1
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Connor SA, Siddiqui TJ. Synapse organizers as molecular codes for synaptic plasticity. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:971-985. [PMID: 37652840 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.08.001] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Synapse organizing proteins are multifaceted molecules that coordinate the complex processes of brain development and plasticity at the level of individual synapses. Their importance is demonstrated by the major brain disorders that emerge when their function is compromised. The mechanisms whereby the various families of organizers govern synapses are diverse, but converge on the structure, function, and plasticity of synapses. Therefore, synapse organizers regulate how synapses adapt to ongoing activity, a process central for determining the developmental trajectory of the brain and critical to all forms of cognition. Here, we explore how synapse organizers set the conditions for synaptic plasticity and the associated molecular events, which eventually link to behavioral features of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We also propose central questions on how synapse organizers influence network function through integrating nanoscale and circuit-level organization of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Connor
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Tabrez J Siddiqui
- PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada; Program in Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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2
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Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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3
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Arias-Aragón F, Tristán-Clavijo E, Martínez-Gallego I, Robles-Lanuza E, Coatl-Cuaya H, Martín-Cuevas C, Sánchez-Hidalgo AC, Rodríguez-Moreno A, Martinez-Mir A, Scholl FG. A Neuroligin-1 mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease produces memory and age-dependent impairments in hippocampal plasticity. iScience 2023; 26:106868. [PMID: 37260747 PMCID: PMC10227424 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by memory impairments and age-dependent synapse loss. Experimental and clinical studies have shown decreased expression of the glutamatergic protein Neuroligin-1 (Nlgn1) in AD. However, the consequences of a sustained reduction of Nlgn1 are unknown. Here, we generated a knockin mouse that reproduces the NLGN1 Thr271fs mutation, identified in heterozygosis in a familial case of AD. We found that Nlgn1 Thr271fs mutation abolishes Nlgn1 expression in mouse brain. Importantly, heterozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice showed delay-dependent amnesia for recognition memory. Electrophysiological recordings uncovered age-dependent impairments in basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 hippocampal neurons of heterozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice. In contrast, homozygous Nlgn1 Thr271fs mice showed impaired fear-conditioning memory and normal basal synaptic transmission, suggesting unshared mechanisms for a partial or total loss of Nlgn1. These data suggest that decreased Nlgn1 may contribute to the synaptic and memory deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Arias-Aragón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Enriqueta Tristán-Clavijo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Martínez-Gallego
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Estefanía Robles-Lanuza
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Heriberto Coatl-Cuaya
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Celia Martín-Cuevas
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Ana C. Sánchez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Amalia Martinez-Mir
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco G. Scholl
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
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4
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Mango D, Ledonne A. Updates on the Physiopathology of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors (mGluRI)-Dependent Long-Term Depression. Cells 2023; 12:1588. [PMID: 37371058 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRI), including mGluR1 and mGluR5 subtypes, modulate essential brain functions by affecting neuronal excitability, intracellular calcium dynamics, protein synthesis, dendritic spine formation, and synaptic transmission and plasticity. Nowadays, it is well appreciated that the mGluRI-dependent long-term depression (LTD) of glutamatergic synaptic transmission (mGluRI-LTD) is a key mechanism by which mGluRI shapes connectivity in various cerebral circuitries, directing complex brain functions and behaviors, and that it is deranged in several neurological and psychiatric illnesses, including neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychopathologies. Here, we will provide an updated overview of the physiopathology of mGluRI-LTD, by describing mechanisms of induction and regulation by endogenous mGluRI interactors, as well as functional physiological implications and pathological deviations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mango
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, European Brain Research Institute, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
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5
