Concurrent measurements of the free cytosolic concentrations of H+ and Na+ ions with fluorescent indicators

Non-invasive Optical Biomarkers Distinguish and Track the Metabolic Status of Single Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Metabolism is a key regulator of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) functions. There is a lack of real-time, non-invasive approaches to evaluate metabolism in single HSCs. Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, we developed a set of metabolic optical biomarkers (MOBs) from the auto-fluorescent properties of metabolic coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD. The MOBs revealed the enhanced glycolysis, low oxidative metabolism, and distinct mitochondrial localization of HSCs. Importantly, the fluorescence lifetime of enzyme-bound NAD(P)H (τ_bound) can non-invasively monitor the glycolytic/lactate dehydrogenase activity in single HSCs. As a proof of concept for metabolism-based cell sorting, we further identified HSCs within the Lineage-cKit+Sca1+ (KLS) hematopoietic stem/progenitor population using MOBs and a machine-learning algorithm. Moreover, we revealed the dynamic changes of MOBs, and the association of longer τ_bound with enhanced glycolysis under HSC stemness-maintaining conditions during HSC culture. Our work thus provides a new paradigm to identify and track the metabolism of single HSCs non-invasively and in real time.

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Metabolic optical biomarkers non-invasively distinguish HSCs from early progenitors

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NAD(P)H τ_bound reflects lactate dehydrogenase activity in single fresh/cultured HSCs

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pHi correlates with τ_bound in hematopoietic populations, with HSCs being the highest

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Optical biomarkers track metabolic changes and response to drugs in cultured HSCs

Elevated intracellular Na+ concentrations in developing spinal neurons

Over 25 years ago it was first reported that intracellular chloride levels (Cl^-_in ) were higher in developing neurons than in maturity. This finding has had significant implications for understanding the excitability of developing networks and recognizing the underlying causes of hyperexcitability associated with disease and neural injury. While there is some evidence that intracellular sodium levels (Na⁺_in ) change during the development of non-neural cells, it has largely been assumed that Na⁺_in is the same in developing and mature neurons. Here, using the sodium indicator SBFI, we test this idea and find that Na⁺_in is significantly higher in embryonic spinal motoneurons and interneurons than in maturity. We find that Na⁺_in reaches ~ 60 mM in mid-embryonic development and is then reduced to ~ 30 mM in late embryonic development. By retrogradely labeling motoneurons with SBFI we can reliably follow Na⁺_in levels in vitro for hours. Bursts of spiking activity, and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels did not influence observed motoneuron sodium levels. On the other hand, Na⁺_in was reduced by blocking the Na⁺ -K⁺ -2Cl^- cotransporter NKCC1, and was highly sensitive to changes in external Na⁺ and a blocker of the Na⁺ /K⁺ ATPase. Our findings suggest that the Na⁺ gradient is weaker in embryonic neuronal development and strengthens in maturity in a manner similar to that of Cl^- .

Extrusion versus diffusion: mechanisms for recovery from sodium loads in mouse CA1 pyramidal neurons

KEY POINTS

Neuronal activity causes local or global sodium signalling in neurons, depending on the pattern of synaptic activity. Recovery from global sodium loads critically relies on Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase and an intact energy metabolism in both somata and dendrites. For recovery from local sodium loads in dendrites, Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity is not required per se. Instead, recovery is predominately mediated by lateral diffusion, exhibiting rates that are 10-fold higher than for global sodium signals. Recovery from local dendritic sodium increases is still efficient during short periods of energy deprivation, indicating that fast diffusion of sodium to non-stimulated regions strongly reduces local energy requirements.

ABSTRACT

Excitatory activity is accompanied by sodium influx into neurones as a result of the opening of voltage- and ligand-activated channels. Recovery from resulting sodium transients has mainly been attributed to Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase (NKA). Because sodium ions are highly mobile, diffusion could provide an additional pathway. We tested this in hippocampal neurones using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and sodium imaging. Somatic sodium transients induced by local glutamate application recovered at a maximum rate of 8 mm min(-1) (∼0.03 mm min(-1 ) μm(-2) ). Somatic sodium extrusion was accelerated at higher temperature and blocked by ouabain, emphasizing its dependence on NKA. Moreover, it was slowed down during inhibition of glycolysis by sodium fluoride (NaF). Local glutamate application to dendrites revealed a 10-fold higher apparent dendritic sodium extrusion rate compared to somata. Recovery was almost unaltered by increased temperature, ouabain or NaF. We found that sodium diffused along primary dendrites with a diffusion coefficient of ∼330 μm²/s. During global glutamate application, impeding substantial net diffusion, apparent dendritic extrusion rates were reduced to somatic rates and also affected by NaF. Numerical simulations confirmed the essential role of NKA for the recovery of somatic, but not dendritic sodium loads. Our data show that sodium export upon global sodium increases is largely mediated by NKA and depends on an intact energy metabolism. For recovery from local dendritic sodium increases, diffusion dominates over extrusion, operating efficiently even during short periods of energy deprivation. Although sodium will eventually be extruded by the NKA, its diffusion-based fast dissemination to non-stimulated regions might reduce local energy requirements.

