1
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Santos Musachio EA, da Silva Andrade S, Meichtry LB, Fernandes EJ, de Almeida PP, Janner DE, Dahleh MMM, Guerra GP, Prigol M. Exposure to Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S during development induces autism-like endophenotypes in adult Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 103:107348. [PMID: 38554851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are being widely used by the industry with the claim of "safer substances", even with the scarcity of toxicological studies. Given the etiological gap of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the environment may be a causal factor, so we investigated whether exposure to BPF and BPS during the developmental period can induce ASD-like modeling in adult flies. Drosophila melanogaster flies were exposed during development (embryonic and larval period) to concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM of BPF and BPS, separately inserted into the food. When they transformed into pupae were transferred to a standard diet, ensuring that the flies (adult stage) did not have contact with bisphenols. Thus, after hatching, consolidated behavioral tests were carried out for studies with ASD-type models in flies. It was observed that 1 mM BPF and BPS caused hyperactivity (evidenced by open-field test, negative geotaxis, increased aggressiveness and reproduction of repetitive behaviors). The flies belonging to the 1 mM groups of BPF and BPS also showed reduced cognitive capacity, elucidated by the learning behavior through aversive stimulus. Within the population dynamics that flies exposed to 1 mM BPF and 0.5 and 1 mM BPS showed a change in social interaction, remaining more distant from each other. Exposure to 1 mM BPF, 0.5 and 1 mM BPS increased brain size and reduced Shank immunoreactivity of adult flies. These findings complement each other and show that exposure to BPF and BPS during the development period can elucidate a model with endophenotypes similar to ASD in adult flies. Furthermore, when analyzing comparatively, BPS demonstrated a greater potential for damage when compared to BPF. Therefore, in general these data sets contradict the idea that these substances can be used freely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elize A Santos Musachio
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Stefani da Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Luana Barreto Meichtry
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Eliana Jardim Fernandes
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Pamela Piardi de Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Dieniffer Espinosa Janner
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Mustafa Munir Mustafa Dahleh
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Petri Guerra
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Prigol
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Sun Y, Li M, Geng J, Meng S, Tu R, Zhuang Y, Sun M, Rui M, Ou M, Xing G, Johnson TK, Xie W. Neuroligin 2 governs synaptic morphology and function through RACK1-cofilin signaling in Drosophila. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1056. [PMID: 37853189 PMCID: PMC10584876 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroligins are transmembrane cell adhesion proteins well-known for their genetic links to autism spectrum disorders. Neuroligins can function by regulating the actin cytoskeleton, however the factors and mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. Here, using the Drosophila neuromuscular junction as a model, we reveal that F-Actin assembly at the Drosophila NMJ is controlled through Cofilin signaling mediated by an interaction between DNlg2 and RACK1, factors not previously known to work together. The deletion of DNlg2 displays disrupted RACK1-Cofilin signaling pathway with diminished actin cytoskeleton proteo-stasis at the terminal of the NMJ, aberrant NMJ structure, reduced synaptic transmission, and abnormal locomotion at the third-instar larval stage. Overexpression of wildtype and activated Cofilin in muscles are sufficient to rescue the morphological and physiological defects in dnlg2 mutants, while inactivated Cofilin is not. Since the DNlg2 paralog DNlg1 is known to regulate F-actin assembly mainly via a specific interaction with WAVE complex, our present work suggests that the orchestration of F-actin by Neuroligins is a diverse and complex process critical for neural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Moyi Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Junhua Geng
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Sibie Meng
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Renjun Tu
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Mingkuan Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Menglong Rui
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Mengzhu Ou
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Guangling Xing
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Travis K Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Wei Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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3
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Lathakumari S, Seenipandian S, Balakrishnan S, Raj APMS, Sugiyama H, Namasivayam GP, Sivasubramaniam S. Identification of genes responsible for the social skill in the earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. GENE REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2023.101774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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4
