The Yin–Yang of Dendrite Morphology: Unity of Actin and Microtubules

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Spontaneously Express Neural Markers When Grown in a PEG-Based 3D Matrix

Neurological diseases are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide and remain difficult to treat. Tissue engineering offers avenues to test potential treatments; however, the development of biologically accurate models of brain tissues remains challenging. Given their neurogenic potential and availability, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are of interest for creating neural models. While progress has been made in differentiating ADSCs into neural cells, their differentiation in 3D environments, which are more representative of the in vivo physiological conditions of the nervous system, is crucial. This can be achieved by modulating the 3D matrix composition and stiffness. Human ADSCs were cultured for 14 days in a 1.1 kPa polyethylene glycol-based 3D hydrogel matrix to assess effects on cell morphology, cell viability, proteome changes and spontaneous neural differentiation. Results showed that cells continued to proliferate over the 14-day period and presented a different morphology to 2D cultures, with the cells elongating and aligning with one another. The proteome analysis revealed 439 proteins changed in abundance by >1.5 fold. Cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) markers were identified using immunocytochemistry and confirmed with proteomics. Findings indicate that ADSCs spontaneously increase neural marker expression when grown in an environment with similar mechanical properties to the central nervous system.

Local Microtubule and F-Actin Distributions Fully Constrain the Spatial Geometry of Drosophila Sensory Dendritic Arbors

Dendritic morphology underlies the source and processing of neuronal signal inputs. Morphology can be broadly described by two types of geometric characteristics. The first is dendrogram topology, defined by the length and frequency of the arbor branches; the second is spatial embedding, mainly determined by branch angles and straightness. We have previously demonstrated that microtubules and actin filaments are associated with arbor elongation and branching, fully constraining dendrogram topology. Here, we relate the local distribution of these two primary cytoskeletal components with dendritic spatial embedding. We first reconstruct and analyze 167 sensory neurons from the Drosophila larva encompassing multiple cell classes and genotypes. We observe that branches with a higher microtubule concentration tend to deviate less from the direction of their parent branch across all neuron types. Higher microtubule branches are also overall straighter. F-actin displays a similar effect on angular deviation and branch straightness, but not as consistently across all neuron types as microtubule. These observations raise the question as to whether the associations between cytoskeletal distributions and arbor geometry are sufficient constraints to reproduce type-specific dendritic architecture. Therefore, we create a computational model of dendritic morphology purely constrained by the cytoskeletal composition measured from real neurons. The model quantitatively captures both spatial embedding and dendrogram topology across all tested neuron groups. These results suggest a common developmental mechanism regulating diverse morphologies, where the local cytoskeletal distribution can fully specify the overall emergent geometry of dendritic arbors.

Local microtubule and F-actin distributions fully determine the spatial geometry of Drosophila sensory dendritic arbors

Dendritic morphology underlies the source and processing of neuronal signal inputs. Morphology can be broadly described by two types of geometric characteristics. The first is dendrogram topology, defined by the length and frequency of the arbor branches; the second is spatial embedding, mainly determined by branch angles and tortuosity. We have previously demonstrated that microtubules and actin filaments are associated with arbor elongation and branching, fully constraining dendrogram topology. Here we relate the local distribution of these two primary cytoskeletal components with dendritic spatial embedding. We first reconstruct and analyze 167 sensory neurons from the Drosophila larva encompassing multiple cell classes and genotypes. We observe that branches with higher microtubule concentration are overall straighter and tend to deviate less from the direction of their parent branch. F-actin displays a similar effect on the angular deviation from the parent branch direction, but its influence on branch tortuosity varies by class and genotype. We then create a computational model of dendritic morphology purely constrained by the cytoskeletal composition imaged from real neurons. The model quantitatively captures both spatial embedding and dendrogram topology across all tested neuron groups. These results suggest a common developmental mechanism regulating diverse morphologies, where the local cytoskeletal distribution can fully specify the overall emergent geometry of dendritic arbors.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Fragile X Syndrome Neurons Reveals Neurite Outgrowth Modulation by the TGFβ/BMP Pathway

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the main genetic reason for intellectual disability and is caused by the silencing of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein regulating the translation of many neuronal mRNAs. Neural differentiation of FX human embryonic stem cells (hESC) mimics the neurodevelopment of FXS fetuses and thus serves as a good model to explore the mechanisms underlining the development of FXS. Isogenic hESC clones with and without the FX mutation that share the same genetic background were in vitro differentiated into neurons, and their transcriptome was analyzed by RNA sequencing. FX neurons inactivating FMR1 expression presented delayed neuronal development and maturation, concomitant with dysregulation of the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway, and genes related to the extracellular matrix. Migration assay showed decreased neurite outgrowth in FX neurons that was rescued by inhibition of the TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway. Our results provide new insights into the molecular pathway by which loss of FMRP affects neuronal network development. In FX neurons, the lack of FMRP dysregulates members of the BMP signaling pathway associated with ECM organization which, in a yet unknown mechanism, reduces the guidance of axonal growth cones, probably leading to the aberrant neuronal network function seen in FXS.

Neurons: The Interplay between Cytoskeleton, Ion Channels/Transporters and Mitochondria

Neurons are permanent cells whose key feature is information transmission via chemical and electrical signals. Therefore, a finely tuned homeostasis is necessary to maintain function and preserve neuronal lifelong survival. The cytoskeleton, and in particular microtubules, are far from being inert actors in the maintenance of this complex cellular equilibrium, and they participate in the mobilization of molecular cargos and organelles, thus influencing neuronal migration, neuritis growth and synaptic transmission. Notably, alterations of cytoskeletal dynamics have been linked to alterations of neuronal excitability. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of the neuronal cytoskeleton and provide insights into alterations of this component leading to human diseases, addressing how these might affect excitability/synaptic activity, as well as neuronal functioning. We also provide an overview of the microscopic approaches to visualize and assess the cytoskeleton, with a specific focus on mitochondrial trafficking.

RNA-Binding Profiles of CKAP4 as an RNA-Binding Protein in Myocardial Tissues

Background: Pathological tissue remodeling such as fibrosis is developed in various cardiac diseases. As one of cardiac activated-myofibroblast protein markers, CKAP4 may be involved in this process and the mechanisms have not been explored.

Methods: We assumed that CKAP4 held a role in the regulation of cardiac fibrotic remodeling as an RNA-binding protein. Using improved RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing (iRIP-seq), we sought to analyze the RNAs bound by CKAP4 in normal atrial muscle (IP1 group) and remodeling fibrotic atrial muscle (IP2 group) from patients with cardiac valvular disease. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were applied to identify CKAP4 mRNA and protein expression levels in human right atrium samples.