Pyramidal cells accumulate chloride at seizure onset

Seizures are thought to originate from a failure of inhibition to quell hyperactive neural circuits, but the nature of this failure remains unknown. Here we combine high-speed two-photon imaging with electrophysiological recordings to directly evaluate the interaction between populations of interneurons and principal cells during the onset of seizure-like activity in mouse hippocampal slices. Both calcium imaging and dual patch clamp recordings reveal that in vitro seizure-like events (SLEs) are preceded by pre-ictal bursts of activity in which interneurons predominate. Corresponding changes in intracellular chloride concentration were observed in pyramidal cells using the chloride indicator Clomeleon. These changes were measurable at SLE onset and became very large during the SLE. Pharmacological manipulation of GABAergic transmission, either by blocking GABA(A) receptors or by hyperpolarizing the GABA(A) reversal potential, converted SLEs to short interictal-like bursts. Together, our results support a model in which pre-ictal GABA(A) receptor-mediated chloride influx shifts E(GABA) to produce a positive feedback loop that contributes to the initiation of seizure activity.

AF17 facilitates Dot1a nuclear export and upregulates ENaC-mediated Na+ transport in renal collecting duct cells

Our previous work in 293T cells and AF17^-/- mice suggests that AF17 upregulates expression and activity of the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC), possibly by relieving Dot1a-AF9-mediated repression. However, whether and how AF17 directly regulates Dot1a cellular distribution and ENaC function in renal collecting duct cells remain unaddressed. Here, we report our findings in mouse cortical collecting duct M-1 cells that overexpression of AF17 led to preferential distribution of Dot1a in the cytoplasm. This effect could be blocked by nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B. siRNA-mediated depletion of AF17 caused nuclear accumulation of Dot1a. AF17 overexpression elicited multiple effects that are reminiscent of aldosterone action. These effects include 1) increased mRNA and protein expression of the three ENaC subunits (α, β and γ) and serum- and glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1, as revealed by real-time RT-qPCR and immunoblotting analyses; 2) impaired Dot1a-AF9 interaction and H3 K79 methylation at the αENaC promoter without affecting AF9 binding to the promoter, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation; and 3) elevated ENaC-mediated Na⁺ transport, as analyzed by measurement of benzamil-sensitive intracellular [Na⁺] and equivalent short circuit current using single-cell fluorescence imaging and an epithelial Volt-ohmmeter, respectively. Knockdown of AF17 elicited opposite effects. However, combination of AF17 overexpression or depletion with aldosterone treatment did not cause an additive effect on mRNA expression of the ENaC subunits. Taken together, we conclude that AF17 promotes Dot1a nuclear export and upregulates basal, but not aldosterone-stimulated ENaC expression, leading to an increase in ENaC-mediated Na⁺ transport in renal collecting duct cells.

Dot1a contains three nuclear localization signals and regulates the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) at multiple levels

We have previously reported that Dot1a is located in the cytoplasm and nucleus (Reisenauer MR, Anderson M, Huang L, Zhang Z, Zhou Q, Kone BC, Morris AP, Lesage GD, Dryer SE, Zhang W. J Biol Chem 284: 35659-35669, 2009), widely expressed in the kidney as detected by its histone H3K79 methyltransferase activity (Zhang W, Hayashizaki Y, Kone BC. Biochem J 377: 641-651, 2004), and involved in transcriptional control of the epithelial Na(+) channel subunit-alpha gene (alphaENaC) (Zhang W, Xia X, Jalal DI, Kuncewicz T, Xu W, Lesage GD, Kone BC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 290: C936-C946, 2006). Aldosterone releases repression of alphaENaC by reducing expression of Dot1a and its partner AF9 (Zhang W, Xia X, Reisenauer MR, Hemenway CS, Kone BC. J Biol Chem 281: 18059-18068, 2006) and by impairing Dot1a-AF9 interaction via Sgk1-mediated AF9 phosphorylation (Zhang W, Xia X, Reisenauer MR, Rieg T, Lang F, Kuhl D, Vallon V, Kone BC. J Clin Invest 117: 773-783, 2007). This network also appears to regulate transcription of several other aldosterone target genes. Here, we provide evidence showing that Dot1a contains at least three potential nuclear localization signals (NLSs). Deletion of these NLSs causes green fluorescent protein-fused Dot1a fusions to localize almost exclusively in the cytoplasm of 293T cells as revealed by confocal microscopy. Deletion of NLSs abolished Dot1a-mediated repression of alphaENaC-promoter luciferase construct in M1 cells. AF9 is widely expressed in mouse kidney. Similar to alphaENaC, the mRNA levels of betaENaC, gammaENaC, and Sgk1 are also downregulated by Dot1a and AF9 overexpression. Small interference RNA-mediated knockdown of Dot1a and AF9 or aldosterone treatment leads to an opposite effect. Using single-cell fluorescence imaging or equivalent short-circuit current in IMCD3 and M1 cells, we show that observed transcriptional alterations correspond to changes in ENaC and Sgk1 protein levels as well as benzamil-sensitive Na(+) transport. In brief, Dot1a and AF9 downregulate Na(+) transport, most likely by regulating ENaC mRNA and subsequent protein expression and ENaC activity.

