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Silva RH, Pedro LC, Manosso LM, Gonçalves CL, Réus GZ. Pre- and Post-Synaptic protein in the major depressive Disorder: From neurobiology to therapeutic targets. Neuroscience 2024; 556:14-24. [PMID: 39103041 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.050] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) has demonstrated its negative impact on various aspects of the lives of those affected. Although several therapies have been developed over the years, it remains a challenge for mental health professionals. Thus, understanding the pathophysiology of MDD is necessary to improve existing treatment options or seek new therapeutic alternatives. Clinical and preclinical studies in animal models of depression have shown the involvement of synaptic plasticity in both the development of MDD and the response to available drugs. However, synaptic plasticity involves a cascade of events, including the action of presynaptic proteins such as synaptophysin and synapsins and postsynaptic proteins such as postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95). Additionally, several factors can negatively impact the process of spinogenesis/neurogenesis, which are related to many outcomes, including MDD. Thus, this narrative review aims to deepen the understanding of the involvement of synaptic formations and their components in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritele H Silva
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil; Department of Health Sciences, Campus Araranguá, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88906-072 Araranguá, SC, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Pedro
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Luana M Manosso
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cinara L Gonçalves
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Z Réus
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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2
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Vaz A, Salgado A, Patrício P, Pinto L. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells: Tools to advance the understanding and drug discovery in Major Depressive Disorder. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116033. [PMID: 38968917 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a pleomorphic disease with substantial patterns of symptoms and severity with mensurable deficits in several associated domains. The broad spectrum of phenotypes observed in patients diagnosed with depressive disorders is the reflection of a very complex disease where clusters of biological and external factors (e.g., response/processing of life events, intrapsychic factors) converge and mediate pathogenesis, clinical presentation/phenotypes and trajectory. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enable their differentiation into specialised cell types in the central nervous system to explore the pathophysiological substrates of MDD. These models may complement animal models to advance drug discovery and identify therapeutic approaches, such as cell therapy, drug repurposing, and elucidation of drug metabolism, toxicity, and mechanisms of action at the molecular/cellular level, to pave the way for precision psychiatry. Despite the remarkable scientific and clinical progress made over the last few decades, the disease is still poorly understood, the incidence and prevalence continue to increase, and more research is needed to meet clinical demands. This review aims to summarise and provide a critical overview of the research conducted thus far using patient-derived iPSCs for the modelling of psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vaz
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - António Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal.
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3
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Zhu LS, Lai C, Zhou CW, Chen HY, Liu ZQ, Guo Z, Man H, Du HY, Lu Y, Hu F, Chen Z, Shu K, Zhu LQ, Liu D. Postsynaptic lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway orchestrates the transition from social competition to rank by remodeling the neural ensemble in mPFC. Cell Discov 2024; 10:87. [PMID: 39160208 PMCID: PMC11333582 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals' continuous success in competitive interactions with conspecifics strongly affects their social hierarchy. Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is the key brain region mediating both social competition and hierarchy. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the neural ensemble in the mPFC remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that in excitatory neurons of prelimbic cortex (PL), lncRNA Sera remodels the utilization of Pkm Exon9 and Exon10, resulting in a decrease in the Pkm1/2 ratio in highly competitive mice. By employing a tet-on/off system, we disrupt or rebuild the normal Pkm1/2 ratio by controlling the expression of Pkm2 in PL excitatory neurons. We find that long-term Pkm2 modulation induces timely competition alteration and hysteretic rank change, through phosphorylating the Ser845 site of GluA1. Together, this study uncovers a crucial role of lncRNA Sera/Pkm2 pathway in the transition of social competition to rank by remodeling neural ensemble in mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Shuang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chuan Lai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao-Wen Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui-Yang Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hengye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hui-Yun Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Youming Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiye Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Muirhead CS, Reddy KC, Guerra S, Rieger M, Hart MP, Srinivasan J, Chalasani SH. Neurexin drives Caenorhabditis elegans avoidance behavior independently of its post-synaptic binding partner neuroligin. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae111. [PMID: 38781440 PMCID: PMC11304965 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae111] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Neurexins and their canonical binding partners, neuroligins, are localized to neuronal pre-, and post-synapses, respectively, but less is known about their role in driving behaviors. Here, we use the nematode C. elegans to show that neurexin, but not neuroligin, is required for avoiding specific chemorepellents. We find that adults with knockouts of the entire neurexin locus exhibit a strong avoidance deficit in response to glycerol and a weaker defect in response to copper. Notably, the C. elegans neurexin (nrx-1) locus, like its mammalian homologs, encodes multiple isoforms, α and γ. Using isoform-specific mutations, we find that the γ isoform is selectively required for glycerol avoidance. Next, we used transgenic rescue experiments to show that this isoform functions at least partially in the nervous system. We also confirm that the transgenes are expressed in the neurons and observe protein accumulation in neurites. Furthermore, we tested whether these mutants affect the behavioral responses of juveniles. We find that juveniles (4th larval stages) of mutants knocking out the entire locus or the α-isoforms, but not γ-isoform, are defective in avoiding glycerol. These results suggest that the different neurexin isoforms affect chemosensory avoidance behavior in juveniles and adults, providing a general principle of how isoforms of this conserved gene affect behavior across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Muirhead
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kirthi C Reddy
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sophia Guerra
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Michael Rieger
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael P Hart
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jagan Srinivasan
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sreekanth H Chalasani
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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5
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Couch ACM, Brown AM, Raimundo C, Solomon S, Taylor M, Sichlinger L, Matuleviciute R, Srivastava DP, Vernon AC. Transcriptional and cellular response of hiPSC-derived microglia-neural progenitor co-cultures exposed to IL-6. Brain Behav Immun 2024:S0889-1591(24)00529-4. [PMID: 39098436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated interleukin (IL-)6 levels during prenatal development have been linked to increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in the offspring, but the mechanism remains unclear. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models offer a valuable tool to study the effects of IL-6 on features relevant for human neurodevelopment in vitro. We previously reported that hiPSC-derived microglia-like cells (MGLs) respond to IL-6, but neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in monoculture do not. Therefore, we investigated whether co-culturing hiPSC-derived MGLs with NPCs would trigger a cellular response to IL-6 stimulation via secreted factors from the MGLs. Using N=4 donor lines without psychiatric diagnosis, we first confirmed that NPCs can respond to IL-6 through trans-signalling when recombinant IL-6Ra is present, and that this response is dose-dependent. MGLs secreted soluble IL-6R, but at lower levels than found in vivo and below that needed to activate trans-signalling in NPCs. Whilst transcriptomic and secretome analysis confirmed that MGLs undergo substantial transcriptomic changes after IL-6 exposure and subsequently secrete a cytokine milieu, NPCs in co-culture with MGLs exhibited a minimal transcriptional response. Furthermore, there were no significant cell fate-acquisition changes when differentiated into post-mitotic cultures, nor alterations in synaptic densities in mature neurons. These findings highlight the need to investigate if trans-IL-6 signalling to NPCs is a relevant disease mechanism linking prenatal IL-6 exposure to increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Moreover, our findings underscore the importance of establishing more complex in vitro human models with diverse cell types, which may show cell-specific responses to microglia-released cytokines to fully understand how IL-6 exposure may influence human neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalie C M Couch
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Amelia M Brown
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catarina Raimundo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shiden Solomon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Morgan Taylor
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Sichlinger
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rugile Matuleviciute
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
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6
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Guzman C, Mohri K, Nakamura R, Miyake M, Tsuchiya Y, Tomii K, Watanabe H. Neuronal and non-neuronal functions of the synaptic cell adhesion molecule neurexin in Nematostella vectensis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6495. [PMID: 39090098 PMCID: PMC11294457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50818-8] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary transition from diffusion-mediated cell-cell communication to faster, targeted synaptic signaling in animal nervous systems is still unclear. Genome sequencing analyses have revealed a widespread distribution of synapse-related genes among early-diverging metazoans, but how synaptic machinery evolved remains largely unknown. Here, we examine the function of neurexins (Nrxns), a family of presynaptic cell adhesion molecules with critical roles in bilaterian chemical synapses, using the cnidarian model, Nematostella vectensis. Delta-Nrxns are expressed mainly in neuronal cell clusters that exhibit both peptidergic and classical neurotransmitter signaling. Knockdown of δ-Nrxn reduces spontaneous peristalsis of N. vectensis polyps. Interestingly, gene knockdown and pharmacological studies suggest that δ-Nrxn is involved in glutamate- and glycine-mediated signaling rather than peptidergic signaling. Knockdown of the epithelial α-Nrxn reveals a major role in cell adhesion between ectodermal and endodermal epithelia. Overall, this study provides molecular, functional, and cellular insights into the pre-neural function of Nrxns, as well as key information for understanding how and why they were recruited to the synaptic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Guzman
- Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
- Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Fribourg, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kurato Mohri
- Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Nakamura
- Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Minato Miyake
- Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Tsuchiya
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tomii
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.
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7
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Kunze VP, Angueyra JM, Ball JM, Thomsen MB, Li X, Sabnis A, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Li W. Neurexin 3 is Essential for the Specific Wiring of a Color Pathway in the Mammalian Retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.02.13.527055. [PMID: 36909547 PMCID: PMC10002642 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.527055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Precise wiring within sensory systems is critical for the accurate transmission of information. In the visual system, S-cone photoreceptors specialize in detecting short-wavelength light, crucial to color perception and environmental cue detection. S-cones form specific synapses with S-cone bipolar cells (SCBCs), a connection that is remarkably consistent across species. Yet, the molecular mechanisms guiding this specificity remain unexplored. To address this, we used the cone-dominant ground squirrel for deep-sequencing of cone subtype transcriptomes and identified Nrxn3 as an essential molecule for the S-cone to SCBC synapse. Using transgenic mouse models, we further examined the role of Nrxn3 in S-cones and discovered a significant reduction of SCBC connections in the absence of Nrxn3. This finding extends the known functions of neurexins, typically associated with synapse regulation, by highlighting their essential role in a specific synaptic connection for the first time. Moreover, the differentially expressed genes identified here pave the way for further investigations into the unique functions of cone subtypes.