Results: iRIP-seq was successfully performed, CKAP4-bound RNAs were characterized. By statistically analyzing the distribution of binding peaks in various regions on the reference human genome, we found that the reads of IP samples were mainly distributed in the intergenic and intron regions implying that CKAP4 is more inclined to combine non-coding RNAs. There were 913 overlapping binding peaks between the IP1 and IP2 groups. The top five binding motifs were obtained by HOMER, in which GGGAU was the binding sequence that appeared simultaneously in both IP groups. Binding peak-related gene cluster enrichment analysis demonstrated these genes were mainly involved in biological processes such as signal transduction, protein phosphorylation, axonal guidance, and cell connection. The signal pathways ranking most varied in the IP2 group compared to the IP1 group were relating to mitotic cell cycle, protein ubiquitination and nerve growth factor receptors. More impressively, peak analysis revealed the lncRNA-binding features of CKAP4 in both IP groups. Furthermore, qPCR verified CKAP4 differentially bound lncRNAs including LINC00504, FLJ22447, RP11-326N17.2, and HELLPAR in remodeling myocardial tissues when compared with normal myocardial tissues. Finally, the expression of CKAP4 is down-regulated in human remodeling fibrotic atrium.

Conclusions: We reveal certain RNA-binding features of CKAP4 suggesting a relevant role as an unconventional RNA-binding protein in cardiac remodeling process. Deeper structural and functional analysis will be helpful to enrich the regulatory network of cardiac remodeling and to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Distinct temporal expression of the GW182 paralog TNRC6A in neurons regulates dendritic arborization

Precise development of the dendritic architecture is a critical determinant of mature neuronal circuitry. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of protein synthesis plays a crucial role in dendritic morphogenesis, but the role of miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC) protein components in this process is less studied. Here, we show an important role of a key miRISC protein, the GW182 paralog TNRC6A, in the regulation of dendritic growth. We identified a distinct brain region-specific spatiotemporal expression pattern of GW182 during rat postnatal development. We found that the window of peak GW182 expression coincides with the period of extensive dendritic growth, both in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Perturbation of GW182 function during a specific temporal window resulted in reduced dendritic growth of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mechanistically, we show that GW182 modulates dendritic growth by regulating global somatodendritic translation and actin cytoskeletal dynamics of developing neurons. Furthermore, we found that GW182 affects dendritic architecture by regulating the expression of actin modulator LIMK1. Taken together, our data reveal a previously undescribed neurodevelopmental expression pattern of GW182 and its role in dendritic morphogenesis, which involves both translational control and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Regulation of the NMDA receptor by its cytoplasmic domains: (How) is the tail wagging the dog?

Excitatory neurotransmission mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is critical for synapse development, function, and plasticity in the brain. NMDARs are tetra-heteromeric cation-channels that mediate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Extensive human studies show the existence of genetic variants in NMDAR subunits genes (GRIN genes) that are associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy (EP), intellectual disability (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia (SCZ). NMDAR subunits have a unique modular architecture with four semiautonomous domains. Here we focus on the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD), also known as the intracellular C-tail, which varies in length among the glutamate receptor subunits and is the most diverse domain in terms of amino acid sequence. The CTD shows no sequence homology to any known proteins but encodes short docking motifs for intracellular binding proteins and covalent modifications. Our review will discuss the many important functions of the CTD in regulating NMDA membrane and synaptic targeting, stabilization, degradation targeting, allosteric modulation and metabotropic signaling of the receptor. This article is part of the special issue on 'Glutamate Receptors - NMDA Receptors'.

Transient sublethal hypoxia in neonatal rats causes reduced dendritic spines, aberrant synaptic plasticity, and impairments in memory

Hypoxic/ischemic insult, a leading cause of functional brain defects, has been extensively studied in both clinical and experimental animal research, including its etiology, neuropathogenesis, and pharmacological interventions. Transient sublethal hypoxia (TSH) is a common clinical occurrence in the perinatal period. However, its effect on early developing brains remains poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of TSH on the dendrite and dendritic spine formation, neuronal and synaptic activity, and cognitive behavior of early postnatal Day 1 rat pups. While TSH showed no obvious effect on gross brain morphology, neuron cell density, or glial activation in the hippocampus, we found transient hypoxia did cause significant changes in neuronal structure and function. In brains exposed to TSH, hippocampal neurons developed shorter and thinner dendrites, with decreased dendritic spine density, and reduced strength in excitatory synaptic transmission. Moreover, TSH-treated rats showed impaired cognitive performance in spatial learning and memory. Our findings demonstrate that TSH in newborn rats can cause significant impairments in synaptic formation and function, and long-lasting brain functional deficits. Therefore, this study provides a useful animal model for the study of TSH on early developing brains and to explore potential pharmaceutical interventions for patients subjected to TSH insult.

Interaction Between CRIPT and PSD-95 Is Required for Proper Dendritic Arborization in Hippocampal Neurons

CRIPT, the cysteine-rich PDZ-binding protein, binds to the third PDZ domain of PSD-95 (postsynaptic density protein 95) family proteins and directly binds microtubules, linking PSD-95 family proteins to the neuronal cytoskeleton. Here, we show that overexpression of a full-length CRIPT leads to a modest decrease, and knockdown of CRIPT leads to an increase in dendritic branching in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of truncated CRIPT lacking the PDZ domain-binding motif, which does not bind to PSD-95, significantly decreases dendritic arborization. Conversely, overexpression of a full-length CRIPT significantly increases the number of immature and mature dendritic spines, and this effect is not observed when CRIPT∆PDZ is overexpressed. Competitive inhibition of CRIPT binding to the third PDZ domain of PSD-95 with PDZ3-binding peptides resulted in differential effects on dendritic arborization based on the origin of respective peptide sequence. These results highlight multifunctional roles of CRIPT during development and underscore the significance of the interaction between CRIPT and the third PDZ domain of PSD-95.

Roles of the actin cytoskeleton in aging and age-associated diseases

The integrity of the cytoskeleton is essential to diverse cellular processes such as phagocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Disruption of the organization and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton leads to age-associated symptoms and diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegeneration. In addition, changes in the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton disrupt the functioning of not only somatic and stem cells but also gametes, resulting in aberrant embryonic development. Strategies to preserve the integrity and dynamics of the cytoskeleton are, therefore, potentially therapeutic to age-related disorders. The objective of this article is to revisit the current understanding of the roles played by the actin cytoskeleton in aging, and to review the opportunities and challenges for the transition of basic research into intervention development. It is hoped that, with the snapshot of evidence regarding changes in actin dynamics with advanced age, insights into future research directions can be attained.

