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Thulasidharan A, Garg L, Tendulkar S, Ratnaparkhi GS. Age-dependent dynamics of neuronal VAPB ALS inclusions in the adult brain. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 196:106517. [PMID: 38679111 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive and fatal disease, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord in the ageing human. The dying neurons contain cytoplasmic inclusions linked to the onset and progression of the disease. Here, we use a Drosophila model of ALS8 (VAPP58S) to understand the modulation of these inclusions in the ageing adult brain. The adult VAPP58S fly shows progressive deterioration in motor function till its demise 25 days post-eclosion. The density of VAPP58S-positive brain inclusions is stable for 5-15 days of age. In contrast, adding a single copy of VAPWT to the VAPP58S animal leads to a large decrease in inclusion density with concomitant rescue of motor function and lifespan. ER stress, a contributing factor in disease, shows reduction with ageing for the disease model. Autophagy, rather than the Ubiquitin Proteasome system, is the dominant mechanism for aggregate clearance. We explored the ability of Drosophila Valosin-containing protein (VCP/TER94), the ALS14 locus, which is involved in cellular protein clearance, to regulate age-dependent aggregation. Contrary to expectation, TER94 overexpression increased VAPP58S punctae density, while its knockdown led to enhanced clearance. Expression of a dominant positive allele, TER94R152H, further stabilised VAPP58S puncta, cementing roles for an ALS8-ALS14 axis. Our results are explained by a mechanism where autophagy is modulated by TER94 knockdown. Our study sheds light on the complex regulatory events involved in the neuronal maintenance of ALS8 aggregates, suggesting a context-dependent switch between proteasomal and autophagy-based mechanisms as the larvae develop into an adult. A deeper understanding of the nucleation and clearance of the inclusions, which affect cellular stress and function, is essential for understanding the initiation and progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Thulasidharan
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Lovleen Garg
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Shweta Tendulkar
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India
| | - Girish S Ratnaparkhi
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Pune 411008, India.
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2
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DePew AT, Bruckner JJ, O'Connor-Giles KM, Mosca TJ. Neuronal LRP4 directs the development, maturation and cytoskeletal organization of Drosophila peripheral synapses. Development 2024; 151:dev202517. [PMID: 38738619 PMCID: PMC11190576 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic development requires multiple signaling pathways to ensure successful connections. Transmembrane receptors are optimally positioned to connect the synapse and the rest of the neuron, often acting as synaptic organizers to synchronize downstream events. One such organizer, the LDL receptor-related protein LRP4, is a cell surface receptor that has been most well-studied postsynaptically at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Recent work, however, identified emerging roles, but how LRP4 acts as a presynaptic organizer and the downstream mechanisms of LRP4 are not well understood. Here, we show that LRP4 functions presynaptically at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses, acting in motoneurons to instruct pre- and postsynaptic development. Loss of presynaptic LRP4 results in multiple defects, impairing active zone organization, synapse growth, physiological function, microtubule organization, synaptic ultrastructure and synapse maturation. We further demonstrate that LRP4 promotes most aspects of presynaptic development via a downstream SR-protein kinase, SRPK79D. These data demonstrate a function for presynaptic LRP4 as a peripheral synaptic organizer, highlight a downstream mechanism conserved with its CNS function in Drosophila, and underscore previously unappreciated but important developmental roles for LRP4 in cytoskeletal organization, synapse maturation and active zone organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison T. DePew
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph J. Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kate M. O'Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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3
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Murage B, Tan H, Mashimo T, Jackson M, Skehel PA. Spinal cord neurone loss and foot placement changes in a rat knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae184. [PMID: 38846532 PMCID: PMC11154649 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae184] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an age-dependent cell type-selective degenerative disease. Genetic studies indicate that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is part of a spectrum of disorders, ranging from spinal muscular atrophy to frontotemporal dementia that share common pathological mechanisms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 is a familial disease caused by mis-sense mutations in VAPB. VAPB is localized to the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, where it serves as a docking point for cytoplasmic proteins and mediates inter-organelle interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A gene knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 based on the VapBP56S mutation and VapB gene deletion has been generated in rats. These animals display a range of age-dependent phenotypes distinct from those previously reported in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. A loss of motor neurones in VapBP56S/+ and VapBP56S/P56S animals is indicated by a reduction in the number of large choline acetyl transferase-staining cells in the spinal cord. VapB-/- animals exhibit a relative increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 levels compared with the nucleus, but no large protein aggregates. Concomitant with these spinal cord pathologies VapBP56S/+ , VapBP56S/P56S and VapB-/- animals exhibit age-dependent changes in paw placement and exerted pressures when traversing a CatWalk apparatus, consistent with a somatosensory dysfunction. Extramotor dysfunction is reported in half the cases of motor neurone disease, and this is the first indication of an associated sensory dysfunction in a rodent model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Different rodent models may offer complementary experimental platforms with which to understand the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Murage