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Bonini NM. A perspective on Drosophila genetics and its insight into human neurodegenerative disease. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1060796. [PMID: 36518845 PMCID: PMC9743296 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1060796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila has been long appreciated as a classic genetic system for its ability to define gene function in vivo. Within the last several decades, the fly has also emerged as a premiere system for modeling and defining mechanisms of human disease by expressing dominant human disease genes and analyzing the effects. Here I discuss key aspects of this latter approach that first intrigued me to focus my laboratory research on this idea. Differences between the loss-of-function vs. the gain-of-function approach are raised-and the insight of these approaches for appreciating mechanisms that contribute to human neurodegenerative disease. The application of modifier genetics, which is a prominent goal of models of human disease, has implications for how specific genes or pathways intersect with the dominant disease-associated mechanisms. Models of human disease will continue to reveal unanticipated insight into fundamental cellular processes-insight that might be harder to glean from classical genetic methodologies vs modifier genetics of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy M. Bonini
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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5
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Song C, Broadie K. Dysregulation of BMP, Wnt, and Insulin Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:934662. [PMID: 35880195 PMCID: PMC9307498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.934662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila models of neurological disease contribute tremendously to research progress due to the high conservation of human disease genes, the powerful and sophisticated genetic toolkit, and the rapid generation time. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders, and the Drosophila FXS disease model has been critical for the genetic screening discovery of new intercellular secretion mechanisms. Here, we focus on the roles of three major signaling pathways: BMP, Wnt, and insulin-like peptides. We present Drosophila FXS model defects compared to mouse models in stem cells/embryos, the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse model, and the developing adult brain. All three of these secreted signaling pathways are strikingly altered in FXS disease models, giving new mechanistic insights into impaired cellular outcomes and neurological phenotypes. Drosophila provides a powerful genetic screening platform to expand understanding of these secretory mechanisms and to test cellular roles in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The studies demonstrate the importance of exploring broad genetic interactions and unexpected regulatory mechanisms. We discuss a number of research avenues to pursue BMP, Wnt, and insulin signaling in future FXS investigations and the development of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhu Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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6
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Drosophila Model for Studying Gut Microbiota in Behaviors and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030596. [PMID: 35327401 PMCID: PMC8945323 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is linked to several physiological processes and disease development in mammals; however, the underlying mechanisms remained unexplored mostly due to the complexity of the mammalian gut microbiome. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a valuable animal model for studying host-gut microbiota interactions in translational aspects. The availability of powerful genetic tools and resources in Drosophila allowed the scientists to unravel the mechanisms by which the gut microbes affect fitness, health, and behavior of their hosts. Drosophila models have been extensively used not only to study animal behaviors (i.e., courtship, aggression, sleep, and learning & memory), but also some human related neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease) in the past. This review comprehensively summarizes the current understanding of the gut microbiota of Drosophila and its impact on fly behavior, physiology, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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7
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Qu S, Zhu Q, Zhou H, Gao Y, Wei Y, Ma Y, Wang Z, Sun X, Zhang L, Yang Q, Kong L, Zhang L. EasyFlyTracker: A Simple Video Tracking Python Package for Analyzing Adult Drosophila Locomotor and Sleep Activity to Facilitate Revealing the Effect of Psychiatric Drugs. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:809665. [PMID: 35221942 PMCID: PMC8868375 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.809665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of psychiatric drugs (stimulant and non-stimulant) is still unclear. Precision medication of psychiatric disorders faces challenges in pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics research due to difficulties in recruiting human subjects because of possibility of substance abuse and relatively small sample sizes. Drosophila is a powerful animal model for large-scale studies of drug effects based on the precise quantification of behavior. However, a user-friendly system for high-throughput simultaneous tracking and analysis of drug-treated individual adult flies is still lacking. It is critical to quickly setup a working environment including both the hardware and software at a reasonable cost. Thus, we have developed EasyFlyTracker, an open-source Python package that can track single fruit fly in each arena and analyze Drosophila locomotor and sleep activity based on video recording to facilitate revealing the psychiatric drug effects. The current version does not support multiple fruit fly tracking. Compared with existing software, EasyFlyTracker has the advantages of low cost, easy setup and scaling, rich statistics of movement trajectories, and compatibility with different video recording systems. Also, it accepts multiple video formats such as common MP4 and AVI formats. EasyFlyTracker provides a cross-platform and user-friendly interface combining command line and graphic configurations, which allows users to intuitively understand the process of tracking and downstream analyses and automatically generates multiple files, especially plots. Users can install EasyFlyTracker, go through tutorials, and give feedback on http://easyflytracker.cibr.ac.cn. Moreover, we tested EasyFlyTracker in a study of Drosophila melanogaster on the hyperactivity-like behavior effects of two psychiatric drugs, methylphenidate and atomoxetine, which are two commonly used drugs treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in human. This software has the potential to accelerate basic research on drug effect studies with fruit flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Qu