Merlin modulates process outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the cerebellum

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients are prone to develop glial-derived tumors in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). The Nf2 gene product -Merlin is not only expressed in glia, but also in neurons of the CNS, where its function still remains elusive. Here, we show that cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) of isoform-specific Merlin-deficient mice were innervated by smaller vGluT2-positive clusters at presynaptic terminals than those of wild-type mice. This was paralleled by a reduction in frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC). On the contrary, in conditional transgenic mice in which Merlin expression was specifically ablated in PCs (L7Cre;Nf2^fl/fl), we found enlarged vGluT2-positive clusters in their presynaptic buttons together with increased amplitudes of miniature postsynaptic currents. The presynaptic terminals of these PCs innervating neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei were also enlarged. When exploring mice with Merlin-deficient granule cells (GCs) (Math1Cre;Nf2^fl/fl), we found cerebellar extracts to contain higher amounts of vGluT1 present in parallel fiber terminals. In parallel, mEPSC frequency was increased in Math1Cre;Nf2^fl/fl mice. On the contrary, VGluT2 clusters in cerebellar glomeruli composed of NF2-deficient presynaptic Mossy fiber terminals and NF2-deficient postsynaptic GC were reduced in size as shown for isoform-specific knockout mice. These changes in Math1Cre;Nf2^fl/fl-deficient mice were paralleled by an increased activation of Rac1-Cofilin signaling which is known to impact on cytoskeletal reorganization and synapse formation. Consistent with the observed synaptic alterations in these transgenic mice, we observed altered ultrasonic vocalization, which is known to rely on proper cerebellar function. No gross morphological changes or motor coordination deficits were observed in any of these transgenic mice. We therefore conclude that Merlin does not regulate overall cerebellar development, but impacts on pre- and post-synaptic terminal organization.

Recent advances in branching mechanisms underlying neuronal morphogenesis

Proper neuronal wiring is central to all bodily functions, sensory perception, cognition, memory, and learning. Establishment of a functional neuronal circuit is a highly regulated and dynamic process involving axonal and dendritic branching and navigation toward appropriate targets and connection partners. This intricate circuitry includes axo-dendritic synapse formation, synaptic connections formed with effector cells, and extensive dendritic arborization that function to receive and transmit mechanical and chemical sensory inputs. Such complexity is primarily achieved by extensive axonal and dendritic branch formation and pruning. Fundamental to neuronal branching are cytoskeletal dynamics and plasma membrane expansion, both of which are regulated via numerous extracellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms and molecules. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the biology of neuronal branching.

Postnatal developmental dynamics of cell type specification genes in Brn3a/Pou4f1 Retinal Ganglion Cells

BACKGROUND

About 20-30 distinct Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) types transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. The developmental mechanisms by which RGCs are specified are still largely unknown. Brn3a is a member of the Brn3/Pou4f transcription factor family, which contains key regulators of RGC postmitotic specification. In particular, Brn3a ablation results in the loss of RGCs with small, thick and dense dendritic arbors ('midget-like' RGCs), and morphological changes in other RGC subpopulations. To identify downstream molecular mechanisms underlying Brn3a effects on RGC numbers and morphology, our group recently performed a RNA deep sequencing screen for Brn3a transcriptional targets in mouse RGCs and identified 180 candidate transcripts.

METHODS

We now focus on a subset of 28 candidate genes encoding potential cell type determinant proteins. We validate and further define their retinal expression profile at five postnatal developmental time points between birth and adult stage, using in situ hybridization (ISH), RT-PCR and fluorescent immunodetection (IIF).

RESULTS

We find that a majority of candidate genes are enriched in the ganglion cell layer during early stages of postnatal development, but dynamically change their expression profile. We also document transcript-specific expression differences for two example candidates, using RT-PCR and ISH. Brn3a dependency could be confirmed by ISH and IIF only for a fraction of our candidates.

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst our candidate Brn3a target genes, a majority demonstrated ganglion cell layer specificity, however only around two thirds showed Brn3a dependency. Some were previously implicated in RGC type specification, while others have known physiological functions in RGCs. Only three genes were found to be consistently regulated by Brn3a throughout postnatal retina development - Mapk10, Tusc5 and Cdh4.

Dendritic Actin Cytoskeleton: Structure, Functions, and Regulations

Actin is a versatile and ubiquitous cytoskeletal protein that plays a major role in both the establishment and the maintenance of neuronal polarity. For a long time, the most prominent roles that were attributed to actin in neurons were the movement of growth cones, polarized cargo sorting at the axon initial segment, and the dynamic plasticity of dendritic spines, since those compartments contain large accumulations of actin filaments (F-actin) that can be readily visualized using electron- and fluorescence microscopy. With the development of super-resolution microscopy in the past few years, previously unknown structures of the actin cytoskeleton have been uncovered: a periodic lattice consisting of actin and spectrin seems to pervade not only the whole axon, but also dendrites and even the necks of dendritic spines. Apart from that striking feature, patches of F-actin and deep actin filament bundles have been described along the lengths of neurites. So far, research has been focused on the specific roles of actin in the axon, while it is becoming more and more apparent that in the dendrite, actin is not only confined to dendritic spines, but serves many additional and important functions. In this review, we focus on recent developments regarding the role of actin in dendrite morphology, the regulation of actin dynamics by internal and external factors, and the role of F-actin in dendritic protein trafficking.

Lhx1/5 control dendritogenesis and spine morphogenesis of Purkinje cells via regulation of Espin

In the cerebellar cortex, Purkinje cells (PCs) receive signals from different inputs through their extensively branched dendrites and serve as an integration centre. Defects in the dendritic development of PCs thus disrupt cerebellar circuitry and cause ataxia. Here we report that specific inactivation of both Lhx1 and Lhx5 in postnatal PCs results in ataxic mutant mice with abnormal dendritic development. The PCs in the mutants have reduced expression of Espin, an F-actin cytoskeleton regulator. We show that Espin expression is transcriptionally activated by Lhx1/5. Downregulation of Espin leads to F-actin mislocalization, thereby impairing dendritogenesis and dendritic spine maturation in the PCs. The mutant PCs therefore fail to form proper synapses and show aberrant electrophysiological properties. By overexpressing Espin, we can successfully rescue the defects in the mutant PCs. Our findings suggest that Lhx1/5, through regulating Espin expression, control dendritogenesis and spine morphogenesis in postnatal PCs.

Purkinje cells (PCs) receive signals from different inputs through their extensively branched dendrites and dysregulation of this process leads to ataxia and other diseases. Here the authors show that the LIM-homeodomain transcription factors Lhx1 and Lhx5 govern dendritogenesis and dendritic spine morphogenesis in postnatal PCs through regulating Espin expression.

