Molecular organization and function of vertebrate septate-like junctions

Cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic roles of the ESCRT-III subunit Shrub in abscission of Drosophila sensory organ precursors

Although the molecular mechanisms governing abscission of isolated cells have largely been elucidated, those underlying the abscission of epithelial progenitors surrounded by epidermal cells (ECs), connected via cellular junctions, remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the remodeling of the paracellular diffusion barrier ensured by septate junctions (SJs) during cytokinesis of Drosophila sensory organ precursors (SOPs). We found that SOP cytokinesis involves the coordinated, polarized assembly and remodeling of SJs in the dividing cell and its neighbors, which remain connected to the former via membrane protrusions pointing towards the SOP midbody. SJ assembly and midbody basal displacement occur faster in SOPs than in ECs, leading to quicker disentanglement of neighboring cell membrane protrusions prior to midbody release. As reported in isolated cells, the endosomal sorting complex required for the transport-III component Shrub/CHMP4B is recruited at the midbody and cell-autonomously regulates abscission. In addition, Shrub is recruited to membrane protrusions and is required for SJ integrity, and alteration of SJ integrity leads to premature abscission. Our study uncovers cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic functions of Shrub in coordinating remodeling of the SJs and SOP abscission.

Compromised Myelin and Axonal Molecular Organization Following Adult-Onset Sulfatide Depletion

3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide, or sulfatide, is a prominent myelin glycosphingolipid reduced in the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), indicating that sulfatide reduction precedes demyelination. Using a mouse model that is constitutively depleted of sulfatide, we previously demonstrated that sulfatide is essential during development for the establishment and maintenance of myelin and axonal integrity and for the stable tethering of certain myelin proteins in the sheath. Here, using an adult-onset depletion model of sulfatide, we employ a combination of ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and biochemical approaches to analyze the consequence of sulfatide depletion from the adult CNS. Our findings show a progressive loss of axonal protein domain organization, which is accompanied by axonal degeneration, with myelin sparing. Similar to our previous work, we also observe differential myelin protein anchoring stabilities that are both sulfatide dependent and independent. Most notably, stable anchoring of neurofascin155, a myelin paranodal protein that binds the axonal paranodal complex of contactin/Caspr1, requires sulfatide. Together, our findings show that adult-onset sulfatide depletion, independent of demyelination, is sufficient to trigger progressive axonal degeneration. Although the pathologic mechanism is unknown, we propose that sulfatide is required for maintaining myelin organization and subsequent myelin-axon interactions and disruptions in these interactions results in compromised axon structure and function.

Super-resolution imaging pinpoints the periodic ultrastructure at the human node of Ranvier and its disruption in patients with polyneuropathy

The node of Ranvier is the key element in saltatory conduction along myelinated axons, but its specific protein organization remains elusive in the human species. To shed light on nanoscale anatomy of the human node of Ranvier in health and disease, we assessed human nerve biopsies of patients with polyneuropathy by super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. We applied direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) and supported our data by high-content confocal imaging combined with deep learning-based analysis. As a result, we revealed a ~ 190 nm periodic protein arrangement of cytoskeletal proteins and axoglial cell adhesion molecules in human peripheral nerves. In patients with polyneuropathy, periodic distances increased at the paranodal region of the node of Ranvier, both at the axonal cytoskeleton and at the axoglial junction. In-depth image analysis revealed a partial loss of proteins of the axoglial complex (Caspr-1, neurofascin-155) in combination with detachment from the cytoskeletal anchor protein ß2-spectrin. High content analysis showed that such paranodal disorganization occurred especially in acute and severe axonal neuropathy with ongoing Wallerian degeneration and related cytoskeletal damage. We provide nanoscale and protein-specific evidence for the prominent, but vulnerable role of the node of Ranvier for axonal integrity. Furthermore, we show that super-resolution imaging can identify, quantify and map elongated periodic protein distances and protein interaction in histopathological tissue samples. We thus introduce a promising tool for further translational applications of super resolution microscopy.

