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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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2
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Gao H, Liu Y, Shen H, Guan W, Sun S, Zheng T, Wu L, Yang J, Li G. Biomimetic-inspired piezoelectric ovalbumin/BaTiO 3 scaffolds synergizing with anisotropic topology for modulating Schwann cell and DRG behavior. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132394. [PMID: 38761905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of peripheral nerve injury is a clinical challenge that tremendously affected the patients' health and life. Anisotropic topographies and electric cues can simulate the regenerative microenvironment of nerve from physical and biological aspects, which show promising application in nerve regeneration. However, most studies just unilaterally emphasize the effect of sole topological- or electric- cue on nerve regeneration, while rarely considering the synergistic function of both cues simultaneously. In this study, a biomimetic-inspired piezoelectric topological ovalbumin/BaTiO3 scaffold that can provide non-invasive electrical stimulation in situ was constructed by combining piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles and surface microtopography. The results showed that the incorporation of piezoelectric nanoparticles could improve the mechanical properties of the scaffolds, and the piezoelectric output of the scaffolds after polarization was significantly increased. Biological evaluation revealed that the piezoelectric topological scaffolds could regulate the orientation growth of SCs, promote axon elongation of DRG, and upregulate the genes expression referring to myelination and axon growth, thus rapidly integrated chemical-mechanical signals and transmitted them for effectively promoting neuronal myelination, which was closely related to peripheral neurogenesis. The study suggests that the anisotropic surface topology combined with non-invasive electronic stimulation of the ovalbumin/BaTiO3 scaffolds possess a promising application prospect in the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Gao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yaqiong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Huoyun Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Wenchao Guan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shaolan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tiantian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Linliang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; The People's Hospital of Rugao, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226599 Nantong, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Guicai Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, 610065 Chengdu, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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3
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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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4
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Frankel EB, Tiroumalechetty A, Henry PS, Su Z, Wu Y, Kurshan PT. Protein-lipid interactions drive presynaptic assembly upstream of cell adhesion molecules. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.567618. [PMID: 38014115 PMCID: PMC10680821 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Textbook models of synaptogenesis position cell adhesion molecules such as neurexin as initiators of synapse assembly. Here we discover a mechanism for presynaptic assembly that occurs prior to neurexin recruitment, while supporting a role for neurexin in synapse maintenance. We find that the cytosolic active zone scaffold SYD-1 interacts with membrane phospholipids to promote active zone protein clustering at the plasma membrane, and subsequently recruits neurexin to stabilize those clusters. Employing molecular dynamics simulations to model intrinsic interactions between SYD-1 and lipid bilayers followed by in vivo tests of these predictions, we find that PIP2-interacting residues in SYD-1's C2 and PDZ domains are redundantly necessary for proper active zone assembly. Finally, we propose that the uncharacterized yet evolutionarily conserved short γ isoform of neurexin represents a minimal neurexin sequence that can stabilize previously assembled presynaptic clusters, potentially a core function of this critical protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa B Frankel
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | | | - Parise S Henry
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Zhaoqian Su
- Data Science Institute, Vanderbilt University, 1001 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37212
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Peri T Kurshan
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461
- Lead Contact
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5
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Han P, She Y, Yang Z, Zhuang M, Wang Q, Luo X, Yin C, Zhu J, Jaffrey SR, Ji SJ. Cbln1 regulates axon growth and guidance in multiple neural regions. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001853. [PMID: 36395107 PMCID: PMC9671368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate construction of neural circuits requires the precise control of axon growth and guidance, which is regulated by multiple growth and guidance cues during early nervous system development. It is generally thought that the growth and guidance cues that control the major steps of axon development have been defined. Here, we describe cerebellin-1 (Cbln1) as a novel cue that controls diverse aspects of axon growth and guidance throughout the central nervous system (CNS) by experiments using mouse and chick embryos. Cbln1 has previously been shown to function in late neural development to influence synapse organization. Here, we find that Cbln1 has an essential role in early neural development. Cbln1 is expressed on the axons and growth cones of developing commissural neurons and functions in an autocrine manner to promote axon growth. Cbln1 is also expressed in intermediate target tissues and functions as an attractive guidance cue. We find that these functions of Cbln1 are mediated by neurexin-2 (Nrxn2), which functions as the Cbln1 receptor for axon growth and guidance. In addition to the developing spinal cord, we further show that Cbln1 functions in diverse parts of the CNS with major roles in cerebellar parallel fiber growth and retinal ganglion cell axon guidance. Despite the prevailing role of Cbln1 as a synaptic organizer, our study discovers a new and unexpected function for Cbln1 as a general axon growth and guidance cue throughout the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Han
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanchu She