Deletion of collapsin response mediator protein 4 results in abnormal layer thickness and elongation of mitral cell apical dendrites in the neonatal olfactory bulb

Collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4), a member of the CRMP family, is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Here, we first compared layer thickness of the olfactory bulb between wild-type (WT) and CRMP4-knockout (KO) mice. The mitral cell layer (MCL) was significantly thinner, whereas the external plexiform layer (EPL) was significantly thicker in CRMP4-KO mice at postnatal day 0 (PD0) compared with WTs. However, differences in layer thickness disappeared by PD14. No apoptotic cells were found in the MCL, and the number of mitral cells (MCs) identified with a specific marker (i.e. Tbx21 antibody) did not change in CRMP4-KO neonates. However, DiI-tracing showed that the length of mitral cell apical dendrites was greater in CRMP4-KO neonates than in WTs. In addition, expression of CRMP4 mRNA in WT mice was most abundant in the MCL at PD0 and decreased afterward. These results suggest that CRMP4 contributes to dendritic elongation. Our in vitro studies showed that deletion or knockdown of CRMP4 resulted in enhanced growth of MAP2-positive neurites, whereas overexpression of CRMP4 reduced their growth, suggesting a new role for CRMP4 as a suppressor of dendritic elongation. Overall, our data suggest that disruption of CRMP4 produces a temporary alteration in EPL thickness, which is constituted mainly of mitral cell apical dendrites, through the enhanced growth of these dendrites.

Overexpression of Isoforms of Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Adaptor Protein, Encoded by a Risk Gene for Schizophrenia, Alters Actin Dynamics and Synaptic Function

Proper communication between neurons depends upon appropriate patterning of dendrites and correct distribution and structure of spines. Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by alterations in dendrite branching and spine density. Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP), a risk gene for schizophrenia, encodes proteins that are upregulated in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of individuals with schizophrenia. To elucidate the effects of NOS1AP overexpression observed in individuals with schizophrenia, we investigated changes in actin dynamics and spine development when a long (NOS1AP-L) or short (NOS1AP-S) isoform of NOS1AP is overexpressed. Increased NOS1AP-L protein promotes the formation of immature spines when overexpressed in rat cortical neurons from day in vitro (DIV) 14 to DIV 17 and reduces the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). In contrast, increased NOS1AP-S protein increases the rate of actin polymerization and the number of immature and mature spines, which may be attributed to a decrease in total Rac1 expression and a reduction in the levels of active cofilin. The increase in the number of mature spines by overexpression of NOS1AP-S is accompanied by an increase in the frequency of mEPSCs. Our findings show that overexpression of NOS1AP-L or NOS1AP-S alters the actin cytoskeleton and synaptic function. However, the mechanisms by which these isoforms induce these changes are distinct. These results are important for understanding how increased expression of NOS1AP isoforms can influence spine development and synaptic function.

Building Blocks of Functioning Brain: Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Neuronal Development

Neural connectivity requires proper polarization of neurons, guidance to appropriate target locations, and establishment of synaptic connections. From when neurons are born to when they finally reach their synaptic partners, neurons undergo constant rearrangment of the cytoskeleton to achieve appropriate shape and polarity. Of particular importance to neuronal guidance to target locations is the growth cone at the tip of the axon. Growth-cone steering is also dictated by the underlying cytoskeleton. All these changes require spatiotemporal control of the cytoskeletal machinery. This review summarizes the proteins that are involved in modulating the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton during the various stages of neuronal development.

Alterations in dendrite and spine morphology of cortical pyramidal neurons in DISC1-binding zinc finger protein (DBZ) knockout mice

Dendrite and dendritic spine formation are crucial for proper brain function. DISC1-binding zinc finger protein (DBZ) was first identified as a Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia1 (DISC1) binding partner. DBZ is highly expressed in the cerebral cortex of developing and adult rodents and is involved in neurite formation, cell positioning, and the development of interneurons and oligodendrocytes. The functional roles of DBZ in postnatal brain remain unknown; thus we investigated cortical pyramidal neuron morphology in DBZ knockout (KO) mice. Morphological analyses by Golgi staining alone in DBZ KO mice revealed decreased dendritic arborization, increased spine density. A morphological analysis of the spines revealed markedly increased numbers of thin spines. To investigate whole spine structure in detail, electron tomographic analysis using ultra-high voltage electron microscopy (UHVEM) combined with Golgi staining was performed. Tomograms and three-dimensional models of spines revealed that the spines of DBZ KO mice exhibited two types of characteristic morphology, filopodia-like spines and abnormal thin-necked spines having an extremely thin spine neck. Moreover, conventional electron microscopy revealed significantly decreased number of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) in spines of DBZ KO mice. In conclusion, DBZ deficiency impairs the morphogenesis of dendrites and spines in cortical pyramidal neurons.

The cytoskeleton and neurite initiation

Neurons begin their life as simple spheres, but can ultimately assume an elaborate morphology with numerous, highly arborized dendrites, and long axons. This is achieved via an astounding developmental progression which is dependent upon regulated assembly and dynamics of the cellular cytoskeleton. As neurites emerge out of the soma, neurons break their spherical symmetry and begin to acquire the morphological features that define their structure and function. Neurons regulate their cytoskeleton to achieve changes in cell shape, velocity, and direction as they migrate, extend neurites, and polarize. Of particular importance, the organization and dynamics of actin and microtubules directs the migration and morphogenesis of neurons. This review focuses on the regulation of intrinsic properties of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons and how specific cytoskeletal structures and dynamics are associated with the earliest phase of neuronal morphogenesis—neuritogenesis.

Adolescent nicotine-induced dendrite remodeling in the nucleus accumbens is rapid, persistent, and D1-dopamine receptor dependent

Chronic nicotine exposure during adolescence induces dendritic remodeling of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell. While nicotine-induced dendritic remodeling has frequently been described as persistent, the trajectory of dendrite remodeling is unknown. Specifically, no study to date has characterized the structural plasticity of dendrites in the NAcc immediately following chronic nicotine, leaving open the possibility that dendrite remodeling emerges gradually over time. Further, the neuropharmacological mechanisms through which nicotine induces dendrite remodeling are not well understood. To address these questions, rats were co-administered chronic nicotine (0.5 mg/kg) and the D1-dopamine receptor (D1DR) antagonist SCH-23390 (0.05 mg/kg) subcutaneously every other day during adolescence. Brains were then processed for Golgi-Cox staining either 1 day or 21 days following drug exposure and dendrites from MSNs in the NAcc shell digitally reconstructed in 3D. Spine density was also measured at both time points. Our morphometric results show (1) the formation of new dendritic branches and spines 1 day following nicotine exposure, (2) new dendritic branches, but not spine density, remains relatively stable for at least 21 days, (3) the co-administration of SCH-23390 completely blocked nicotine-induced dendritic remodeling of MSNs at both early and late time points, suggesting the formation of new dendritic branches in response to nicotine is D1DR-dependent, and (4) SCH-23390 failed to block nicotine-induced increases in spine density. Overall this study provides new insight into how nicotine influences the normal trajectory of adolescent brain development and demonstrates a persistent form of nicotine-induced neuroplasticity in the NAcc shell that develops rapidly and is D1DR dependent.

