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Zhang W, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Cha S, Li J, Chen L, Wu J, Teng J, Guo G, Zhang J. Effects of DeSUMOylated Spastin on AMPA Receptor Surface Delivery and Synaptic Function Are Enhanced by Phosphorylating at Ser210. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6045-6059. [PMID: 38267753 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03935-w] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Surface trafficking of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is one of the important mechanisms mediating synaptic plasticity which is essential for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Spastin, as a novel binding partner for the AMPAR, has been reported to regulate AMPAR surface expression and synaptic function. Additionally, Spastin undergoes two posttranslational modifications, phosphorylation and SUMOylation, both of which are crucial for synaptic function. However, gaps exist in our knowledge of how Spastin phosphorylation cross-talks with its SUMOylation in the regulation of AMPAR surface expression and synaptic function. Here, we reported that deSUMOylation of Spastin at Lys427 increased the surface level of AMPAR GluA2 subunit, the amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSC), and facilitated the morphological maturation of dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons. Further studies demonstrated that Spastin phosphorylation at Ser210 further increased the enhancement of GluA2 surface expression and synaptic function by deSUMOylated Spastin, while dephosphorylation had the opposite effect. Simultaneously, deSUMOylation at Lys427 significantly increased the promoting effect of Spastin phosphorylation on synaptic function. In conclusion, our study suggests that cooperative interactions between phosphorylated and deSUMOylated Spastin are novel pathways to enhance synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Surgery, The First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zhongqi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Shunde Hospital of Jinan University, Foshan, 528305, China
| | - Shuhan Cha
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiaming Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jijun Teng
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266011, China.
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience Laboratory for Cognitive and Developmental Disorders, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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2
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Rollenhagen A, Anstötz M, Zimmermann K, Kasugai Y, Sätzler K, Molnar E, Ferraguti F, Lübke JHR. Layer-specific distribution and expression pattern of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the barrel field of the adult rat somatosensory cortex: a quantitative electron microscopic analysis. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:2342-2360. [PMID: 35732315 PMCID: PMC9977369 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) and NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) glutamate receptors are driving forces for synaptic transmission and plasticity at neocortical synapses. However, their distribution pattern in the adult rat neocortex is largely unknown and was quantified using freeze fracture replication combined with postimmunogold-labeling. Both receptors were co-localized at layer (L)4 and L5 postsynaptic densities (PSDs). At L4 dendritic shaft and spine PSDs, the number of gold grains detecting AMPA was similar, whereas at L5 shaft PSDs AMPA-receptors outnumbered those on spine PSDs. Their number was significantly higher at L5 vs. L4 PSDs. At L4 and L5 dendritic shaft PSDs, the number of gold grains detecting GluN1 was ~2-fold higher than at spine PSDs. The number of gold grains detecting the GluN1-subunit was higher for both shaft and spine PSDs in L5 vs. L4. Both receptors showed a large variability in L4 and L5. A high correlation between the number of gold grains and PSD size for both receptors and targets was observed. Both receptors were distributed over the entire PSD but showed a layer- and target-specific distribution pattern. The layer- and target-specific distribution of AMPA and GluN1 glutamate receptors partially contribute to the observed functional differences in synaptic transmission and plasticity in the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Rollenhagen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Max Anstötz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy II, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40001, Germany
| | - Kerstin Zimmermann
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Yu Kasugai
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1a, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Kurt Sätzler
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Rd., Londonderry BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Elek Molnar
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1a, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Joachim H R Lübke
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Centre Jülich GmbH, Leo Brandt Str., Jülich 52425, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH/Medical University Aachen, Pauwelstr. 30, Aachen 52074, Germany.,JARA Translational Medicine Jülich/Aachen, Germany
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3
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Cunningham KL, Littleton JT. Mechanisms controlling the trafficking, localization, and abundance of presynaptic Ca 2+ channels. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1116729. [PMID: 36710932 PMCID: PMC9880069 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1116729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr ), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Given this functional significance, defining the processes that cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance is critical for understanding how these mechanisms set synaptic strength and how they might be regulated to control presynaptic plasticity. VGCC abundance at AZs involves multiple steps, including channel biosynthesis (transcription, translation, and trafficking through the endomembrane system), forward axonal trafficking and delivery to synaptic terminals, incorporation and retention at presynaptic sites, and protein recycling. Here we discuss mechanisms that control VGCC abundance at synapses, highlighting findings from invertebrate and vertebrate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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4