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Li N, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Deng Y. An integrated multi-level analysis reveals learning-memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction in the rat model exposure to austere environment. J Proteomics 2023; 279:104887. [PMID: 36966970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104887] [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: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Austere environment existing in tank, submarine and vessel has many risk factors including high temperature and humidity, confinement, noise, hypoxia, and high level of carbon dioxide, which may cause depression and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. We attempt to investigate the effects of austere environment (AE) on emotion and cognitive function in a rodent model. After 21 days of AE stress, the rats exhibit depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment. Compared with control group, the glucose metabolic level of the hippocampus is significantly decreased using whole-brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and the density of dendritic spines of the hippocampus is remarkably reduced in AE group. Then, we employ a label-free quantitative proteomics strategy to investigate the differentially abundant proteins in rats' hippocampus. It is striking that the differentially abundant proteins annotated by KEGG enrich in oxidative phosphorylation pathway, synaptic vesicle cycle pathway and glutamatergic synapses pathway. The synaptic vesicle transport related proteins (Syntaxin-1A, Synaptogyrin-1 and SV-2) are down-regulated, resulting in the accumulation of intracellular glutamate. Furthermore, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde is increased while the activity of superoxide dismutase and complex I and IV of mitochondria is decreased, indicating that oxidative damage to hippocampal synapses is associated with the cognitive decline. The results of this study offer direct evidence, for the first time, that austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction in a rodent model via behavioral assessments, PET imaging, label-free proteomics, and oxidative stress tests. SIGNIFICANCE: The incidence of depression and cognitive decline in military occupations (for example, tanker and submariner) is significantly higher than that of global population. In the present study, we first established novel model to simulate the coexisting risk factors in the austere environment. The results of this study offer the direct evidences, for the first time, that the austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits by altering plasticity of the synaptic transmission in a rodent model via proteomic strategy, PET imaging, oxidative stress and behavioral assessments. These findings provide valuable information to better understand the mechanisms of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuomin Li
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yongqian Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yulin Deng
- Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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6
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Amin SN, Sharawy N, El Tablawy N, Elberry DA, Youssef MF, Abdelhady EG, Rashed LA, Hassan SS. Melatonin-Pretreated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improved Cognition in a Diabetic Murine Model. Front Physiol 2021; 12:628107. [PMID: 33815140 PMCID: PMC8012759 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.628107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem endocrine disorder affecting the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) pretreated with Melatonin have been shown to increase the potency of MSCs. This work aimed to compare Melatonin, stem cells, and stem cells pretreated with Melatonin on the cognitive functions and markers of synaptic plasticity in an animal model of type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM). Thirty-six rats represented the animal model; six rats for isolation of MSCs and 30 rats were divided into five groups: control, TIDM, TIDM + Melatonin, TIDM + Stem cells, and TIDM + Stem ex vivo Melatonin. Functional assessment was performed with Y-maze, forced swimming test and novel object recognition. Histological and biochemical evaluation of hippocampal Neuroligin 1, Sortilin, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Growth Associated Protein 43 (GAP43). The TIDM group showed a significant decrease of hippocampal Neuroligin, Sortilin, and BDNF and a significant increase in iNOS, TNF-α, TLR2, and GAP43. Melatonin or stem cells groups showed improvement compared to the diabetic group but not compared to the control group. TIDM + Stem ex vivo Melatonin group showed a significant improvement, and some values were restored to normal. Ex vivo melatonin-treated stem cells had improved spatial working and object recognition memory and depression, with positive effects on glucose homeostasis, inflammatory markers levels and synaptic plasticity markers expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Nasr Amin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nivin Sharawy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nashwa El Tablawy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia Azmy Elberry
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mira Farouk Youssef
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal Gamal Abdelhady
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Laila Ahmed Rashed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Sabry Hassan
