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Hamoudi Z, Leung C, Khuong TM, Cooney G, Neely GG. Vitamin B5 is a context-dependent dietary regulator of nociception. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae174. [PMID: 39073591 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain has an enormous impact on the quality of life of billions of patients, families, and caregivers worldwide. Current therapies do not adequately address pain for most patients. A basic understanding of the conserved genetic framework controlling pain may help us develop better, non-addictive pain therapies. Here, we identify new conserved and druggable analgesic targets using the tissue-specific functional genomic screening of candidate "pain" genes in fly. From these efforts, we describe 23 new pain genes for further consideration. This included Acsl, a fatty acid-metabolizing enzyme, and mammalian orthologs involved in arachidonic acid metabolism. The Acsl knockdown and mutant larvae showed delayed nocifensive responses to localized and global noxious heat. Mechanistically, the Acsl knockdown reduced dendritic branching of nociceptive neurons. Surprisingly, the pain phenotype in these animals could be rescued through dietary intervention with vitamin B5, highlighting the interplay between genetics, metabolism, and nutrient environment to establish sensory perception thresholds. Together, our functional genomic screening within the sensory nociceptor has identified new nociception genes that provide a better understanding of pain biology and can help guide the development of new painkillers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zina Hamoudi
- The Dr John and Anne Chong Laboratory for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Calvin Leung
- The Dr John and Anne Chong Laboratory for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Thang Manh Khuong
- The Dr John and Anne Chong Laboratory for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Gregory Cooney
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - G Gregory Neely
- The Dr John and Anne Chong Laboratory for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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2
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Yamamoto A, Huang W, Anholt RR, Mackay TF. The genetic basis of variation in Drosophila melanogaster mating behavior. iScience 2024; 27:109837. [PMID: 38766354 PMCID: PMC11099327 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mating behavior is an essential fitness trait. We used the inbred, sequenced lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to gain insights into the evolution of mating success and to evaluate the overlap in genetic architecture of mating behavior between the sexes. We found significant genetic variation for mating success when DGRP males and females from the same line were mated together, and when DGRP males and females were mated to an unrelated strain of the opposite sex. The mating success of DGRP males and females was not correlated when they were paired with the unrelated strain, suggesting independent genetic architecture of mating success in males and females that was confirmed by genome-wide association analyses. However, the mating success between pairs of the same or different DGRP lines was predicted accurately by the respective female and male mating success with the unrelated line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Yamamoto
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7614, USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7614, USA
| | - Robert R.H. Anholt
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7614, USA
| | - Trudy F.C. Mackay
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7614, USA
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3
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Richards JH, Freeman DD, Detloff MR. Myeloid Cell Association with Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain and Depressive-like Behaviors in LysM-eGFP Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104433. [PMID: 38007034 PMCID: PMC11058038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects ∼500,000 people worldwide annually, with the majority developing chronic neuropathic pain. Following SCI, approximately 60% of these individuals are diagnosed with comorbid mood disorders, while only ∼21% of the general population will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime. We hypothesize that nociceptive and depressive-like dysregulation occurs after SCI and is associated with aberrant macrophage infiltration in segmental pain centers. We completed moderate unilateral C5 spinal cord contusion on LysM-eGFP reporter mice to visualize infiltrating macrophages. At 6-weeks post-SCI, mice exhibit nociceptive and depressive-like dysfunction compared to naïve and sham groups. There were no differences between the sexes, indicating that sex is not a contributing factor driving nociceptive or depressive-like behaviors after SCI. Utilizing hierarchical cluster analysis, we classified mice based on endpoint nociceptive and depressive-like behavior scores. Approximately 59.3% of the SCI mice clustered based on increased paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli and immobility time in the forced swim test. SCI mice displayed increased myeloid cell presence in the lesion epicenter, ipsilateral C7-8 dorsal horn, and C7-8 DRGs as evidenced by eGFP, CD68, and Iba1 immunostaining when compared to naïve and sham mice. This was further confirmed by SCI-induced alterations in the expression of genes indicative of myeloid cell activation states and their associated secretome in the dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia. In conclusion, moderate unilateral cervical SCI caused the development of pain-related and depressive-like behaviors in a subset of mice and these behavioral changes are consistent with immune system activation in the segmental pain pathway. PERSPECTIVE: These experiments characterized pain-related and depressive-like behaviors and correlated these changes with the immune response post-SCI. While humanizing the rodent is impossible, the results from this study inform clinical literature to closely examine sex differences reported in humans to better understand the underlying shared etiologies of pain and depressive-like behaviors following central nervous system trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H. Richards
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Daniel D. Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Megan Ryan Detloff
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
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4
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Defaye M, Bradaia A, Abdullah NS, Agosti F, Iftinca M, Delanne-Cuménal M, Soubeyre V, Svendsen K, Gill G, Ozmaeian A, Gheziel N, Martin J, Poulen G, Lonjon N, Vachiery-Lahaye F, Bauchet L, Basso L, Bourinet E, Chiu IM, Altier C. Induction of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes by neuronal STING promotes the resolution of pain in mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176474. [PMID: 38690737 PMCID: PMC11060736 DOI: 10.1172/jci176474] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and pain are intertwined responses to injury, infection, or chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is essential in determining pain resolution and opioid analgesia, maladaptive processes occurring during resolution can lead to the transition to chronic pain. Here we found that inflammation activates the cytosolic DNA-sensing protein stimulator of IFN genes (STING) in dorsal root ganglion nociceptors. Neuronal activation of STING promotes signaling through TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and triggers an IFN-β response that mediates pain resolution. Notably, we found that mice expressing a nociceptor-specific gain-of-function mutation in STING exhibited an IFN gene signature that reduced nociceptor excitability and inflammatory hyperalgesia through a KChIP1-Kv4.3 regulation. Our findings reveal a role of IFN-regulated genes and KChIP1 downstream of STING in the resolution of inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Defaye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amyaouch Bradaia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nasser S. Abdullah
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francina Agosti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mircea Iftinca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mélissa Delanne-Cuménal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vanessa Soubeyre
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Donation and Transplantation Coordination Unit, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Kristofer Svendsen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gurveer Gill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
| | - Aye Ozmaeian
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nadine Gheziel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM UMR1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Jérémy Martin
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM UMR1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Gaetan Poulen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Donation and Transplantation Coordination Unit, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Lonjon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Donation and Transplantation Coordination Unit, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Vachiery-Lahaye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Donation and Transplantation Coordination Unit, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
| | - Luc Bauchet
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Donation and Transplantation Coordination Unit, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Lilian Basso
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITy), INSERM UMR1291, University of Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Bourinet
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Isaac M. Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christophe Altier
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, and
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Heu CC, Le KP, Gross RJ, Schutze IX, LeRoy DM, Langhorst D, Brent CS, Fabrick JA, Hull JJ. β-tubulin functions in spermatogenesis in Lygus hesperus Knight. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 152:104598. [PMID: 38081537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lygus hesperus Knight is an important insect pest of crops across western North America, with field management heavily reliant on the use of chemical insecticides. Because of the evolution of resistance to these insecticides, effective and environmentally benign pest management strategies are needed. Traditional sterile insect technique (SIT) has been successfully employed to manage or eradicate some insect pests but involves introducing irradiated insects with random mutations into field populations. New genetically-driven SIT techniques are a safer alternative, causing fixed mutations that manipulate individual genes in target pests to produce sterile individuals for release. Here, we identified seven β-tubulin coding genes from L. hesperus and show that Lhβtub2 is critical in male sperm production and fertility. Lhβtub2 is expressed primarily in the male testes and targeting of this gene by RNA interference or gene editing leads to male sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan C Heu
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Kevin P Le
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Roni J Gross
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Inana X Schutze
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Dannialle M LeRoy
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Daniel Langhorst
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Colin S Brent
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - Jeffrey A Fabrick
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
| | - J Joe Hull
- USDA ARS, U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA.