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengru Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaopeng Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaoqun Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junda Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SRJ); (SJJ)
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (SRJ); (SJJ)
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6
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Welch C, Johnson E, Tupikova A, Anderson J, Tinsley B, Newman J, Widman E, Alfareh A, Davis A, Rodriguez L, Visger C, Miller-Schulze JP, Lee W, Mulligan K. Bisphenol A affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, cognitive function, and neuromuscular synaptic morphology in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicology 2022; 89:67-78. [PMID: 35041872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally prevalent endocrine disrupting chemical that can impact human health and may be an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. BPA has been associated with behavioral impairment in children and a variety of neurodevelopmental phenotypes in model organisms. We used Drosophila melanogaster to explore the consequences of developmental BPA exposure on gene expression, cognitive function, and synapse development. Our transcriptome analysis indicated neurodevelopmentally relevant genes were predominantly downregulated by BPA. Among the misregulated genes were those with roles in learning, memory, and synapse development, as well as orthologs of human genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. To examine how gene expression data corresponded to behavioral and cellular phenotypes, we first used a predator-response behavioral paradigm and found that BPA disrupts visual perception. Further analysis using conditioned courtship suppression showed that BPA impairs associative learning. Finally, we examined synapse morphology within the larval neuromuscular junction and found that BPA significantly increased the number of axonal branches. Given that our findings align with studies of BPA in mammalian model organisms, this data indicates that BPA impairs neurodevelopmental pathways that are functionally conserved from invertebrates to mammals. Further, because Drosophila do not possess classic estrogen receptors or estrogen, this research suggests that BPA can impact neurodevelopment by molecular mechanisms distinct from its role as an estrogen mimic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Welch
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Eden Johnson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Angelina Tupikova
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Judith Anderson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Brendan Tinsley
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Johnathan Newman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Erin Widman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Adam Alfareh
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Alexandra Davis
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Lucero Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Clayton Visger
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Justin P Miller-Schulze
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA.
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7
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Jeong S. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Motor Axon Guidance in Drosophila. Mol Cells 2021; 44:549-556. [PMID: 34385406 PMCID: PMC8424136 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Decoding the molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance is key to precise understanding of how complex neural circuits form during neural development. Although substantial progress has been made over the last three decades in identifying numerous axon guidance molecules and their functional roles, little is known about how these guidance molecules collaborate to steer growth cones to their correct targets. Recent studies in Drosophila point to the importance of the combinatorial action of guidance molecules, and further show that selective fasciculation and defasciculation at specific choice points serve as a fundamental strategy for motor axon guidance. Here, I discuss how attractive and repulsive guidance cues cooperate to ensure the recognition of specific choice points that are inextricably linked to selective fasciculation and defasciculation, and correct pathfinding decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangyun Jeong
- Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biology Major), Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, and Research Center of Bioactive Materials, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
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8
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Jin X, Tian Y, Zhang ZC, Gu P, Liu C, Han J. A subset of DN1p neurons integrates thermosensory inputs to promote wakefulness via CNMa signaling. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2075-2087.e6. [PMID: 33740429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is an essential and evolutionarily conserved behavior that is modulated by many environmental factors. Ambient temperature shifting usually occurs during climatic or seasonal change or travel from high-latitude area to low-latitude area that affects animal physiology. Increasing ambient temperature modulates sleep in both humans and Drosophila. Although several thermosensory molecules and neurons have been identified, the neural mechanisms that integrate temperature sensation into the sleep neural circuit remain poorly understood. Here, we reveal that prolonged increasing of ambient temperature induces a reversible sleep reduction and impaired sleep consolidation in Drosophila via activating the internal thermosensory anterior cells (ACs). ACs form synaptic contacts with a subset of posterior dorsal neuron 1 (DN1p) neurons and release acetylcholine to promote wakefulness. Furthermore, we identify that this subset of DN1ps promotes wakefulness by releasing CNMamide (CNMa) neuropeptides to inhibit the Dh44-positive pars intercerebralis (PI) neurons through CNMa receptors. Our study demonstrates that the AC-DN1p-PI neural circuit is responsible for integrating thermosensory inputs into the sleep neural circuit. Moreover, we identify the CNMa signaling pathway as a newly recognized wakefulness-promoting DN1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jin
- School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yao Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zi Chao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Pengyu Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junhai Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Road, Nanjing 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226021, China.
