The regulation of circadian rhythms in the fly's visual system: involvement of FMRFamide-like neuropeptides and their relationship to pigment dispersing factor in Musca domestica and Drosophila melanogaster

A complete reconstruction of the early visual system of an adult insect

For most model organisms in neuroscience, research into visual processing in the brain is difficult because of a lack of high-resolution maps that capture complex neuronal circuitry. The microinsect Megaphragma viggianii, because of its small size and non-trivial behavior, provides a unique opportunity for tractable whole-organism connectomics. We image its whole head using serial electron microscopy. We reconstruct its compound eye and analyze the optical properties of the ommatidia as well as the connectome of the first visual neuropil-the lamina. Compared with the fruit fly and the honeybee, Megaphragma visual system is highly simplified: it has 29 ommatidia per eye and 6 lamina neuron types. We report features that are both stereotypical among most ommatidia and specialized to some. By identifying the "barebones" circuits critical for flying insects, our results will facilitate constructing computational models of visual processing in insects.

Deep sequencing of microRNAs reveals circadian-dependent microRNA expression in the eyestalks of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNAs. In crustaceans, miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms. Many physiological functions of crustaceans including immunity and hormone secretion exhibit circadian rhythms, but it remains unclear whether specific miRNAs contribute to the alteration of crustacean physiological processes under circadian rhythms. This study investigated the mechanisms of miRNA regulation of circadian rhythms in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), one of China's most important aquaculture species. We obtained eyestalks from crab specimens at four time points (6:00; 12:00; 18:00; 24:00) during a 24-h period. We identified 725 mature miRNAs, with 23 known miRNAs differentially expressed depending on the time of day. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the putative target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly enriched in the immune response and endocrine-related pathways. Numerous putative target genes are involved in the circadian-related pathways and enriched on circadian-control genes. These results suggest that the expression of miRNAs regulates some specific physiological functions in E. sinensis under circadian cycles. We also profiled various putative target genes enriched under the circadian-related pathway. This study performed miRNA expression in the eyestalks of E. sinensis during a 24-h daily cycle, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying crustacean circadian rhythms and suggesting miRNAs' role in studying crustacean physiology should not be overlooked.

FMRFamide-Related Peptides Signaling Is Involved in the Regulation of Muscle Contractions in Two Tenebrionid Beetles

Peptidergic signaling regulates various physiological processes in insects. Neuropeptides are important messenger molecules that act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators or hormones. Neuropeptides with myotropic properties in insects are known as FMRFamide-like peptides (FaLPs). Here, we describe the myotropic effects of the endogenous FaLPs in the regulation of contractile activity of the heart, ejaculatory duct, oviduct and the hindgut in two beetle species, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas atratus. A putative receptor was identified in silico in both species. Using RT-PCR these putative FaLPs receptors were found in the various tissues of both beetles, including visceral organs. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of the receptor indicated that it is similar to other insect FaLPs receptors and belongs to G-protein coupled receptors. A synthetic FaLP (NSNFLRFa) found as the bioanalogue of both species demonstrated concentration-dependent and organ-specific myoactive properties. The peptide had species–specific cardioactivity, in that it stimulated Z. atratus heart contractions, while slightly inhibiting that of T. molitor and had mainly myostimulatory effect on the examined visceral organs of both beetle species, with the lowest activity in the ejaculatory duct of these beetles. The peptide was the most active in the hindgut of both species, but only at high concentration of 10^–5 M. The results suggest that FaLPs are potent modulators of endogenous contractile activity of the visceral muscles in beetles and may indirectly affect various physiological processes.

Flies as models for circadian clock adaptation to environmental challenges

Life on earth is assumed to have developed in tropical regions that are characterized by regular 24 hr cycles in irradiance and temperature that remain the same throughout the seasons. All organisms developed circadian clocks that predict these environmental cycles and prepare the organisms in advance for them. A central question in chronobiology is how endogenous clocks changed in order to anticipate very different cyclical environmental conditions such as extremely short and long photoperiods existing close to the poles. Flies of the family Drosophilidae can be found all over the world-from the tropics to subarctic regions-making them unprecedented models for studying the evolutionary processes that underlie the adaptation of circadian clocks to different latitudes. This review summarizes our current understanding of these processes. We discuss evolutionary changes in the clock genes and in the clock network in the brain of different Drosophilids that may have caused behavioural adaptations to high latitudes.