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6
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Chiang MH, Lin YC, Wu T, Wu CL. Thermosensation and Temperature Preference: From Molecules to Neuronal Circuits in Drosophila. Cells 2023; 12:2792. [PMID: 38132112 PMCID: PMC10741703 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242792] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature has a significant effect on all physiological processes of animals. Suitable temperatures promote responsiveness, movement, metabolism, growth, and reproduction in animals, whereas extreme temperatures can cause injury or even death. Thus, thermosensation is important for survival in all animals. However, mechanisms regulating thermosensation remain unexplored, mostly because of the complexity of mammalian neural circuits. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster achieves a desirable body temperature through ambient temperature fluctuations, sunlight exposure, and behavioral strategies. The availability of extensive genetic tools and resources for studying Drosophila have enabled scientists to unravel the mechanisms underlying their temperature preference. Over the past 20 years, Drosophila has become an ideal model for studying temperature-related genes and circuits. This review provides a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of thermosensation and temperature preference in Drosophila. It encompasses various aspects, such as the mechanisms by which flies sense temperature, the effects of internal and external factors on temperature preference, and the adaptive strategies employed by flies in extreme-temperature environments. Understanding the regulating mechanisms of thermosensation and temperature preference in Drosophila can provide fundamental insights into the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms that control body temperature and temperature-related behavioral changes in other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Hsuan Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (M.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Tony Wu
- Department of Neurology, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Lin Wu
- Department of Neurology, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan;
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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7
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Page KM, Gumerov VM, Dahimene S, Zhulin IB, Dolphin AC. The importance of cache domains in α 2δ proteins and the basis for their gabapentinoid selectivity. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2167563. [PMID: 36735378 PMCID: PMC9901441 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2167563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this hybrid review, we have first collected and reviewed available information on the structure and function of the enigmatic cache domains in α2δ proteins. These are organized into two double cache (dCache_1) domains, and they are present in all α2δ proteins. We have also included new data on the key function of these domains with respect to amino acid and gabapentinoid binding to the universal amino acid-binding pocket, which is present in α2δ-1 and α2δ-2. We have now identified the reason why α2δ-3 and α2δ-4 do not bind gabapentinoid drugs or amino acids with bulky side chains. In relation to this, we have determined that the bulky amino acids Tryptophan and Phenylalanine prevent gabapentin from inhibiting cell surface trafficking of α2δ-1. Together, these novel data shed further light on the importance of the cache domains in α2δ proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Page
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vadim M Gumerov
- Department of Microbiology and Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shehrazade Dahimene
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Igor B Zhulin
- Department of Microbiology and Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Annette C Dolphin
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
- CONTACT Annette C Dolphin Dolphin Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, LondonWC1E 6BT, UK
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8
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Zhang Y, Wang T, Cai Y, Cui T, Kuah M, Vicini S, Wang T. Role of α2δ-3 in regulating calcium channel localization at presynaptic active zones during homeostatic plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1253669. [PMID: 38025261 PMCID: PMC10662314 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1253669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostatic modulation of synaptic transmission is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is critical for stabilizing the nervous system. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) compensates for impairments in postsynaptic glutamate receptors due to pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion. During PHP, there is an increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, counteracting postsynaptic changes and restoring excitation to baseline levels. Previous studies have shown that α2δ-3, an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), is essential for both the rapid induction and sustained expression of PHP at the Drosophila NMJ. However, the molecular mechanisms by which α2δ-3 regulates neurotransmitter release during PHP remain to be elucidated. In this study, we utilized electrophysiological, confocal imaging, and super-resolution imaging approaches to explore how α2δ-3 regulates synaptic transmission during PHP. Our findings suggest that α2δ-3 governs PHP by controlling the localization of the calcium channel pore-forming α1 subunit at presynaptic release sites, or active zones. Moreover, we examined the role of two structural domains within α2δ-3 in regulating neurotransmitter release and calcium channel localization. Our results highlight that these domains in α2δ-3 serve distinct functions in controlling synaptic transmission and presynaptic calcium channel abundance, at baseline in the absence of perturbations and during PHP. In summary, our research offers compelling evidence that α2δ-3 is an indispensable signaling component for controlling calcium channel trafficking and stabilization in homeostatic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yimei Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tao Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michelle Kuah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
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9
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Steinmetz EL, Noh S, Klöppel C, Fuhr MF, Bach N, Raffael ME, Hildebrandt K, Wittling F, Jann D, Walldorf U. Generation of Mutants from the 57B Region of Drosophila melanogaster. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2047. [PMID: 38002990 PMCID: PMC10671637 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112047] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The 57B region of Drosophila melanogaster includes a cluster of the three homeobox genes orthopedia (otp), Drosophila Retinal homeobox (DRx), and homeobrain (hbn). In an attempt to isolate mutants for these genes, we performed an EMS mutagenesis and isolated lethal mutants from the 57B region, among them mutants for otp, DRx, and hbn. With the help of two newly generated deletions from the 57B region, we mapped additional mutants to specific chromosomal intervals and identified several of these mutants from the 57B region molecularly. In addition, we generated mutants for CG15651 and RIC-3 by gene targeting and mutants for the genes CG9344, CG15649, CG15650, and ND-B14.7 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We determined the lethality period during development for most isolated mutants. In total, we analysed alleles from nine different genes from the 57B region of Drosophila, which could now be used to further explore the functions of the corresponding genes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Louise Steinmetz
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
- Zoology & Physiology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building B2.1, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sandra Noh
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Christine Klöppel
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin F. Fuhr
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Bach
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Mona Evelyn Raffael
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hildebrandt
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Fabienne Wittling
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarland University, Building E8.1, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Doris Jann
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
- Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 45.2, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Walldorf
- Developmental Biology, ZHMB (Center of Human and Molecular Biology), Saarland University, Building 61, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
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10
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Shao W, Zheng H, Zhu J, Li W, Li Y, Hu W, Zhang J, Jing L, Wang K, Jiang X. Deletions of Cacna2d3 in parvalbumin-expressing neurons leads to autistic-like phenotypes in mice. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105569. [PMID: 37419212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105569] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a series of highly inherited neurodevelopmental disorders. Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the CACNA2D3 gene are associated with ASD. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Dysfunction of cortical interneurons (INs) is strongly implicated in ASD. Parvalbumin-expressing (PV) INs and somatostatin-expressing (SOM) INs are the two most subtypes. Here, we characterized a mouse knockout of the Cacna2d3 gene in PV-expressing neurons (PVCre;Cacna2d3f/f mice) or in SOM-expressing neurons (SOMCre;Cacna2d3f/f mice), respectively. PVCre;Cacna2d3f/f mice showed deficits in the core ASD behavioral domains (including impaired sociability and increased repetitive behavior), as well as anxiety-like behavior and improved spatial memory. Furthermore, loss of Cacna2d3 from a subset of PV neurons results in a reduction of GAD67 and PV expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These may underlie the increased neuronal excitability in the mPFC, which contribute to the abnormal social behavior in PVCre;Cacna2d3f/f mice. Whereas, SOMCre;Cacna2d3f/f mice showed no obvious deficits in social, cognitive, or emotional phenotypes. Our findings provide the first evidence suggesting the causal role of Cacna2d3 insufficiency in PV neurons in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shao
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Zheng
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingwen Zhu
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liang Jing
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.
| | - Kai Wang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China; Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Jiang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.
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11
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Nijboer TCW, Hessel EVS, van Haaften GW, van Zandvoort MJ, van der Spek PJ, Troelstra C, de Kovel CGF, Koeleman BPC, van der Zwaag B, Brilstra EH, Burbach JPH. Identification of candidate genes for developmental colour agnosia in a single unique family. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290013. [PMID: 37672513 PMCID: PMC10482254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colour agnosia is a disorder that impairs colour knowledge (naming, recognition) despite intact colour perception. Previously, we have identified the first and only-known family with hereditary developmental colour agnosia. The aim of the current study was to explore genomic regions and candidate genes that potentially cause this trait in this family. For three family members with developmental colour agnosia and three unaffected family members CGH-array analysis and exome sequencing was performed, and linkage analysis was carried out using DominantMapper, resulting in the identification of 19 cosegregating chromosomal regions. Whole exome sequencing resulted in 11 rare coding variants present in all affected family members with developmental colour agnosia and absent in unaffected members. These variants affected genes that have been implicated in neural processes and functions (CACNA2D4, DDX25, GRINA, MYO15A) or that have an indirect link to brain function, development or disease (MAML2, STAU1, TMED3, RABEPK), and a remaining group lacking brain expression or involved in non-neural traits (DEPDC7, OR1J1, OR8D4). Although this is an explorative study, the small set of candidate genes that could serve as a starting point for unravelling mechanisms of higher level cognitive functions and cortical specialization, and disorders therein such as developmental colour agnosia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja C. W. Nijboer
