1
|
Keifer J. Synaptic Mechanisms of Delay Eyeblink Classical Conditioning: AMPAR Trafficking and Gene Regulation in an In Vitro Model. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:7088-7103. [PMID: 37531025 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03528-z] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
An in vitro model of delay eyeblink classical conditioning was developed to investigate synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying acquisition of associative learning. This was achieved by replacing real stimuli, such as an airpuff and tone, with patterned stimulation of the cranial nerves using an isolated brainstem preparation from turtle. Here, our primary findings regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms for learning acquisition using this unique approach are reviewed. The neural correlate of the in vitro eyeblink response is a replica of the actual behavior, and features of conditioned responses (CRs) resemble those observed in behavioral studies. Importantly, it was shown that acquisition of CRs did not require the intact cerebellum, but the appropriate timing did. Studies of synaptic mechanisms indicate that conditioning involves two stages of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking. Initially, GluA1-containing AMPARs are targeted to synapses followed later by replacement by GluA4 subunits that support CR expression. This two-stage process is regulated by specific signal transduction cascades involving PKA and PKC and is guided by distinct protein chaperones. The expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein is central to AMPAR trafficking and conditioning. BDNF gene expression is regulated by coordinated epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation/demethylation and chromatin modifications that control access of promoters to transcription factors. Finally, a hypothesis is proposed that learning genes like BDNF are poised by dual chromatin features that allow rapid activation or repression in response to environmental stimuli. These in vitro studies have advanced our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie associative learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Perozzo AM, Schwenk J, Kamalova A, Nakagawa T, Fakler B, Bowie D. GSG1L-containing AMPA receptor complexes are defined by their spatiotemporal expression, native interactome and allosteric sites. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6799. [PMID: 37884493 PMCID: PMC10603098 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42517-7] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) and germ cell-specific gene 1-like protein (GSG1L) are claudin-type AMPA receptor (AMPAR) auxiliary subunits that profoundly regulate glutamatergic synapse strength and plasticity. While AMPAR-TARP complexes have been extensively studied, less is known about GSG1L-containing AMPARs. Here, we show that GSG1L's spatiotemporal expression, native interactome and allosteric sites are distinct. GSG1L generally expresses late during brain development in a region-specific manner, constituting about 5% of all AMPAR complexes in adulthood. While GSG1L can co-assemble with TARPs or cornichons (CNIHs), it also assembles as the sole auxiliary subunit. Unexpectedly, GSG1L acts through two discrete evolutionarily-conserved sites on the agonist-binding domain with a weak allosteric interaction at the TARP/KGK site to slow desensitization, and a stronger interaction at a different site that slows recovery from desensitization. Together, these distinctions help explain GSG1L's evolutionary past and how it fulfills a unique signaling role within glutamatergic synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Perozzo
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jochen Schwenk
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Aichurok Kamalova
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Terunaga Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Bernd Fakler
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 7, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Derek Bowie
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Keifer J. Emergence of In Vitro Preparations and Their Contribution to Understanding the Neural Control of Behavior in Vertebrates. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:511-526. [PMID: 35946803 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00142.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the longstanding goals of the field of neuroscience is to understand the neural control of behavior in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. A series of early discoveries showed that certain motor patterns like locomotion could be generated by neuronal circuits without sensory feedback or descending control systems. These were called fictitious, or "fictive", motor programs because they could be expressed by neurons in the absence of movement. This finding lead investigators to isolate central nervous system tissue and maintain it in a dish in vitro to better study mechanisms of motor pattern generation. A period of rapid development of in vitro preparations from invertebrate species that could generate fictive motor programs from the activity of central pattern generating circuits (CPGs) emerged that was gradually followed by the introduction of such preparations from vertebrates. Here, I will review some of the notable in vitropreparations from both mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species developed to study the neural circuits underlying a variety of complex behaviors. This approach has been instrumental in delineating not only the cellular substrates underlying locomotion, respiration, scratching, and other behaviors, but also mechanisms underlying the modifiability of motor pathways through synaptic plasticity. In vitro preparations have had a significant impact on the field of motor systems neuroscience and the expansion of our understanding of how nervous systems control behavior. The field is ready for further advancement of this approach to explore neural substrates for variations in behavior generated by social and seasonal context, and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Keifer J. Regulation of AMPAR trafficking in synaptic plasticity by BDNF and the impact of neurodegenerative disease. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:979-991. [PMID: 35128708 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Research demonstrates that the neural mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and learning and memory involve mobilization of AMPA-type neurotransmitter receptors at glutamatergic synaptic contacts, and that these mechanisms are targeted during neurodegenerative disease. Strengthening neural transmission occurs with insertion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) into synapses while weakening results from receptor withdrawal. A key player in the trafficking of AMPARs during plasticity and learning is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling system. BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that supports neuronal growth and is required for learning and memory. Significantly, a primary feature of many neurodegenerative diseases is a reduction in BDNF protein as well as disrupted neuronal surface expression of synaptic AMPARs. The resulting weakening of synaptic contacts leads to synapse loss and neuronal degeneration that underlies the cognitive impairment and dementia observed in patients with progressive neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's. In the face of these data, one therapeutic approach is to increase BDNF bioavailability in brain. While this has been met with significant challenges, the results of the research have been promising. In spite of this, there are currently no clinical trials to test many of these findings on patients. Here, research showing that BDNF drives AMPARs to synapses, AMPAR trafficking is essential for synaptic plasticity and learning, and that neurodegenerative disease results in a significant decline in BDNF will be reviewed. The aim is to draw attention to the need for increasing patient-directed clinical studies to test the possible benefits of increasing levels of neurotrophins, specifically BDNF, to treat brain disorders. Much is known about the cellular mechanisms that underlie learning and memory in brain. It can be concluded that signaling by neurotrophins like BDNF and AMPA-type glutamate receptor synaptic trafficking are fundamental to these processes. Data from animal models and patients reveal that these mechanisms are adversely targeted during neurodegenerative disease and results in memory loss and cognitive decline. A brief summary of our understanding of these mechanisms indicates that it is time to apply this knowledge base directly to development of therapeutic treatments that enhance neurotrophins for brain disorders in patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Auxiliary subunits of the AMPA receptor: The Shisa family of proteins. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 58:52-61. [PMID: 33892364 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AMPA receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission in the CNS and can assemble with several types of auxiliary proteins in a spatio-temporal manner, from newly synthesized AMPA receptor tetramers to mature AMPA receptors in the cell membrane. As such, the interaction of auxiliary subunits with the AMPA receptor plays a major role in the regulation of AMPA receptor biogenesis, trafficking, and biophysical properties. Throughout the years, various 'families' of proteins have been identified and today the approximate full complement of AMPAR auxiliary proteins is known. This review presents the current knowledge on the most prominent AMPA-receptor-interacting auxiliary proteins, highlights recent results regarding the Shisa protein family, and provides a discussion on future research that might contribute to the discovery of novel pharmacological targets of auxiliary subunits.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bissen D, Foss F, Acker-Palmer A. AMPA receptors and their minions: auxiliary proteins in AMPA receptor trafficking. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2133-2169. [PMID: 30937469 PMCID: PMC6502786 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To correctly transfer information, neuronal networks need to continuously adjust their synaptic strength to extrinsic stimuli. This ability, termed synaptic plasticity, is at the heart of their function and is, thus, tightly regulated. In glutamatergic neurons, synaptic strength is controlled by the number and function of AMPA receptors at the postsynapse, which mediate most of the fast excitatory transmission in the central nervous system. Their trafficking to, at, and from the synapse, is, therefore, a key mechanism underlying synaptic plasticity. Intensive research over the last 20 years has revealed the increasing importance of interacting proteins, which accompany AMPA receptors throughout their lifetime and help to refine the temporal and spatial modulation of their trafficking and function. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about the roles of key partners in regulating AMPA receptor trafficking and focus especially on the movement between the intracellular, extrasynaptic, and synaptic pools. We examine their involvement not only in basal synaptic function, but also in Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity. Included in our review are well-established AMPA receptor interactants such as GRIP1 and PICK1, the classical auxiliary subunits TARP and CNIH, and the newest additions to AMPA receptor native complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Bissen
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max von Laue Str. 4, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Foss
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Amparo Acker-Palmer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max von Laue Str. 4, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jacobi E, von Engelhardt J. AMPA receptor complex constituents: Control of receptor assembly, membrane trafficking and subcellular localization. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 91:67-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|