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Susu Qu,
| | - Qingjie Zhu
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Han Zhou
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wei
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Sun
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Quanjun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Kong
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Li Zhang,
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8
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DiCarlo GE, Wallace MT. Modeling dopamine dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: From invertebrates to vertebrates. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104494. [PMID: 34906613 PMCID: PMC8792250 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and by patterns of restricted interests and/or repetitive behaviors. The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative's Human Gene and CNV Modules now list over 1000 genes implicated in ASD and over 2000 copy number variant loci reported in individuals with ASD. Given this ever-growing list of genetic changes associated with ASD, it has become evident that there is likely not a single genetic cause of this disorder nor a single neurobiological basis of this disorder. Instead, it is likely that many different neurobiological perturbations (which may represent subtypes of ASD) can result in the set of behavioral symptoms that we called ASD. One such of possible subtype of ASD may be associated with dopamine dysfunction. Precise regulation of synaptic dopamine (DA) is required for reward processing and behavioral learning, behaviors which are disrupted in ASD. Here we review evidence for DA dysfunction in ASD and in animal models of ASD. Further, we propose that these studies provide a scaffold for scientists and clinicians to consider subcategorizing the ASD diagnosis based on the genetic changes, neurobiological difference, and behavioral features identified in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella E DiCarlo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt University Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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9
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Welch C, Johnson E, Tupikova A, Anderson J, Tinsley B, Newman J, Widman E, Alfareh A, Davis A, Rodriguez L, Visger C, Miller-Schulze JP, Lee W, Mulligan K. Bisphenol A affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, cognitive function, and neuromuscular synaptic morphology in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicology 2022; 89:67-78. [PMID: 35041872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally prevalent endocrine disrupting chemical that can impact human health and may be an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. BPA has been associated with behavioral impairment in children and a variety of neurodevelopmental phenotypes in model organisms. We used Drosophila melanogaster to explore the consequences of developmental BPA exposure on gene expression, cognitive function, and synapse development. Our transcriptome analysis indicated neurodevelopmentally relevant genes were predominantly downregulated by BPA. Among the misregulated genes were those with roles in learning, memory, and synapse development, as well as orthologs of human genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. To examine how gene expression data corresponded to behavioral and cellular phenotypes, we first used a predator-response behavioral paradigm and found that BPA disrupts visual perception. Further analysis using conditioned courtship suppression showed that BPA impairs associative learning. Finally, we examined synapse morphology within the larval neuromuscular junction and found that BPA significantly increased the number of axonal branches. Given that our findings align with studies of BPA in mammalian model organisms, this data indicates that BPA impairs neurodevelopmental pathways that are functionally conserved from invertebrates to mammals. Further, because Drosophila do not possess classic estrogen receptors or estrogen, this research suggests that BPA can impact neurodevelopment by molecular mechanisms distinct from its role as an estrogen mimic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Welch
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Eden Johnson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Angelina Tupikova
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Judith Anderson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Brendan Tinsley
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Johnathan Newman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Erin Widman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Adam Alfareh
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Alexandra Davis
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Lucero Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Clayton Visger
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Justin P Miller-Schulze
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA.