Neuropeptide- and serotonin- cells in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) associated with the circadian clock

The neuronal pathways of the circadian clock in the brain of R. prolixus have been described in detail previously, but there is no information concerning the cells or their pathways which relay either inputs to the clock (e.g. for light entrainment), or outputs from it to driven rhythms. Here, we employ antisera to three neuropeptides (type A allatostatin-7, crustacean cardioactive peptide and FMRFamide), and serotonin in confocal laser scanning immunohistochemistry to analyze the distribution of cell bodies and their projections in relation to the principle circadian clock cells (lateral cells, LNs) for all four neuron types. LNs are revealed following labelling with anti- pigment dispersing factor in double labelled preparations. Regions of potential communication between ramifications of the LNs and each of the four other neuron types is described (identified by close superposition of their neurites in various brain regions), as is their detailed projections within the brain. Neuromodulation is sometimes suggested by close, but not intimate, proximity of varicosities of neurites. We infer that some neuron types comprise input pathways to the LNs, some are outputs to neuroendocrine or behavioral rhythms, and others participate in both input and output pathways, sometimes by the same neuron type but in different locations. For example, one retinula cell in each ommatidium is immunoreactive for allatostatin A; its axon projects to the medulla making superpositions with LNs, as do serotonin cells in the optic lobe, indicating roles of both neuron types in light input (entrainment) to the clock. But in other brain areas, these same types appear to mediate outputs from the clock. The accessory medulla has been widely reported as the principle center of integration in other insects; but we found sparse evidence of this in R. prolixus as it contains few neurites other than those from the clock cells. Rather, the importance of neural pathways involving the medulla and the superior protocerebrum is emphasized. We conclude that there is a vast and complex web of interactions in the brain with the LNs, which potentially receive multiple pathways of inputs and outputs that could drive rhythmicity in a multitude of downstream cells, rendering a host of output pathways rhythmic, notably hormone release from neurosecretory cells and behaviors.

A rapid MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry workflow for Drosophila melanogaster differential neuropeptidomics

BACKGROUND

Neuropeptides are a diverse category of signaling molecules in the nervous system regulating a variety of processes including food intake, social behavior, circadian rhythms, learning, and memory. Both the identification and functional characterization of specific neuropeptides are ongoing fields of research. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis of nervous tissues from a variety of organisms allows direct detection and identification of neuropeptides. Here, we demonstrate an analysis workflow that allows for the detection of differences in specific neuropeptides amongst a variety of neuropeptides being simultaneously measured. For sample preparation, we describe a straight-forward and rapid (minutes) method where individual adult Drosophila melanogaster brains are analyzed. Using a MATLAB-based data analysis workflow, also compatible with MALDI-TOF mass spectra obtained from other sample preparations and instrumentation, we demonstrate how changes in neuropeptides levels can be detected with this method.

RESULTS

Over fifty isotopically resolved ion signals in the peptide mass range are reproducibly observed across experiments. MALDI-TOF MS profile spectra were used to statistically identify distinct relative differences in organ-wide endogenous levels of detected neuropeptides between biological conditions. In particular, three distinct levels of a particular neuropeptide, pigment dispersing factor, were detected by comparing groups of preprocessed spectra obtained from individual brains across three different D. melanogaster strains, each of which express different amounts of this neuropeptide. Using the same sample preparation, MALDI-TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry confirmed that at least 14 ion signals observed across experiments are indeed neuropeptides. Among the identified neuropeptides were three products of the neuropeptide-like precursor 1 gene previously not identified in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Using MALDI-TOF MS and preprocessing/statistical analysis, changes in relative levels of a particular neuropeptide in D. melanogaster tissue can be statistically detected amongst a variety of neuropeptides. While the data analysis methods should be compatible with other sample preparations, the presented sample preparation method was sufficient to identify previously unconfirmed D. melanogaster neuropeptides.