- UMCU Brain Center and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V. S. Hessel
- UMCU Brain Center and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs W. van Haaften
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J. van Zandvoort
- Department of Experimental Psychology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J. van der Spek
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Troelstra
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carolien G. F. de Kovel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bobby P. C. Koeleman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva H. Brilstra
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- UMCU Brain Center, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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12
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Kuyateh O, Obbard DJ. Viruses in Laboratory Drosophila and Their Impact on Host Gene Expression. Viruses 2023; 15:1849. [PMID: 37766256 PMCID: PMC10537266 DOI: 10.3390/v15091849] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has one of the best characterized antiviral immune responses among invertebrates. However, relatively few easily transmitted natural virus isolates are available, and so many Drosophila experiments have been performed using artificial infection routes and artificial host-virus combinations. These may not reflect natural infections, especially for subtle phenotypes such as gene expression. Here, to explore the laboratory virus community and to better understand how natural virus infections induce changes in gene expression, we have analysed seven publicly available D. melanogaster transcriptomic sequencing datasets that were originally sequenced for projects unrelated to virus infection. We have found ten known viruses-including five that have not been experimentally isolated-but no previously unknown viruses. Our analysis of host gene expression revealed that numerous genes were differentially expressed in flies that were naturally infected with a virus. For example, flies infected with nora virus showed patterns of gene expression consistent with intestinal vacuolization and possible host repair via the upd3 JAK/STAT pathway. We also found marked sex differences in virus-induced differential gene expression. Our results show that natural virus infection in laboratory Drosophila does indeed induce detectable changes in gene expression, suggesting that this may form an important background condition for experimental studies in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumie Kuyateh
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK;
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Darren J. Obbard
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK;
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13
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Chen HF, Lambers H, Nagelmann N, Sandbrink M, Segelcke D, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Faber C, Pradier B. Generation of a whole-brain hemodynamic response function and sex-specific differences in cerebral processing of mechano-sensation in mice detected by BOLD fMRI. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1187328. [PMID: 37700753 PMCID: PMC10493293 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1187328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BOLD fMRI has become a prevalent method to study cerebral sensory processing in rodent disease models, including pain and mechanical hypersensitivity. fMRI data analysis is frequently combined with a general-linear-model (GLM) -based analysis, which uses the convolution of a hemodynamic response function (HRF) with the stimulus paradigm. However, several studies indicated that the HRF differs across species, sexes, brain structures, and experimental factors, including stimulation modalities or anesthesia, and hence might strongly affect the outcome of BOLD analyzes. While considerable work has been done in humans and rats to understand the HRF, much less is known in mice. As a prerequisite to investigate mechano-sensory processing and BOLD fMRI data in male and female mice, we (1) designed a rotating stimulator that allows application of two different mechanical modalities, including innocuous von Frey and noxious pinprick stimuli and (2) determined and statistically compared HRFs across 30 brain structures and experimental conditions, including sex and, stimulus modalities. We found that mechanical stimulation lead to brain-wide BOLD signal changes thereby allowing extraction of HRFs from multiple brain structures. However, we did not find differences in HRFs across all brain structures and experimental conditions. Hence, we computed a whole-brain mouse HRF, which is based on 88 functional scans from 30 mice. A comparison of this mouse-specific HRF with our previously reported rat-derived HRF showed significantly slower kinetics in mice. Finally, we detected pronounced differences in cerebral BOLD activation between male and female mice with mechanical stimulation, thereby exposing divergent processing of noxious and innocuous stimuli in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Fen Chen
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henriette Lambers
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Nagelmann
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Sandbrink
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Segelcke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Esther Pogatzki-Zahn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bruno Pradier
- Clinic of Radiology, Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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14
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Kinoshita Y, Shiratsuchi N, Araki M, Inoue YH. Anti-Tumor Effect of Turandot Proteins Induced via the JAK/STAT Pathway in the mxc Hematopoietic Tumor Mutant in Drosophila. Cells 2023; 12:2047. [PMID: 37626857 PMCID: PMC10453024 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Several antimicrobial peptides suppress the growth of lymph gland (LG) tumors in Drosophila multi sex comb (mxc) mutant larvae. The activity of another family of polypeptides, called Turandots, is also induced via the JAK/STAT pathway after bacterial infection; however, their influence on Drosophila tumors remains unclear. The JAK/STAT pathway was activated in LG tumors, fat body, and circulating hemocytes of mutant larvae. The mRNA levels of Turandot (Tot) genes increased markedly in the mutant fat body and declined upon silencing Stat92E in the fat body, indicating the involvement of the JAK/STAT pathway. Furthermore, significantly enhanced tumor growth upon a fat-body-specific silencing of the mRNAs demonstrated the antitumor effects of these proteins. The proteins were found to be incorporated into small vesicles in mutant circulating hemocytes (as previously reported for several antimicrobial peptides) but not normal cells. In addition, more hemocytes containing these proteins were found to be associated with tumors. The mutant LGs contained activated effector caspases, and a fat-body-specific silencing of Tots inhibited apoptosis and increased the number of mitotic cells in the LG, thereby suggesting that the proteins inhibited tumor cell proliferation. Thus, Tot proteins possibly exhibit antitumor effects via the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yoshihiro H. Inoue
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Mastugasaki, Kyoto 606-0962, Japan; (Y.K.); (N.S.); (M.A.)
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15
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Häfele M, Kreitz S, Ludwig A, Hess A, Wank I. The impact of HCN4 channels on CNS brain networks as a new target in pain development. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1090502. [PMID: 37496803 PMCID: PMC10368246 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1090502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
While it is well established that the isoform 2 of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel (HCN2) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of pain, the role of the closely related HCN4 isoform in the processing of nociceptive signals is not known. HCN4 channels are highly expressed in the thalamus, a region important for stimulus transmission and information processing. We used a brain-specific HCN4-knockout mouse line (HCN4-KO) to explore the role of HCN4 channels in acute nociceptive processing using several behavioral tests as well as a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach. Functional MRI (fMRI) brain responses were measured during acute peripheral thermal stimulation complemented by resting state (RS) before and after stimulation. The data were analyzed by conventional and graph-theoretical approaches. Finally, high-resolution anatomical brain data were acquired. HCN4-KO animals showed a central thermal, but not a mechanical hypersensitivity in behavioral experiments. The open field analysis showed no significant differences in motor readouts between HCN4-KO and controls but uncovered increased anxiety in the HCN4-KO mice. Thermal stimulus-driven fMRI (s-fMRI) data revealed increased response volumes and response amplitudes for HCN4-KO, most pronounced at lower stimulation temperatures in the subcortical input, the amygdala as well as in limbic/hippocampal regions, and in the cerebellum. These findings could be cross-validated by graph-theoretical analyses. Assessment of short-term RS before and after thermal stimulation revealed that stimulation-related modulations of the functional connectivity only occurred in control animals. This was consistent with the finding that the hippocampus was found to be smaller in HCN4-KO. In summary, the deletion of HCN4 channels impacts on processing of acute nociception, which is remarkably manifested as a thermal hypersensitive phenotype. This was mediated by the key regions hypothalamus, somatosensory cortex, cerebellum and the amygdala. As consequence, HCN4-KO mice were more anxious, and their brain-wide RS functional connectivity could not be modulated by thermal nociceptive stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Häfele
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kreitz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hess
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- FAU NeW—Research Center for New Bioactive Compounds, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabel Wank
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Liu J, Liu W, Thakur D, Mack J, Spina A, Montell C. Alleviation of thermal nociception depends on heat-sensitive neurons and a TRP channel in the brain. Curr Biol 2023; 33:2397-2406.e6. [PMID: 37201520 PMCID: PMC10330845 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Acute avoidance of dangerous temperatures is critical for animals to prevent or minimize injury. Therefore, surface receptors have evolved to endow neurons with the capacity to detect noxious heat so that animals can initiate escape behaviors. Animals including humans have evolved intrinsic pain-suppressing systems to attenuate nociception under some circumstances. Here, using Drosophila melanogaster, we uncovered a new mechanism through which thermal nociception is suppressed. We identified a single descending neuron in each brain hemisphere, which is the center for suppression of thermal nociception. These Epi neurons, for Epione-the goddess of soothing of pain-express a nociception-suppressing neuropeptide Allatostatin C (AstC), which is related to a mammalian anti-nociceptive peptide, somatostatin. Epi neurons are direct sensors for noxious heat, and when activated they release AstC, which diminishes nociception. We found that Epi neurons also express the heat-activated TRP channel, Painless (Pain), and thermal activation of Epi neurons and the subsequent suppression of thermal nociception depend on Pain. Thus, while TRP channels are well known to sense noxious temperatures to promote avoidance behavior, this work reveals the first role for a TRP channel for detecting noxious temperatures for the purpose of suppressing rather than enhancing nociception behavior in response to hot thermal stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Dhananjay Thakur
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - John Mack
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Aidin Spina
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Craig Montell
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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17