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, San Bernardino, CA, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Kim HY, Um JW, Ko J. Proper synaptic adhesion signaling in the control of neural circuit architecture and brain function. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 200:101983. [PMID: 33422662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules are critical for governing various stages of synapse development and specifying neural circuit properties via the formation of multifarious signaling pathways. Recent studies have pinpointed the putative roles of trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules in mediating various cognitive functions. Here, we review the literature on the roles of a diverse group of central synaptic organizers, including neurexins (Nrxns), leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs), and their associated binding proteins, in regulating properties of specific type of synapses and neural circuits. In addition, we highlight the findings that aberrant synaptic adhesion signaling leads to alterations in the structures, transmission, and plasticity of specific synapses across diverse brain areas. These results seem to suggest that proper trans-synaptic signaling pathways by Nrxns, LAR-RPTPs, and their interacting network is likely to constitute central molecular complexes that form the basis for cognitive functions, and that these complexes are heterogeneously and complexly disrupted in many neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Young Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea; Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
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8
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Zou T, Sugimoto K, Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Liang H, Jiang Y, Wang J, Duan G, Mei C. Geniposide Alleviates Oxidative Stress of Mice With Depression-Like Behaviors by Upregulating Six3os1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:553728. [PMID: 33195189 PMCID: PMC7642041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.553728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major cause of disease burden and severely impairs well-being of patients around the globe. Geniposide (GP) has been revealed to play a significant role in depression treatment. Of note, RNA sequencing of this study identified highly expressed long non-coding RNA Six3os1 in response to GP treatment. Thus, we aim to explore how GP affected chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice in vivo and in vitro and the downstream molecular mechanism related to Six3os1. The relationship of Six3os1, miR-511-3p and Fezf1 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RIP assay, and RNA pulling down assay. Ectopic expression and knockdown experiments were developed in CUMS-induced mice and neurons with or without GP treatment. In vitro experiments and behavioral tests were conducted to examine alteration of CUMS-triggered oxidative stress following different interferences. The experimental data validated that GP treatment resulted in high expression of Six3os1 and Fezf1 and poor expression of miR-511-3p in CUMS-induced neurons. Six3os1 activated the AKT signaling pathway by upregulating miR-511-3p-targeted Fezf1. Either GP treatment or overexpression of Six3os1 or Fezf1 alleviated depression-like behaviors of CUMS-induced mice. GP treatment, miR-511-3p inhibition or overexpression of Six3os1 or Fezf1 not only reduced oxidative stress in CUMS-induced mice and neurons, but also reduced CUMS-induced neuronal apoptosis. Collectively, GP treatment-mediated Six3os1 upregulation ameliorated oxidative stress of mice with depression-like behaviors via the miR-511-3p/Fezf1/AKT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zou
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Kazuo Sugimoto
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jielin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yongxiu Liu
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yinan Jiang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Guoxiang Duan
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Mei
- Department of Encephalopathy, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
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9
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Trobiani L, Meringolo M, Diamanti T, Bourne Y, Marchot P, Martella G, Dini L, Pisani A, De Jaco A, Bonsi P. The neuroligins and the synaptic pathway in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:37-51. [PMID: 32991906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The genetics underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and heterogeneous, and de novo variants are found in genes converging in functional biological processes. Neuronal communication, including trans-synaptic signaling involving two families of cell-adhesion proteins, the presynaptic neurexins and the postsynaptic neuroligins, is one of the most recurrently affected pathways in ASD. Given the role of these proteins in determining synaptic function, abnormal synaptic plasticity and failure to establish proper synaptic contacts might represent mechanisms underlying risk of ASD. More than 30 mutations have been found in the neuroligin genes. Most of the resulting residue substitutions map in the extracellular, cholinesterase-like domain of the protein, and impair protein folding and trafficking. Conversely, the stalk and intracellular domains are less affected. Accordingly, several genetic animal models of ASD have been generated, showing behavioral and synaptic alterations. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on ASD-linked mutations in the neuroligin proteins and their effect on synaptic function, in various brain areas and circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trobiani
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Tamara Diamanti
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Yves Bourne
- Lab. "Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques", CNRS/Aix Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Pascale Marchot
- Lab. "Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques", CNRS/Aix Marseille Univ, Faculté des Sciences - Campus Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Dini
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Dept. Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella De Jaco
- Dept. Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Lab. Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy.