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Pramanik S, Devi M H, Chakrabarty S, Paylar B, Pradhan A, Thaker M, Ayyadhury S, Manavalan A, Olsson PE, Pramanik G, Heese K. Microglia signaling in health and disease - Implications in sex-specific brain development and plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105834. [PMID: 39084583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105834] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Harini Devi M
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Saswata Chakrabarty
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Berkay Paylar
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Manisha Thaker
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc., 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
| | - Shamini Ayyadhury
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Arulmani Manavalan
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Gopal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India.
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133791, the Republic of Korea.
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9
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Vicidomini R, Choudhury SD, Han TH, Nguyen TH, Nguyen P, Opazo F, Serpe M. Versatile nanobody-based approach to image, track and reconstitute functional Neurexin-1 in vivo. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6068. [PMID: 39025931 PMCID: PMC11258300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50462-2] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are key adhesion proteins that coordinate extracellular and intracellular synaptic components. Nonetheless, the low abundance of these multidomain proteins has complicated any localization and structure-function studies. Here we combine an ALFA tag (AT)/nanobody (NbALFA) tool with classic genetics, cell biology and electrophysiology to examine the distribution and function of the Drosophila Nrx-1 in vivo. We generate full-length and ΔPDZ ALFA-tagged Nrx-1 variants and find that the PDZ binding motif is key to Nrx-1 surface expression. A PDZ binding motif provided in trans, via genetically encoded cytosolic NbALFA-PDZ chimera, fully restores the synaptic localization and function of NrxΔPDZ-AT. Using cytosolic NbALFA-mScarlet intrabody, we achieve compartment-specific detection of endogenous Nrx-1, track live Nrx-1 transport along the motor neuron axons, and demonstrate that Nrx-1 co-migrates with Rab2-positive vesicles. Our findings illustrate the versatility of the ALFA system and pave the way towards dissecting functional domains of complex proteins in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vicidomini
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Saumitra Dey Choudhury
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Centralized Core Research Facility-Microscopy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Tae Hee Han
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tho Huu Nguyen
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Nguyen
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Department of Neuro and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mihaela Serpe
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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10
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Sui Y, Mortensen M, Yuan B, Nicholson MW, Smart TG, Jovanovic JN. GABA A receptors and neuroligin 2 synergize to promote synaptic adhesion and inhibitory synaptogenesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1423471. [PMID: 39100896 PMCID: PMC11295144 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1423471] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors (γ-aminobutyric acid-gated receptors type A; GABAARs), the major structural and functional postsynaptic components of inhibitory synapses in the mammalian brain, belong to a family of GABA-gated Cl-/HCO3 - ion channels. They are assembled as heteropentamers from a family of subunits including: α (1-6), β(1-3), γ(1-3), δ, ε, π, θ and ρ(1-3). GABAARs together with the postsynaptic adhesion protein Neuroligin 2 (NL2) and many other pre- and post-synaptic proteins guide the initiation and functional maturation of inhibitory GABAergic synapses. This study examined how GABAARs and NL2 interact with each other to initiate the formation of synapses. Two functionally distinct GABAAR subtypes, the synaptic type α2β2γ2-GABAARs versus extrasynaptic type α4β3δ-GABAARs were expressed in HEK293 cells alone or together with NL2 and co-cultured with striatal GABAergic medium spiny neurons to enable innervation of HEK293 cells by GABAergic axons. When expressed alone, only the synaptic α2β2γ2-GABAARs induced innervation of HEK293 cells. However, when GABAARs were co-expressed with NL2, the effect on synapse formation exceeded the individual effects of these proteins indicating a synergistic interaction, with α2β2γ2-GABAAR/NL2 showing a significantly greater synaptogenic activity than α4β3δ-GABAAR/NL2 or NL2 alone. To investigate the molecular basis of this interaction, different combinations of GABAAR subunits and NL2 were co-expressed, and the degree of innervation and synaptic activity assessed, revealing a key role of the γ2 subunit. In biochemical assays, the interaction between NL2 and α2β2γ2-GABAAR was established and mapped to the large intracellular domain of the γ2 subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Sui
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Mortensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Banghao Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin W. Nicholson
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor G. Smart
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina N. Jovanovic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Nawrocka WI, Cheng S, Hao B, Rosen MC, Cortés E, Baltrusaitis EE, Aziz Z, Kovács IA, Özkan E. Nematode Extracellular Protein Interactome Expands Connections between Signaling Pathways. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602367. [PMID: 39026773 PMCID: PMC11257444 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Multicellularity was accompanied by the emergence of new classes of cell surface and secreted proteins. The nematode C. elegans is a favorable model to study cell surface interactomes, given its well-defined and stereotyped cell types and intercellular contacts. Here we report our C. elegans extracellular interactome dataset, the largest yet for an invertebrate. Most of these interactions were unknown, despite recent datasets for flies and humans, as our collection contains a larger selection of protein families. We uncover new interactions for all four major axon guidance pathways, including ectodomain interactions between three of the pathways. We demonstrate that a protein family known to maintain axon locations are secreted receptors for insulins. We reveal novel interactions of cystine-knot proteins with putative signaling receptors, which may extend the study of neurotrophins and growth-factor-mediated functions to nematodes. Finally, our dataset provides insights into human disease mechanisms and how extracellular interactions may help establish connectomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta I. Nawrocka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Shouqiang Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Bingjie Hao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Matthew C. Rosen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Elena Cortés
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Elana E. Baltrusaitis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zainab Aziz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - István A. Kovács
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Engin Özkan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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12
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Qin L, Liu Z, Guo S, Han Y, Wang X, Ren W, Chen J, Zhen H, Nie C, Xing KK, Chen T, Südhof TC, Sun Y, Zhang B. Astrocytic Neuroligin-3 influences gene expression and social behavior, but is dispensable for synapse number. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02659-6. [PMID: 39003414 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3) is an autism-associated cell-adhesion molecule that interacts with neurexins and is robustly expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. Neuronal Nlgn3 is an essential regulator of synaptic transmission but the function of astrocytic Nlgn3 is largely unknown. Given the high penetrance of Nlgn3 mutations in autism and the emerging role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric disorders, we here asked whether astrocytic Nlgn3 might shape neural circuit properties in the cerebellum similar to neuronal Nlgn3. Imaging of tagged Nlgn3 protein produced by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing showed that Nlgn3 is enriched in the cell body but not the fine processes of cerebellar astrocytes (Bergmann glia). Astrocyte-specific knockout of Nlgn3 did not detectably alter the number of synapses, synaptic transmission, or astrocyte morphology in mouse cerebellum. However, spatial transcriptomic analyses revealed a significant shift in gene expression among multiple cerebellar cell types after the deletion of astrocytic Nlgn3. Hence, in contrast to neuronal Nlgn3, astrocytic Nlgn3 in the cerebellum is not involved in shaping synapses but may modulate gene expression in specific brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Qin
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Zhili Liu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sile Guo
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Ying Han
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Xiankun Wang
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Wen Ren
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Jiewen Chen
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Hefu Zhen
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Chao Nie
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Ke-Ke Xing
- Department of Anatomy and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of molecular and cellular physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94043, USA.
