and MECP2 converge on common cellular pathways that intersect at synapses. These genes encode cell adhesion molecules, scaffolding proteins and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis and degradation, affecting various aspects of synapses including synapse formation and elimination, synaptic transmission and plasticity. This suggests that the pathogenesis of ASD may, at least in part, be attributed to synaptic dysfunction. In this article, we will review major genes and signaling pathways implicated in synaptic abnormalities underlying ASD, and discuss molecular, cellular and functional studies of ASD experimental models.