Structure and evolution of neuronal wiring receptors and ligands

One of the fundamental properties of a neuronal circuit is the map of its connections. The cellular and developmental processes that allow for the growth of axons and dendrites, selection of synaptic targets, and formation of functional synapses use neuronal surface receptors and their interactions with other surface receptors, secreted ligands, and matrix molecules. Spatiotemporal regulation of the expression of these receptors and cues allows for specificity in the developmental pathways that wire stereotyped circuits. The families of molecules controlling axon guidance and synapse formation are generally conserved across animals, with some important exceptions, which have consequences for neuronal connectivity. Here, we summarize the distribution of such molecules across multiple taxa, with a focus on model organisms, evolutionary processes that led to the multitude of such molecules, and functional consequences for the diversification or loss of these receptors.

Blood-nerve barrier disruption and coagulation system activation induced by mechanical compression injury participate in the peripheral sensitization of trigeminal neuralgia

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanisms of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) and the coagulation-anticoagulation system in modulating the mechanical allodynia in a trigeminal neuralgia (TN) rat model induced by chronic compression of the trigeminal root entry zone (TREZ).

Methods

Von Frey filaments were applied to determine the orofacial mechanical allodynia threshold. The BNB permeability was evaluated by Evans blue extravasation test. Immunohistochemical staining and laser confocal microscopy were used to measure the length of the depletion zones of the nodes of Ranvier in the TREZ, the diameter of nerve fibers and the length of the nodal gap. The transcriptional levels of prothrombin and endogenous thrombin inhibitor protease nexin-1 (PN-1) in the TREZ of TN rats were assessed by RT-qPCR. A Western blotting assay was performed to detect the expression of paranodal proteins neurofascin-155 (NF155) and neurofascin-125 (NF125) in the TREZ. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of thrombin activated receptor (i.e. protease activated receptor 1, PAR1) in TREZ were defined by immunostaining and immunoblotting assays. PAR1 receptor inhibitors SCH79797 were administrated to TN rats to analyze the effect of thrombin-PAR1 on orofacial hyperalgesia.

Results

A compression injury of a rat's TREZ successfully induced TN-like behavior and was accompanied by the destruction of the permeability of the BNB and the promotion of prothrombin and thrombin inhibitor protease nexin-1 (PN-1) expression. The expression of the paranodal proteins neurofascin-155 (NF155) and neurofascin-125 (NF125) was increased, while the nodal gap length of the nodes of Ranvier was widened and the length of node-depleted zones was shortened. Moreover, the expression of PAR1 within the TREZ was upregulated at an early stage of TN, and administration of the PAR1 antagonist SCH79797 effectively ameliorated orofacial mechanical allodynia.

Conclusion

A compression injury of the TREZ increased the permeability of the BNB and induced disturbances in the local coagulation-anticoagulation system, concomitant with the structural changes in the nodes of Ranvier, thrombin-PAR1 may play a critical role in modulating orofacial mechanical hyperalgesia in a TN rat model.

Paranodal Axoglial Junctions, an Essential Component in Axonal Homeostasis

In vertebrates, a high density of voltage-gated Na⁺ channel at nodes of Ranvier and of voltage-gated K⁺ channel at juxtaparanodes is necessary for rapid propagation of action potential, that is, for saltatory conduction in myelinated axons. Myelin loops attach to the axonal membrane and form paranodal axoglial junctions (PNJs) at paranodes adjacent to nodes of Ranvier. There is growing evidence that the PNJs contribute to axonal homeostasis in addition to their roles as lateral fences that restrict the location of nodal axolemmal proteins for effective saltatory conduction. Perturbations of PNJs, as in specific PNJ protein knockouts as well as in myelin lipid deficient mice, result in internodal axonal alterations, even if their internodal myelin is preserved. Here we review studies showing that PNJs play crucial roles in the myelinated axonal homeostasis. The present evidence points to two functions in particular: 1) PNJs facilitate axonal transport of membranous organelles as well as cytoskeletal proteins; and 2) they regulate the axonal distribution of type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R1) in cerebellar Purkinje axons. Myelinated axonal homeostasis depends among others on the state of PNJs, and consequently, a better understanding of this dependency may contribute to the clarification of CNS disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapies.