Synaptic regulation of microtubule dynamics in dendritic spines by calcium, F-actin, and drebrin

Dendritic spines are actin-rich compartments that protrude from the microtubule-rich dendritic shafts of principal neurons. Spines contain receptors and postsynaptic machinery for receiving the majority of glutamatergic inputs. Recent studies have shown that microtubules polymerize from dendritic shafts into spines and that signaling through synaptic NMDA receptors regulates this process. However, the mechanisms regulating microtubule dynamics in dendrites and spines remain unclear. Here we show that in hippocampal neurons from male and female mice, the majority of microtubules enter spines from highly localized sites at the base of spines. These entries occur in response to synapse-specific calcium transients that promote microtubule entry into active spines. We further document that spine calcium transients promote local actin polymerization, and that F-actin is both necessary and sufficient for microtubule entry. Finally, we show that drebrin, a protein known to mediate interactions between F-actin and microtubules, acts as a positive regulator of microtubule entry into spines. Together these results establish for the first time the essential mechanisms regulating microtubule entry into spines and contribute importantly to our understanding of the role of microtubules in synaptic function and plasticity.

Neuronal cytoskeleton in synaptic plasticity and regeneration

During development, dynamic changes in the axonal growth cone and dendrite are necessary for exploratory movements underlying initial axo-dendritic contact and ultimately the formation of a functional synapse. In the adult central nervous system, an impressive degree of plasticity is retained through morphological and molecular rearrangements in the pre- and post-synaptic compartments that underlie the strengthening or weakening of synaptic pathways. Plasticity is regulated by the interplay of permissive and inhibitory extracellular cues, which signal through receptors at the synapse to regulate the closure of critical periods of developmental plasticity as well as by acute changes in plasticity in response to experience and activity in the adult. The molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity are actively studied and it is clear that the cytoskeleton is a key substrate for many cues that affect plasticity. Many of the cues that restrict synaptic plasticity exhibit residual activity in the injured adult CNS and restrict regenerative growth by targeting the cytoskeleton. Here, we review some of the latest insights into how cytoskeletal remodeling affects neuronal plasticity and discuss how the cytoskeleton is being targeted in an effort to promote plasticity and repair following traumatic injury in the central nervous system.

Frizzled-5 receptor is involved in neuronal polarity and morphogenesis of hippocampal neurons

The Wnt signaling pathway plays important roles during different stages of neuronal development, including neuronal polarization and dendritic and axonal outgrowth. However, little is known about the identity of the Frizzled receptors mediating these processes. In the present study, we investigated the role of Frizzled-5 (Fzd5) on neuronal development in cultured Sprague-Dawley rat hippocampal neurons. We found that Fzd5 is expressed early in cultured neurons on actin-rich structures localized at minor neurites and axonal growth cones. At 4 DIV, Fzd5 polarizes towards the axon, where its expression is detected mainly at the peripheral zone of axonal growth cones, with no obvious staining at dendrites; suggesting a role of Fzd5 in neuronal polarization. Overexpression of Fzd5 during the acquisition of neuronal polarity induces mislocalization of the receptor and a loss of polarized axonal markers. Fzd5 knock-down leads to loss of axonal proteins, suggesting an impaired neuronal polarity. In contrast, overexpression of Fzd5 in neurons that are already polarized did not alter polarity, but decreased the total length of axons and increased total dendrite length and arborization. Fzd5 activated JNK in HEK293 cells and the effects triggered by Fzd5 overexpression in neurons were partially prevented by inhibition of JNK, suggesting that a non-canonical Wnt signaling mechanism might be involved. Our results suggest that, Fzd5 has a role in the establishment of neuronal polarity, and in the morphogenesis of neuronal processes, in part through the activation of the non-canonical Wnt mechanism involving JNK.

p21-Activated kinase (PAK) is required for Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-induced dendritogenesis in cortical neurons

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are crucial for many aspects of the development and differentiation of the nervous system and are important in controlling cytoskeletal remodeling during neuronal morphogenesis. BMPs are TGFβ superfamily members that signal through a heteromeric complex of type I and type II BMP receptors. The BMPRII receptor is particularly important in mediating remodeling of the neuronal cytoskeleton through the activation of BMPRII-bound cytoskeletal regulators, such as LIM Kinase (LIMK). Here, we show that PAK1, a key regulator of diverse neuronal processes and an upstream activator of LIMK, binds to the BMP type I receptor, ALK2. Although, PAK1 is dispensable for activation of the Smad transcriptional mediators, abrogation of PAK1 expression or inhibition of PAK1 activity prevents BMP-induced neurite outgrowth in cultured neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, in primary murine embryonic cortical neurons, inhibition of PAK activity blocks BMP7-induced cofilin phosphorylation, prevents remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and thereby blocks BMP7-induced dendrite formation. Thus, we propose a model in which BMP7 signaling leads to the recruitment of ALK2-bound PAK1 to BMPRII, which binds a downstream regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, LIMK1, and that the BMP receptor complex thereby acts as a scaffold to localize and coordinate actin cytoskeletal remodeling. We propose that this scaffold plays a key role in mediating BMP7-dependent dendritogenesis in primary cortical neurons.

The Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3) is crucial for axonal and dendritic branching in developing neurons

Background

Circuit formation in the nervous system essentially relies on the proper development of neurons and their processes. In this context, the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 is a crucial modulator of axonal and dendritic branching.

Results

Herein we characterize the Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3), a Fezzin family member, during nerve cell development. In developing rat primary hippocampal neurons, endogenous N4BP3 localizes to neuronal processes, including axons and dendrites. Transient in vitro knockdown of N4BP3 in hippocampal cultures during neuritogenesis results in impaired branching of axons and dendrites. In line with these findings, in vivo knockdown of n4bp3 in Xenopus laevis embryos results in severe alteration of cranial nerve branching.

Conclusions

We introduce N4BP3 as a novel molecular element for the correct branching of neurites in developing neurons and propose a central role for an N4BP3-Nedd4 complex in neurite branching and circuit formation.

Mapping CRMP3 domains involved in dendrite morphogenesis and voltage-gated calcium channel regulation

Although hippocampal neurons are well-distinguished by the morphological characteristics of their dendrites and their structural plasticity, the mechanisms involved in regulating their neurite initiation, dendrite growth, network formation and remodeling are still largely unknown, in part because the key molecules involved remain elusive. Identifying new dendrite-active cues could uncover unknown molecular mechanisms that would add significant understanding to the field and possibly lead to the development of novel neuroprotective therapy because these neurons are impaired in many neuropsychiatric disorders. In our previous studies, we deleted the gene encoding CRMP3 in mice and identified the protein as a new endogenous signaling molecule that shapes diverse features of the hippocampal pyramidal dendrites without affecting axon morphology. We also found that CRMP3 protects dendrites against dystrophy induced by prion peptide PrP(106-126). Here, we report that CRMP3 has a profound influence on neurite initiation and dendrite growth of hippocampal neurons in vitro. Our deletional mapping revealed that the C-terminus of CRMP3 probably harbors its dendritogenic capacity and supports an active transport mechanism. By contrast, overexpression of the C-terminal truncated CRMP3 phenocopied the effect of CRMP3 gene deletion with inhibition of neurite initiation or decrease in dendrite complexity, depending on the stage of cell development. In addition, this mutant inhibited the activity of CRMP3, in a similar manner to siRNA. Voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors prevented CRMP3-induced dendritic growth and somatic Ca(2+) influx in CRMP3-overexpressing neurons was augmented largely via L-type channels. These results support a link between CRMP3-mediated Ca(2+) influx and CRMP3-mediated dendritic growth in hippocampal neurons.