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10
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Oku S, Feng H, Connor S, Toledo A, Zhang P, Zhang Y, Thoumine O, Zhang C, Craig AM. Alternative splicing at neuroligin site A regulates glycan interaction and synaptogenic activity. eLife 2020; 9:58668. [PMID: 32915137 PMCID: PMC7486126 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating cell surface synaptic organizing complexes that control the properties of connections in brain circuits are poorly understood. Alternative splicing regulates the prototypical synaptic organizing complex, neuroligin-neurexin. In contrast to the well-studied neuroligin splice site B, little is known about splice site A. We discovered that inclusion of the positively charged A1 insert in mouse neuroligin-1 increases its binding to heparan sulphate, a modification on neurexin. The A1 insert increases neurexin recruitment, presynaptic differentiation, and synaptic transmission mediated by neuroligin-1. We propose that the A1 insert could be a target for alleviating the consequences of deleterious NLGN1/3 mutations, supported by assays with the autism-linked neuroligin-1-P89L mutant. An enrichment of neuroligin-1 A1 in GABAergic neuron types suggests a role in synchrony of cortical circuits. Altogether, these data reveal an unusual mode by which neuroligin splicing controls synapse development through protein-glycan interaction and identify it as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Oku
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Huijuan Feng
- Departments of Systems Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Steven Connor
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrea Toledo
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience UMR 5297, CNRS and University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Peng Zhang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yue Zhang
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Olivier Thoumine
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience UMR 5297, CNRS and University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chaolin Zhang
- Departments of Systems Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Ann Marie Craig
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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11
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YU J, XU J. [Proteolytic cleavage of neuroligins and functions of their cleavage products]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2020; 49:514-523. [PMID: 32985166 PMCID: PMC8800723 DOI: 10.3785/j.issn.1008-9292.2020.08.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuroligin is a key protein that mediates synaptic development and maturation, and is closely related to neurodevelopmental diseases such as autism. In recent years, researchers have found that neuroligin can be hydrolyzed by various proteases at different stages of development, neuronal activities or pathological states of some neuropsychiatric diseases, thus affecting synaptic activity and participating in the occurrence and development of neurological diseases. The hydrolysates may have different physiological functions from the whole protein, and play different functions in neural activities, such as regulating synaptic plasticity, increasing synaptic strength and number, affecting amyloid-β polymerization, promoting glioma proliferation and growth, activating related signaling pathways, and so on. In this article, on the basis of elaborating the structure and function of neuroligin as a whole protein, the conditions and products of its hydrolysis are summarized and analyzed, and the functional consequences and physiological significance of its hydrolysis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Junyu XU
- 许均瑜(1982-), 女, 博士, 副教授, 博士生导师, 主要从事神经生物学研究; E-mail:
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1911-3553
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12
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Qin L, Guo S, Han Y, Wang X, Zhang B. Functional mosaic organization of neuroligins in neuronal circuits. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3117-3127. [PMID: 32077971 PMCID: PMC11104838 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Complex brain circuitry with feedforward and feedback systems regulates neuronal activity, enabling neural networks to process and drive the entire spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, sensory, and motor functions. Simultaneous orchestration of distinct cells and interconnected neural circuits is underpinned by hundreds of synaptic adhesion molecules that span synaptic junctions. Dysfunction of a single molecule or molecular interaction at synapses can lead to disrupted circuit activity and brain disorders. Neuroligins, a family of cell adhesion molecules, were first identified as postsynaptic-binding partners of presynaptic neurexins and are essential for synapse specification and maturation. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of how this family of adhesion molecules controls neuronal circuit assembly by acting in a synapse-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Qin
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sile Guo
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ying Han
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiankun Wang
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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13
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Karki S, Shkumatov AV, Bae S, Kim H, Ko J, Kajander T. Structural basis of SALM3 dimerization and synaptic adhesion complex formation with PTPσ. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11557. [PMID: 32665594 PMCID: PMC7360590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68502-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic adhesion molecules play an important role in the formation, maintenance and refinement of neuronal connectivity. Recently, several leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain containing neuronal adhesion molecules have been characterized including netrin G-ligands, SLITRKs and the synaptic adhesion-like molecules (SALMs). Dysregulation of these adhesion molecules have been genetically and functionally linked to various neurological disorders. Here we investigated the molecular structure and mechanism of ligand interactions for the postsynaptic SALM3 adhesion protein with its presynaptic ligand, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ (PTPσ). We solved the crystal structure of the dimerized LRR domain of SALM3, revealing the conserved structural features and mechanism of dimerization. Furthermore, we determined the complex structure of SALM3 with PTPσ using small angle X-ray scattering, revealing a 2:2 complex similar to that observed for SALM5. Solution studies unraveled additional flexibility for the complex structure, but validated the uniform mode of action for SALM3 and SALM5 to promote synapse formation. The relevance of the key interface residues was further confirmed by mutational analysis with cellular binding assays and artificial synapse formation assays. Collectively, our results suggest that SALM3 dimerization is a pre-requisite for the SALM3-PTPσ complex to exert synaptogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Karki