| | - Yuzhe Sun
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- BGI Research, 102601, Beijing, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neurogenomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518120, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
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13
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Bai SY, Zeng DY, Ouyang M, Zeng Y, Tan W, Xu L. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of fragile X syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1393536. [PMID: 39022311 PMCID: PMC11252757 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1393536] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and a monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorders. Deficiencies in the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein, encoded by the FMR1 gene, lead to various anatomical and pathophysiological abnormalities and behavioral deficits, such as spine dysmorphogenesis and learning and memory impairments. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play crucial roles in synapse formation and neural signal transmission by promoting the formation of new synaptic contacts, accurately organizing presynaptic and postsynaptic protein complexes, and ensuring the accuracy of signal transmission. Recent studies have implicated synaptic CAMs such as the immunoglobulin superfamily, N-cadherin, leucine-rich repeat proteins, and neuroligin-1 in the pathogenesis of FXS and found that they contribute to defects in dendritic spines and synaptic plasticity in FXS animal models. This review systematically summarizes the biological associations between nine representative synaptic CAMs and FMRP, as well as the functional consequences of the interaction, to provide new insights into the mechanisms of abnormal synaptic development in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yuan Bai
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - De-Yang Zeng
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Ouyang
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lang Xu
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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14
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Wang L, Peng T, Deng J, Gao W, Wang H, Junhong Luo O, Huang L, Chen G. Nicotinamide riboside alleviates brain dysfunction induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via protecting mitochondria. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116272. [PMID: 38723719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116272] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is an enduring inadequate blood flow to the brain, resulting in vascular dementia (VaD). However, the effective treatment strategies are lacking. Supplementing with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has shown neuroprotective benefits in other neurodegenerative disorders. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), as a precursor of NAD+, is believed to hold promise in improving mitochondrial health, autophagy, and cognitive function. Meanwhile, NR has unique oral bioavailability, good tolerability, and minimal side effects, and it is the most promising for clinical translation. However, the effectiveness of NR in treating CCH-related VaD is still uncertain. The present study examined the neuroprotective effects of NR supplementation and its underlying mechanisms in a CCH rat model. The rats with CCH were given NR at a daily dosage of 400 mg/kg for 3 months. NR supplementation increased blood and brain NAD+ levels and improved brain function in CCH rats, including cognitive function and oxygenation capacity. It also reduced hippocampal neuronal loss and abnormalities and mitigated the decrease in dendritic spine density. The analysis of RNA sequencing in hippocampal tissue supports these findings. Electron microscopy and protein detection results suggest that NR may maintain mitochondrial structural integrity and exert a protective role by attenuating mitochondrial fission and impaired autophagy flux caused by CCH. In conclusion, these findings offer evidence for the neuroprotective potential of NR supplementation in ameliorating cognitive impairment induced by CCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Tianchan Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jieping Deng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wen Gao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Haoyun Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Oscar Junhong Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li'an Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Guobing Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Institute of Geriatric Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area Geroscience Joint Laboratory, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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15
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Wang X, Lin D, Jiang J, Liu Y, Dong X, Fan J, Gong L, Shen W, Zeng L, Xu T, Jiang K, Connor SA, Xie Y. MDGA2 Constrains Glutamatergic Inputs Selectively onto CA1 Pyramidal Neurons to Optimize Neural Circuits for Plasticity, Memory, and Social Behavior. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:887-904. [PMID: 38321347 PMCID: PMC11250762 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01171-1] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapse organizers are essential for the development, transmission, and plasticity of synapses. Acting as rare synapse suppressors, the MAM domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor (MDGA) proteins contributes to synapse organization by inhibiting the formation of the synaptogenic neuroligin-neurexin complex. A previous analysis of MDGA2 mice lacking a single copy of Mdga2 revealed upregulated glutamatergic synapses and behaviors consistent with autism. However, MDGA2 is expressed in diverse cell types and is localized to both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Differentiating the network versus cell-specific effects of MDGA2 loss-of-function requires a cell-type and brain region-selective strategy. To address this, we generated mice harboring a conditional knockout of Mdga2 restricted to CA1 pyramidal neurons. Here we report that MDGA2 suppresses the density and function of excitatory synapses selectively on pyramidal neurons in the mature hippocampus. Conditional deletion of Mdga2 in CA1 pyramidal neurons of adult mice upregulated miniature and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 intensity, and neuronal excitability. These effects were limited to glutamatergic synapses as no changes were detected in miniature and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic potential properties or vesicular GABA transporter intensity. Functionally, evoked basal synaptic transmission and AMPAR receptor currents were enhanced at glutamatergic inputs. At a behavioral level, memory appeared to be compromised in Mdga2 cKO mice as both novel object recognition and contextual fear conditioning performance were impaired, consistent with deficits in long-term potentiation in the CA3-CA1 pathway. Social affiliation, a behavioral analog of social deficits in autism, was similarly compromised. These results demonstrate that MDGA2 confines the properties of excitatory synapses to CA1 neurons in mature hippocampal circuits, thereby optimizing this network for plasticity, cognition, and social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Donghui Lin
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Yuhua Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Xinyan Dong
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jianchen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Lifen Gong
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Weida Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Linghui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Tonghui Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Kewen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
| | - Steven A Connor
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Yicheng Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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16
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Melrose J. CNS/PNS proteoglycans functionalize neuronal and astrocyte niche microenvironments optimizing cellular activity by preserving membrane polarization dynamics, ionic microenvironments, ion fluxes, neuronal activation, and network neurotransductive capacity. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25361. [PMID: 39034899 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25361] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Central and peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) proteoglycans (PGs) have diverse functional roles, this study examined how these control cellular behavior and tissue function. The CNS/PNS extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, responsive, highly interactive, space-filling, cell supportive, stabilizing structure maintaining tissue compartments, ionic microenvironments, and microgradients that regulate neuronal activity and maintain the neuron in an optimal ionic microenvironment. The CNS/PNS contains a high glycosaminoglycan content (60% hyaluronan, HA) and a diverse range of stabilizing PGs. Immobilization of HA in brain tissues by HA interactive hyalectan PGs preserves tissue hydration and neuronal activity, a paucity of HA in brain tissues results in a pro-convulsant epileptic phenotype. Diverse CS, KS, and HSPGs stabilize the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit, provide smart gel neurotransmitter neuron vesicle storage and delivery, organize the neuromuscular junction basement membrane, and provide motor neuron synaptic plasticity, and photoreceptor and neuron synaptic functions. PG-HA networks maintain ionic fluxes and microgradients and tissue compartments that contribute to membrane polarization dynamics essential to neuronal activation and neurotransduction. Hyalectans form neuroprotective perineuronal nets contributing to synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive learning. Sialoglycoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACRCAN), an HA binding CSPG, stabilizes the inter-photoreceptor ECM. HSPGs pikachurin and eyes shut stabilize the photoreceptor synapse aiding in phototransduction and neurotransduction with retinal bipolar neurons crucial to visual acuity. This is achieved through Laminin G motifs in pikachurin, eyes shut, and neurexins that interact with the dystroglycan-cytoskeleton-ECM-stabilizing synaptic interconnections, neuronal interactive specificity, and co-ordination of regulatory action potentials in neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Kim S, Jang G, Kim H, Lim D, Han KA, Um JW, Ko J. MDGAs perform activity-dependent synapse type-specific suppression via distinct extracellular mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322978121. [PMID: 38900791 PMCID: PMC11214077 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322978121] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
MDGA (MAM domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor) family proteins were previously identified as synaptic suppressive factors. However, various genetic manipulations have yielded often irreconcilable results, precluding precise evaluation of MDGA functions. Here, we found that, in cultured hippocampal neurons, conditional deletion of MDGA1 and MDGA2 causes specific alterations in synapse numbers, basal synaptic transmission, and synaptic strength at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses, respectively. Moreover, MDGA2 deletion enhanced both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor- and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses. Strikingly, ablation of both MDGA1 and MDGA2 abolished the effect of deleting individual MDGAs that is abrogated by chronic blockade of synaptic activity. Molecular replacement experiments further showed that MDGA1 requires the meprin/A5 protein/PTPmu (MAM) domain, whereas MDGA2 acts via neuroligin-dependent and/or MAM domain-dependent pathways to regulate distinct postsynaptic properties. Together, our data demonstrate that MDGA paralogs act as unique negative regulators of activity-dependent postsynaptic organization at distinct synapse types, and cooperatively contribute to adjustment of excitation-inhibition balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjoon Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Gyubin Jang
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Hyeonho Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Dongseok Lim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Kyung Ah Han
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu42988, Korea
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18
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Wang N, Zhu B, Allnutt MA, Grijalva RM, Zhao H, Chandra SS. Decoding transcriptomic signatures of cysteine string protein alpha-mediated synapse maintenance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320064121. [PMID: 38833477 PMCID: PMC11181078 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320064121] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapse maintenance is essential for generating functional circuitry, and decrement in this process is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disease. Yet, little is known about synapse maintenance in vivo. Cysteine string protein α (CSPα), encoded by the Dnajc5 gene, is a synaptic vesicle chaperone that is necessary for synapse maintenance and linked to neurodegeneration. To investigate the transcriptional changes associated with synapse maintenance, we performed single-nucleus transcriptomics on the cortex of young CSPα knockout (KO) mice and littermate controls. Through differential expression and gene ontology analysis, we observed that both neurons and glial cells exhibit unique signatures in the CSPα KO brain. Significantly, all neuronal classes in CSPα KO brains show strong signatures of repression in synaptic pathways, while up-regulating autophagy-related genes. Through visualization of synapses and autophagosomes by electron microscopy, we confirmed these alterations especially in inhibitory synapses. Glial responses varied by cell type, with microglia exhibiting activation. By imputing cell-cell interactions, we found that neuron-glia interactions were specifically increased in CSPα KO mice. This was mediated by synaptogenic adhesion molecules, with the classical Neurexin1-Neuroligin 1 pair being the most prominent, suggesting that communication of glial cells with neurons is strengthened in CSPα KO mice to preserve synapse maintenance. Together, this study provides a rich dataset of transcriptional changes in the CSPα KO cortex and reveals insights into synapse maintenance and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Biqing Zhu
- Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Mary Alice Allnutt
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Rosalie M. Grijalva
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Sreeganga S. Chandra
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
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19
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Qiao M. Deciphering the genetic code of neuronal type connectivity through bilinear modeling. eLife 2024; 12:RP91532. [PMID: 38857169 PMCID: PMC11164534 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91532] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how different neuronal types connect and communicate is critical to interpreting brain function and behavior. However, it has remained a formidable challenge to decipher the genetic underpinnings that dictate the specific connections formed between neuronal types. To address this, we propose a novel bilinear modeling approach that leverages the architecture similar to that of recommendation systems. Our model transforms the gene expressions of presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal types, obtained from single-cell transcriptomics, into a covariance matrix. The objective is to construct this covariance matrix that closely mirrors a connectivity matrix, derived from connectomic data, reflecting the known anatomical connections between these neuronal types. When tested on a dataset of Caenorhabditis elegans, our model achieved a performance comparable to, if slightly better than, the previously proposed spatial connectome model (SCM) in reconstructing electrical synaptic connectivity based on gene expressions. Through a comparative analysis, our model not only captured all genetic interactions identified by the SCM but also inferred additional ones. Applied to a mouse retinal neuronal dataset, the bilinear model successfully recapitulated recognized connectivity motifs between bipolar cells and retinal ganglion cells, and provided interpretable insights into genetic interactions shaping the connectivity. Specifically, it identified unique genetic signatures associated with different connectivity motifs, including genes important to cell-cell adhesion and synapse formation, highlighting their role in orchestrating specific synaptic connections between these neurons. Our work establishes an innovative computational strategy for decoding the genetic programming of neuronal type connectivity. It not only sets a new benchmark for single-cell transcriptomic analysis of synaptic connections but also paves the way for mechanistic studies of neural circuit assembly and genetic manipulation of circuit wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Qiao
- LinkedInMountain ViewUnited States
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20
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Fukata Y, Fukata M, MacGillavry HD, Nair D, Hosy E. Celebrating the Birthday of AMPA Receptor Nanodomains: Illuminating the Nanoscale Organization of Excitatory Synapses with 10 Nanocandles. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2104232024. [PMID: 38839340 PMCID: PMC11154862 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2104-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
A decade ago, in 2013, and over the course of 4 summer months, three separate observations were reported that each shed light independently on a new molecular organization that fundamentally reshaped our perception of excitatory synaptic transmission (Fukata et al., 2013; MacGillavry et al., 2013; Nair et al., 2013). This discovery unveiled an intricate arrangement of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and their principal scaffolding protein PSD-95, at synapses. This breakthrough was made possible, thanks to advanced super-resolution imaging techniques. It fundamentally changed our understanding of excitatory synaptic architecture and paved the way for a brand-new area of research. In this Progressions article, the primary investigators of the nanoscale organization of synapses have come together to chronicle the tale of their discovery. We recount the initial inquiry that prompted our research, the preceding studies that inspired our work, the technical obstacles that were encountered, and the breakthroughs that were made in the subsequent decade in the realm of nanoscale synaptic transmission. We review the new discoveries made possible by the democratization of super-resolution imaging techniques in the field of excitatory synaptic physiology and architecture, first by the extension to other glutamate receptors and to presynaptic proteins and then by the notion of trans-synaptic organization. After describing the organizational modifications occurring in various pathologies, we discuss briefly the latest technical developments made possible by super-resolution imaging and emerging concepts in synaptic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Fukata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
- Division of Membrane Physiology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masaki Fukata
- Division of Membrane Physiology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Division of Neuropharmacology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Harold D MacGillavry
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Deepak Nair
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Eric Hosy
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, CNRS UMR5297, Bordeaux F-33000, France
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21
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Matúš D, Lopez JM, Sando RC, Südhof TC. Essential Role of Latrophilin-1 Adhesion GPCR Nanoclusters in Inhibitory Synapses. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1978232024. [PMID: 38684366 PMCID: PMC11154861 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1978-23.2024] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Latrophilin-1 (Lphn1, aka CIRL1 and CL1; gene symbol Adgrl1) is an adhesion GPCR that has been implicated in excitatory synaptic transmission as a candidate receptor for α-latrotoxin. Here we analyzed conditional knock-in/knock-out mice for Lphn1 that contain an extracellular myc epitope tag. Mice of both sexes were used in all experiments. Surprisingly, we found that Lphn1 is localized in cultured neurons to synaptic nanoclusters that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Conditional deletion of Lphn1 in cultured neurons failed to elicit a detectable impairment in excitatory synapses but produced a decrease in inhibitory synapse numbers and synaptic transmission that was most pronounced for synapses close to the neuronal soma. No changes in axonal or dendritic outgrowth or branching were observed. Our data indicate that Lphn1 is among the few postsynaptic adhesion molecules that are present in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and that Lphn1 by itself is not essential for excitatory synaptic transmission but is required for some inhibitory synaptic connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Matúš
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Jaybree M Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240
| | - Richard C Sando
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
- Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305
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22
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Brockhaus J, Kahl I, Ahmad M, Repetto D, Reissner C, Missler M. Conditional Knockout of Neurexins Alters the Contribution of Calcium Channel Subtypes to Presynaptic Ca 2+ Influx. Cells 2024; 13:981. [PMID: 38891114 PMCID: PMC11171642 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110981] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) is a key signal for synaptic vesicle release. Synaptic neurexins can partially determine the strength of transmission by regulating VGCCs. However, it is unknown whether neurexins modulate Ca2+ influx via all VGCC subtypes similarly. Here, we performed live cell imaging of synaptic boutons from primary hippocampal neurons with a Ca2+ indicator. We used the expression of inactive and active Cre recombinase to compare control to conditional knockout neurons lacking either all or selected neurexin variants. We found that reduced total presynaptic Ca2+ transients caused by the deletion of all neurexins were primarily due to the reduced contribution of P/Q-type VGCCs. The deletion of neurexin1α alone also reduced the total presynaptic Ca2+ influx but increased Ca2+ influx via N-type VGCCs. Moreover, we tested whether the decrease in Ca2+ influx induced by activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1-receptor) is modulated by neurexins. Unlike earlier observations emphasizing a role for β-neurexins, we found that the decrease in presynaptic Ca2+ transients induced by CB1-receptor activation depended more strongly on the presence of α-neurexins in hippocampal neurons. Together, our results suggest that neurexins have unique roles in the modulation of presynaptic Ca2+ influx through VGCC subtypes and that different neurexin variants may affect specific VGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Brockhaus
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Iris Kahl
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mohiuddin Ahmad
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Daniele Repetto
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Reissner
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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23
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Trovò L, Kouvaros S, Schwenk J, Fernandez-Fernandez D, Fritzius T, Rem PD, Früh S, Gassmann M, Fakler B, Bischofberger J, Bettler B. Synaptotagmin-11 facilitates assembly of a presynaptic signaling complex in post-Golgi cargo vesicles. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2610-2634. [PMID: 38698221 PMCID: PMC11169412 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00147-0] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
GABAB receptors (GBRs), the G protein-coupled receptors for GABA, regulate synaptic transmission throughout the brain. A main synaptic function of GBRs is the gating of Cav2.2-type Ca2+ channels. However, the cellular compartment where stable GBR/Cav2.2 signaling complexes form remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the vesicular protein synaptotagmin-11 (Syt11) binds to both the auxiliary GBR subunit KCTD16 and Cav2.2 channels. Through these dual interactions, Syt11 recruits GBRs and Cav2.2 channels to post-Golgi vesicles, thus facilitating assembly of GBR/Cav2.2 signaling complexes. In addition, Syt11 stabilizes GBRs and Cav2.2 channels at the neuronal plasma membrane by inhibiting constitutive internalization. Neurons of Syt11 knockout mice exhibit deficits in presynaptic GBRs and Cav2.2 channels, reduced neurotransmitter release, and decreased GBR-mediated presynaptic inhibition, highlighting the critical role of Syt11 in the assembly and stable expression of GBR/Cav2.2 complexes. These findings support that Syt11 acts as a vesicular scaffold protein, aiding in the assembly of signaling complexes from low-abundance components within transport vesicles. This mechanism enables insertion of pre-assembled functional signaling units into the synaptic membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Trovò
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jochen Schwenk
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Simon Früh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Gassmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Fakler
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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24
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Yu X, Kim E. Editorial Overview: Molecular neuroscience. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 86:102873. [PMID: 38564830 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University McGovern Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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25
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Huo A, Wang J, Li Q, Li M, Qi Y, Yin Q, Luo W, Shi J, Cong Q. Molecular mechanisms underlying microglial sensing and phagocytosis in synaptic pruning. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1284-1290. [PMID: 37905877 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Microglia are the main non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that have important roles in brain development and functional connectivity of neural circuits. In brain physiology, highly dynamic microglial processes are facilitated to sense the surrounding environment and stimuli. Once the brain switches its functional states, microglia are recruited to specific sites to exert their immune functions, including the release of cytokines and phagocytosis of cellular debris. The crosstalk of microglia between neurons, neural stem cells, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes contributes to their functions in synapse pruning, neurogenesis, vascularization, myelination, and blood-brain barrier permeability. In this review, we highlight the neuron-derived "find-me," "eat-me," and "don't eat-me" molecular signals that drive microglia in response to changes in neuronal activity for synapse refinement during brain development. This review reveals the molecular mechanism of neuron-microglia interaction in synaptic pruning and presents novel ideas for the synaptic pruning of microglia in disease, thereby providing important clues for discovery of target drugs and development of nervous system disease treatment methods targeting synaptic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anran Huo
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi Li
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuwan Qi