The actin nucleator Cobl is crucial for Purkinje cell development and works in close conjunction with the F-actin binding protein Abp1

Cortical actin dynamics shapes cells. To generate actin filaments, cells rely on actin nucleators. Cobl is a novel, brain-enriched, WH2 domain-based actin nucleator, yet, its functions remained largely elusive. Here, we reveal that Cobl plays a crucial role in Purkinje cell development using gene gun transfections within intact murine cerebellar contexts. Cobl deficiency impaired proper dendritic arborization of Purkinje cells and led to low-complexity arbors. Branch point numbers and density and especially higher order branching were strongly affected. Our efforts to reveal how Cobl is physically and functionally integrated into the cortical actin cytoskeleton showed that all Cobl loss-of-function phenotypes were exactly mirrored by knockdown of the F-actin-binding protein Abp1. By subcellular fractionations, protein interaction analyses, subcellular reconstitutions of protein complexes, colocalization studies in cells and tissues, and by functional analyses in neuronal morphogenesis we demonstrate that both proteins associate and work with each other closely. Cobl-mediated dendritic branch induction in hippocampal neurons critically relied on Abp1. Our study highlights that the functions of Abp1 are distinct from those of the Cobl-binding protein syndapin I. The importance of Cobl/Abp1 complex formation and of Abp1-mediated F-actin association was highlighted by functional rescue experiments demonstrating that a Cobl mutant deficient for Abp1 binding and an Abp1 mutant supporting Cobl association but lacking the F-actin binding ability failed to rescue the respective loss-of-function phenotypes. Thus, F-actin-anchored Cobl/Abp1 complexes seem crucial for neuromorphogenesis processes, particularly for the postnatal arborization of Purkinje cells representing the source for all motor coordination in the cerebellar cortex.

Phosphorylation of CRMP2 is involved in proper bifurcation of the apical dendrite of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

The neural circuit in the hippocampus is important for higher brain functions. Dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons mainly receive input from the axons of CA3 pyramidal neurons in this neural circuit. A CA1 pyramidal neuron has a single apical dendrite and multiple basal dendrites. In wild-type mice, most of CA1 pyramidal neurons extend a single trunk, or alternatively, the apical dendrite bifurcates into two daughter trunks at the stratum radiatum layer. We previously reported the proximal bifurcation phenotype in Sema3A-/-, p35-/-, and CRMP4-/- mice. Cdk5/p35 phosphorylates CRMP2 at Ser522, and inhibition of this phosphorylation suppressed Sema3A-induced growth cone collapse. In this study, we analyzed the bifurcation points of the apical dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in CRMP2KI/KI mice in which the Cdk5/p35-phosphorylation site Ser522 was mutated into an Ala residue. The proximal bifurcation phenotype was not observed in CRMP2KI/KI mice; however, severe proximal bifurcation of apical dendrites was found in CRMP2KI/KI;CRMP4-/- mice. Cultured hippocampal neurons from CRMP2KI/KI and CRMP2KI/KI;CRMP4-/- embryos showed an increased number of dendritic branching points compared to those from wild-type embryos. Sema3A increased the number of branching points and the total length of dendrites in wild-type hippocampal neurons, but these effects of Sema3A for dendrites were not observed in CRMP2KI/KI and CRMP2KI/KI;CRMP4-/-hippocampal neurons. Binding of CRMP2 to tubulin increased in both CRMP2KI/KI and CRMP2KI/KI:CRMP4-/- brain lysates. These results suggest that CRMP2 and CRMP4 synergistically regulate dendritic development, and CRMP2 phosphorylation is critical for proper bifurcation of apical dendrite of CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Mechanisms underlying the initiation and dynamics of neuronal filopodia: from neurite formation to synaptogenesis

Filopodia are finger-like cellular protrusions found throughout the metazoan kingdom and perform fundamental cellular functions during development and cell migration. Neurons exhibit a wide variety of extremely complex morphologies. In the nervous system, filopodia underlie many major morphogenetic events. Filopodia have roles spanning the initiation and guidance of neuronal processes, axons and dendrites to the formation of synaptic connections. This chapter addresses the mechanisms of the formation and dynamics of neuronal filopodia. Some of the major lessons learned from the study of neuronal filopodia are (1) there are multiple mechanisms that can regulate filopodia in a context-dependent manner, (2) that filopodia are specialized subcellular domains, (3) that filopodia exhibit dynamic membrane recycling which also controls aspects of filopodial dynamics, (4) that neuronal filopodia contain machinery for the orchestration of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, and (5) localized protein synthesis contributes to neuronal filopodial dynamics.

CRMP4 suppresses apical dendrite bifurcation of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the mouse hippocampus

Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are a family of cytosolic phosphoproteins that consist of 5 members (CRMP 1-5). CRMP2 and CRMP4 regulate neurite outgrowth by binding to tubulin heterodimers, resulting in the assembly of microtubules. CRMP2 also mediates the growth cone collapse response to the repulsive guidance molecule semaphorin-3A (Sema3A). However, the role of CRMP4 in Sema3A signaling and its function in the developing mouse brain remain unclear. We generated CRMP4-/- mice in order to study the in vivo function of CRMP4 and identified a phenotype of proximal bifurcation of apical dendrites in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of CRMP4-/- mice. We also observed increased dendritic branching in cultured CRMP4-/- hippocampal neurons as well as in cultured cortical neurons treated with CRMP4 shRNA. Sema3A induces extension and branching of the dendrites of hippocampal neurons; however, these inductions were compromised in the CRMP4-/- hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that CRMP4 suppresses apical dendrite bifurcation of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the mouse hippocampus and that this is partly dependent on Sema3A signaling.

Calcineurin homologous protein: a multifunctional Ca2+-binding protein family

The calcineurin homologous protein (CHP) belongs to an evolutionarily conserved Ca(2+)-binding protein subfamily. The CHP subfamily is composed of CHP1, CHP2, and CHP3, which in vertebrates share significant homology at the protein level with each other and between other Ca(2+)-binding proteins. The CHP structure consists of two globular domains containing from one to four EF-hand structural motifs (calcium-binding regions composed of two helixes, E and F, joined by a loop), the myristoylation, and nuclear export signals. These structural features are essential for the function of the three members of the CHP subfamily. Indeed, CHP1-CHP3 have multiple and diverse essential functions, ranging from the regulation of the plasma membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchanger protein function, to carrier vesicle trafficking and gene transcription. The diverse functions attributed to the CHP subfamily rendered an understanding of its action highly complex and often controversial. This review provides a comprehensive and organized examination of the properties and physiological roles of the CHP subfamily with a view to revealing a link between CHP diverse functions.