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Cunningham KL, Sauvola CW, Tavana S, Littleton JT. Regulation of presynaptic Ca 2+ channel abundance at active zones through a balance of delivery and turnover. eLife 2022; 11:78648. [PMID: 35833625 PMCID: PMC9352347 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Although biosynthesis, delivery, and recycling cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance, experimentally isolating these distinct regulatory processes has been difficult. Here, we describe how the AZ levels of cacophony (Cac), the sole VGCC-mediating synaptic transmission in Drosophila, are determined. We also analyzed the relationship between Cac, the conserved VGCC regulatory subunit α2δ, and the core AZ scaffold protein Bruchpilot (BRP) in establishing a functional AZ. We find that Cac and BRP are independently regulated at growing AZs, as Cac is dispensable for AZ formation and structural maturation, and BRP abundance is not limiting for Cac accumulation. Additionally, AZs stop accumulating Cac after an initial growth phase, whereas BRP levels continue to increase given extended developmental time. AZ Cac is also buffered against moderate increases or decreases in biosynthesis, whereas BRP lacks this buffering. To probe mechanisms that determine AZ Cac abundance, intravital FRAP and Cac photoconversion were used to separately measure delivery and turnover at individual AZs over a multi-day period. Cac delivery occurs broadly across the AZ population, correlates with AZ size, and is rate-limited by α2δ. Although Cac does not undergo significant lateral transfer between neighboring AZs over the course of development, Cac removal from AZs does occur and is promoted by new Cac delivery, generating a cap on Cac accumulation at mature AZs. Together, these findings reveal how Cac biosynthesis, synaptic delivery, and recycling set the abundance of VGCCs at individual AZs throughout synapse development and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chad W Sauvola
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sara Tavana
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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5
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Choquet D, Opazo P. The role of AMPAR lateral diffusion in memory. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 125:76-83. [PMID: 35123863 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of AMPARs to synapses is a fundamental step in Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, a well-established cellular correlate of learning and memory. The discovery of a sizeable and highly mobile population of extrasynaptic AMPARs - randomly scanning the synaptic surface under basal conditions - provided a conceptual framework for a simplified model: LTP can be induced by the capture, and hence accumulation, of laterally diffusing extrasynaptic AMPARs. Here, we review the evidence supporting a rate-limiting role of AMPAR lateral diffusion in LTP and as consequence, in learning and memory. We propose that there are "multiple solutions" for achieving the diffusional trapping of AMPAR during LTP, mainly mediated by the interaction between interchangeable AMPAR auxiliary subunits and cell-adhesion molecules containing PDZ-binding domains and synaptic scaffolds containing PDZ-domains. We believe that this molecular degeneracy in the diffusional trapping of AMPAR during LTP serve to ensure the robustness of this crucial step in the making of memories. All in all, the role of AMPAR lateral diffusion in LTP is not only a conceptual leap in our understanding of memory, but it might also hold the keys for the development of therapeutics against disorders associated with memory deficits such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Choquet
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ. Bordeaux, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Patricio Opazo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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6
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Becker MFP, Tetzlaff C. The biophysical basis underlying the maintenance of early phase long-term potentiation. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008813. [PMID: 33750943 PMCID: PMC8016278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of synaptic changes resulting from long-term potentiation (LTP) is essential for brain function such as memory and learning. Different LTP phases have been associated with diverse molecular processes and pathways, and the molecular underpinnings of LTP on the short, as well as long time scales, are well established. However, the principles on the intermediate time scale of 1-6 hours that mediate the early phase of LTP (E-LTP) remain elusive. We hypothesize that the interplay between specific features of postsynaptic receptor trafficking is responsible for sustaining synaptic changes during this LTP phase. We test this hypothesis by formalizing a biophysical model that integrates several experimentally-motivated mechanisms. The model captures a wide range of experimental findings and predicts that synaptic changes are preserved for hours when the receptor dynamics are shaped by the interplay of structural changes of the spine in conjunction with increased trafficking from recycling endosomes and the cooperative binding of receptors. Furthermore, our model provides several predictions to verify our findings experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz F. P. Becker
- III. Institute of Physics – Biophysics, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Tetzlaff