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiao Yin
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weifeng Luo
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jijun Shi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qifei Cong
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University; Institute of Neuroscience and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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26
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Wang L, Mirabella VR, Dai R, Su X, Xu R, Jadali A, Bernabucci M, Singh I, Chen Y, Tian J, Jiang P, Kwan KY, Pak C, Liu C, Comoletti D, Hart RP, Chen C, Südhof TC, Pang ZP. Analyses of the autism-associated neuroligin-3 R451C mutation in human neurons reveal a gain-of-function synaptic mechanism. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1620-1635. [PMID: 36280753 PMCID: PMC10123180 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01834-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in many synaptic genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), suggesting that synaptic dysfunction is a key driver of ASD pathogenesis. Among these mutations, the R451C substitution in the NLGN3 gene that encodes the postsynaptic adhesion molecule Neuroligin-3 is noteworthy because it was the first specific mutation linked to ASDs. In mice, the corresponding Nlgn3 R451C-knockin mutation recapitulates social interaction deficits of ASD patients and produces synaptic abnormalities, but the impact of the NLGN3 R451C mutation on human neurons has not been investigated. Here, we generated human knockin neurons with the NLGN3 R451C and NLGN3 null mutations. Strikingly, analyses of NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons revealed that the R451C mutation decreased NLGN3 protein levels but enhanced the strength of excitatory synapses without affecting inhibitory synapses; meanwhile NLGN3 knockout neurons showed reduction in excitatory synaptic strengths. Moreover, overexpression of NLGN3 R451C recapitulated the synaptic enhancement in human neurons. Notably, the augmentation of excitatory transmission was confirmed in vivo with human neurons transplanted into mouse forebrain. Using single-cell RNA-seq experiments with co-cultured excitatory and inhibitory NLGN3 R451C-mutant neurons, we identified differentially expressed genes in relatively mature human neurons corresponding to synaptic gene expression networks. Moreover, gene ontology and enrichment analyses revealed convergent gene networks associated with ASDs and other mental disorders. Our findings suggest that the NLGN3 R451C mutation induces a gain-of-function enhancement in excitatory synaptic transmission that may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Vincent R Mirabella
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rujia Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Xiao Su
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Azadeh Jadali
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Matteo Bernabucci
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Ishnoor Singh
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Jianghua Tian
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kevin Y Kwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
- School of Psychology, Shaanxi Normal University, 710000, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Davide Comoletti
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey and Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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27
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Jiang HH, Xu R, Nie X, Su Z, Xu X, Pang R, Zhou Y, Luo F. Neurexins control the strength and precise timing of glycinergic inhibition in the auditory brainstem. eLife 2024; 13:RP94315. [PMID: 38814174 PMCID: PMC11139475 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94315] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurexins play diverse functions as presynaptic organizers in various glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. However, it remains unknown whether and how neurexins are involved in shaping functional properties of the glycinergic synapses, which mediate prominent inhibition in the brainstem and spinal cord. To address these issues, we examined the role of neurexins in a model glycinergic synapse between the principal neuron in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the principal neuron in the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the auditory brainstem. Combining RNAscope with stereotactic injection of AAV-Cre in the MNTB of neurexin1/2/3 conditional triple knockout mice, we showed that MNTB neurons highly express all isoforms of neurexins although their expression levels vary remarkably. Selective ablation of all neurexins in MNTB neurons not only reduced the amplitude but also altered the kinetics of the glycinergic synaptic transmission at LSO neurons. The synaptic dysfunctions primarily resulted from an impaired Ca2+ sensitivity of release and a loosened coupling between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and synaptic vesicles. Together, our current findings demonstrate that neurexins are essential in controlling the strength and temporal precision of the glycinergic synapse, which therefore corroborates the role of neurexins as key presynaptic organizers in all major types of fast chemical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Hai Jiang
- Guangzhou National LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- Bioland LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ruoxuan Xu
- Guangzhou National LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
| | | | | | | | - Ruiqi Pang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Advanced Institute for Brain and Intelligence, School of Medicine, Guangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Fujun Luo
- Guangzhou National LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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28
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Szíber Z, Drouet A, Mondin M, Levet F, Thoumine O. Neuroligin-1 dependent phosphotyrosine signaling in excitatory synapse differentiation. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1359067. [PMID: 38813439 PMCID: PMC11133670 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1359067] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) is involved in the differentiation of excitatory synapses, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are still debated. Here, we explored the role of NLGN1 tyrosine phosphorylation in this process, focusing on a subset of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), namely FGFR1 and Trks, that were previously described to phosphorylate NLGN1 at a unique intracellular residue (Y782). Methods We used pharmacological inhibitors and genetic manipulation of those RTKs in dissociated hippocampal neurons, followed by biochemical measurement of NLGN1 phosphorylation and immunocytochemical staining of excitatory synaptic scaffolds. Results This study shows that: (i) the accumulation of PSD-95 at de novo NLGN1 clusters induced by neurexin crosslinking is reduced by FGFR and Trk inhibitors; (ii) the increase in PSD-95 puncta caused by NLGN1 over-expression is impaired by FGFR and Trk inhibitors; (iii) TrkB activation by BDNF increases NLGN1 phosphorylation; and (iv) TrkB knock-down impairs the increase of PSD-95 puncta caused by NLGN1 over-expression, an effect which is not seen with the NLGN1 Y782A mutant. Discussion Together, our data identify TrkB as one of the major RTKs responsible for NLGN1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and reveal that TrkB activity is necessary for the synaptogenic effects of NLGN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Szíber
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Adèle Drouet
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Magali Mondin
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UAR 3420, US 4, Bordeaux, France
| | - Florian Levet
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UAR 3420, US 4, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Thoumine
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
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Cesari E, Farini D, Medici V, Ehrmann I, Guerra M, Testa E, Naro C, Geloso MC, Pagliarini V, La Barbera L, D’Amelio M, Orsini T, Vecchioli SF, Tamagnone L, Fort P, Viscomi MT, Elliott DJ, Sette C. Differential expression of paralog RNA binding proteins establishes a dynamic splicing program required for normal cerebral cortex development. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4167-4184. [PMID: 38324473 PMCID: PMC11077083 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Sam68 and SLM2 are paralog RNA binding proteins (RBPs) expressed in the cerebral cortex and display similar splicing activities. However, their relative functions during cortical development are unknown. We found that these RBPs exhibit an opposite expression pattern during development. Sam68 expression declines postnatally while SLM2 increases after birth, and this developmental pattern is reinforced by hierarchical control of Sam68 expression by SLM2. Analysis of Sam68:Slm2 double knockout (Sam68:Slm2dko) mice revealed hundreds of exons that respond to joint depletion of these proteins. Moreover, parallel analysis of single and double knockout cortices indicated that exons regulated mainly by SLM2 are characterized by a dynamic splicing pattern during development, whereas Sam68-dependent exons are spliced at relatively constant rates. Dynamic splicing of SLM2-sensitive exons is completely suppressed in the Sam68:Slm2dko developing cortex. Sam68:Slm2dko mice die perinatally with defects in neurogenesis and in neuronal differentiation, and develop a hydrocephalus, consistent with splicing alterations in genes related to these biological processes. Thus, our study reveals that developmental control of separate Sam68 and Slm2 paralog genes encoding homologous RBPs enables the orchestration of a dynamic splicing program needed for brain development and viability, while ensuring a robust redundant mechanism that supports proper cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cesari
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ingrid Ehrmann
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Institute of Biosciences, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Marika Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Testa
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Geloso
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Pagliarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC/CNR), Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Farioli Vecchioli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC/CNR), Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - Philippe Fort
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Section of Histology and Embryology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome
| | - David J Elliott
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Institute of Biosciences, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
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30
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Verpoort B, de Wit J. Cell Adhesion Molecule Signaling at the Synapse: Beyond the Scaffold. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041501. [PMID: 38316556 PMCID: PMC11065171 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Synapses are specialized intercellular junctions connecting pre- and postsynaptic neurons into functional neural circuits. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) constitute key players in synapse development that engage in homo- or heterophilic interactions across the synaptic cleft. Decades of research have identified numerous synaptic CAMs, mapped their trans-synaptic interactions, and determined their role in orchestrating synaptic connectivity. However, surprisingly little is known about the molecular mechanisms that translate trans-synaptic adhesion into the assembly of pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Here, we provide an overview of the intracellular signaling pathways that are engaged by synaptic CAMs and highlight outstanding issues to be addressed in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Verpoort
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris de Wit
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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31
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Liakath-Ali K, Refaee R, Südhof TC. Cartography of teneurin and latrophilin expression reveals spatiotemporal axis heterogeneity in the mouse hippocampus during development. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002599. [PMID: 38713721 PMCID: PMC11101112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002599] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins that play an important role in the form and function of neuronal synapses. Teneurins (Tenms) and latrophilins (Lphns) are well-known cell adhesion molecules that form a transsynaptic complex. Recent studies suggest that Tenm3 and Lphn2 (gene symbol Adgrl2) are involved in hippocampal circuit assembly via their topographical expression. However, it is not known whether other teneurins and latrophilins display similar topographically restricted expression patterns during embryonic and postnatal development. Here, we reveal the cartography of all teneurin (Tenm1-4) and latrophilin (Lphn1-3 [Adgrl1-3]) paralog expression in the mouse hippocampus across prenatal and postnatal development as monitored by large-scale single-molecule RNA in situ hybridization mapping. Our results identify a striking heterogeneity in teneurin and latrophilin expression along the spatiotemporal axis of the hippocampus. Tenm2 and Tenm4 expression levels peak at the neonatal stage when compared to Tenm1 and Tenm3, while Tenm1 expression is restricted to the postnatal pyramidal cell layer. Tenm4 expression in the dentate gyrus (DG) exhibits an opposing topographical expression pattern in the embryonic and neonatal hippocampus. Our findings were validated by analyses of multiple RNA-seq datasets at bulk, single-cell, and spatial levels. Thus, our study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal map of Tenm and Lphn expression in the hippocampus, showcasing their diverse expression patterns across developmental stages in distinct spatial axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kif Liakath-Ali