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Han Tan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mandy Jackson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Paul A Skehel
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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4
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Feizy N, Leuchtenberg SF, Steiner C, Würtz B, Fliegner L, Huber A. In vivo identification of Drosophila rhodopsin interaction partners by biotin proximity labeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1986. [PMID: 38263196 PMCID: PMC10805788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52041-3] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins exert their function through protein-protein interactions. In Drosophila, G protein-coupled receptors like rhodopsin (Rh1) interact with a G protein to activate visual signal transduction and with arrestins to terminate activation. Also, membrane proteins like Rh1 engage in protein-protein interactions during folding within the endoplasmic reticulum, during their vesicular transport and upon removal from the cell surface and degradation. Here, we expressed a Rh1-TurboID fusion protein (Rh1::TbID) in Drosophila photoreceptors to identify in vivo Rh1 interaction partners by biotin proximity labeling. We show that Rh1::TbID forms a functional rhodopsin that mediates biotinylation of arrestin 2 in conditions where arrestin 2 interacts with rhodopsin. We also observed biotinylation of Rh1::TbID and native Rh1 as well as of most visual signal transduction proteins. These findings indicate that the signaling components in the rhabdomere approach rhodopsin closely, within a range of ca. 10 nm. Furthermore, we have detected proteins engaged in the maturation of rhodopsin and elements responsible for the trafficking of membrane proteins, resembling potential interaction partners of Rh1. Among these are chaperons of the endoplasmic reticulum, proteins involved in Clathrin-mediated endocytosis as well as previously unnoticed contributors to rhodopsin transportation, such as Rab32, Vap33, or PIP82.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilofar Feizy
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Christine Steiner
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Berit Würtz
- Mass Spectrometry Unit, Core Facility Hohenheim, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Leo Fliegner
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Armin Huber
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
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5
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Thakur RS, O’Connor-Giles KM. PDZD8 promotes autophagy at ER-Lysosome contact sites to regulate synaptogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564828. [PMID: 37961523 PMCID: PMC10634952 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Building synaptic connections, which are often far from the soma, requires coordinating a host of cellular activities from transcription to protein turnover, placing a high demand on intracellular communication. Membrane contact sites (MCSs) formed between cellular organelles have emerged as key signaling hubs for coordinating an array of cellular activities. We have found that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) MCS tethering protein PDZD8 is required for activity-dependent synaptogenesis. PDZD8 is sufficient to drive ectopic synaptic bouton formation through an autophagy-dependent mechanism and required for basal synapse formation when autophagy biogenesis is limited. PDZD8 functions at ER-late endosome/lysosome (LEL) MCSs to promote lysosome maturation and accelerate autophagic flux. Mutational analysis of PDZD8's SMP domain further suggests a role for lipid transfer at ER-LEL MCSs. We propose that PDZD8-dependent lipid transfer from ER to LELs promotes lysosome maturation to increase autophagic flux during periods of high demand, including activity-dependent synapse formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan S. Thakur
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Kate M. O’Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Providence, RI
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6
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DePew AT, Bruckner JJ, O’Connor-Giles KM, Mosca TJ. Neuronal LRP4 directs the development, maturation, and cytoskeletal organization of peripheral synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.564481. [PMID: 37961323 PMCID: PMC10635100 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.564481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synapse development requires multiple signaling pathways to accomplish the myriad of steps needed to ensure a successful connection. Transmembrane receptors on the cell surface are optimally positioned to facilitate communication between the synapse and the rest of the neuron and often function as synaptic organizers to synchronize downstream signaling events. One such organizer, the LDL receptor-related protein LRP4, is a cell surface receptor most well-studied postsynaptically at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Recent work, however, has identified emerging roles for LRP4 as a presynaptic