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10
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Hu C, Feng P, Yang Q, Xiao L. Clinical and Neurobiological Aspects of TAO Kinase Family in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:655037. [PMID: 33867937 PMCID: PMC8044823 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.655037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), from their genotype to phenotype, in the last few decades substantial progress has been made in understanding their pathophysiology. Recent accumulating evidence shows the relevance of genetic variants in thousand and one (TAO) kinases as major contributors to several NDDs. Although it is well-known that TAO kinases are a highly conserved family of STE20 kinase and play important roles in multiple biological processes, the emerging roles of TAO kinases in neurodevelopment and NDDs have yet to be intensively discussed. In this review article, we summarize the potential roles of the TAO kinases based on structural and biochemical analyses, present the genetic data from clinical investigations, and assess the mechanistic link between the mutations of TAO kinases, neuropathology, and behavioral impairment in NDDs. We then offer potential perspectives from basic research to clinical therapies, which may contribute to fully understanding how TAO kinases are involved in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Nguyen U, Tinsley B, Sen Y, Stein J, Palacios Y, Ceballos A, Welch C, Nzenkue K, Penn A, Murphy L, Leodones K, Casiquin J, Ivory I, Ghenta K, Danziger K, Widman E, Newman J, Triplehorn M, Hindi Z, Mulligan K. Exposure to bisphenol A differentially impacts neurodevelopment and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster from distinct genetic backgrounds. Neurotoxicology 2020; 82:146-157. [PMID: 33309840 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental chemical that has been linked to behavioral differences in children and shown to impact critical neurodevelopmental processes in animal models. Though data is emerging, we still have an incomplete picture of how BPA disrupts neurodevelopment; in particular, how its impacts may vary across different genetic backgrounds. Given the genetic tractability of Drosophila melanogaster, they present a valuable model to address this question. Fruit flies are increasingly being used for assessment of neurotoxicants because of their relatively simple brain structure and variety of measurable behaviors. Here we investigated the neurodevelopmental impacts of BPA across two genetic strains of Drosophila-w1118 (control) and the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) model-by examining both behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. We show that BPA induces hyperactivity in larvae, increases repetitive grooming behavior in adults, reduces courtship behavior, impairs axon guidance in the mushroom body, and disrupts neural stem cell development in the w1118 genetic strain. Remarkably, for every behavioral and neuronal phenotype examined, the impact of BPA in FXS flies was either insignificant or contrasted with the phenotypes observed in the w1118 strain. This data indicates that the neurodevelopmental impacts of BPA can vary widely depending on genetic background and suggests BPA may elicit a gene-environment interaction with Drosophila fragile X mental retardation 1 (dFmr1)-the ortholog of human FMR1, which causes Fragile X Syndrome and is associated with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - B Tinsley
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - Y Sen
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - J Stein
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - Y Palacios
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - A Ceballos
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - C Welch
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - K Nzenkue
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - A Penn
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - L Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - K Leodones
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - J Casiquin
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - I Ivory
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - K Ghenta
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - K Danziger
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - E Widman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - J Newman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - M Triplehorn
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - Z Hindi
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States
| | - K Mulligan
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, United States.
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12
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Qiu Z, Yuan B. Towards the Framework of Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:10.1007/s12264-019-00443-z. [PMID: 31707712 PMCID: PMC6863985 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00443-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Bo Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
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13
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Porokhovnik L. Individual Copy Number of Ribosomal Genes as a Factor of Mental Retardation and Autism Risk and Severity. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101151. [PMID: 31561466 PMCID: PMC6830322 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex multifactorial developmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication and restricted interests, often followed by mental retardation. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are caused by defects in miscellaneous molecular mechanisms, many of which remain unclear. But a considerable part of the known pathways converges on protein synthesis or degradation processes at different stages in the dendrites, laying the foundation for a concept of disturbed “translational homeostasis” or “proteostasis” in autism. The protein synthesis is conducted on ribosomes, cellular organelles consisting from a complex of riboproteins and a ribosomal RNA (rRNA) framework. The rRNA is encoded by ribosomal genes (RG) existing in multiple copies in the genome. The more copies of RG that are contained in the genome, the higher is the peak (maximum possible) ribosome abundance in the cell. A hypothesis is proposed that the RG copy number, through determining the quantity of ribosomes available in the dendrites, modulates the level of local dendritic translation and thus is a factor of risk and severity of a series of neuropsychiatric disorders caused by aberrant dendritic translation. A carrier of very low copy number of ribosomal genes is expected to have a milder form of ASD than a subject with the same epigenetic and genetic background, but a higher ribosomal gene dosage. Various ways of evaluation and testing the hypothesis on clinical material and animal models are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Porokhovnik
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 1 Moskvorechie str., Moscow 115478, Russia.