From filopodia to synapses: the role of actin-capping and anti-capping proteins

Actin-capping and anti-capping proteins are crucial regulators of actin dynamics. Recent studies have indicated that these proteins may be heavily involved in all stages of synaptogenesis, from the emergence of filopodia, through neuritogenesis and synaptic contact stabilization, to the structural changes occurring at the synapse during potentiation phenomena. In this review, we focus on recent evidence pointing to an active role of actin-capping and anti-capping proteins in orchestrating the processes controlling neuronal connectivity and plasticity.

Developmental plasticity of the dendritic compartment: focus on the cytoskeleton

Plasticity, the ability to undergo lasting changes in response to a stimulus, is an important attribute of neurons. It allows proper development and underlies learning, memory, and the recovery of the nervous system after severe injuries. Often, an outcome of neuronal plasticity is a structural plasticity manifested as a change of neuronal morphology. In this chapter, we focus on the structural plasticity of dendritic arbors and spines during development. Dendrites receive and compute synaptic inputs from other neurons. The number of dendrites and their branching pattern are strictly correlated with the function of a particular neuron and the geometry of the connections it receives. The development of proper dendritic tree morphology depends on the interplay between genetic programming and extracellular signals. Spines are tiny actin-rich dendritic protrusions that harbor excitatory synapses. No consensus has been reached regarding how dendritic spines form, and several models of spine morphogenesis exist. Nevertheless, most researchers agree that spinogenesis is an important target for structural plasticity. In this chapter, we discuss examples of such plasticity and describe the principles and molecular mechanisms underlying this process, focusing mostly on the regulation of the cytoskeleton during dendrito- and spinogenesis.

CLIP-170 and IQGAP1 cooperatively regulate dendrite morphology

Dendritic arbors are compartments of neurons dedicated to receiving synaptic inputs. Their shape is an outcome of both the intrinsic genetic program and environmental signals. The microtubules and actin cytoskeleton are both crucial for proper dendritic morphology, but how they interact is unclear. The present study demonstrates that microtubule plus-end tracking protein CLIP-170 and actin-binding protein IQGAP1 regulate dendrite morphology of rat neurons by coordinating the interaction between microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, we show that mTOR kinase interacts with CLIP-170 and is needed for efficient formation of a protein complex containing CLIP-170 and IQGAP1. Dynamic microtubules, CLIP-170, and IQGAP1 are required for proper dendritic arbor morphology and PI3K-mTOR-induced increase in dendritic arbor complexity. Moreover, CLIP-170 and IQGAP1 knockdown modulates dendritic arbor growth via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. We postulate that mTOR controls dendritic arbor morphology by enhancing cross talk between dynamic microtubules and actin through CLIP-170 and IQGAP1.

Interaction between very-KIND Ras guanine exchange factor and microtubule-associated protein 2, and its role in dendrite growth--structure and function of the second kinase noncatalytic C-lobe domain

The kinase noncatalytic C-lobe domain (KIND) is a putative protein-protein interaction module. Four KIND-containing proteins, Spir-2 (actin-nuclear factor), PTPN13 (protein tyrosine phosphatase), FRMPD2 (scaffold protein) and very-KIND (v-KIND) (brain-specific Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor), have been identified to date. Uniquely, v-KIND has two KINDs (i.e. KIND1 and KIND2), whereas the other three proteins have only one. The functional role of KIND, however, remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that v-KIND interacts with the high-molecular weight microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), a dendritic microtubule-associated protein, leading to negative regulation of neuronal dendrite growth. In the present study, we analyzed the structure-function relationships of the v-KIND-MAP2 interaction by generating a series of mutant constructs. The interaction with endogenous MAP2 in mouse cerebellar granule cells was specific to v-KIND KIND2, but not KIND1, and was not observed for the KINDs from other KIND-containing proteins. The binding core modules critical for the v-KIND-MAP2 interaction were defined within 32 residues of the mouse v-KIND KIND2 and 43 residues of the mouse MAP2 central domain. Three Leu residues at amino acid positions 461, 474 and 477 in the MAP2-binding core module of KIND2 contributed to the interaction. The MAP2-binding core module itself promoted dendrite branching as a dominant-negative regulator of v-KIND in hippocampal neurons. The results reported in the present study demonstrate the structural and functional determinant underlying the v-KIND-MAP2 interaction that controls dendrite arborization patterns.

Rho GTPases as regulators of morphological neuroplasticity

GTPases function as intracellular, bimolecular switches by adopting different conformational states in response to binding GDP or GTP. Their activation is mediated through cell-surface receptors. Rho GTPases act on several downstream effectors involved in cellular morphogenesis, cell polarity, migration and cell division. In neurons, Rho GTPases regulate various features of dendritic and axonal outgrowth during development and regeneration mainly through their effects on the cytoskeleton. This review summarizes the main functions of Rho, Rac and Cdc42 GTPases as key regulators of morphological neuroplasticity under normal and pathological conditions.

Automated Sholl analysis of digitized neuronal morphology at multiple scales: Whole cell Sholl analysis versus Sholl analysis of arbor subregions

The morphology of dendrites and the axon determines how a neuron processes and transmits information. Neurite morphology is frequently analyzed by Sholl analysis or by counting the total number of neurites and branch tips. However, the time and resources required to perform such analysis by hand is prohibitive for the processing of large data sets and introduces problems with data auditing and reproducibility. Furthermore, analyses performed by hand or using course-grained morphometric data extraction tools can obscure subtle differences in data sets because they do not store the data in a form that facilitates the application of multiple analytical tools. To address these shortcomings, we have developed a program (titled "Bonfire") to facilitate digitization of neurite morphology and subsequent Sholl analysis. Our program builds upon other available open-source morphological analysis tools by performing Sholl analysis on subregions of the neuritic arbor, enabling the detection of local level changes in dendrite and axon branching behavior. To validate this new tool, we applied Bonfire analysis to images of hippocampal neurons treated with 25 ng/ml brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and untreated control neurons. Consistent with prior findings, conventional Sholl analysis revealed that global exposure to BDNF increases the number of neuritic intersections proximal to the soma. Bonfire analysis additionally uncovers that BDNF treatment affects both root processes and terminal processes with no effect on intermediate neurites. Taken together, our data suggest that global exposure of hippocampal neurons to BDNF results in a reorganization of neuritic segments within their arbors, but not necessarily a change in their number or length. These findings were only made possible by the neurite-specific Sholl data returned by Bonfire analysis.