Circadian regulation of the Na+/K+-ATPase alpha subunit in the visual system is mediated by the pacemaker and by retina photoreceptors in Drosophila melanogaster

We investigated the diurnal oscillation in abundance of the catalytic α subunit of the sodium/potassium pump (ATPα) in the brain of Drosophila melanogaster. This rhythm is bimodal and is particularly robust in the glia cells of the lamina, the first optic neuropil. We observed loss of ATPα cycling in lamina glia in behaviourally arrhythmic per⁰¹ and tim⁰¹ mutants and in flies overexpressing the pro-apoptotic gene hid in the PDF-positive clock neurons. Moreover, the rhythm of ATPα abundance was altered in cry⁰¹ and Pdf⁰ mutants, in flies with a weakened clock mechanism in retina photoreceptor cells and in those subject to downregulation of the neuropeptide ITP by RNAi. This complex, rhythmic regulation of the α subunit suggests that the sodium/potassium pump may be a key target of the circadian pacemaker to impose daily control on brain activities, such as rhythmic changes in neuronal plasticity, which are best observed in the visual system.

Rhythmic changes in synapse numbers in Drosophila melanogaster motor terminals

Previous studies have shown that the morphology of the neuromuscular junction of the flight motor neuron MN5 in Drosophila melanogaster undergoes daily rhythmical changes, with smaller synaptic boutons during the night, when the fly is resting, than during the day, when the fly is active. With electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy, we searched for a rhythmic change in synapse numbers in this neuron, both under light:darkness (LD) cycles and constant darkness (DD). We expected the number of synapses to increase during the morning, when the fly has an intense phase of locomotion activity under LD and DD. Surprisingly, only our DD data were consistent with this hypothesis. In LD, we found more synapses at midnight than at midday. We propose that under LD conditions, there is a daily rhythm of formation of new synapses in the dark phase, when the fly is resting, and disassembly over the light phase, when the fly is active. Several parameters appeared to be light dependent, since they were affected differently under LD or DD. The great majority of boutons containing synapses had only one and very few had either two or more, with a 70∶25∶5 ratio (one, two and three or more synapses) in LD and 75∶20∶5 in DD. Given the maintenance of this proportion even when both bouton and synapse numbers changed with time, we suggest that there is a homeostatic mechanism regulating synapse distribution among MN5 boutons.

The circadian clock network in the brain of different Drosophila species

Comparative studies on cellular and molecular clock mechanisms have revealed striking similarities in the organization of the clocks among different animal groups. To gain evolutionary insight into the properties of the clock network within the Drosophila genus, we analyzed sequence identities and similarities of clock protein homologues and immunostained brains of 10 different Drosophila species using antibodies against vrille (VRI), PAR-protein domain1 (PDP1), and cryptochrome (CRY). We found that the clock network of both subgenera Sophophora and Drosophila consists of all lateral and dorsal clock neuron clusters that were previously described in Drosophila melanogaster. Immunostaining against CRY and the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF), however, revealed species-specific differences. All species of the Drosophila subgenus and D. pseudoobscura of the Sophophora subgenus completely lacked CRY in the large ventrolateral clock neurons (lLN(v) s) and showed reduced PDF immunostaining in the small ventrolateral clock neurons (sLN(v) s). In contrast, we found the expression of the ion transport peptide (ITP) to be consistent within the fifth sLN(v) and one dorsolateral clock neuron (LN(d) ) in all investigated species, suggesting a conserved putative function of this neuropeptide in the clock. We conclude that the general anatomy of the clock network is highly conserved throughout the Drosophila genus, although there is variation in PDF and CRY expression. Our comparative study is a first step toward understanding the organization of the circadian clock in Drosophila species adapted to different habitats.

A novel wide-field neuron with branches in the lamina of the Drosophila visual system expresses myoinhibitory peptide and may be associated with the clock