- III. Institute of Physics – Biophysics, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Qu W, Yuan B, Liu J, Liu Q, Zhang X, Cui R, Yang W, Li B. Emerging role of AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 in synaptic plasticity: Implications for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Prolif 2020; 54:e12959. [PMID: 33188547 PMCID: PMC7791177 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that GluA1 mediated synaptic plasticity plays a central role in the early development of AD. The complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable GluA1‐related synaptic regulation remain to fully understood. Particularly, understanding the mechanisms that disrupt GluA1 related synaptic plasticity is central to the development of disease‐modifying therapies which are sorely needed as the incidence of AD rises. We surmise that the published evidence establishes deficits in synaptic plasticity as a central factor of AD aetiology. We additionally highlight potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD, and we delve into the roles of GluA1 in learning and memory. Particularly, we review the current understanding of the molecular interactions that confer the actions of this ubiquitous excitatory receptor subunit including post‐translational modification and accessory protein recruitment of the GluA1 subunit. These are proposed to regulate receptor trafficking, recycling, channel conductance and synaptic transmission and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Qu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baoming Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Morise J, Suzuki KGN, Kitagawa A, Wakazono Y, Takamiya K, Tsunoyama TA, Nemoto YL, Takematsu H, Kusumi A, Oka S. AMPA receptors in the synapse turnover by monomer diffusion. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5245. [PMID: 31748519 PMCID: PMC6868016 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The number and subunit compositions of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), hetero- or homotetramers composed of four subunits GluA1–4, in the synapse is carefully tuned to sustain basic synaptic activity. This enables stimulation-induced synaptic plasticity, which is central to learning and memory. The AMPAR tetramers have been widely believed to be stable from their formation in the endoplasmic reticulum until their proteolytic decomposition. However, by observing GluA1 and GluA2 at the level of single molecules, we find that the homo- and heterotetramers are metastable, instantaneously falling apart into monomers, dimers, or trimers (in 100 and 200 ms, respectively), which readily form tetramers again. In the dendritic plasma membrane, GluA1 and GluA2 monomers and dimers are far more mobile than tetramers and enter and exit from the synaptic regions. We conclude that AMPAR turnover by lateral diffusion, essential for sustaining synaptic function, is largely done by monomers of AMPAR subunits, rather than preformed tetramers. The mechanisms regulating the turnover of the AMPARs in the synapse, which is critically important to sustain basic synaptic activity, remains unclear. In this study, authors used single-molecule imaging techniques to demonstrate that AMPAR tetramers are not stable entities and readily fall apart to dimers and monomers that could reform to tetramers at the synapse, and that rapidly diffusing monomers in the plasma membrane are primarily responsible for the AMPAR turnover in the synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoji Morise
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kenichi G N Suzuki
- Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan. .,Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Ayaka Kitagawa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Wakazono
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
| | - Kogo Takamiya
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-1692, Japan
| | - Taka A Tsunoyama
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Yuri L Nemoto
- Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hiromu Takematsu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kusumi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan. .,Membrane Cooperativity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Shogo Oka
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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Linking Nanoscale Dynamics of AMPA Receptor Organization to Plasticity of Excitatory Synapses and Learning. J Neurosci 2019; 38:9318-9329. [PMID: 30381423 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2119-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal organization of neurotransmitter receptors in the postsynaptic membrane is a fundamental determinant of synaptic transmission and thus of information processing by the brain. The ionotropic AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the CNS. The number of AMPARs located en face presynaptic glutamate release sites sets the efficacy of synaptic transmission. Understanding how this number is set and regulated has been the topic of intense research in the last two decades. We showed that AMPARs are not stable in the synapse as initially thought. They continuously enter and exit the postsynaptic density by lateral diffusion, and they exchange between the neuronal surface and intracellular compartments by endocytosis and exocytosis at extrasynaptic sites. Regulation of these various trafficking pathways has emerged as a key mechanism for activity-dependent plasticity of synaptic transmission, a process important for learning and memory. I here present my view of these findings. In particular, the advent of super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule tracking has helped to uncover the intricacy of AMPARs' dynamic organization at the nanoscale. In addition, AMPAR surface diffusion is highly regulated by a variety of factors, including neuronal activity, stress hormones, and neurodegeneration, suggesting that AMPAR diffusion-trapping may play a central role in synapse function. Using innovative tools to understand further the link between receptor dynamics and synapse plasticity is now unveiling new molecular mechanisms of learning. Modifying AMPAR dynamics may emerge as a new target to correct synapse dysfunction in the diseased brain.