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Oikawa I, Kondo S, Hashimoto K, Yoshida A, Hamajima M, Tanimoto H, Furukubo-Tokunaga K, Honjo K. A descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception mediated by an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide system in Drosophila. eLife 2023; 12:RP85760. [PMID: 37310871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociception is a neural process that animals have developed to avoid potentially tissue-damaging stimuli. While nociception is triggered in the peripheral nervous system, its modulation by the central nervous system is a critical process in mammals, whose dysfunction has been extensively implicated in chronic pain pathogenesis. The peripheral mechanisms of nociception are largely conserved across the animal kingdom. However, it is unclear whether the brain-mediated modulation is also conserved in non-mammalian species. Here, we show that Drosophila has a descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception from the brain, mediated by the neuropeptide Drosulfakinin (DSK), a homolog of cholecystokinin (CCK) that plays an important role in the descending control of nociception in mammals. We found that mutants lacking dsk or its receptors are hypersensitive to noxious heat. Through a combination of genetic, behavioral, histological, and Ca2+ imaging analyses, we subsequently revealed neurons involved in DSK-mediated nociceptive regulation at a single-cell resolution and identified a DSKergic descending neuronal pathway that inhibits nociception. This study provides the first evidence for a descending modulatory mechanism of nociception from the brain in a non-mammalian species that is mediated by the evolutionarily conserved CCK system, raising the possibility that the descending inhibition is an ancient mechanism to regulate nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Oikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kao Hashimoto
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akiho Yoshida
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Megumi Hamajima
- Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Hiromu Tanimoto
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Ken Honjo
- Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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18
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Bustin KA, Shishikura K, Chen I, Lin Z, McKnight N, Chang Y, Wang X, Li JJ, Arellano E, Pei L, Morton PD, Gregus AM, Buczynski MW, Matthews ML. Phenelzine-based probes reveal Secernin-3 is involved in thermal nociception. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103842. [PMID: 36924917 PMCID: PMC10247460 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103842] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical platforms that facilitate both the identification and elucidation of new areas for therapeutic development are necessary but lacking. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) leverages active site-directed chemical probes as target discovery tools that resolve activity from expression and immediately marry the targets identified with lead compounds for drug design. However, this approach has traditionally focused on predictable and intrinsic enzyme functionality. Here, we applied our activity-based proteomics discovery platform to map non-encoded and post-translationally acquired enzyme functionalities (e.g. cofactors) in vivo using chemical probes that exploit the nucleophilic hydrazine pharmacophores found in a classic antidepressant drug (e.g. phenelzine, Nardil®). We show the probes are in vivo active and can map proteome-wide tissue-specific target engagement of the drug. In addition to engaging targets (flavoenzymes monoamine oxidase A/B) that are associated with the known therapeutic mechanism as well as several other members of the flavoenzyme family, the probes captured the previously discovered N-terminal glyoxylyl (Glox) group of Secernin-3 (SCRN3) in vivo through a divergent mechanism, indicating this functional feature has biochemical activity in the brain. SCRN3 protein is ubiquitously expressed in the brain, yet gene expression is regulated by inflammatory stimuli. In an inflammatory pain mouse model, behavioral assessment of nociception showed Scrn3 male knockout mice selectively exhibited impaired thermal nociceptive sensitivity. Our study provides a guided workflow to entangle molecular (off)targets and pharmacological mechanisms for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Bustin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kyosuke Shishikura
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Irene Chen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Zongtao Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nate McKnight
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuxuan Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jing Jing Li
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric Arellano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Liming Pei
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Paul D Morton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Ann M Gregus
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Matthew W Buczynski
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Megan L Matthews
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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19
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Wadle SL, Schmitt TTX, Engel J, Kurt S, Hirtz JJ. Altered population activity and local tuning heterogeneity in auditory cortex of Cacna2d3-deficient mice. Biol Chem 2023; 404:607-617. [PMID: 36342370 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The α2δ3 auxiliary subunit of voltage-activated calcium channels is required for normal synaptic transmission and precise temporal processing of sounds in the auditory brainstem. In mice its loss additionally leads to an inability to distinguish amplitude-modulated tones. Furthermore, loss of function of α2δ3 has been associated with autism spectrum disorder in humans. To investigate possible alterations of network activity in the higher-order auditory system in α2δ3 knockout mice, we analyzed neuronal activity patterns and topography of frequency tuning within networks of the auditory cortex (AC) using two-photon Ca2+ imaging. Compared to wild-type mice we found distinct subfield-specific alterations in the primary auditory cortex, expressed in overall lower correlations between the network activity patterns in response to different sounds as well as lower reliability of these patterns upon repetitions of the same sound. Higher AC subfields did not display these alterations but showed a higher amount of well-tuned neurons along with lower local heterogeneity of the neurons' frequency tuning. Our results provide new insight into AC network activity alterations in an autism spectrum disorder-associated mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L Wadle
- Physiology of Neuronal Networks, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Tatjana T X Schmitt
- Physiology of Neuronal Networks, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jutta Engel
- Department of Biophysics, Saarland University, School of Medicine, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Simone Kurt
- Department of Biophysics, Saarland University, School of Medicine, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jan J Hirtz
- Physiology of Neuronal Networks, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, D-67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
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20
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Hertzler JI, Bernard AR, Rolls MM. Dendrite regeneration mediates functional recovery after complete dendrite removal. Dev Biol 2023; 497:18-25. [PMID: 36870669 PMCID: PMC10073339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.03.001] [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] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Unlike many cell types, neurons are not typically replaced if damaged. Therefore, regeneration of damaged cellular domains is critical for maintenance of neuronal function. While axon regeneration has been documented for several hundred years, it has only recently become possible to determine whether neurons respond to dendrite removal with regeneration. Regrowth of dendrite arbors has been documented in invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, but whether it leads to functional restoration of a circuit remains unknown. To test whether dendrite regeneration restores function, we used larval Drosophila nociceptive neurons. Their dendrites detect noxious stimuli to initiate escape behavior. Previous studies of Drosophila sensory neurons have shown that dendrites of single neurons regrow after laser severing. We removed dendrites from 16 neurons per animal to clear most of the dorsal surface of nociceptive innervation. As expected, this reduced aversive responses to noxious touch. Surprisingly, behavior was completely restored 24 h after injury, at the stage when dendrite regeneration has begun, but the new arbor has only covered a small portion of its former territory. This behavioral recovery required regenerative outgrowth as it was eliminated in a genetic background in which new growth is blocked. We conclude that dendrite regeneration can restore behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ian Hertzler
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Annabelle R Bernard
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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21
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Ahmed M, Muffat J, Li Y. Understanding neural development and diseases using CRISPR screens in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1158373. [PMID: 37101616 PMCID: PMC10123288 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1158373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most complex part of the human body in form and function. Much remains unclear about the molecular mechanisms that regulate its normal and pathological physiology. This lack of knowledge largely stems from the inaccessible nature of the human brain, and the limitation of animal models. As a result, brain disorders are difficult to understand and even more difficult to treat. Recent advances in generating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) neural cultures have provided an accessible system to model the human brain. Breakthroughs in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 further elevate the hPSCs into a genetically tractable experimental system. Powerful genetic screens, previously reserved for model organisms and transformed cell lines, can now be performed in human neural cells. Combined with the rapidly expanding single-cell genomics toolkit, these technological advances culminate to create an unprecedented opportunity to study the human brain using functional genomics. This review will summarize the current progress of applying CRISPR-based genetic screens in hPSCs-derived 2D neural cultures and 3D brain organoids. We will also evaluate the key technologies involved and discuss their related experimental considerations and future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Ahmed
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julien Muffat
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yun Li
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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22
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Tomihara K, Tanaka S, Katsuma S, Shimada T, Kobayashi J, Kiuchi T. Recessive embryonic lethal mutations uncovered in heterozygous condition in silkworm semiconsomic strains. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 155:103933. [PMID: 36931352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we found two embryonic lethal mutations, t04 lethal (l-t04) and m04 lethal (l-m04), in semiconsomic strains T04 and M04, respectively. In these semiconsomic strains, the entire diploid genome, except for one chromosome 4 of the wild silkworm Bombyx mandarina, is substituted with chromosomes of the domesticated silkworm B. mori, and l-t04 and l-m04 mutations are located on B. mandarina-derived chromosome 4. To clarify the cause of the lethalities and the genes responsible for these mutations, positional cloning and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout screening were performed. Finally, genetic complementation tests identified the mutations responsible for the l-t04 and l-m04 as the Bombyx homolog of imaginal discs arrested (Bmida) and TATA box binding protein-associated factor 5 (BmTaf5), respectively. Lethal stages of each knockout mutant indicated the importance of these genes in B. mori late embryogenesis. The lethal mutations responsible for l-t04 and l-m04 were not found in parental strains or wild B. mandarina collected from 39 distinct locations in Japan, indicating that both mutations were independently introduced during or after the development of the semiconsomic strains. We conclude that the recessive embryonic lethality in the T04 and M04 strains is due to deleterious mutations produced in B. mandarina-derived chromosome 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Tomihara
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
| | - Saori Tanaka
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Susumu Katsuma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Toru Shimada
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science/Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan
| | - Jun Kobayashi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Takashi Kiuchi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
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23