Synaptically induced sodium signals in hippocampal astrocytes in situ

Astrocytes are in close contact to excitatory synapses and express transporters which mediate the sodium-dependent uptake of glutamate. In cultured astrocytes, selective activation of glutamate transport results in sodium elevations which stimulate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and glucose uptake, indicating that synaptic release of glutamate might couple excitatory neuronal activity to glial sodium homeostasis and metabolism. Here, we analysed intracellular sodium transients evoked by synaptic stimulation in acute mouse hippocampal slices using quantitative sodium imaging with the sodium-sensitive fluorescent indicator dye SBFI (sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate). We found that short bursts of Schaffer collateral stimulation evoke sodium transients in the millimolar range in both CA1 pyramidal neurons and in SR101-positive astrocytes of the stratum radiatum. At low stimulation intensities, glial sodium transients were confined to one to two primary branches and adjacent fine processes and only weakly invaded the soma. Increasing the number of activated afferent fibres by increasing the stimulation intensity elicited global sodium transients detectable in the processes as well as the somata of astrocytes. Pharmacological analysis revealed that neuronal sodium signals were mainly attributable to sodium influx through ionotropic glutamate receptors. Activation of ionotropic receptors also contributed to glial sodium transients, while TBOA-sensitive glutamate transport was the major pathway responsible for sodium influx into astrocytes. Our results thus establish that glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the hippocampus results in sodium transients in astrocytes that are mainly mediated by activation of glutamate transport. They support the proposed link between excitatory synaptic activity, glutamate uptake and sodium signals in astrocytes of the hippocampus.

Mitochondrial translocation of alpha-synuclein is promoted by intracellular acidification

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in the selective vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Expression of the PD protein alpha-synuclein or its familial mutants often sensitizes neurons to oxidative stress and to damage by mitochondrial toxins. This effect is thought to be indirect, since little evidence physically linking alpha-synuclein to mitochondria has been reported. Here, we show that the distribution of alpha-synuclein within neuronal and non-neuronal cells is dependent on intracellular pH. Cytosolic acidification induces translocation of alpha-synuclein from the cytosol onto the surface of mitochondria. Translocation occurs rapidly under artificially-induced low pH conditions and as a result of pH changes during oxidative or metabolic stress. Binding is likely facilitated by low pH-induced exposure of the mitochondria-specific lipid cardiolipin. These results imply a direct role for alpha-synuclein in mitochondrial physiology, especially under pathological conditions, and in principle, link alpha-synuclein to other PD genes in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis.

Broad-spectrum effects of 4-aminopyridine to modulate amyloid beta1-42-induced cell signaling and functional responses in human microglia

We investigated the modulating actions of the nonselective K(+) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42))-induced human microglial signaling pathways and functional processes. Whole-cell patch-clamp studies showed acute application of Abeta(1-42) (5 mum) to human microglia led to rapid expression of a 4-AP-sensitive, non-inactivating outwardly rectifying K(+) current (I(K)). Intracellular application of the nonhydrolyzable analog of GTP, GTPgammaS, induced an outward K(+) current with similar properties to the Abeta(1-42)-induced I(K) including sensitivity to 4-AP (IC(50) = 5 mm). Reverse transcriptase-PCR showed a rapid expression of a delayed rectifier Kv3.1 channel in Abeta(1-42)-treated microglia. Abeta(1-42) peptide also caused a slow, progressive increase in levels of [Ca(2+)](i) (intracellular calcium) that was partially blocked by 4-AP. Chronic exposure of human microglia to Abeta(1-42) led to enhanced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappaB expression with factors inhibited by 4-AP. Abeta(1-42) also induced the expression and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the chemokine IL-8, and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2; 4-AP was effective in reducing all of these pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, toxicity of supernatant from Abeta(1-42)-treated microglia on cultured rat hippocampal neurons was reduced if 4-AP was included with peptide. In vivo, injection of Abeta(1-42) into rat hippocampus induced neuronal damage and increased microglial activation. Daily administration of 1 mg/kg 4-AP was found to suppress microglial activation and exhibited neuroprotection. The overall results suggest that 4-AP modulation of an Abeta(1-42)-induced I(K) (candidate channel Kv3.1) and intracellular signaling pathways in human microglia could serve as a therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Relationships Between Calcium and pH in the Regulation of the Slow Afterhyperpolarization in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons