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14
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Autism Spectrum Disorder-Related Syndromes: Modeling with Drosophila and Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174071. [PMID: 31438473 PMCID: PMC6747505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole exome analyses have identified a number of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ASD-related syndromes. These genes encode key regulators of synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, cytoskeleton dynamics, protein synthesis and degradation, chromatin remodeling, transcription, and lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, in silico studies suggest complex regulatory networks among these genes. Drosophila is a useful genetic model system for studies of ASD and ASD-related syndromes to clarify the in vivo roles of ASD-associated genes and the complex gene regulatory networks operating in the pathogenesis of ASD and ASD-related syndromes. In this review, we discuss what we have learned from studies with vertebrate models, mostly mouse models. We then highlight studies with Drosophila models. We also discuss future developments in the related field.
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15
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Bellosta P, Soldano A. Dissecting the Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Drosophila Perspective. Front Physiol 2019; 10:987. [PMID: 31481894 PMCID: PMC6709880 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex group of multi-factorial developmental disorders that leads to communication and behavioral defects. Genetic alterations have been identified in around 20% of ASD patients and the use of genetic models, such as Drosophila melanogaster, has been of paramount importance in deciphering the significance of these alterations. In fact, many of the ASD associated genes, such as FMR1, Neurexin, Neuroligins and SHANK encode for proteins that have conserved functions in neurons and during synapse development, both in humans and in the fruit fly. Drosophila is a prominent model in neuroscience due to the conserved genetic networks that control neurodevelopmental processes and to the ease of manipulating its genetics. In the present review we will describe recent advances in the field of ASD with a particular focus on the characterization of genes where the use of Drosophila has been fundamental to better understand their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bellosta
- Laboratory of Metabolism of Cell Growth and Neuronal Survival, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBio), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBio), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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16
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Coll-Tané M, Krebbers A, Castells-Nobau A, Zweier C, Schenck A. Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders 'on the fly': insights from Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm039180. [PMID: 31088981 PMCID: PMC6550041 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are frequently co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders and affect 2-3% of the population. Rapid advances in exome and genome sequencing have increased the number of known implicated genes by threefold, to more than a thousand. The main challenges in the field are now to understand the various pathomechanisms associated with this bewildering number of genetic disorders, to identify new genes and to establish causality of variants in still-undiagnosed cases, and to work towards causal treatment options that so far are available only for a few metabolic conditions. To meet these challenges, the research community needs highly efficient model systems. With an increasing number of relevant assays and rapidly developing novel methodologies, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is ideally positioned to change gear in ID and ASD research. The aim of this Review is to summarize some of the exciting work that already has drawn attention to Drosophila as a model for these disorders. We highlight well-established ID- and ASD-relevant fly phenotypes at the (sub)cellular, brain and behavioral levels, and discuss strategies of how this extraordinarily efficient and versatile model can contribute to 'next generation' medical genomics and to a better understanding of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Coll-Tané
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alina Krebbers
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Tzortzopoulos A, Thomaidou D, Gaitanou M, Matsas R, Skoulakis E. Expression of Mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila Affects Nervous System Development by Interfering with Precursor Cell Formation. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:979-995. [PMID: 31079319 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00386-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We used Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model to express mouse and pig BM88/CEND1 (cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation 1) in order to investigate its potential functional effects on Drosophila neurogenesis. BM88/CEND1 is a neuron-specific protein whose function is implicated in triggering cells to exit from the cell cycle and differentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Transgenic flies expressing either mouse or pig BM88/CEND1 in the nervous system had severe neuronal phenotypes with variable expressivity at various stages of embryonic development. In early embryonic stage 10, BM88/CEND1 expression led to an increase in the neural-specific antigenicity of neuroectoderm at the expense of precursor cells [neuroblasts (Nbs) and ganglion mother cells (GMCs)] including the defective formation and differentiation of the MP2 precursors, whereas at later stages (12-15), protein accumulation induced gross morphological defects primarily in the CNS accompanied by a reduction of Nb and GMC markers. Furthermore, the neuronal precursor cells of embryos expressing BM88/CEND1 failed to carry out proper cell-cycle progression as revealed by the disorganized expression patterns of specific cell-cycle markers. BM88/CEND1 accumulation in the Drosophila eye affected normal eye disc development by disrupting the ommatidia. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of BM88/CEND1 modified/reduced the levels of activated MAP kinase indicating a functional effect of BM88/CEND1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that the expression of mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila exerts specific functional effects associated with neuronal precursor cell formation during embryonic neurogenesis and proper eye disc development. This study also validates the use of Drosophila as a powerful model system in which to investigate gene function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Skoulakis
- "Alexander Fleming" Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, 16672, Athens, Greece
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18
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Xia QQ, Xu J, Liao TL, Yu J, Shi L, Xia J, Luo JH, Xu J. Neuroligins Differentially Mediate Subtype-Specific Synapse Formation in Pyramidal Neurons and Interneurons. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:497-506. [PMID: 30790215 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroligins (NLs) are postsynaptic cell-adhesion proteins that play important roles in synapse formation and the excitatory-inhibitory balance. They have been associated with autism in both human genetic and animal model studies, and affect synaptic connections and synaptic plasticity in several brain regions. Yet current research mainly focuses on pyramidal neurons, while the function of NLs in interneurons remains to be understood. To explore the functional difference among NLs in the subtype-specific synapse formation of both pyramidal neurons and interneurons, we performed viral-mediated shRNA knockdown of NLs in cultured rat cortical neurons and examined the synapses in the two major types of neurons. Our results showed that in both types of neurons, NL1 and NL3 were involved in excitatory synapse formation, and NL2 in GABAergic synapse formation. Interestingly, NL1 affected GABAergic synapse formation more specifically than NL3, and NL2 affected excitatory synapse density preferentially in pyramidal neurons. In summary, our results demonstrated that different NLs play distinct roles in regulating the development and balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in pyramidal neurons and interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Qiang Xia
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Tai-Lin Liao
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jun Xia
- Division of Life Science, Division of Biomedical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Hong Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neuroscience, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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19
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Sun Y, Jia Y, Guo Y, Chen F, Yan Z. Taurine Transporter dEAAT2 is Required for Auditory Transduction in Drosophila. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:939-950. [PMID: 30043098 PMCID: PMC6246829 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0255-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila dEAAT2, a member of the excitatory amino-acid transporter (EAAT) family, has been described as mediating the high-affinity transport of taurine, which is a free amino-acid abundant in both insects and mammals. However, the role of taurine and its transporter in hearing is not clear. Here, we report that dEAAT2 is required for the larval startle response to sound stimuli. dEAAT2 was found to be enriched in the distal region of chordotonal neurons where sound transduction occurs. The Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological results showed that disrupted dEAAT2 expression significantly reduced the response of chordotonal neurons to sound. More importantly, expressing dEAAT2 in the chordotonal neurons rescued these mutant phenotypes. Taken together, these findings indicate a critical role for Drosophila dEAAT2 in sound transduction by chordotonal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Human Phenome Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yanyan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Human Phenome Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yifeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Human Phenome Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Human Phenome Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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20
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Xing G, Li M, Sun Y, Rui M, Zhuang Y, Lv H, Han J, Jia Z, Xie W. Neurexin-Neuroligin 1 regulates synaptic morphology and functions via the WAVE regulatory complex in Drosophila neuromuscular junction. eLife 2018. [PMID: 29537369 PMCID: PMC5873926 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroligins are postsynaptic adhesion molecules that are essential for postsynaptic specialization and synaptic function. But the underlying molecular mechanisms of neuroligin functions remain unclear. We found that Drosophila Neuroligin 1 (DNlg1) regulates synaptic structure and function through WAVE regulatory complex (WRC)-mediated postsynaptic actin reorganization. The disruption of DNlg1, DNlg2, or their presynaptic partner neurexin (DNrx) led to a dramatic decrease in the amount of F-actin. Further study showed that DNlg1, but not DNlg2 or DNlg3, directly interacts with the WRC via its C-terminal interacting receptor sequence. That interaction is required to recruit WRC to the postsynaptic membrane to promote F-actin assembly. Furthermore, the interaction between DNlg1 and the WRC is essential for DNlg1 to rescue the morphological and electrophysiological defects in dnlg1 mutants. Our results reveal a novel mechanism by which the DNrx-DNlg1 trans-synaptic interaction coordinates structural and functional properties at the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Xing