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Takeuchi S, Shimizu K, Fukada Y, Emoto K. The circadian clock in the piriform cortex intrinsically tunes daily changes of odor-evoked neural activity. Commun Biol 2023; 6:332. [PMID: 36973364 PMCID: PMC10043281 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04691-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The daily activity in the brain is typically fine-tuned by the circadian clock in the local neurons as well as by the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. In the olfactory response, odor-evoked activity in the piriform cortex (PC) and olfactory behavior retain circadian rhythmicity in the absence of the SCN, yet how the circadian rhythm in the PC is achieved independently of the SCN remains elusive. Here, to define neurons regulating the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, we knocked out the clock gene Bmal1 in a host of specific neurons along the olfactory circuit. We discovered that Bmal1 knockout in the PC largely abolishes the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity. We further showed that isolated PC exhibits sustained circadian rhythms of the clock gene Per2 expression. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and synaptic transmission exhibit circadian rhythm in the PC in a BMAL1-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that BMAL1 acts intrinsically in the PC to control the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, possibly through regulating expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Takeuchi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kimiko Shimizu
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuo Emoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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24
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Boivin JC, Zhu J, Ohyama T. Nociception in fruit fly larvae. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1076017. [PMID: 37006412 PMCID: PMC10063880 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1076017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociception, the process of encoding and processing noxious or painful stimuli, allows animals to detect and avoid or escape from potentially life-threatening stimuli. Here, we provide a brief overview of recent technical developments and studies that have advanced our understanding of the Drosophila larval nociceptive circuit and demonstrated its potential as a model system to elucidate the mechanistic basis of nociception. The nervous system of a Drosophila larva contains roughly 15,000 neurons, which allows for reconstructing the connectivity among them directly by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the availability of genetic tools for manipulating the activity of individual neurons and recent advances in computational and high-throughput behavior analysis methods have facilitated the identification of a neural circuit underlying a characteristic nocifensive behavior. We also discuss how neuromodulators may play a key role in modulating the nociceptive circuit and behavioral output. A detailed understanding of the structure and function of Drosophila larval nociceptive neural circuit could provide insights into the organization and operation of pain circuits in mammals and generate new knowledge to advance the development of treatment options for pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Boivin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jiayi Zhu
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tomoko Ohyama
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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25
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Jang W, Oh M, Cho EH, Baek M, Kim C. Drosophila pain sensitization and modulation unveiled by a novel pain model and analgesic drugs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281874. [PMID: 36795675 PMCID: PMC9934396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, pain is regulated by the combination of an ascending stimulating and descending inhibitory pain pathway. It remains an intriguing question whether such pain pathways are of ancient origin and conserved in invertebrates. Here we report a new Drosophila pain model and use it to elucidate the pain pathways present in flies. The model employs transgenic flies expressing the human capsaicin receptor TRPV1 in sensory nociceptor neurons, which innervate the whole fly body, including the mouth. Upon capsaicin sipping, the flies abruptly displayed pain-related behaviors such as running away, scurrying around, rubbing vigorously, and pulling at their mouth parts, suggesting that capsaicin stimulated nociceptors in the mouth via activating TRPV1. When reared on capsaicin-containing food, the animals died of starvation, demonstrating the degree of pain experienced. This death rate was reduced by treatment both with NSAIDs and gabapentin, analgesics that inhibit the sensitized ascending pain pathway, and with antidepressants, GABAergic agonists, and morphine, analgesics that strengthen the descending inhibitory pathway. Our results suggest Drosophila to possess intricate pain sensitization and modulation mechanisms similar to mammals, and we propose that this simple, non-invasive feeding assay has utility for high-throughput evaluation and screening of analgesic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijeong Jang
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Myungsok Oh
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Cho
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Minwoo Baek
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Changsoo Kim
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
- * E-mail:
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26
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Bustin KA, Shishikura K, Chen I, Lin Z, McKnight N, Chang Y, Wang X, Li JJ, Arellano E, Pei L, Morton PD, Gregus AM, Buczynski MW, Matthews ML. Phenelzine-based probes reveal Secernin-3 is involved in thermal nociception. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.02.526866. [PMID: 36778412 PMCID: PMC9915563 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.02.526866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemical platforms that facilitate both the identification and elucidation of new areas for therapeutic development are necessary but lacking. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) leverages active site-directed chemical probes as target discovery tools that resolve activity from expression and immediately marry the targets identified with lead compounds for drug design. However, this approach has traditionally focused on predictable and intrinsic enzyme functionality. Here, we applied our activity-based proteomics discovery platform to map non-encoded and post-translationally acquired enzyme functionalities (e.g. cofactors) in vivo using chemical probes that exploit the nucleophilic hydrazine pharmacophores found in a classic antidepressant drug (e.g. phenelzine, Nardil ® ). We show the probes are in vivo active and can map proteome-wide tissue-specific target engagement of the drug. In addition to engaging targets (flavoenzymes monoamine oxidase A/B) that are associated with the known therapeutic mechanism as well as several other members of the flavoenzyme family, the probes captured the previously discovered N -terminal glyoxylyl (Glox) group of Secernin-3 (SCRN3) in vivo through a divergent mechanism, indicating this functional feature has biochemical activity in the brain. SCRN3 protein is ubiquitously expressed in the brain, yet gene expression is regulated by inflammatory stimuli. In an inflammatory pain mouse model, behavioral assessment of nociception showed Scrn3 male knockout mice selectively exhibited impaired thermal nociceptive sensitivity. Our study provides a guided workflow to entangle molecular (off)targets and pharmacological mechanisms for therapeutic development.
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27
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Klobučar T, Fisher DN. When Do We Start Caring About Insect Welfare? NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:5-10. [PMID: 36656488 PMCID: PMC9886582 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-022-01023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The world is facing an incoming global protein shortage due to existing malnutrition and further rapid increases in population size. It will however be difficult to greatly expand traditional methods of protein production such as cattle, chicken and pig farming, due to space limitations and environmental costs such as deforestation. As a result, alternative sources of protein that require less space and fewer resources, such as insects and other invertebrates, are being sought. The Neotropics are a key area of focus given the widespread prevalence of entomophagy and developing animal welfare regulations. Unlike vertebrate livestock however, insect "minilivestock" are typically not protected by existing animal welfare regulations. This is despite the fact that the evidence is mounting that insects possess "personalities", may experience affective states analogous to emotions and feel something like pain. In this forum article, we highlight this discrepancy, outline some of the emerging research on the topic and identify areas for future research. There are various empirical and ethical questions that must be addressed urgently while insect farming is ramped up around the globe. Finally, we describe the benefits and also potential costs of regulation for insect welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Klobučar
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David N Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, UK.
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28
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Pinho-Correia LM, Prokop A. Maintaining essential microtubule bundles in meter-long axons: a role for local tubulin biogenesis? Brain Res Bull 2023; 193:131-145. [PMID: 36535305 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.12.005] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Axons are the narrow, up-to-meter long cellular processes of neurons that form the biological cables wiring our nervous system. Most axons must survive for an organism's lifetime, i.e. up to a century in humans. Axonal maintenance depends on loose bundles of microtubules that run without interruption all along axons. The continued turn-over and the extension of microtubule bundles during developmental, regenerative or plastic growth requires the availability of α/β-tubulin heterodimers up to a meter away from the cell body. The underlying regulation in axons is poorly understood and hardly features in past and contemporary research. Here we discuss potential mechanisms, particularly focussing on the possibility of local tubulin biogenesis in axons. Current knowledge might suggest that local translation of tubulin takes place in axons, but far less is known about the post-translational machinery of tubulin biogenesis involving three chaperone complexes: prefoldin, CCT and TBC. We discuss functional understanding of these chaperones from a range of model organisms including yeast, plants, flies and mice, and explain what is known from human diseases. Microtubules across species depend on these chaperones, and they are clearly required in the nervous system. However, most chaperones display a high degree of functional pleiotropy, partly through independent functions of individual subunits outside their complexes, thus posing a challenge to experimental studies. Notably, we found hardly any studies that investigate their presence and function particularly in axons, thus highlighting an important gap in our understanding of axon biology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Maria Pinho-Correia
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biology, Manchester, UK
| | - Andreas Prokop
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biology, Manchester, UK.
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29
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The function and evolution of a genetic switch controlling sexually dimorphic eye differentiation in honeybees. Nat Commun 2023; 14:463. [PMID: 36709321 PMCID: PMC9884244 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals develop sex-specific morphological structures that are diverse between organisms. However, understanding the developmental and evolutionary mechanisms governing these traits is still limited and largely restricted to DM domain genes, which are conserved, sex-specific developmental regulators identified in genetic models. Here, we report a sex-specific developmental regulator gene, glubschauge (glu) that selectively regulates sexually dimorphic eye differentiation in honeybees. We found that the sex determination gene feminizer (fem) controls sex-specific splicing of glu transcripts, establishing a genetic switch in which Glu proteins with a zinc finger (ZnF) domain are only expressed in females. We showed that female coding sequence was essential and sufficient for partial feminization. Comparative sequence and functional studies revealed that the evolutionary origination of the genetic switch was followed by the mutational origin of the essential ZnF domain. Our results demonstrate that glu is a newly evolved sex-specific genetic switch for region-specific regulation of a dimorphic character.