Beyond Wrapping: Canonical and Noncanonical Functions of Schwann Cells

Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are essential for the support and myelination of axons, ensuring fast and accurate communication between the central nervous system and the periphery. Schwann cells and related glia accompany innervating axons in virtually all tissues in the body, where they exhibit remarkable plasticity and the ability to modulate pathology in extraordinary, and sometimes surprising, ways. Here, we provide a brief overview of the various glial cell types in the PNS and describe the cornerstone cellular and molecular processes that enable Schwann cells to perform their canonical functions. We then dive into discussing exciting noncanonical functions of Schwann cells and related PNS glia, which include their role in organizing the PNS, in regulating synaptic activity and pain, in modulating immunity, in providing a pool of stem cells for different organs, and, finally, in influencing cancer.

Semper's cells in the insect compound eye: Insights into ocular form and function

The arthropod compound eye represents one of two major eye types in the animal kingdom and has served as an essential experimental paradigm for defining fundamental mechanisms underlying sensory organ formation, function, and maintenance. One of the most distinguishing features of the compound eye is the highly regular array of lens facets that define individual eye (ommatidial) units. These lens facets are produced by a deeply conserved quartet of cuticle-secreting cells, called Semper cells (SCs). Also widely known as cone cells, SCs were originally identified for their secretion of the dioptric system, i.e. the corneal lens and underlying crystalline cones. Additionally, SCs are now known to execute a diversity of patterning and glial functions in compound eye development and maintenance. Here, we present an integrated account of our current knowledge of SC multifunctionality in the Drosophila compound eye, highlighting emerging gene regulatory modules that may drive the diverse roles for these cells. Drawing comparisons with other deeply conserved retinal glia in the vertebrate single lens eye, this discussion speaks to glial cell origins and opens new avenues for understanding sensory system support programs.

Accumulation of Neurofascin at Nodes of Ranvier Is Regulated by a Paranodal Switch

The paranodal junctions flank mature nodes of Ranvier and provide a barrier between ion channels at the nodes and juxtaparanodes. These junctions also promote node assembly and maintenance by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here, we examine their role in the accumulation of NF186, a key adhesion molecule of PNS and CNS nodes. We previously showed that NF186 is initially targeted/accumulates via its ectodomain to forming PNS (hemi)nodes by diffusion trapping, whereas it is later targeted to mature nodes by a transport-dependent mechanism mediated by its cytoplasmic segment. To address the role of the paranodes in this switch, we compared accumulation of NF186 ectodomain and cytoplasmic domain constructs in WT versus paranode defective (i.e., Caspr-null) mice. Both pathways are affected in the paranodal mutants. In the PNS of Caspr-null mice, diffusion trapping mediated by the NF186 ectodomain aberrantly persists into adulthood, whereas the cytoplasmic domain/transport-dependent targeting is impaired. In contrast, accumulation of NF186 at CNS nodes does not undergo a switch; it is predominantly targeted to both forming and mature CNS nodes via its cytoplasmic domain and requires intact paranodes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis indicates that the paranodes provide a membrane diffusion barrier that normally precludes diffusion of NF186 to nodes. Linkage of paranodal proteins to the underlying cytoskeleton likely contributes to this diffusion barrier based on 4.1B and βII spectrin expression in Caspr-null mice. Together, these results implicate the paranodes as membrane diffusion barriers that regulate targeting to nodes and highlight differences in the assembly of PNS and CNS nodes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Nodes of Ranvier are essential for effective saltatory conduction along myelinated axons. A major question is how the various axonal proteins that comprise the multimeric nodal complex accumulate at this site. Here we examine how targeting of NF186, a key nodal adhesion molecule, is regulated by the flanking paranodal junctions. We show that the transition from diffusion-trapping to transport-dependent accumulation of NF186 requires the paranodal junctions. We also demonstrate that these junctions are a barrier to diffusion of axonal proteins into the node and highlight differences in PNS and CNS node assembly. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of node assembly and the pathophysiology of neurologic disorders in which impaired paranodal function contributes to clinical disability.