The role of BDNF as a mediator of neuroplasticity in bipolar disorder

The cognitive impairment and neuroanatomical changes that takes place among patients with bipolar disorder (BD) patients has been well described. Recent data suggest that changes in neuroplasticity, cell resilience and connectivity are the main neuropathological findings in BD. Data from differential lines of research converges to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as an important contributor to the neuroplasticity changes described among BD patients. BDNF serum levels have been shown to be decreased in depressive and manic episodes, returning to normal levels in euthymia. BDNF has also been shown to decrease as the disorder progresses. Moreover, factors that negatively influence the course of BD, such as life stress and trauma have been shown to be associated with a decrease in BDNF serum levels. These findings suggest that BDNF plays a central role in the progression of BD. The present review discusses the role of BDNF as a mediator of the neuroplastic changes that occur in portion with mood episodes and the potential use of serum BDNF as a biomarker in BD.

Automated Sholl analysis of digitized neuronal morphology at multiple scales

Neuronal morphology plays a significant role in determining how neurons function and communicate. Specifically, it affects the ability of neurons to receive inputs from other cells and contributes to the propagation of action potentials. The morphology of the neurites also affects how information is processed. The diversity of dendrite morphologies facilitate local and long range signaling and allow individual neurons or groups of neurons to carry out specialized functions within the neuronal network. Alterations in dendrite morphology, including fragmentation of dendrites and changes in branching patterns, have been observed in a number of disease states, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and mental retardation. The ability to both understand the factors that shape dendrite morphologies and to identify changes in dendrite morphologies is essential in the understanding of nervous system function and dysfunction. Neurite morphology is often analyzed by Sholl analysis and by counting the number of neurites and the number of branch tips. This analysis is generally applied to dendrites, but it can also be applied to axons. Performing this analysis by hand is both time consuming and inevitably introduces variability due to experimenter bias and inconsistency. The Bonfire program is a semi-automated approach to the analysis of dendrite and axon morphology that builds upon available open-source morphological analysis tools. Our program enables the detection of local changes in dendrite and axon branching behaviors by performing Sholl analysis on subregions of the neuritic arbor. For example, Sholl analysis is performed on both the neuron as a whole as well as on each subset of processes (primary, secondary, terminal, root, etc.) Dendrite and axon patterning is influenced by a number of intracellular and extracellular factors, many acting locally. Thus, the resulting arbor morphology is a result of specific processes acting on specific neurites, making it necessary to perform morphological analysis on a smaller scale in order to observe these local variations. The Bonfire program requires the use of two open-source analysis tools, the NeuronJ plugin to ImageJ and NeuronStudio. Neurons are traced in ImageJ, and NeuronStudio is used to define the connectivity between neurites. Bonfire contains a number of custom scripts written in MATLAB (MathWorks) that are used to convert the data into the appropriate format for further analysis, check for user errors, and ultimately perform Sholl analysis. Finally, data are exported into Excel for statistical analysis. A flow chart of the Bonfire program is shown in Figure 1.

Cdc42-mediated inhibition of GSK-3β improves angio-architecture and lumen formation during VEGF-driven pathological angiogenesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) typically induces abnormal angiogenesis in the adult, thereby aggravating disease pathology and limiting utility of VEGF for therapeutic angiogenesis. To identify strategies for rectifying defects in pathological VEGF neovessels, we investigated consequences of modulating the Rho GTPase Cdc42. In a mouse skin model of VEGF-driven pathological angiogenesis, transduction with active Cdc42 (L28Cdc42) markedly improved VEGF neovessels, as measured by increased lumen formation, enlarged vessel diameter, and enhanced perfusion of macromolecular tracers. Conversely, transduction with dominant negative Cdc42 (N17Cdc42) impaired endothelial cell (EC) assembly into lumenized blood vessels and reduced neovessel diameter and tracer perfusion. In vitro, active Cdc42 improved coordination between actin filaments and microtubules and enhanced formation of vascular cords, suggesting that active Cdc42 rectifies defects in angiogenesis by improving cytoskeletal dynamics and capillary morphogenesis. Analyses of Cdc42 signaling in microvascular ECs indicated that active Cdc42 also inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a multi-functional serine/threonine protein kinase. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β improved vascular cord formation in vitro and promoted proper neovessel formation in vivo comparably to active Cdc42, thus linking GSK-3β inhibition to the mechanism by which active Cdc42 rectifies pathological neovascularization. These studies identify activation of Cdc42 and inhibition of GSK-3β as novel strategies for correcting abnormalities associated with VEGF-driven angiogenesis, and they suggest new approaches for achieving improved therapeutic neovascularization with VEGF.

Neurite outgrowth: this process, first discovered by Santiago Ramon y Cajal, is sustained by the exocytosis of two distinct types of vesicles

Neurite outgrowth is a fundamental process in the differentiation of neurons. The first, seminal study documenting the generation of "appendages" (now known as filopodia and lamellipodia) on the "cones d'accroissement," the specialized growth cones at the tips of neurites, was reported by Cajal still in the XIXth century, investigating chicken neurons embryos stained by the Golgi's reazione nera. Since then, studies have continued using, in addition to brain tissues, powerful in vitro models, i.e. primary cultures of pyramidal neurons from the hippocampus and neurosecretory cell lines, in particular PC12 cells. These studies have documented that neuronal neurites, upon sprouting from the cell body, give rise to both axons and dendrites. The specificity of these differentiated neurites depends on the diffusion barrier established at the initial segment of the axon and on the specialized domains, spines and presynaptic boutons, assembled around complexes of scaffold proteins. The two main, coordinate mechanisms that support neurite outgrowth are (a) the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton and (b) the expansion of the plasma membrane due to the exo/endocytosis of specific vesicles, distinct from those filled with neurotransmitters (clear and dense-core vesicles). The latter process is the main task of this review. In axons the surface-expanding exocytoses are concentrated at the growth cones; in dendrites they may be more distributed along the shaft. At least two types of exocytic vesicles appear to be involved, the enlargeosomes, positive for VAMP4, during early phases of development, and Ti-VAMP-positive vesicles later on. Outgrowth studies, that are now intensely pursued, have already yielded results of great importance in brain cell biology and function, and are playing an increasing role in pathology and medicine.

Effects of substrate stiffness and cell density on primary hippocampal cultures

Previous studies have shown that dendrites are influenced by substrate stiffness when neurons are plated in either pure or mixed cultures. However, because substrate rigidity can also affect other aspects of culture development known to impact dendrite branching, such as overall cell number, it is unclear whether substrate stiffness exerts a direct or indirect effect on dendrite morphology. In this study, we determine whether substrate stiffness plays a critical role in regulating dendrite branching independent of cell number. We plated primary mixed hippocampal cultures on soft and stiff gels, with Young's moduli of 1 kPa and 7 kPa, respectively. We found that neurons plated on stiffer substrates showed increased branching relative to neurons grown on softer substrates at the same cell number. On the stiff gels, we also observed a cell number-dependent effect, in which increasing initial plating density decreased dendrite branching. This change correlates with an increase in extracellular glutamate. We concluded that both cell number and substrate stiffness play roles in determining dendrite branching, and that the two effects are independent of one another.