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30
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Li M, Kasan K, Saha Z, Yoon Y, Schmidt-Ott U. Twenty-seven ZAD-ZNF genes of Drosophila melanogaster are orthologous to the embryo polarity determining mosquito gene cucoid. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0274716. [PMID: 36595500 PMCID: PMC9810180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The C2H2 zinc finger gene cucoid establishes anterior-posterior (AP) polarity in the early embryo of culicine mosquitoes. This gene is unrelated to genes that establish embryo polarity in other fly species (Diptera), such as the homeobox gene bicoid, which serves this function in the traditional model organism Drosophila melanogaster. The cucoid gene is a conserved single copy gene across lower dipterans but nothing is known about its function in other species, and its evolution in higher dipterans, including Drosophila, is unresolved. We found that cucoid is a member of the ZAD-containing C2H2 zinc finger (ZAD-ZNF) gene family and is orthologous to 27 of the 91 members of this family in D. melanogaster, including M1BP, ranshi, ouib, nom, zaf1, odj, Nnk, trem, Zif, and eighteen uncharacterized genes. Available knowledge of the functions of cucoid orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster suggest that the progenitor of this lineage specific expansion may have played a role in regulating chromatin. We also describe many aspects of the gene duplication history of cucoid in the brachyceran lineage of D. melanogaster, thereby providing a framework for predicting potential redundancies among these genes in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Li
- Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Koray Kasan
- Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Zinnia Saha
- Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Yoseop Yoon
- Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Urs Schmidt-Ott
- Dept. of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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31
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Wu T, Chen SR, Pan HL, Luo Y. The α2δ-1-NMDA receptor complex and its potential as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1148697. [PMID: 37153659 PMCID: PMC10157046 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1148697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in excitotoxicity caused by ischemic stroke, but NMDAR antagonists have failed to be translated into clinical practice for treating stroke patients. Recent studies suggest that targeting the specific protein-protein interactions that regulate NMDARs may be an effective strategy to reduce excitotoxicity associated with brain ischemia. α2δ-1 (encoded by the Cacna2d1 gene), previously known as a subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, is a binding protein of gabapentinoids used clinically for treating chronic neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Recent studies indicate that α2δ-1 is an interacting protein of NMDARs and can promote synaptic trafficking and hyperactivity of NMDARs in neuropathic pain conditions. In this review, we highlight the newly identified roles of α2δ-1-mediated NMDAR activity in the gabapentinoid effects and NMDAR excitotoxicity during brain ischemia as well as targeting α2δ-1-bound NMDARs as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Hui-Lin Pan
| | - Yi Luo
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Luo
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32
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Ablinger C, Eibl C, Geisler SM, Campiglio M, Stephens GJ, Missler M, Obermair GJ. α 2δ-4 and Cachd1 Proteins Are Regulators of Presynaptic Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9885. [PMID: 36077281 PMCID: PMC9456004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The α2δ auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) were traditionally regarded as modulators of biophysical channel properties. In recent years, channel-independent functions of these subunits, such as involvement in synapse formation, have been identified. In the central nervous system, α2δ isoforms 1, 2, and 3 are strongly expressed, regulating glutamatergic synapse formation by a presynaptic mechanism. Although the α2δ-4 isoform is predominantly found in the retina with very little expression in the brain, it was recently linked to brain functions. In contrast, Cachd1, a novel α2δ-like protein, shows strong expression in brain, but its function in neurons is not yet known. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the presynaptic functions of α2δ-4 and Cachd1 by expressing individual proteins in cultured hippocampal neurons. Both α2δ-4 and Cachd1 are expressed in the presynaptic membrane and could rescue a severe synaptic defect present in triple knockout/knockdown neurons that lacked the α2δ-1-3 isoforms (α2δ TKO/KD). This observation suggests that presynaptic localization and the regulation of synapse formation in glutamatergic neurons is a general feature of α2δ proteins. In contrast to this redundant presynaptic function, α2δ-4 and Cachd1 differentially regulate the abundance of presynaptic calcium channels and the amplitude of presynaptic calcium transients. These functional differences may be caused by subtle isoform-specific differences in α1-α2δ protein-protein interactions, as revealed by structural homology modelling. Taken together, our study identifies both α2δ-4 and Cachd1 as presynaptic regulators of synapse formation, differentiation, and calcium channel functions that can at least partially compensate for the loss of α2δ-1-3. Moreover, we show that regulating glutamatergic synapse formation and differentiation is a critical and surprisingly redundant function of α2δ and Cachd1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Ablinger
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clarissa Eibl
- Division Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Stefanie M. Geisler
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marta Campiglio
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gary J. Stephens
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gerald J. Obermair
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
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Abstract
Modulation of nociception allows animals to optimize chances of survival by adapting their behaviour in different contexts. In mammals, this is executed by neurons from the brain and is referred to as the descending control of nociception. Whether insects have such control, or the neural circuits allowing it, has rarely been explored. Based on behavioural, neuroscientific and molecular evidence, we argue that insects probably have descending controls for nociception. Behavioural work shows that insects can modulate nocifensive behaviour. Such modulation is at least in part controlled by the central nervous system since the information mediating such prioritization is processed by the brain. Central nervous system control of nociception is further supported by neuroanatomical and neurobiological evidence showing that the insect brain can facilitate or suppress nocifensive behaviour, and by molecular studies revealing pathways involved in the inhibition of nocifensive behaviour both peripherally and centrally. Insects lack the endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors that contribute to mammalian descending nociception controls, so we discuss likely alternative molecular mechanisms for the insect descending nociception controls. We discuss what the existence of descending control of nociception in insects may reveal about pain perception in insects and finally consider the ethical implications of these novel findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Gibbons
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Sajedeh Sarlak
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, 31587-77871, Karaj, Iran
| | - Lars Chittka
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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Hanson MA, Lemaitre B. Repeated truncation of a modular antimicrobial peptide gene for neural context. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010259. [PMID: 35714143 PMCID: PMC9246212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are host-encoded antibiotics that combat invading pathogens. These genes commonly encode multiple products as post-translationally cleaved polypeptides. Recent studies have highlighted roles for AMPs in neurological contexts suggesting functions for these defence molecules beyond infection. During our immune study characterizing the antimicrobial peptide gene Baramicin, we recovered multiple Baramicin paralogs in Drosophila melanogaster and other species, united by their N-terminal IM24 domain. Not all paralogs were immune-induced. Here, through careful dissection of the Baramicin family's evolutionary history, we find that paralogs lacking immune induction result from repeated events of duplication and subsequent truncation of the coding sequence from an immune-inducible ancestor. These truncations leave only the IM24 domain as the prominent gene product. Surprisingly, using mutation and targeted gene silencing we demonstrate that two such genes are adapted for function in neural contexts in D. melanogaster. We also show enrichment in the head for independent Baramicin genes in other species. The Baramicin evolutionary history reveals that the IM24 Baramicin domain is not strictly useful in an immune context. We thus provide a case study for how an AMP-encoding gene might play dual roles in both immune and non-immune processes via its multiple peptide products. As many AMP genes encode polypeptides, a full understanding of how immune effectors interact with the nervous system will require consideration of all their peptide products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Hanson
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Lemaitre
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Science, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Wank I, Kutsche L, Kreitz S, Reeh P, Hess A. Imaging the influence of peripheral TRPV1-signaling on cerebral nociceptive processing applying fMRI-based graph theory in a resiniferatoxin rat model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266669. [PMID: 35482725 PMCID: PMC9049522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Resiniferatoxin (RTX), an extract from the spurge plant Euphorbia resinifera, is a potent agonist of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), mainly expressed on peripheral nociceptors-a prerequisite for nociceptive heat perception. Systemic overdosing of RTX can be used to desensitize specifically TRPV1-expressing neurons, and was therefore utilized here to selectively characterize the influence of TRPV1-signaling on central nervous system (CNS) temperature processing. Resting state and CNS temperature processing of male rats were assessed via functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after RTX injection. General linear model-based and graph-theoretical network analyses disentangled the underlying distinct CNS circuitries. At baseline, rats displayed an increase of nociception-related response amplitude and activated brain volume that correlated highly with increasing stimulation temperatures. In contrast, RTX-treated rats showed a clear disruption of thermal nociception, reflected in a missing increase of CNS responses to temperatures above 48°C. Graph-theoretical analyses revealed two distinct brain subnetworks affected by RTX: one subcortical (brainstem, lateral and medial thalamus, hippocampus, basal ganglia and amygdala), and one cortical (primary sensory, motor and association cortices). Resting state analysis revealed first, that peripheral desensitization of TRPV1-expressing neurons did not disrupt the basic resting-state-network of the brain. Second, only at baseline, but not after RTX, noxious stimulation modulated the RS-network in regions associated with memory formation (e.g. hippocampus). Altogether, the combination of whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging and RTX-mediated desensitization of TRPV1-signaling provided further detailed insight into cerebral processing of noxious temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wank
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lisa Kutsche
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kreitz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Reeh
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hess
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Kimbrel NA, Ashley-Koch AE, Qin XJ, Lindquist JH, Garrett ME, Dennis MF, Hair LP, Huffman JE, Jacobson DA, Madduri RK, Trafton JA, Coon H, Docherty AR, Kang J, Mullins N, Ruderfer DM, Harvey PD, McMahon BH, Oslin DW, Hauser ER, Hauser MA, Beckham JC. A genome-wide association study of suicide attempts in the million veterans program identifies evidence of pan-ancestry and ancestry-specific risk loci. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2264-2272. [PMID: 35347246 PMCID: PMC9910180 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To identify pan-ancestry and ancestry-specific loci associated with attempting suicide among veterans, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of suicide attempts within a large, multi-ancestry cohort of U.S. veterans enrolled in the Million Veterans Program (MVP). Cases were defined as veterans with a documented history of suicide attempts in the electronic health record (EHR; N = 14,089) and controls were defined as veterans with no documented history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the EHR (N = 395,064). GWAS was performed separately in each ancestry group, controlling for sex, age and genetic substructure. Pan-ancestry risk loci were identified through meta-analysis and included two genome-wide significant loci on chromosomes 20 (p = 3.64 × 10-9) and 1 (p = 3.69 × 10-8). A strong pan-ancestry signal at the Dopamine Receptor D2 locus (p = 1.77 × 10-7) was also identified and subsequently replicated in a large, independent international civilian cohort (p = 7.97 × 10-4). Additionally, ancestry-specific genome-wide significant loci were also detected in African-Americans, European-Americans, Asian-Americans, and Hispanic-Americans. Pathway analyses suggested over-representation of many biological pathways with high clinical significance, including oxytocin signaling, glutamatergic synapse, cortisol synthesis and secretion, dopaminergic synapse, and circadian rhythm. These findings confirm that the genetic architecture underlying suicide attempt risk is complex and includes both pan-ancestry and ancestry-specific risk loci. Moreover, pathway analyses suggested many commonly impacted biological pathways that could inform development of improved therapeutics for suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA.