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9
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Abstract
Critical periods-brief intervals during which neural circuits can be modified by activity-are necessary for proper neural circuit assembly. Extended critical periods are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the mechanisms that ensure timely critical period closure remain poorly understood1,2. Here we define a critical period in a developing Drosophila motor circuit and identify astrocytes as essential for proper critical period termination. During the critical period, changes in activity regulate dendrite length, complexity and connectivity of motor neurons. Astrocytes invaded the neuropil just before critical period closure3, and astrocyte ablation prolonged the critical period. Finally, we used a genetic screen to identify astrocyte-motor neuron signalling pathways that close the critical period, including Neuroligin-Neurexin signalling. Reduced signalling destabilized dendritic microtubules, increased dendrite dynamicity and impaired locomotor behaviour, underscoring the importance of critical period closure. Previous work defined astroglia as regulators of plasticity at individual synapses4; we show here that astrocytes also regulate motor circuit critical period closure to ensure proper locomotor behaviour.
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10
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Luo F, Sclip A, Jiang M, Südhof TC. Neurexins cluster Ca 2+ channels within the presynaptic active zone. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103208. [PMID: 32134527 PMCID: PMC7110102 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve ultrafast neurotransmission, neurons assemble synapses with highly organized presynaptic and postsynaptic nanomachines that are aligned by synaptic adhesion molecules. How functional assembly of presynaptic active zones is controlled via trans-synaptic interactions remains unknown. Here, we conditionally deleted all three neurexin adhesion molecules from presynaptic neurons of the calyx of Held in the mouse auditory system, a model synapse that allows precise biophysical analyses of synaptic properties. The pan-neurexin deletion had no effect on synapse development or the basic release machinery, but dramatically impaired fast neurotransmitter release. The overall properties of presynaptic calcium ion channels appeared normal, as reflected by the similar characteristics of calcium currents recorded at the nerve terminals. However, the pan-neurexin deletion significantly impaired the tight coupling of calcium influx to exocytosis, thereby suppressing neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, the pan-neurexin deletion reduced the function of calcium-activated BK potassium channels, whose activation depends on their tight association with presynaptic calcium channels. Together, these results suggest that neurexins perform a major function at the calyx synapse in coupling presynaptic calcium channels to release sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujun Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteStanford University Medical SchoolStanfordCAUSA
| | - Alessandra Sclip
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteStanford University Medical SchoolStanfordCAUSA
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteStanford University Medical SchoolStanfordCAUSA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteStanford University Medical SchoolStanfordCAUSA
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11
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Mu Y, Tian Y, Zhang ZC, Han J. Metallophosphoesterase regulates light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis by promoting an association between arrestin and the adaptor protein AP2. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12892-12900. [PMID: 31324721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-induced endocytosis of rhodopsin in the retina is critical for preventing photoreceptor hyperactivity and for the survival of photoreceptor cells. In Drosophila, this process is mediated by arrestin1 (Arr1). Because Arr1 lacks a clathrin-binding domain required for receptor internalization and the C-terminal sequence that interacts with the β-subunit of the clathrin adaptor protein AP2, the mechanism of how Arr1 mediates endocytosis of the major rhodopsin Rh1 is unclear. Here, using several approaches, including Arr binding and pulldown assays, immunofluorescence techniques, and EM imaging, we found that Drosophila metallophosphoesterase (dMPPE) is involved in light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis. We observed that the photoreceptor cells of a dmppe mutant exhibit impaired light-induced rhodopsin endocytosis and that this impairment is independent of dMPPE phosphoesterase activity. Furthermore, dMPPE directly interacted with Arr1 and promoted the association of Arr1 with AP2. Of note, genetic dmppe deletion largely prevented retinal degeneration in norpA (encoding phospholipase C) mutants, which were reported previously to contribute to retinal degeneration, by suppressing Rh1 endocytosis. Our findings demonstrate that Arr1 interacts with AP2 and that dMPPE functions as a critical regulator in Rh1 endocytosis and retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Mu
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zi Chao Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, the Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS 226001, China.