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Refaee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
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32
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Ruan Y, Yuan R, He J, Jiang Y, Chu S, Chen N. New perspective on sustained antidepressant effect: focus on neurexins regulating synaptic plasticity. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:205. [PMID: 38693106 PMCID: PMC11063156 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01974-9] [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] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent globally, however, currently available medications face challenges such as low response rates and short duration of efficacy. Additionally, depression mostly accompany other psychiatric disorders, further progressing to major depressive disorder without long-term effective management. Thus, sustained antidepressant strategies are urgently needed. Recently, ketamine and psilocybin gained attention as potential sustained antidepressants. Review of recent studies highlights that synaptic plasticity changes as key events of downstream long-lasting changes in sustained antidepressant effect. This underscores the significance of synaptic plasticity in sustained antidepressant effect. Moreover, neurexins, key molecules involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, act as critical links between synaptic plasticity and sustained antidepressant effects, involving mechanisms including protein level, selective splicing, epigenetics, astrocytes, positional redistribution and protein structure. Based on the regulation of synaptic plasticity by neurexins, several drugs with potential for sustained antidepressant effect are also discussed. Focusing on neurexins in regulating synaptic plasticity promises much for further understanding underlying mechanisms of sustained antidepressant and the next step in new drug development. This research represents a highly promising future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ruan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruolan Yuan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiaqi He
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yutong Jiang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Naihong Chen
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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33
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Xu N, Cao R, Chen SY, Gou XZ, Wang B, Luo HM, Gao F, Tang AH. Structural and functional reorganization of inhibitory synapses by activity-dependent cleavage of neuroligin-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314541121. [PMID: 38657049 PMCID: PMC11067042 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314541121] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has demonstrated that the transsynaptic nanoscale organization of synaptic proteins plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic strength in excitatory synapses. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this transsynaptic nanostructure in inhibitory synapses still remains unclear and its impact on synapse function in physiological or pathological contexts has not been demonstrated. In this study, we utilized an engineered proteolysis technique to investigate the effects of acute cleavage of neuroligin-2 (NL2) on synaptic transmission. Our results show that the rapid cleavage of NL2 led to impaired synaptic transmission by reducing both neurotransmitter release probability and quantum size. These changes were attributed to the dispersion of RIM1/2 and GABAA receptors and a weakened spatial alignment between them at the subsynaptic scale, as observed through superresolution imaging and model simulations. Importantly, we found that endogenous NL2 undergoes rapid MMP9-dependent cleavage during epileptic activities, which further exacerbates the decrease in inhibitory transmission. Overall, our study demonstrates the significant impact of nanoscale structural reorganization on inhibitory transmission and unveils ongoing modulation of mature GABAergic synapses through active cleavage of NL2 in response to hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Luyang District, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Ran Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xu-Zhuo Gou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hong-Mei Luo
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Luyang District, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Luyang District, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Intelligent Processing, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, 5089 Wangjiang West Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui 230088, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Baohe District, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Dummer PD, Lee DI, Hossain S, Wang R, Evard A, Newman G, Ho C, Schneider-Mizell CM, Menon V, Au E. Multidimensional analysis of cortical interneuron synaptic features reveals underlying synaptic heterogeneity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586340. [PMID: 38659827 PMCID: PMC11042224 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cortical interneurons represent a diverse set of neuronal subtypes characterized in part by their striking degree of synaptic specificity. However, little is known about the extent of synaptic diversity because of the lack of unbiased methods to extract synaptic features among interneuron subtypes. Here, we develop an approach to aggregate image features from fluorescent confocal images of interneuron synapses and their post-synaptic targets, in order to characterize the heterogeneity of synapses at fine scale. We started by training a model that recognizes pre- and post-synaptic compartments and then determines the target of each genetically-identified interneuron synapse in vitro and in vivo. Our model extracts hundreds of spatial and intensity features from each analyzed synapse, constructing a multidimensional data set, consisting of millions of synapses, which allowed us to perform an unsupervised analysis on this dataset, uncovering novel synaptic subgroups. The subgroups were spatially distributed in a highly structured manner that revealed the local underlying topology of the postsynaptic environment. Dendrite-targeting subgroups were clustered onto subdomains of the dendrite along the proximal to distal axis. Soma-targeting subgroups were enriched onto different postsynaptic cell types. We also find that the two main subclasses of interneurons, basket cells and somatostatin interneurons, utilize distinct strategies to enact inhibitory coverage. Thus, our analysis of multidimensional synaptic features establishes a conceptual framework for studying interneuron synaptic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D. Dummer
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Dylan I. Lee
- Department of Neurology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Sakib Hossain
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Runsheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Andre Evard
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Gabriel Newman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Claire Ho
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | | | - Vilas Menon
- Department of Neurology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
| | - Edmund Au
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
- Columbia Translation Neuroscience Initiative Fellow, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York NY, 10032
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Godavarthi SK, Hiramoto M, Ignatyev Y, Levin JB, Li HQ, Pratelli M, Borchardt J, Czajkowski C, Borodinsky LN, Sweeney L, Cline HT, Spitzer NC. Postsynaptic receptors regulate presynaptic transmitter stability through transsynaptic bridges. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318041121. [PMID: 38568976 PMCID: PMC11009644 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318041121] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stable matching of neurotransmitters with their receptors is fundamental to synapse function and reliable communication in neural circuits. Presynaptic neurotransmitters regulate the stabilization of postsynaptic transmitter receptors. Whether postsynaptic receptors regulate stabilization of presynaptic transmitters has received less attention. Here, we show that blockade of endogenous postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction destabilizes the cholinergic phenotype in motor neurons and stabilizes an earlier, developmentally transient glutamatergic phenotype. Further, expression of exogenous postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAA receptors) in muscle cells stabilizes an earlier, developmentally transient GABAergic motor neuron phenotype. Both AChR and GABAA receptors are linked to presynaptic neurons through transsynaptic bridges. Knockdown of specific components of these transsynaptic bridges prevents stabilization of the cholinergic or GABAergic phenotypes. Bidirectional communication can enforce a match between transmitter and receptor and ensure the fidelity of synaptic transmission. Our findings suggest a potential role of dysfunctional transmitter receptors in neurological disorders that involve the loss of the presynaptic transmitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha K. Godavarthi
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Masaki Hiramoto
- Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Yuri Ignatyev
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg3400, Austria
| | - Jacqueline B. Levin
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Hui-quan Li
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Jennifer Borchardt
- Neuroscience Department, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Cynthia Czajkowski
- Neuroscience Department, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI53705
| | - Laura N. Borodinsky
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Lora Sweeney
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg3400, Austria
| | - Hollis T. Cline
- Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
- Kavli Institute for Brain & Mind, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
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Cooper JN, Mittal J, Sangadi A, Klassen DL, King AM, Zalta M, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Landscape of NRXN1 Gene Variants in Phenotypic Manifestations of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2067. [PMID: 38610832 PMCID: PMC11012327 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072067] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Recent research has increasingly focused on the genetic underpinnings of ASD, with the Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) gene emerging as a key player. This comprehensive systematic review elucidates the contribution of NRXN1 gene variants in the pathophysiology of ASD. Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was designed a priori and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023450418). A risk of bias analysis was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. We examined various studies that link NRXN1 gene disruptions with ASD, discussing both the genotypic variability and the resulting phenotypic expressions. Results: Within this review, there was marked heterogeneity observed in ASD genotypic and phenotypic manifestations among individuals with NRXN1 mutations. The presence of NRXN1 mutations in this population emphasizes the gene's role in synaptic function and neural connectivity. Conclusion: This review not only highlights the role of NRXN1 in the pathophysiology of ASD but also highlights the need for further research to unravel the complex genetic underpinnings of the disorder. A better knowledge about the multifaceted role of NRXN1 in ASD can provide crucial insights into the neurobiological foundations of autism and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimee N. Cooper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Akhila Sangadi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Delany L. Klassen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Ava M. King
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Max Zalta
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.N.C.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (D.L.K.); (A.M.K.); (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Park SJ, Wang IH, Lee N, Jiang HC, Uemura T, Futai K, Kim D, Macosko E, Greer P. Combinatorial expression of neurexin genes regulates glomerular targeting by olfactory sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587570. [PMID: 38617205 PMCID: PMC11014570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Precise connectivity between specific neurons is essential for the formation of the complex neural circuitry necessary for executing intricate motor behaviors and higher cognitive functions. While trans -interactions between synaptic membrane proteins have emerged as crucial elements in orchestrating the assembly of these neural circuits, the synaptic surface proteins involved in neuronal wiring remain largely unknown. Here, using unbiased single-cell transcriptomic and mouse genetic approaches, we uncover that the neurexin family of genes enables olfactory sensory neuron (OSNs) axons to form appropriate synaptic connections with their mitral and tufted (M/T) cell synaptic partners, within the mammalian olfactory system. Neurexin isoforms are differentially expressed within distinct populations of OSNs, resulting in unique pattern of neurexin expression that is specific to each OSN type, and synergistically cooperate to regulate axonal innervation, guiding OSN axons to their designated glomeruli. This process is facilitated through the interactions of neurexins with their postsynaptic partners, including neuroligins, which have distinct expression patterns in M/T cells. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism underpinning the precise assembly of olfactory neural circuits, driven by the trans -interaction between neurexins and their ligands.