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10
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Chasing Uptake: Super-Resolution Microscopy in Endocytosis and Phagocytosis. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:727-739. [PMID: 31227311 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since their invention about two decades ago, super-resolution microscopes have become a method of choice in cell biology. Owing to a spatial resolution below 50 nm, smaller than the size of most organelles, and an order of magnitude better than the diffraction limit of conventional light microscopes, super-resolution microscopy is a powerful technique for resolving intracellular trafficking. In this review we discuss discoveries in endocytosis and phagocytosis that have been made possible by super-resolution microscopy - from uptake at the plasma membrane, endocytic coat formation, and cytoskeletal rearrangements to endosomal maturation. The detailed visualization of the diverse molecular assemblies that mediate endocytic uptake will provide a better understanding of how cells ingest extracellular material.
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11
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Fletcher-Jones A, Hildick KL, Evans AJ, Nakamura Y, Wilkinson KA, Henley JM. The C-terminal helix 9 motif in rat cannabinoid receptor type 1 regulates axonal trafficking and surface expression. eLife 2019; 8:44252. [PMID: 31036155 PMCID: PMC6491034 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid type one receptor (CB1R) is only stably surface expressed in axons, where it downregulates neurotransmitter release. How this tightly regulated axonal surface polarity is established and maintained is unclear. To address this question, we used time-resolved imaging to determine the trafficking of CB1R from biosynthesis to mature polarised localisation in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We show that the secretory pathway delivery of CB1R is axonally biased and that surface expressed CB1R is more stable in axons than in dendrites. This dual mechanism is mediated by the CB1R C-terminus and involves the Helix 9 (H9) domain. Removal of the H9 domain increases secretory pathway delivery to dendrites and decreases surface stability. Furthermore, CB1RΔH9 is more sensitive to agonist-induced internalisation and less efficient at downstream signalling than CB1RWT. Together, these results shed new light on how polarity of CB1R is mediated and indicate that the C-terminal H9 domain plays key roles in this process. The brain contains around 100 billion neurons that are in constant communication with one another. Each consists of a cell body, plus two components specialized for exchanging information. These are the axon, which delivers information, and the dendrites, which receive it. This exchange takes place at contact points between neurons called synapses. To send a message, a neuron releases chemicals called neurotransmitters from its axon terminals into the synapse. The neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to receptor proteins on the dendrites of another neuron. In doing so, they pass on the message. Cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) help control the flow of information at synapses. They do this by binding neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, which are unusual among neurotransmitters. Rather than sending messages from axons to dendrites, endocannabinoids send them in the opposite direction. Thus, it is dendrites that release endocannabinoids, which then bind to CB1Rs in axon terminals. This backwards, or 'retrograde', signalling dampens the release of other neurotransmitters. This slows down brain activity, and gives rise to the 'mellow' sensation that recreational cannabis users often describe. Like most other proteins, CB1Rs are built inside the cell body. So, how do these receptors end up in the axon terminals where they are needed? Are they initially sent to both axons and dendrites, with the CB1Rs that travel to dendrites being rerouted back to axons? Or do the receptors travel directly to the axon itself? Fletcher-Jones et al. tracked newly made CB1Rs in rat neurons growing in a dish. The results revealed that the receptors go directly to the axon, before moving on to the axon terminals. A specific region of the CB1R protein is crucial for sending the receptors to the axon, and for ensuring that they do not get diverted to the dendrite surface. This region stabilizes CB1Rs at the axon surface, and helps to make the receptors available to bind endocannabinoids. CB1Rs also respond to medical marijuana, a topic that continues to generate interest as well as controversy. Activating CB1Rs could help treat a wide range of diseases, such as chronic pain, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Future studies should build on our understanding of CB1Rs to explore and optimize new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Fletcher-Jones
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Keri L Hildick
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley J Evans
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yasuko Nakamura
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin A Wilkinson
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy M Henley
- School of Biochemistry, Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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