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12
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Bellosta P, Soldano A. Dissecting the Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Drosophila Perspective. Front Physiol 2019; 10:987. [PMID: 31481894 PMCID: PMC6709880 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex group of multi-factorial developmental disorders that leads to communication and behavioral defects. Genetic alterations have been identified in around 20% of ASD patients and the use of genetic models, such as Drosophila melanogaster, has been of paramount importance in deciphering the significance of these alterations. In fact, many of the ASD associated genes, such as FMR1, Neurexin, Neuroligins and SHANK encode for proteins that have conserved functions in neurons and during synapse development, both in humans and in the fruit fly. Drosophila is a prominent model in neuroscience due to the conserved genetic networks that control neurodevelopmental processes and to the ease of manipulating its genetics. In the present review we will describe recent advances in the field of ASD with a particular focus on the characterization of genes where the use of Drosophila has been fundamental to better understand their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bellosta
- Laboratory of Metabolism of Cell Growth and Neuronal Survival, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBio), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBio), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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13
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Cheng Y, Chen D. Fruit fly research in China. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:583-592. [PMID: 30455037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Served as a model organism over a century, fruit fly has significantly pushed forward the development of global scientific research, including in China. The high similarity in genomic features between fruit fly and human enables this tiny insect to benefit the biomedical studies of human diseases. In the past decades, Chinese biologists have used fruit fly to make numerous achievements on understanding the fundamental questions in many diverse areas of biology. Here, we review some of the recent fruit fly studies in China, and mainly focus on those studies in the fields of stem cell biology, cancer therapy and regeneration medicine, neurological disorders and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Dahua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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14
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Wu J, Tao N, Tian Y, Xing G, Lv H, Han J, Lin C, Xie W. Proteolytic maturation of Drosophila Neuroligin 3 by tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme in the nervous system. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1862:440-450. [PMID: 29107812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The functions of autism-associated Neuroligins (Nlgs) are modulated by their post-translational modifications, such as proteolytic cleavage. A previous study has shown that there are different endogenous forms of DNlg3 in Drosophila, indicating it may undergo proteolytic processing. However, the molecular mechanism underlying DNlg3 proteolytic processing is unknown. Here, we report a novel proteolytic mechanism that is essential for DNlg3 maturation and function in the nervous system. METHODS Molecular cloning, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and genetic studies were employed to map the DNlg3 cleavage region, identify the protease and characterize the cleavage manner. Behavior analysis, immunohistochemistry and genetic manipulations were employed to study the functions of different DNlg3 forms in the nervous system and neuromuscular junction (NMJs). RESULTS Tumor necrosis factor α-converting enzyme (TACE) cleaved DNlg3 exclusively at its extracellular acetylcholinesterase-like domain to generate the N-terminal fragment and the short membrane-anchored fragment (sDNlg3). DNlg3 was constitutively processed in an activity-independent manner. Interestingly, DNlg3 was cleaved intracellularly in the Golgi apparatus before it arrived at the cell surface, a unique cleavage mechanism that is distinct from 'conventional' ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins, including rodent Nlg1. Genetic studies showed that sDNlg3 was essential for maintaining proper locomotor activity in Drosophila. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed a unique cleavage mechanism of DNlg3 and a neuron-specific role for DNlg3 maturation which is important in locomotor activity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our study provides a new insight into a cleavage mechanism of Nlgs maturation in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China
| | - Nana Tao
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China
| | - Yao Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Guanglin Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Huihui Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China; The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Chengqi Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Southeast University, China; The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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15
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Tian Y, Zhang ZC, Han J. Drosophila Studies on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:737-746. [PMID: 28795356 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, numerous genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been identified. These genes encode key regulators of synaptogenesis, synaptic function, and synaptic plasticity. Drosophila is a prominent model system for ASD studies to define novel genes linked to ASDs and decipher their molecular roles in synaptogenesis, synaptic function, synaptic plasticity, and neural circuit assembly and consolidation. Here, we review Drosophila studies on ASD genes that regulate synaptogenesis, synaptic function, and synaptic plasticity through modulating chromatin remodeling, transcription, protein synthesis and degradation, cytoskeleton dynamics, and synaptic scaffolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tian
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zi Chao Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Junhai Han
- Institute of Life Sciences, The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
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