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Allison E Ashley-Koch
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xue J Qin
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer H Lindquist
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Michelle F Dennis
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren P Hair
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer E Huffman
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel A Jacobson
- Biosciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, NeuroNet Research Center, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Ravi K Madduri
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Data Science and Learning Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, USA
| | - Jodie A Trafton
- Program Evaluation and Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, US
- Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, US
| | - Anna R Docherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, US
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Jooeun Kang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, US
| | - Niamh Mullins
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, US
| | - Douglas M Ruderfer
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, US
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, US
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, US
| | - Philip D Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Research Service Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Benjamin H McMahon
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - David W Oslin
- VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Center of Excellence, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Hauser
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael A Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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37
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He J, Li B, Han S, Zhang Y, Liu K, Yi S, Liu Y, Xiu M. Drosophila as a Model to Study the Mechanism of Nociception. Front Physiol 2022; 13:854124. [PMID: 35418874 PMCID: PMC8996152 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.854124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociception refers to the process of encoding and processing noxious stimuli, which allow animals to detect and avoid potentially harmful stimuli. Several types of stimuli can trigger nociceptive sensory transduction, including thermal, noxious chemicals, and harsh mechanical stimulation that depend on the corresponding nociceptors. In view of the high evolutionary conservation of the mechanisms that govern nociception from Drosophila melanogaster to mammals, investigation in the fruit fly Drosophila help us understand how the sensory nervous system works and what happen in nociception. Here, we present an overview of currently identified conserved genetics of nociception, the nociceptive sensory neurons responsible for detecting noxious stimuli, and various assays for evaluating different nociception. Finally, we cover development of anti-pain drug using fly model. These comparisons illustrate the value of using Drosophila as model for uncovering nociception mechanisms, which are essential for identifying new treatment goals and developing novel analgesics that are applicable to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzheng He
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Botong Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuzhen Han
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kai Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Simeng Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yongqi Liu,
| | - Minghui Xiu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Minghui Xiu,
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38
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Wang X, Lin Z, Bustin KA, McKnight NR, Parsons WH, Matthews ML. Discovery of Potent and Selective Inhibitors against Protein-Derived Electrophilic Cofactors. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:5377-5388. [PMID: 35235319 PMCID: PMC10159212 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrophilic cofactors are widely distributed in nature and play important roles in many physiological and disease processes, yet they have remained blind spots in traditional activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approaches that target nucleophiles. More recently, reverse-polarity (RP)-ABPP using hydrazine probes identified an electrophilic N-terminal glyoxylyl (Glox) group for the first time in secernin-3 (SCRN3). The biological function(s) of both the protein and Glox as a cofactor has not yet been pharmacologically validated because of the lack of selective inhibitors that could disrupt and therefore identify its activity. Here, we present the first platform for analyzing the reactivity and selectivity of an expanded nucleophilic probe library toward main-chain carbonyl cofactors such as Glox and pyruvoyl (Pyvl) groups. We first applied the library proteome-wide to profile and confirm engagement with various electrophilic protein targets, including secernin-2 (SCRN2), shown here also to possess a Glox group. A broadly reactive indole ethylhydrazine probe was used for a competitive in vitro RP-ABPP assay to screen for selective inhibitors against such cofactors from a set of commercially available nucleophilic fragments. Using Glox-containing SCRN proteins as a case study, naphthyl hydrazine was identified as a potent and selective SCRN3 inhibitor, showing complete inhibition in cell lysates with no significant cross-reactivity detected for other enzymes. Moving forward, this platform provides the fundamental basis for the development of selective Glox inhibitors and represents a starting point to advance small molecules that modulate electrophile-dependent function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zongtao Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Katelyn A Bustin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nate R McKnight
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - William H Parsons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, United States
| | - Megan L Matthews
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Impaired Subcortical Processing of Amplitude-Modulated Tones in Mice Deficient for Cacna2d3, a Risk Gene for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Humans. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0118-22.2022. [PMID: 35410870 PMCID: PMC9034753 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0118-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal processing of complex sounds is a fundamental and complex task in hearing and a prerequisite for processing and understanding vocalization, speech, and prosody. Here, we studied response properties of neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) in mice lacking Cacna2d3, a risk gene for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The α2δ3 auxiliary Ca2+ channel subunit encoded by Cacna2d3 is essential for proper function of glutamatergic synapses in the auditory brainstem. Recent evidence has shown that much of auditory feature extraction is performed in the auditory brainstem and IC, including processing of amplitude modulation (AM). We determined both spectral and temporal properties of single- and multi-unit responses in the IC of anesthetized mice. IC units of α2δ3−/− mice showed normal tuning properties yet increased spontaneous rates compared with α2δ3+/+. When stimulated with AM tones, α2δ3−/− units exhibited less precise temporal coding and reduced evoked rates to higher modulation frequencies (fm). Whereas first spike latencies (FSLs) were increased for only few modulation frequencies, population peak latencies were increased for fm ranging from 20 to 100 Hz in α2δ3−/− IC units. The loss of precision of temporal coding with increasing fm from 70 to 160 Hz was characterized using a normalized offset-corrected (Pearson-like) correlation coefficient, which appeared more appropriate than the metrics of vector strength. The processing deficits of AM sounds analyzed at the level of the IC indicate that α2δ3−/− mice exhibit a subcortical auditory processing disorder (APD). Similar deficits may be present in other mouse models for ASDs.
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40
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Wistrom E, Chase R, Smith PR, Campbell ZT. A compendium of validated pain genes. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1570. [PMID: 35760453 PMCID: PMC9787016 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel pain therapeutics hinges on the identification and rigorous validation of potential targets. Model organisms provide a means to test the involvement of specific genes and regulatory elements in pain. Here we provide a list of genes linked to pain-associated behaviors. We capitalize on results spanning over three decades to identify a set of 242 genes. They support a remarkable diversity of functions spanning action potential propagation, immune response, GPCR signaling, enzymatic catalysis, nucleic acid regulation, and intercellular signaling. Making use of existing tissue and single-cell high-throughput RNA sequencing datasets, we examine their patterns of expression. For each gene class, we discuss archetypal members, with an emphasis on opportunities for additional experimentation. Finally, we discuss how powerful and increasingly ubiquitous forward genetic screening approaches could be used to improve our ability to identify pain genes. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wistrom
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA,Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
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41
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Beierle JA, Yao EJ, Goldstein SI, Scotellaro JL, Sena KD, Linnertz CA, Willits AB, Kader L, Young EE, Peltz G, Emili A, Ferris MT, Bryant CD. Genetic basis of thermal nociceptive sensitivity and brain weight in a BALB/c reduced complexity cross. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221079540. [PMID: 35088629 PMCID: PMC8891926 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221079540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal nociception involves the transmission of temperature-related noxious information from the periphery to the CNS and is a heritable trait that could predict transition to persistent pain. Rodent forward genetics complement human studies by controlling genetic complexity and environmental factors, analysis of end point tissue, and validation of variants on appropriate genetic backgrounds. Reduced complexity crosses between nearly identical inbred substrains with robust trait differences can greatly facilitate unbiased discovery of novel genes and variants. We found BALB/cByJ mice showed enhanced sensitivity on the 53.5°C hot plate and mechanical stimulation in the von Frey test compared to BALB/cJ mice and replicated decreased gross brain weight in BALB/cByJ versus BALB/cJ. We then identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 13 for hot plate sensitivity (LOD = 10.7; p < 0.001; peak = 56 Mb) and a QTL for brain weight on chromosome 5 (LOD = 8.7; p < 0.001). Expression QTL mapping of brain tissues identified H2afy (56.07 Mb) as the top transcript with the strongest association at the hot plate locus (FDR = 0.0002) and spliceome analysis identified differential exon usage within H2afy associated with the same locus. Whole brain proteomics further supported decreased H2AFY expression could underlie enhanced hot plate sensitivity, and identified ACADS as a candidate for reduced brain weight. To summarize, a BALB/c reduced complexity cross combined with multiple-omics approaches facilitated identification of candidate genes underlying thermal nociception and brain weight. These substrains provide a powerful, reciprocal platform for future validation of candidate variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Beierle
- Program in Biomolecular Pharmacology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Laboratory of Addiction Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily J Yao
- Laboratory of Addiction Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stanley I Goldstein
- Program in Biomolecular Pharmacology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia L Scotellaro
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine D Sena
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Colton A Linnertz
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adam B Willits
- Neuroscience Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Leena Kader
- Neuroscience Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Erin E Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Gary Peltz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Preoperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Emili
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin T Ferris
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Camron D Bryant
- Laboratory of Addiction Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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42
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Watanabe LP, Riddle NC. Exercise-induced changes in climbing performance. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211275. [PMID: 34804578 PMCID: PMC8580468 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is recommended to promote health and prevent a range of diseases. However, how exercise precipitates these benefits is unclear, nor do we understand why exercise responses differ so widely between individuals. We investigate how climbing ability in Drosophila melanogaster changes in response to an exercise treatment. We find extensive variation in baseline climbing ability and exercise-induced changes ranging from -13% to +20% in climbing ability. Climbing ability, and its exercise-induced change, is sex- and genotype-dependent. GWASs implicate 'cell-cell signalling' genes in the control of climbing ability. We also find that animal activity does not predict climbing ability and that the exercise-induced climbing ability change cannot be predicted from the activity level induced by the exercise treatment. These results provide promising new avenues for further research into the molecular pathways controlling climbing activity and illustrate the complexities involved in trying to predict individual responses to exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P. Watanabe
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, CH464, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294, US
| | - Nicole C. Riddle
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, CH464, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294, US
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43
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López-Varea A, Ostalé CM, Vega-Cuesta P, Ruiz-Gómez A, Organista MF, Martín M, Hevia CF, Molnar C, de Celis J, Culi J, Esteban N, de Celis JF. Genome-wide Phenotypic RNAi Screen in the Drosophila Wing: Global Parameters. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6380435. [PMID: 34599819 PMCID: PMC8962446 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have screened a collection of UAS-RNAi lines targeting 10,920 Drosophila protein-coding genes for phenotypes in the adult wing. We identified 3653 genes (33%) whose knockdown causes either larval/pupal lethality or a mutant phenotype affecting the formation of a normal wing. The most frequent phenotypes consist of changes in wing size, vein differentiation, and patterning, defects in the wing margin and in the apposition of the dorsal and ventral wing surfaces. We also defined 16 functional categories encompassing the most relevant aspect of each protein function and assigned each Drosophila gene to one of these functional groups. This allowed us to identify which mutant phenotypes are enriched within each functional group. Finally, we used previously published gene expression datasets to determine which genes are or are not expressed in the wing disc. Integrating expression, phenotypic and molecular information offers considerable precision to identify the relevant genes affecting wing formation and the biological processes regulated by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana López-Varea
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Cristina M Ostalé
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Patricia Vega-Cuesta
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ana Ruiz-Gómez
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - María F Organista
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Covadonga F Hevia
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Cristina Molnar
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jesús de Celis
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Joaquim Culi
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Nuria Esteban
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jose F de Celis
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
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44
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Salim S, Banu A, Alwa A, Gowda SBM, Mohammad F. The gut-microbiota-brain axis in autism: what Drosophila models can offer? J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:37. [PMID: 34525941 PMCID: PMC8442445 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that alterations in gut-microbiome-brain axis (GUMBA)-mediated communication play a crucial role in human brain disorders like autism remains a topic of intensive research in various labs. Gastrointestinal issues are a common comorbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although gut microbiome and microbial metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this review, we have summarized recent findings in human and animal models highlighting the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD. We have discussed genetic and neurobehavioral characteristics of Drosophila as an animal model to study the role of GUMBA in ASD. The utility of Drosophila fruit flies as an amenable genetic tool, combined with axenic and gnotobiotic approaches, and availability of transgenic flies may reveal mechanistic insight into gut-microbiota-brain interactions and the impact of its alteration on behaviors relevant to neurological disorders like ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Salim
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, 34110, Qatar
| | - Ayesha Banu
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, 34110, Qatar
| | - Amira Alwa
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, 34110, Qatar
| | - Swetha B M Gowda
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, 34110, Qatar
| | - Farhan Mohammad
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, 34110, Qatar.