The Ca2+-dependent slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) is an important determinant of neuronal excitability. Although it is established that modest changes in extracellular pH (pHo) modulate the slow AHP, the relative contributions of changes in the priming Ca2+ signal and intracellular pH (pHi) to this effect remain poorly defined. To gain a better understanding of the modulation of the slow AHP by changes in pHo, we performed simultaneous recordings of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), pHi, and the slow AHP in cultured rat hippocampal neurons coloaded with the Ca2+- and pH-sensitive fluorophores fura-2 and SNARF-5F, respectively, and whole cell patch-clamped using the perforated patch technique. Decreasing pHo from 7.2 to 6.5 lowered pHi, reduced the magnitude of depolarization-evoked [Ca2+]i transients, and inhibited the subsequent slow AHP; opposite effects were observed when pHo was increased from 7.2 to 7.5. Although decreases and increases in pHi (at a constant pHo) reduced and augmented, respectively, the slow AHP in the absence of marked changes in preceding [Ca2+]i transients, the inhibition of the slow AHP by decreases in pHo was correlated with low pHo-dependent reductions in [Ca2+]i transients rather than the decreases in pHi that accompanied the decreases in pHo. In contrast, high pHo-induced increases in the slow AHP were correlated with the accompanying increases in pHi rather than high pHo-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i transients. The results indicate that changes in pHo modulate the slow AHP in a manner that depends on the direction of the pHo change and substantiate a role for changes in pHi in modulating the slow AHP during changes in pHo.

Properties of the new fluorescent Na+ indicator CoroNa Green: comparison with SBFI and confocal Na+ imaging

Neuronal activity causes substantial Na+ transients in fine cellular processes such as dendrites and spines. The physiological consequences of such Na+ transients are still largely unknown. High-resolution Na+ imaging is pivotal to study these questions, and, up to now, two-photon imaging with the fluorescent Na+ indicator sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI) has been the primary method of choice. Recently, a new Na+ indicator dye, CoroNa Green (CoroNa), that has its absorbance maximum at 492 nm, has become available. In the present study, we have compared the properties of SBFI with those of CoroNa by performing Na+ measurements in neurons of hippocampal slices. We show that CoroNa is suitable for measurement of Na+ transients using non-confocal wide-field imaging with a CCD camera. However, substantial transmembrane dye leakage and lower Na+ sensitivity are clearly disadvantages when compared to SBFI. We also tested CoroNa for its suitability for high-resolution imaging of Na+ transients using a confocal laser scanning system. We demonstrate that CoroNa, in contrast to SBFI, can be employed for confocal imaging using a conventional argon laser and report the first Na+ measurements in dendrites using this dye. In conclusion, CoroNa may prove to be a valuable tool for confocal Na+ imaging in fine cellular processes.

Sodium influx pathways during and after anoxia in rat hippocampal neurons

Mechanisms that contribute to Na+ influx during and immediately after 5 min anoxia were investigated in cultured rat hippocampal neurons loaded with the Na+-sensitive fluorophore sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate. During anoxia, an influx of Na+ in the face of reduced Na+,K+-ATPase activity caused a rise in [Na+]i. After the return to normoxia, Na+,K+-ATPase activity mediated the recovery of [Na+]i despite continued Na+ entry. Sodium influx during and after anoxia occurred through multiple pathways and increased the longer neurons were maintained in culture. Under the experimental conditions used, Na+ entry during anoxia did not reflect the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, TTX- or lidocaine-sensitive Na+ channels, plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Na+/H+ exchange, or HCO3--dependent mechanisms; rather, contributions were received from a Gd3+-sensitive pathway activated by reactive oxygen species and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport in neurons maintained for 6-10 and 11-14 d in vitro (DIV), respectively. Sodium entry immediately after anoxia was not attributable to the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, voltage-activated Na+ channels, or Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport; rather, it occurred via Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Na+/H+ exchange, and a Gd3+-sensitive pathway similar to that observed during anoxia; 11-14 DIV neurons received an additional contribution from an -dependent mechanism(s). The results provide insight into the intrinsic mechanisms that contribute to disturbed internal Na+ homeostasis during and immediately after anoxia in rat hippocampal neurons and, in this way, may play a role in the pathogenesis of anoxic or ischemic cell injury.