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Park I, Choi M, Kim J, Jang S, Kim D, Kim J, Choe Y, Geum D, Yu SW, Choi JW, Moon C, Choe HK, Son GH, Kim K. Role of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα in dorsal raphe serotonin synthesis in mood regulation. Commun Biol 2024; 7:998. [PMID: 39147805 PMCID: PMC11327353 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06647-y] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Affective disorders are frequently associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. The existence of rhythmic secretion of central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) pattern has been reported; however, the functional mechanism underlying the circadian control of 5-HTergic mood regulation remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of the circadian nuclear receptor REV-ERBα in regulating tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), the rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT synthesis. We demonstrate that the REV-ERBα expressed in dorsal raphe (DR) 5-HTergic neurons functionally competes with PET-1-a nuclear activator crucial for 5-HTergic neuron development. In mice, genetic ablation of DR 5-HTergic REV-ERBα increases Tph2 expression, leading to elevated DR 5-HT levels and reduced depression-like behaviors at dusk. Further, pharmacological manipulation of the mice DR REV-ERBα activity increases DR 5-HT levels and affects despair-related behaviors. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular and cellular link between the circadian rhythm and the mood-controlling DR 5-HTergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inah Park
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijung Choi
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongah Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Jang
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyeon Kim
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngshik Choe
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongho Geum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woon Yu
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woong Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheil Moon
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Kyoung Choe
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Hoon Son
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Legal Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungjin Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
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Lowry ER, Patel T, Costa JA, Chang E, Tariq S, Melikyan H, Davis IM, Aziz S, Dermentzaki G, Lotti F, Wichterle H. Embryonic motor neuron programming factors reactivate immature gene expression and suppress ALS pathologies in postnatal motor neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.587963. [PMID: 38617322 PMCID: PMC11014605 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.587963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Whereas young neurons are capable of buffering disease-causing stresses, mature neurons lose this ability and degenerate over time. We hypothesized that the resilience of young motor neurons could be restored by re-expression of the embryonic motor neuron selector transcription factors ISL1 and LHX3. We found that viral re-expression of ISL1 and LHX3 reactivates aspects of the youthful gene expression program in mature motor neurons and alleviates key disease-relevant phenotypes in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. Our results suggest that redeployment of lineage-specific neuronal selector transcription factors can be an effective strategy to attenuate age-dependent phenotypes in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Lowry
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Tulsi Patel
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jonathon A. Costa
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Shahroz Tariq
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hranush Melikyan
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ian M. Davis
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Siaresh Aziz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Georgia Dermentzaki
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York, NY, 10032, USA
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3
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Destain H, Prahlad M, Kratsios P. Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:35-47. [PMID: 37438210 PMCID: PMC10592372 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurons are remarkably long-lived, non-dividing cells that must maintain their functional features (e.g., electrical properties, chemical signaling) for extended periods of time - decades in humans. How neurons accomplish this incredible feat is poorly understood. Here, we review recent advances, primarily in the nematode C. elegans, that have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable post-mitotic neurons to maintain their functionality across different life stages. We begin with "terminal selectors" - transcription factors necessary for the establishment and maintenance of neuronal identity. We highlight new findings on five terminal selectors (CHE-1 [Glass], UNC-3 [Collier/Ebf1-4], LIN-39 [Scr/Dfd/Hox4-5], UNC-86 [Acj6/Brn3a-c], AST-1 [Etv1/ER81]) from different transcription factor families (ZNF, COE, HOX, POU, ETS). We compare the functions of these factors in specific neuron types of C. elegans with the actions of their orthologs in other invertebrate (D. melanogaster) and vertebrate (M. musculus) systems, highlighting remarkable functional conservation. Finally, we reflect on recent findings implicating chromatin-modifying proteins, such as histone methyltransferases and Polycomb proteins, in the control of neuronal terminal identity. Altogether, these new studies on transcription factors and chromatin modifiers not only shed light on the fundamental problem of neuronal identity maintenance, but also outline mechanistic principles of gene regulation that may operate in other long-lived, post-mitotic cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorine Destain