Although neuropeptides are widespread throughout the central nervous system of the fruifly Drosophila, no records exist of peptidergic neurons in the first synaptic region of the visual system, the lamina. Here, we describe a novel type of neuron that has wide-field tangential arborizations just distal to the lamina neuropil and that expresses myoinhibitory peptide (MIP). The cell bodies of these neurons, designated lateral MIP-immunoreactive optic lobe (LMIo) neurons, lie anteriorly at the base of the medulla of the optic lobe. The LMIo neurons also arborize in several layers of the medulla and in the dorso-lateral and lateral protocerebrum. Since the LMIo resemble LN(v) clock neurons, we have investigated the relationships between these two sets of neurons by combining MIP-immunolabeling with markers for two of the clock genes, viz., Cryptochrome and Timeless, or with antisera to two peptides expressed in clock neurons, viz., pigment-dispersing factor and ion transport peptide. LMIo neurons do not co-express any of these clock neuron markers. However, branches of LMIo and clock neurons overlap in several regions. Furthermore, the varicose lamina branches of LMIo neurons superimpose those of two large bilateral serotonergic neurons. The close apposition of the terminations of MIP- and serotonin-producing neurons distal to the lamina suggests that they have the same peripheral targets. Our data indicate that the LMIo neurons are not bona fide clock neurons, but they may be associated with the clock system and regulate signaling peripherally in the visual system.

Signalling through pigment dispersing hormone-like peptides in invertebrates

During recent decades, several research teams engaged in unraveling the molecular structure and the physiological significance of pigment dispersing hormone-like peptides, particularly with respect to colour change and biological rhythms. In this review, we first summarise the entire history of pigment dispersing hormone-like peptide research, thus providing a stepping stone for those who are curious about this growing area of interest. Next, we try to bring order in the plethora of experimental data on the molecular structure of the various peptides and receptors and also discuss immunolocalization, time-related expression and suggested functions in crustaceans, insects and nematodes. In addition, a brief comparison with the vertebrate system is made.

PDF receptor expression reveals direct interactions between circadian oscillators in Drosophila

Daily rhythms of behavior are controlled by a circuit of circadian pacemaking neurons. In Drosophila, 150 pacemakers participate in this network, and recent observations suggest that the network is divisible into M and E oscillators, which normally interact and synchronize. Sixteen oscillator neurons (the small and large lateral neurons [LNvs]) express a neuropeptide called pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) whose signaling is often equated with M oscillator output. Given the significance of PDF signaling to numerous aspects of behavioral and molecular rhythms, determining precisely where and how signaling via the PDF receptor (PDFR) occurs is now a central question in the field. Here we show that GAL4-mediated rescue of pdfr phenotypes using a UAS-PDFR transgene is insufficient to provide complete behavioral rescue. In contrast, we describe a approximately 70-kB PDF receptor (pdfr) transgene that does rescue the entire pdfr circadian behavioral phenotype. The transgene is widely but heterogeneously expressed among pacemakers, and also among a limited number of non-pacemakers. Our results support an important hypothesis: the small LNv cells directly target a subset of the other crucial pacemaker neurons cells. Furthermore, expression of the transgene confirms an autocrine feedback signaling by PDF back to PDF-expressing cells. Finally, the results present an unexpected PDF receptor site: the large LNv cells appear to target a population of non-neuronal cells that resides at the base of the eye.

Pigment dispersing hormone generates a circadian response to light in the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii

Photoreceptor cells have been identified as important structures in the organization of the circadian system responsible for the generation and expression of the electroretinogram (ERG) circadian rhythm. They are the structures where the circadian periodicity is expressed (effectors) and which transform information from external light signals to be conducted to the pacemaker in order to induce adjustments of the rhythm (synchronizers). After isolation, eyestalks perfused in a pigment dispersing hormone (PDH) solution, show significant changes in receptor potential (RP) amplitude and duration. Exogenous PDH injected into intact crayfish induces a migration of retinal shielding pigments to a light-adapted state. A single dose of PDH produces advances or delays in the circadian rhythm of response to light of visual photoreceptors. All these effects depend on the circadian phase of PDH application. Consequently, the determination of the action of exogenous PDH on photoreceptor cells proved to be very helpful in understanding some mechanisms underlying the circadian organization of crayfish.

Neuropeptides in interneurons of the insect brain

A large number of neuropeptides has been identified in the brain of insects. At least 35 neuropeptide precursor genes have been characterized in Drosophila melanogaster, some of which encode multiple peptides. Additional neuropeptides have been found in other insect species. With a few notable exceptions, most of the neuropeptides have been demonstrated in brain interneurons of various types. The products of each neuropeptide precursor seem to be co-expressed, and each precursor displays a unique neuronal distribution pattern. Commonly, each type of neuropeptide is localized to a relatively small number of neurons. We describe the distribution of neuropeptides in brain interneurons of a few well-studied insect species. Emphasis has been placed upon interneurons innervating specific brain areas, such as the optic lobes, accessory medulla, antennal lobes, central body, and mushroom bodies. The functional roles of some neuropeptides and their receptors have been investigated in D. melanogaster by molecular genetics techniques. In addition, behavioral and electrophysiological assays have addressed neuropeptide functions in the cockroach Leucophaea maderae. Thus, the involvement of brain neuropeptides in circadian clock function, olfactory processing, various aspects of feeding behavior, and learning and memory are highlighted in this review. Studies so far indicate that neuropeptides can play a multitude of functional roles in the brain and that even single neuropeptides are likely to be multifunctional.