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Marcó de la Cruz B, Campos J, Molinaro A, Xie X, Jin G, Wei Z, Acuna C, Sterky FH. Liprin-α proteins are master regulators of human presynapse assembly. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:629-642. [PMID: 38472649 PMCID: PMC11001580 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01592-9] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The formation of mammalian synapses entails the precise alignment of presynaptic release sites with postsynaptic receptors but how nascent cell-cell contacts translate into assembly of presynaptic specializations remains unclear. Guided by pioneering work in invertebrates, we hypothesized that in mammalian synapses, liprin-α proteins directly link trans-synaptic initial contacts to downstream steps. Here we show that, in human neurons lacking all four liprin-α isoforms, nascent synaptic contacts are formed but recruitment of active zone components and accumulation of synaptic vesicles is blocked, resulting in 'empty' boutons and loss of synaptic transmission. Interactions with presynaptic cell adhesion molecules of either the LAR-RPTP family or neurexins via CASK are required to localize liprin-α to nascent synaptic sites. Liprin-α subsequently recruits presynaptic components via a direct interaction with ELKS proteins. Thus, assembly of human presynaptic terminals is governed by a hierarchical sequence of events in which the recruitment of liprin-α proteins by presynaptic cell adhesion molecules is a critical initial step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Marcó de la Cruz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joaquín Campos
- Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Molinaro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xingqiao Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gaowei Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Assembling and Regulation, Shenzhen, China
| | - Claudio Acuna
- Chica and Heinz Schaller Foundation, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Fredrik H Sterky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Wang MH, Hao Y, Tong XJ. Targeting the intracellular neurexin interactome by in vivo proximity ligation. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:243-245. [PMID: 38453567 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.007] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In a recent study, Profes, Tiroumalechetty, and colleagues used the in vivo proximity ligation technique TurboID to scrupulously characterize the interactome of the intracellular domain (ICD) of neurexin, revealing that this domain may be involved in presynaptic actin assembly by interacting with actin-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Han Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xia-Jing Tong
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Sachdeva MM, Lee Y, Unlu EK, Koseoglu ND, Cha E, Wang J, Prescott CR, Eghrari AO, Na CH. Tandem Mass Tag LC-MS/MS of Aqueous Humor From Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Without Retinopathy Reveals Early Dysregulation of Synaptic Proteins. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:16. [PMID: 38470329 PMCID: PMC10939138 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.16] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose An early neurodegenerative component of diabetic retinal disease (DRD) that precedes the vascular findings of clinically diagnosed diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly being recognized. However, the relevant molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for early DRD are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to uncover novel potential mediators of early diabetic retinal neuronal dysfunction through analysis of the aqueous fluid proteome in preclinical DR. Methods Aqueous fluid was collected from subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) but no clinical DR and from nondiabetic controls undergoing routine cataract surgery. Preoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula was obtained. Tandem mass tag LC-MS/MS was performed to identify proteins differentially present in diabetic and control aqueous fluid, and proteins with >50% change and P < 0.05 were considered significant. Selected results were validated with western blot of human aqueous fluid samples. Results We identified decreased levels of proteins implicated in neuronal synapse formation and increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the aqueous fluid from patients with type 2 DM but no DR compared with controls. Of the differentially present synaptic proteins that we identified and confirmed with western blot, the majority have not previously been linked with DRD. Conclusions The proteomic profile of aqueous fluid from individuals with type 2 DM but no DR suggests that retinal neuronal dysfunction and inflammation represent very early events in the pathophysiology of DRD. These findings support the concept that diabetic retinal neurodegeneration precedes vascular pathology and reveal novel potential mediators and/or biomarkers warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira M. Sachdeva
- Retina Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Yoonjung Lee
- Neurology, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Eda K. Unlu
- Retina Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Neslihan D. Koseoglu
- Retina Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Eumee Cha
- Retina Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jiangxia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Christina R. Prescott
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Allen O. Eghrari
- Cornea Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Chan Hyun Na
- Neurology, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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41
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. Role of Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Learning and Memory in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:337. [PMID: 38540396 PMCID: PMC10970538 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
After many decades, during which most molecular studies on the regulation of gene expression focused on transcriptional events, it was realized that post-transcriptional control was equally important in order to determine where and when specific proteins were to be synthesized. Translational regulation is of the most importance in the brain, where all the steps of mRNA maturation, transport to different regions of the cells and actual expression, in response to specific signals, constitute the molecular basis for neuronal plasticity and, as a consequence, for structural stabilization/modification of synapses; notably, these latter events are fundamental for the highest brain functions, such as learning and memory, and are characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) of specific synapses. Here, we will discuss the molecular bases of these fundamental events by considering both the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the effects of non-coding RNAs involved in controlling splicing, editing, stability and translation of mRNAs. Importantly, it has also been found that dysregulation of mRNA metabolism/localization is involved in many pathological conditions, arising either during brain development or in the adult nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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Tasnim A, Alkislar I, Hakim R, Turecek J, Abdelaziz A, Orefice LL, Ginty DD. The developmental timing of spinal touch processing alterations predicts behavioral changes in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorders. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:484-496. [PMID: 38233682 PMCID: PMC10917678 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01552-9] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Altered somatosensory reactivity is frequently observed among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here, we report that although multiple mouse models of ASD exhibit aberrant somatosensory behaviors in adulthood, some models exhibit altered tactile reactivity as early as embryonic development, whereas in others, altered reactivity emerges later in life. Additionally, tactile overreactivity during neonatal development is associated with anxiety-like behaviors and social behavior deficits in adulthood, whereas tactile overreactivity that emerges later in life is not. The locus of circuit disruption dictates the timing of aberrant tactile behaviors, as altered feedback or presynaptic inhibition of peripheral mechanosensory neurons leads to abnormal tactile reactivity during neonatal development, whereas disruptions in feedforward inhibition in the spinal cord lead to touch reactivity alterations that manifest later in life. Thus, the developmental timing of aberrant touch processing can predict the manifestation of ASD-associated behaviors in mouse models, and differential timing of sensory disturbance onset may contribute to phenotypic diversity across individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniqa Tasnim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilayda Alkislar
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Hakim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josef Turecek
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amira Abdelaziz
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren L Orefice
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Tolezano GC, Bastos GC, da Costa SS, Freire BL, Homma TK, Honjo RS, Yamamoto GL, Passos-Bueno MR, Koiffmann CP, Kim CA, Vianna-Morgante AM, de Lima Jorge AA, Bertola DR, Rosenberg C, Krepischi ACV. Burden of Rare Copy Number Variants in Microcephaly: A Brazilian Cohort of 185 Microcephalic Patients and Review of the Literature. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1181-1212. [PMID: 36502452 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05853-z] [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] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microcephaly presents heterogeneous genetic etiology linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Copy number variants (CNVs) are a causal mechanism of microcephaly whose investigation is a crucial step for unraveling its molecular basis. Our purpose was to investigate the burden of rare CNVs in microcephalic individuals and to review genes and CNV syndromes associated with microcephaly. We performed chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in 185 Brazilian patients with microcephaly and evaluated microcephalic patients carrying < 200 kb CNVs documented in the DECIPHER database. Additionally, we reviewed known genes and CNV syndromes causally linked to microcephaly through the PubMed, OMIM, DECIPHER, and ClinGen databases. Rare clinically relevant CNVs were detected in 39 out of the 185 Brazilian patients investigated by CMA (21%). In 31 among the 60 DECIPHER patients carrying < 200 kb CNVs, at least one known microcephaly gene was observed. Overall, four gene sets implicated in microcephaly were disclosed: known microcephaly genes; genes with supporting evidence of association with microcephaly; known macrocephaly genes; and novel candidates, including OTUD7A, BBC3, CNTN6, and NAA15. In the review, we compiled 957 known microcephaly genes and 58 genomic CNV loci, comprising 13 duplications and 50 deletions, which have already been associated with clinical findings including microcephaly. We reviewed genes and CNV syndromes previously associated with microcephaly, reinforced the high CMA diagnostic yield for this condition, pinpointed novel candidate loci linked to microcephaly deserving further evaluation, and provided a useful resource for future research on the field of neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cantini Tolezano
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Civitate Bastos
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Silvia Souza da Costa
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lucheze Freire
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética (LIM25), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 455 Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Thais Kataoka Homma
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética (LIM25), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 455 Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Rachel Sayuri Honjo
- Unidade de Genética do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 647 Avenida Doutor Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, São Paulo, SP, 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Lopes Yamamoto
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
- Unidade de Genética do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 647 Avenida Doutor Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, São Paulo, SP, 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Celia Priszkulnik Koiffmann
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Unidade de Genética do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 647 Avenida Doutor Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, São Paulo, SP, 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Angela Maria Vianna-Morgante
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Alexander Augusto de Lima Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética (LIM25), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 455 Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Débora Romeo Bertola
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
- Unidade de Genética do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 647 Avenida Doutor Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, São Paulo, SP, 05403-900, Brazil
| | - Carla Rosenberg
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Victorino Krepischi
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Human Genome and Stem-Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 277 Rua do Matão, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.
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Han KA, Yoon TH, Kim J, Lee J, Lee JY, Jang G, Um JW, Kim JK, Ko J. Specification of neural circuit architecture shaped by context-dependent patterned LAR-RPTP microexons. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1624. [PMID: 38388459 PMCID: PMC10883964 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45695-0] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
LAR-RPTPs are evolutionarily conserved presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that orchestrate multifarious synaptic adhesion pathways. Extensive alternative splicing of LAR-RPTP mRNAs may produce innumerable LAR-RPTP isoforms that act as regulatory "codes" for determining the identity and strength of specific synapse signaling. However, no direct evidence for this hypothesis exists. Here, using targeted RNA sequencing, we detected LAR-RPTP mRNAs in diverse cell types across adult male mouse brain areas. We found pronounced cell-type-specific patterns of two microexons, meA and meB, in Ptprd mRNAs. Moreover, diverse neural circuits targeting the same neuronal populations were dictated by the expression of different Ptprd variants with distinct inclusion patterns of microexons. Furthermore, conditional ablation of Ptprd meA+ variants at presynaptic loci of distinct hippocampal circuits impaired distinct modes of synaptic transmission and objection-location memory. Activity-triggered alterations of the presynaptic Ptprd meA code in subicular neurons mediates NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in CA1 neurons and objection-location memory. Our data provide the evidence of cell-type- and/or circuit-specific expression patterns in vivo and physiological functions of LAR-RPTP microexons that are dynamically regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ah Han
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Taek-Han Yoon
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Jinhu Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Jusung Lee
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Lee
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Cheongju, 28119, Korea
| | - Gyubin Jang
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Jong Kyoung Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea.
- Center for Synapse Diversity and Specificity, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Korea.