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Moyi Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yichen Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Menglong Rui
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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21
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Wu J, Tao N, Tian Y, Xing G, Lv H, Han J, Lin C, Xie W. Proteolytic maturation of Drosophila Neuroligin 3 by tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme in the nervous system. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1862:440-450. [PMID: 29107812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The functions of autism-associated Neuroligins (Nlgs) are modulated by their post-translational modifications, such as proteolytic cleavage. A previous study has shown that there are different endogenous forms of DNlg3 in Drosophila, indicating it may undergo proteolytic processing. However, the molecular mechanism underlying DNlg3 proteolytic processing is unknown. Here, we report a novel proteolytic mechanism that is essential for DNlg3 maturation and function in the nervous system. METHODS Molecular cloning, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and genetic studies were employed to map the DNlg3 cleavage region, identify the protease and characterize the cleavage manner. Behavior analysis, immunohistochemistry and genetic manipulations were employed to study the functions of different DNlg3 forms in the nervous system and neuromuscular junction (NMJs). RESULTS Tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme (TACE) cleaved DNlg3 exclusively at its extracellular acetylcholinesterase-like domain to generate the N-terminal fragment and the short membrane-anchored fragment (sDNlg3). DNlg3 was constitutively processed in an activity-independent manner. Interestingly, DNlg3 was cleaved intracellularly in the Golgi apparatus before it arrived at the cell surface, a unique cleavage mechanism that is distinct from 'conventional' ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins, including rodent Nlg1. Genetic studies showed that sDNlg3 was essential for maintaining proper locomotor activity in Drosophila. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a unique cleavage mechanism of DNlg3 and a neuron-specific role for DNlg3 maturation which is important in locomotor activity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our study provides a new insight into a cleavage mechanism of Nlgs maturation in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China
| | - Nana Tao
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China
| | - Yao Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Guanglin Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Huihui Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China; The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengqi Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China; The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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22
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Zhang X, Rui M, Gan G, Huang C, Yi J, Lv H, Xie W. Neuroligin 4 regulates synaptic growth via the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17991-18005. [PMID: 28912273 PMCID: PMC5672027 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.810242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroligin (Nlg) family of neural cell adhesion molecules is thought to be required for synapse formation and development and has been linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders in humans. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutations in the neuroligin 1–3 genes have been reported to induce synapse developmental defects at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), but the role of neuroligin 4 (dnlg4) in synapse development has not been determined. Here, we report that the Drosophila neuroligin 4 (DNlg4) is different from DNlg1–3 in that it presynaptically regulates NMJ synapse development. Loss of dnlg4 results in reduced growth of NMJs with fewer synaptic boutons. The morphological defects caused by dnlg4 mutant are associated with a corresponding decrease in synaptic transmission efficacy. All of these defects could only be rescued when DNlg4 was expressed in the presynapse of NMJs. To understand the basis of DNlg4 function, we looked for genetic interactions and found connections with the components of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Immunostaining and Western blot analyses demonstrated that the regulation of NMJ growth by DNlg4 was due to the positive modulation of BMP signaling by DNlg4. Specifically, BMP type I receptor thickvein (Tkv) abundance was reduced in dnlg4 mutants, and immunoprecipitation assays showed that DNlg4 and Tkv physically interacted in vivo. Our study demonstrates that DNlg4 presynaptically regulates neuromuscular synaptic growth via the BMP signaling pathway by modulating Tkv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwang Zhang
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,the Department of Biology, Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Menglong Rui
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Guangmin Gan
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Cong Huang
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Jukang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Huihui Lv
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
| | - Wei Xie
- From the Institute of Life Sciences, the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, .,Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China, and
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