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45
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Genetic and other associations with pain: a literature review of potential identifiers for significant pain after total knee arthroplasty. CURRENT ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/bco.0000000000001023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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46
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Montell C. Drosophila sensory receptors-a set of molecular Swiss Army Knives. Genetics 2021; 217:1-34. [PMID: 33683373 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic approaches in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have led to a major triumph in the field of sensory biology-the discovery of multiple large families of sensory receptors and channels. Some of these families, such as transient receptor potential channels, are conserved from animals ranging from worms to humans, while others, such as "gustatory receptors," "olfactory receptors," and "ionotropic receptors," are restricted to invertebrates. Prior to the identification of sensory receptors in flies, it was widely assumed that these proteins function in just one modality such as vision, smell, taste, hearing, and somatosensation, which includes thermosensation, light, and noxious mechanical touch. By employing a vast combination of genetic, behavioral, electrophysiological, and other approaches in flies, a major concept to emerge is that many sensory receptors are multitaskers. The earliest example of this idea was the discovery that individual transient receptor potential channels function in multiple senses. It is now clear that multitasking is exhibited by other large receptor families including gustatory receptors, ionotropic receptors, epithelial Na+ channels (also referred to as Pickpockets), and even opsins, which were formerly thought to function exclusively as light sensors. Genetic characterizations of these Drosophila receptors and the neurons that express them also reveal the mechanisms through which flies can accurately differentiate between different stimuli even when they activate the same receptor, as well as mechanisms of adaptation, amplification, and sensory integration. The insights gleaned from studies in flies have been highly influential in directing investigations in many other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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47
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Massingham JN, Baron O, Neely GG. Evaluating Baseline and Sensitised Heat Nociception in Adult Drosophila. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4079. [PMID: 34327276 PMCID: PMC8292120 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex disease that affects a large proportion of the population. With little to no effective treatments currently available for patients, this malady presents a large burden to society. Drosophila melanogaster has been previously used to describe conserved molecular components of nociception in larvae and adults. However, adult assays tend to rely on avoidance behaviours, and whilst larval acute thermal avoidance assays exist, larvae are not best suited to a chronic pain scenario as the condition must be long-term. Therefore, an adult thermal nociception response assay was required to study injury-evoked changes in heat nociception threshold (allodynia and hyperalgesia) over time, and we describe such a protocol here. Following leg amputation, flies display increased thermal sensitivity (allodynia) to innocuous temperatures but not an increase in magnitude of response (hyperalgesia) to noxious heat. Our method allows for individualised analysis of both allodynia and hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine N. Massingham
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre, Centenary Institute, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Olga Baron
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G. Gregory Neely
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre, Centenary Institute, and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia
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48
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Nalamalapu RR, Yue M, Stone AR, Murphy S, Saha MS. The tweety Gene Family: From Embryo to Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:672511. [PMID: 34262434 PMCID: PMC8273234 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.672511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The tweety genes encode gated chloride channels that are found in animals, plants, and even simple eukaryotes, signifying their deep evolutionary origin. In vertebrates, the tweety gene family is highly conserved and consists of three members—ttyh1, ttyh2, and ttyh3—that are important for the regulation of cell volume. While research has elucidated potential physiological functions of ttyh1 in neural stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and filopodia formation during neural development, the roles of ttyh2 and ttyh3 are less characterized, though their expression patterns during embryonic and fetal development suggest potential roles in the development of a wide range of tissues including a role in the immune system in response to pathogen-associated molecules. Additionally, members of the tweety gene family have been implicated in various pathologies including cancers, particularly pediatric brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Here, we review the current state of research using information from published articles and open-source databases on the tweety gene family with regard to its structure, evolution, expression during development and adulthood, biochemical and cellular functions, and role in human disease. We also identify promising areas for further research to advance our understanding of this important, yet still understudied, family of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rithvik R Nalamalapu
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Michelle Yue
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Aaron R Stone
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Samantha Murphy
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Margaret S Saha
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
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49
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Li F, Lo TY, Miles L, Wang Q, Noristani HN, Li D, Niu J, Trombley S, Goldshteyn JI, Wang C, Wang S, Qiu J, Pogoda K, Mandal K, Brewster M, Rompolas P, He Y, Janmey PA, Thomas GM, Li S, Song Y. The Atr-Chek1 pathway inhibits axon regeneration in response to Piezo-dependent mechanosensation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3845. [PMID: 34158506 PMCID: PMC8219705 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atr is a serine/threonine kinase, known to sense single-stranded DNA breaks and activate the DNA damage checkpoint by phosphorylating Chek1, which inhibits Cdc25, causing cell cycle arrest. This pathway has not been implicated in neuroregeneration. We show that in Drosophila sensory neurons removing Atr or Chek1, or overexpressing Cdc25 promotes regeneration, whereas Atr or Chek1 overexpression, or Cdc25 knockdown impedes regeneration. Inhibiting the Atr-associated checkpoint complex in neurons promotes regeneration and improves synapse/behavioral recovery after CNS injury. Independent of DNA damage, Atr responds to the mechanical stimulus elicited during regeneration, via the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo and its downstream NO signaling. Sensory neuron-specific knockout of Atr in adult mice, or pharmacological inhibition of Atr-Chek1 in mammalian neurons in vitro and in flies in vivo enhances regeneration. Our findings reveal the Piezo-Atr-Chek1-Cdc25 axis as an evolutionarily conserved inhibitory mechanism for regeneration, and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating nervous system trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tsz Y Lo
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leann Miles
- The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qin Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harun N Noristani
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shannon Trombley
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica I Goldshteyn
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chuxi Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jingyun Qiu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan Brewster
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ye He
- The City University of New York, Graduate Center - Advanced Science Research Center, Neuroscience Initiative, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gareth M Thomas
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair), Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuanquan Song
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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50
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Li W, De Schutter K, Van Damme EJM, Smagghe G. RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Pgants Shows Core 1 O-Glycans Are Required for Pupation in Tribolium castaneum. Front Physiol 2021; 12:629682. [PMID: 33841170 PMCID: PMC8024498 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.629682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is one of the most common and most important post-translational modifications. Despite the growing knowledge on N-glycosylation, the research on O-glycosylation is lagging behind. This study investigates the importance of O-glycosylation in the post-embryonic development of insects using the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, as a model. We identified 28 O-glycosylation-related genes (OGRGs) in the genome of the red flour beetle. 14 OGRGs were selected for functional analysis based on their involvement in the initial attachment of the carbohydrate in the different O-glycosylation pathways or the further elongation of the most abundant O-glycans and, in addition, showing severe RNAi-induced phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster. The expression profile of these OGRGs was mapped throughout the developmental stages of the insect and in the different tissues of the pupa and adult. Subsequently, these genes were silenced using RNA interference (RNAi) to analyze their role in development. A broad spectrum of phenotypes was observed: from subtle effects and disrupted wing formation when silencing the genes involved in O-mannosylation, to blockage of pupation and high mortality after silencing of the genes involved in O-GalNAc and core 1 O-glycan (O-GalNAc-Gal) synthesis. RNAi experiments were also performed to assess the effects of blocking multiple pathways of O-glycosylation. However, the observed phenotypes induced by multiple RNAi were similar to those of the single gene RNAi experiments. The silencing of OGRGs often resulted in high mortality and wing phenotypes, indicating the importance of O-glycosylation for the survival of the insect and the formation of wings during the post-embryonic development of T. castaneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Li
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof De Schutter
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els J M Van Damme
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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