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Koumoundourou A, Rannap M, De Bruyckere E, Nestel S, Reissner C, Egorov AV, Liu P, Missler M, Heimrich B, Draguhn A, Britsch S. Regulation of hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function by a Bcl11b/C1ql2/Nrxn3(25b+) pathway. eLife 2024; 12:RP89854. [PMID: 38358390 PMCID: PMC10942602 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89854] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Bcl11b has been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction. Bcl11b is highly expressed in dentate gyrus granule neurons and is required for the structural and functional integrity of mossy fiber-CA3 synapses. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remained unclear. We show in mice that the synaptic organizer molecule C1ql2 is a direct functional target of Bcl11b that regulates synaptic vesicle recruitment and long-term potentiation at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate C1ql2 to exert its functions through direct interaction with a specific splice variant of neurexin-3, Nrxn3(25b+). Interruption of C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+) interaction by expression of a non-binding C1ql2 mutant or by deletion of Nrxn3 in the dentate gyrus granule neurons recapitulates major parts of the Bcl11b as well as C1ql2 mutant phenotype. Together, this study identifies a novel C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+)-dependent signaling pathway through which Bcl11b controls mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function. Thus, our findings contribute to the mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders accompanied by synaptic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Märt Rannap
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Sigrun Nestel
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Carsten Reissner
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Alexei V Egorov
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Pengtao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell BiologyHong KongChina
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Bernd Heimrich
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Andreas Draguhn
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm UniversityUlmGermany
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Wolterhoff N, Hiesinger PR. Synaptic promiscuity in brain development. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R102-R116. [PMID: 38320473 PMCID: PMC10849093 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Precise synaptic connectivity is a prerequisite for the function of neural circuits, yet individual neurons, taken out of their developmental context, readily form unspecific synapses. How does the genome encode brain wiring in light of this apparent contradiction? Synaptic specificity is the outcome of a long series of developmental processes and mechanisms before, during and after synapse formation. How much promiscuity is permissible or necessary at the moment of synaptic partner choice depends on the extent to which prior development restricts available partners or subsequent development corrects initially made synapses. Synaptic promiscuity at the moment of choice can thereby play important roles in the development of precise connectivity, but also facilitate developmental flexibility and robustness. In this review, we assess the experimental evidence for the prevalence and roles of promiscuous synapse formation during brain development. Many well-established experimental approaches are based on developmental genetic perturbation and an assessment of synaptic connectivity only in the adult; this can make it difficult to pinpoint when a given defect or mechanism occurred. In many cases, such studies reveal mechanisms that restrict partner availability already prior to synapse formation. Subsequently, at the moment of choice, factors including synaptic competency, interaction dynamics and molecular recognition further restrict synaptic partners. The discussion of the development of synaptic specificity through the lens of synaptic promiscuity suggests an algorithmic process based on neurons capable of promiscuous synapse formation that are continuously prevented from making the wrong choices, with no single mechanism or developmental time point sufficient to explain the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Wolterhoff
- Division of Neurobiology, Free University Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - P Robin Hiesinger
- Division of Neurobiology, Free University Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Castillo-Armengol J, Marzetta F, Rodriguez Sanchez-Archidona A, Fledelius C, Evans M, McNeilly A, McCrimmon RJ, Ibberson M, Thorens B. Disrupted hypothalamic transcriptomics and proteomics in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes exposed to recurrent hypoglycaemia. Diabetologia 2024; 67:371-391. [PMID: 38017352 PMCID: PMC10789691 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-06043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Repeated exposures to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes progressively impairs the counterregulatory response (CRR) that restores normoglycaemia. This defect is characterised by reduced secretion of glucagon and other counterregulatory hormones. Evidence indicates that glucose-responsive neurons located in the hypothalamus orchestrate the CRR. Here, we aimed to identify the changes in hypothalamic gene and protein expression that underlie impaired CRR in a mouse model of defective CRR. METHODS High-fat-diet fed and low-dose streptozocin-treated C57BL/6N mice were exposed to one (acute hypoglycaemia [AH]) or multiple (recurrent hypoglycaemia [RH]) insulin-induced hypoglycaemic episodes and plasma glucagon levels were measured. Single-nuclei RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) data were obtained from the hypothalamus and cortex of mice exposed to AH and RH. Proteomic data were obtained from hypothalamic synaptosomal fractions. RESULTS The final insulin injection resulted in similar plasma glucose levels in the RH group and AH groups, but glucagon secretion was significantly lower in the RH group (AH: 94.5±9.2 ng/l [n=33]; RH: 59.0±4.8 ng/l [n=37]; p<0.001). Analysis of snRNA-seq data revealed similar proportions of hypothalamic cell subpopulations in the AH- and RH-exposed mice. Changes in transcriptional profiles were found in all cell types analysed. In neurons from RH-exposed mice, we observed a significant decrease in expression of Avp, Pmch and Pcsk1n, and the most overexpressed gene was Kcnq1ot1, as compared with AH-exposed mice. Gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated a coordinated decrease in many oxidative phosphorylation genes and reduced expression of vacuolar H+- and Na+/K+-ATPases; these observations were in large part confirmed in the proteomic analysis of synaptosomal fractions. Compared with AH-exposed mice, oligodendrocytes from RH-exposed mice had major changes in gene expression that suggested reduced myelin formation. In astrocytes from RH-exposed mice, DEGs indicated reduced capacity for neurotransmitters scavenging in tripartite synapses as compared with astrocytes from AH-exposed mice. In addition, in neurons and astrocytes, multiple changes in gene expression suggested increased amyloid beta (Aβ) production and stability. The snRNA-seq analysis of the cortex showed that the adaptation to RH involved different biological processes from those seen in the hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The present study provides a model of defective counterregulation in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. It shows that repeated hypoglycaemic episodes induce multiple defects affecting all hypothalamic cell types and their interactions, indicative of impaired neuronal network signalling and dysegulated hypoglycaemia sensing, and displaying features of neurodegenerative diseases. It also shows that repeated hypoglycaemia leads to specific molecular adaptation in the hypothalamus when compared with the cortex. DATA AVAILABILITY The transcriptomic dataset is available via the GEO ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ ), using the accession no. GSE226277. The proteomic dataset is available via the ProteomeXchange data repository ( http://www.proteomexchange.org ), using the accession no. PXD040183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo-Armengol
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
- Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Marzetta
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Mark Evans
- IMS Metabolic Research Laboratories, Addenbrookes Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Mark Ibberson
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Thorens
- Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Pecori A, Luppieri V, Santin A, Spedicati B, Zampieri S, Cadenaro M, Girotto G, Concas MP. Clenching the Strings of Bruxism Etiopathogenesis: Association Analyses on Genetics and Environmental Risk Factors in a Deeply Characterized Italian Cohort. Biomedicines 2024; 12:304. [PMID: 38397906 PMCID: PMC10887134 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020304] [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] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bruxism is a worldwide oral health problem. Although there is a consensus about its multifactorial nature, its precise etiopathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. This study, taking advantage of a deeply characterized cohort of 769 individuals (aged 6-89 years) coming from Northern Italy's genetically isolated populations, aims to epidemiologically describe environmental risk factors for bruxism development and identify genes potentially involved through a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) approach. Logistic mixed models adjusted for age and sex were performed to evaluate associations between bruxism and possible risk factors, e.g., anxiety, smoking, and alcohol and caffeine intake. A case-control GWAS (135 cases, 523 controls), adjusted for age, sex, and anxiety, was conducted to identify new candidate genes. The GTEx data analysis was performed to evaluate the identified gene expression in human body tissues. Statistical analyses determined anxiety as a bruxism risk factor (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.20-5.38; p-value = 0.015), and GWAS highlighted three novel genes potentially associated with bruxism: NLGN1 (topSNP = rs2046718; p-value = 2.63 × 10-7), RIMBP2 (topSNP = rs571497947; p-value = 4.68 × 10-7), and LHFP (topSNP = rs2324342; p-value = 7.47 × 10-6). The GTEx data analysis showed their expression in brain tissues. Overall, this work provided a deeper understanding of bruxism etiopathogenesis with the long-term perspective of developing personalized therapeutic approaches for improving affected individuals' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pecori
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Valentina Luppieri
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Aurora Santin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Spedicati
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Zampieri
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Milena Cadenaro
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgia Girotto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Concas
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell’Istria 65, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (V.L.); (B.S.); (S.Z.); (M.C.); (G.G.); (M.P.C.)
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Mohrmann L, Seebach J, Missler M, Rohlmann A. Distinct Alterations in Dendritic Spine Morphology in the Absence of β-Neurexins. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1285. [PMID: 38279285 PMCID: PMC10817056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021285] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are essential for synaptic function because they constitute the postsynaptic compartment of the neurons that receives the most excitatory input. The extracellularly shorter variant of the presynaptic cell adhesion molecules neurexins, β-neurexin, has been implicated in various aspects of synaptic function, including neurotransmitter release. However, its role in developing or stabilizing dendritic spines as fundamental computational units of excitatory synapses has remained unclear. Here, we show through morphological analysis that the deletion of β-neurexins in hippocampal neurons in vitro and in hippocampal tissue in vivo affects presynaptic dense-core vesicles, as hypothesized earlier, and, unexpectedly, alters the postsynaptic spine structure. Specifically, we observed that the absence of β-neurexins led to an increase in filopodial-like protrusions in vitro and more mature mushroom-type spines in the CA1 region of adult knockout mice. In addition, the deletion of β-neurexins caused alterations in the spine head dimension and an increase in spines with perforations of their postsynaptic density but no changes in the overall number of spines or synapses. Our results indicate that presynaptic β-neurexins play a role across the synaptic cleft, possibly by aligning with postsynaptic binding partners and glutamate receptors via transsynaptic columns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Markus Missler
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Astrid Rohlmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.M.); (J.S.)
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50
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Xiao H, Xu Y, Cui S, Wang JH. Neuroligin-3-Mediated Synapse Formation Strengthens Interactions between Hippocampus and Barrel Cortex in Associative Memory. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:711. [PMID: 38255783 PMCID: PMC10815421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020711] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory traces are believed to be broadly allocated in cerebral cortices and the hippocampus. Mutual synapse innervations among these brain areas are presumably formed in associative memory. In the present study, we have used neuronal tracing by pAAV-carried fluorescent proteins and neuroligin-3 mRNA knockdown by shRNAs to examine the role of neuroligin-3-mediated synapse formation in the interconnection between primary associative memory cells in the sensory cortices and secondary associative memory cells in the hippocampus during the acquisition and memory of associated signals. Our studies show that mutual synapse innervations between the barrel cortex and the hippocampal CA3 region emerge and are upregulated after the memories of associated whisker and odor signals come into view. These synapse interconnections are downregulated by a knockdown of neuroligin-3-mediated synapse linkages. New synapse interconnections and the strengthening of these interconnections appear to endorse the belief in an interaction between the hippocampus and sensory cortices for memory consolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajuan Xiao
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Xu
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shan Cui
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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