Mapping of serotonin, dopamine, and histamine in relation to different clock neurons in the brain of Drosophila

Several sets of clock neurons cooperate to generate circadian activity rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster. To extend the knowledge on neurotransmitters in the clock circuitry, we analyzed the distribution of some biogenic amines in relation to identified clock neurons. This was accomplished by employing clock neuron-specific GAL4 lines driving green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, combined with immunocytochemistry with antisera against serotonin, histamine, and tyrosine hydroxylase (for dopamine). In the larval and adult brain, serotonin-immunoreactive (-IR) neuron processes are in close proximity of both the dendrites and the dorsal terminals of the major clock neurons, the s-LN(v)s. Additionally, the terminals of the l-LN(v) clock neurons and serotonergic processes converge in the distal medulla. No histamine (HA)-IR processes contact the s-LN(v)s in the larval brain, but possibly impinge on the dorsal clock neurons, DN2. In the adult brain, HA-IR axons of the extraocular eyelet photoreceptors terminate on the dendritic branches of the LN(v)s. A few tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-IR processes were seen close to the dorsal terminals of the s-LN(v)s, but not their dendrites, in the larval and adult brain. TH-IR processes also converge with the distal medulla branches of the l-LN(v)s in adults. None of the monoamines was detectable in the different clock neurons. By using an imaging system to monitor intracellular Ca(2+) levels in dissociated GFP-labeled larval s-LN(v)s, loaded with Fura-2, we demonstrated that application of serotonin induced dose-dependent decreases in Ca(2+). Thus, serotonergic neurons form functional inputs on the s-LN(v)s in the larval brain and possibly also in adults.

FMRFamide-like immunocytochemistry in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of Triatoma infestans (Insecta: Heteroptera). Coexpression with β-pigment-dispersing hormone and small cardioactive peptide B

The distribution of FMRFamide (FMRFa)-like immunoreactivity (LI) was studied in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of Triatoma infestans, the insect vector of Chagas' disease. The neuropeptide displayed a widespread distribution with immunostained somata in the optic lobe, in the anterior, lateral, and posterior soma rinds of the protocerebrum, and around the antennal sensory and mechanosensory and motor neuropils of the deutocerebrum. FMRFa-immunoreactive profiles of the subesophageal ganglion were seen in the mandibular, maxillary, and labial neuromeres. Immunostained neurites were detected in the medulla and lobula of the optic lobe, the lateral protocerebral neuropil, the median bundle, the calyces and the stalk of the mushroom bodies, and the central body. In the deutocerebrum, the sensory glomeruli showed a higher density of immunoreactive processes than the mechanosensory and motor neuropil, whereas the neuropils of each neuromere of the subesophageal ganglion displayed a moderate density of immunoreactive neurites. Colocalization of FMRFa-LI and crustacean pigment-dispersing hormone-LI was found in perikarya of the proximal optic lobe, the lobula, the sensory deutocerebrum, and the labial neuromere of the subesophageal ganglion. The distribution pattern of small cardioactive peptide B (SCP(B))-LI was also widespread, with immunolabeled somata surrounding every neuropil region of the brain and subesophageal ganglion, except for the optic lobe. FMRFa- and SCP(B)-LIs showed extensive colocalization in the brain of this triatomine species. The presence of immunolabeled perikarya displaying either FMRFa- or SCP(B)-LI confirmed that each antisera identified different peptide molecules. The distribution of FMRFa immunostaining in T. infestans raises the possibility that FMRFa plays a role in the regulation of circadian rhythmicity. The finding of immunolabeling in neurosecretory somata of the protocerebrum suggests that this neuropeptide may also act as a neurohormone.