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manasa Prahlad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Ritesh KC, de Boer RL, Lin M, Jeannotte L, Philippidou P. Multimodal Hox5 activity generates motor neuron diversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579338. [PMID: 38370781 PMCID: PMC10871347 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) are the final output of circuits driving fundamental behaviors, such as respiration and locomotion. Hox proteins are essential in generating the MN diversity required for accomplishing these functions, but the transcriptional mechanisms that enable Hox paralogs to assign distinct MN subtype identities despite their promiscuous DNA binding motif are not well understood. Here we show that Hoxa5 controls chromatin accessibility in all mouse spinal cervical MN subtypes and engages TALE co-factors to directly bind and regulate subtype-specific genes. We identify a paralog-specific interaction of Hoxa5 with the phrenic MN-specific transcription factor Scip and show that heterologous expression of Hoxa5 and Scip is sufficient to suppress limb-innervating MN identity. We also demonstrate that phrenic MN identity is stable after Hoxa5 downregulation and identify Klf proteins as potential regulators of phrenic MN maintenance. Our data identify multiple modes of Hoxa5 action that converge to induce and maintain MN identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Ritesh
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Raquel López de Boer
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Minshan Lin
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lucie Jeannotte
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry & Pathology, Université Laval, Centre Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, Canada
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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5
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Xu C, Ramos TB, Rogers EM, Reiser MB, Doe CQ. Homeodomain proteins hierarchically specify neuronal diversity and synaptic connectivity. eLife 2024; 12:RP90133. [PMID: 38180023 PMCID: PMC10942767 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90133] [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: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
How our brain generates diverse neuron types that assemble into precise neural circuits remains unclear. Using Drosophila lamina neuron types (L1-L5), we show that the primary homeodomain transcription factor (HDTF) brain-specific homeobox (Bsh) is initiated in progenitors and maintained in L4/L5 neurons to adulthood. Bsh activates secondary HDTFs Ap (L4) and Pdm3 (L5) and specifies L4/L5 neuronal fates while repressing the HDTF Zfh1 to prevent ectopic L1/L3 fates (control: L1-L5; Bsh-knockdown: L1-L3), thereby generating lamina neuronal diversity for normal visual sensitivity. Subsequently, in L4 neurons, Bsh and Ap function in a feed-forward loop to activate the synapse recognition molecule DIP-β, thereby bridging neuronal fate decision to synaptic connectivity. Expression of a Bsh:Dam, specifically in L4, reveals Bsh binding to the DIP-β locus and additional candidate L4 functional identity genes. We propose that HDTFs function hierarchically to coordinate neuronal molecular identity, circuit formation, and function. Hierarchical HDTFs may represent a conserved mechanism for linking neuronal diversity to circuit assembly and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chundi Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Tyler B Ramos
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
| | - Edward M Rogers
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Helix DriveAshburnUnited States
| | - Michael B Reiser
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Helix DriveAshburnUnited States
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of OregonEugeneUnited States
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Mays KC, Haiman JH, Janušonis S. An experimental platform for stochastic analyses of single serotonergic fibers in the mouse brain. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1241919. [PMID: 37869509 PMCID: PMC10587471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1241919] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-organization of the serotonergic matrix, a massive axon meshwork in all vertebrate brains, is driven by the structural and dynamical properties of its constitutive elements. Each of these elements, a single serotonergic axon (fiber), has a unique trajectory and can be supported by a soma that executes one of the many available transcriptional programs. This "individuality" of serotonergic neurons necessitates the development of specialized methods for single-fiber analyses, both at the experimental and theoretical levels. We developed an integrated platform that facilitates experimental isolation of single serotonergic fibers in brain tissue, including regions with high fiber densities, and demonstrated the potential of their quantitative analyses based on stochastic modeling. Single fibers were visualized using two transgenic mouse models, one of which is the first implementation of the Brainbow toolbox in this system. The trajectories of serotonergic fibers were automatically traced in the three spatial dimensions with a novel algorithm, and their properties were captured with a single parameter associated with the directional von Mises-Fisher probability distribution. The system represents an end-to-end workflow that can be imported into various studies, including those investigating serotonergic dysfunction in brain disorders. It also supports new research directions inspired by single-fiber analyses in the serotonergic matrix, including supercomputing simulations and modeling in physics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Skirmantas Janušonis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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7
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Soiza-Reilly M. Transcriptional preservation of serotonergic connectivity may shed light on neurodegeneration. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:563-565. [PMID: 35624030 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.05.004] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In a recent study, Kitt, Tabuchi, and colleagues unveiled a novel function of an early-stage transcriptional network to maintain the adult integrity of serotonergic connectivity. Reported axonal and synaptic morphological alterations in serotonin (5-HT) neurons after selective inactivation of Lmx1b/Pet1 transcriptional networks may help to understand aging and neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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