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, PO Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexander V Shkumatov
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sungwon Bae
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Hyeonho Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Tommi Kajander
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 1, PO Box 65, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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14
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Dufort-Gervais J, Provost C, Charbonneau L, Norris CM, Calon F, Mongrain V, Brouillette J. Neuroligin-1 is altered in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease patients and mouse models, and modulates the toxicity of amyloid-beta oligomers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6956. [PMID: 32332783 PMCID: PMC7181681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63255-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss occurs early and correlates with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptotoxicity is driven, at least in part, by amyloid-beta oligomers (Aβo), but the exact synaptic components targeted by Aβo remain to be identified. We here tested the hypotheses that the post-synaptic protein Neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) is affected early in the process of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus, and specifically by Aβo, and that it can modulate Aβo toxicity. We found that hippocampal NLGN1 was decreased in patients with AD in comparison to patients with mild cognitive impairment and control subjects. Female 3xTg-AD mice also showed a decreased NLGN1 level in the hippocampus at an early age (i.e., 4 months). We observed that chronic hippocampal Aβo injections initially increased the expression of one specific Nlgn1 transcript, which was followed by a clear decrease. Lastly, the absence of NLGN1 decreased neuronal counts in the dentate gyrus, which was not the case in wild-type animals, and worsens impairment in spatial learning following chronic hippocampal Aβo injections. Our findings support that NLGN1 is impacted early during neurodegenerative processes, and that Aβo contributes to this effect. Moreover, our results suggest that the presence of NLGN1 favors the cognitive prognosis during Aβo-driven neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dufort-Gervais
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Chloé Provost
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Neuroscience Unit, Research Center - CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jonathan Brouillette
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (Recherche CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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15
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Letellier M, Lagardère M, Tessier B, Janovjak H, Thoumine O. Optogenetic control of excitatory post-synaptic differentiation through neuroligin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation. eLife 2020; 9:e52027. [PMID: 32324534 PMCID: PMC7180054 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroligins (Nlgns) are adhesion proteins mediating trans-synaptic contacts in neurons. However, conflicting results around their role in synaptic differentiation arise from the various techniques used to manipulate Nlgn expression level. Orthogonally to these approaches, we triggered here the phosphorylation of endogenous Nlgn1 in CA1 mouse hippocampal neurons using a photoactivatable tyrosine kinase receptor (optoFGFR1). Light stimulation for 24 hr selectively increased dendritic spine density and AMPA-receptor-mediated EPSCs in wild-type neurons, but not in Nlgn1 knock-out neurons or when endogenous Nlgn1 was replaced by a non-phosphorylatable mutant (Y782F). Moreover, light stimulation of optoFGFR1 partially occluded LTP in a Nlgn1-dependent manner. Combined with computer simulations, our data support a model by which Nlgn1 tyrosine phosphorylation promotes the assembly of an excitatory post-synaptic scaffold that captures surface AMPA receptors. This optogenetic strategy highlights the impact of Nlgn1 intracellular signaling in synaptic differentiation and potentiation, while enabling an acute control of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Letellier
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
| | - Matthieu Lagardère
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
| | - Béatrice Tessier
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Olivier Thoumine
- University of Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297BordeauxFrance
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Evidence for a Contribution of the Nlgn3/Cyfip1/Fmr1 Pathway in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience 2019; 445:31-41. [PMID: 31705895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by heterogeneity both in their presentation and their genetic aetiology. In order to discover points of convergence common to different cases of ASD, attempts were made to identify the biological pathways genes associated with ASD contribute to. Many of these genes were found to play a role in neuronal and synaptic development and function. Among these genes are FMR1, CYFIP1 and NLGN3, all present at the synapse and reliably linked to ASD. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for the contribution of these genes to the same biological pathway responsible for the regulation of structural and physiological plasticity. Alterations in dendritic spine density and turnover, as well as long-term depression (LTD), were found in mouse models of mutations of all three genes. This overlap in the phenotypes associated with these mouse models likely arises from the molecular interaction between the protein products of FMR1, CYFIP1, and NLG3. A number of other proteins linked to ASD are also likely to participate in these pathways, resulting in further downstream effects. Overall, a synaptic pathway centered around FMR1, CYFIP1, and NLG3 is likely to contribute to the phenotypes associated with structural and physiological plasticity characteristic of ASD.
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