molecule, but how LRP4 acts as a presynaptic organizer, what roles LRP4 plays in organizing presynaptic biology, and the downstream mechanisms of LRP4 are not well understood. Here we show that LRP4 functions presynaptically at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses, acting in motor neurons to instruct multiple aspects of pre- and postsynaptic development. Loss of presynaptic LRP4 results in a range of developmental defects, impairing active zone organization, synapse growth, physiological function, microtubule organization, synaptic ultrastructure, and synapse maturation. We further demonstrate that LRP4 promotes most aspects of presynaptic development via a downstream SR-protein kinase, SRPK79D. SRPK79D overexpression suppresses synaptic defects associated with loss of lrp4. These data demonstrate a function for LRP4 as a peripheral synaptic organizer acting presynaptically, highlight a downstream mechanism conserved with its CNS function, and indicate previously unappreciated roles for LRP4 in cytoskeletal organization, synapse maturation, and active zone organization, underscoring its developmental importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison T. DePew
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Joseph J. Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Kate M. O’Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
- Lead Contact
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7
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Karagas NE, Gupta R, Rastegari E, Tan KL, Leung HH, Bellen HJ, Venkatachalam K, Wong CO. Loss of Activity-Induced Mitochondrial ATP Production Underlies the Synaptic Defects in a Drosophila Model of ALS. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8019-8037. [PMID: 36261266 PMCID: PMC9617612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2456-21.2022] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB) cause a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Expression of an ALS-related variant of vapb (vapbP58S ) in Drosophila motor neurons results in morphologic changes at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) characterized by the appearance of fewer, but larger, presynaptic boutons. Although diminished microtubule stability is known to underlie these morphologic changes, a mechanism for the loss of presynaptic microtubules has been lacking. By studying flies of both sexes, we demonstrate the suppression of vapbP58S -induced changes in NMJ morphology by either a loss of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release channels or the inhibition Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-activated kinase II (CaMKII). These data suggest that decreased stability of presynaptic microtubules at vapbP58S NMJs results from hyperactivation of CaMKII because of elevated cytosolic [Ca2+]. We attribute the Ca2+ dyshomeostasis to delayed extrusion of cytosolic Ca2+ Suggesting that this defect in Ca2+ extrusion arose from an insufficient response to the bioenergetic demand of neural activity, depolarization-induced mitochondrial ATP production was diminished in vapbP58S neurons. These findings point to bioenergetic dysfunction as a potential cause for the synaptic defects in vapbP58S -expressing motor neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Whether the synchrony between the rates of ATP production and demand is lost in degenerating neurons remains poorly understood. We report that expression of a gene equivalent to an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-causing variant of vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB) in fly neurons decouples mitochondrial ATP production from neuronal activity. Consequently, levels of ATP in mutant neurons are unable to keep up with the bioenergetic burden of neuronal activity. Reduced rate of Ca2+ extrusion, which could result from insufficient energy to power Ca2+ ATPases, results in the accumulation of residual Ca2+ in mutant neurons and leads to alterations in synaptic vesicle (SV) release and synapse development. These findings suggest that synaptic defects in a model of ALS arise from the loss of activity-induced ATP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Karagas
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Richa Gupta
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Elham Rastegari
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kai Li Tan
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ho Hang Leung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kartik Venkatachalam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, MD Anderson Cancer Center and University of Texas Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Ching-On Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey 07102
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8
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O’Brien CE, Younger SH, Jan LY, Jan YN. The GARP complex prevents sterol accumulation at the trans-Golgi network during dendrite remodeling. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 2022; 222:213548. [PMID: 36239632 PMCID: PMC9577387 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202112108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane trafficking is essential for sculpting neuronal morphology. The GARP and EARP complexes are conserved tethers that regulate vesicle trafficking in the secretory and endolysosomal pathways, respectively. Both complexes contain the Vps51, Vps52, and Vps53 proteins, and a complex-specific protein: Vps54 in GARP and Vps50 in EARP. In Drosophila, we find that both complexes are required for dendrite morphogenesis during developmental remodeling of multidendritic class IV da (c4da) neurons. Having found that sterol accumulates at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in Vps54KO/KO neurons, we investigated genes that regulate sterols and related lipids at the TGN. Overexpression of oxysterol binding protein (Osbp) or knockdown of the PI4K four wheel drive (fwd) exacerbates the Vps54KO/KO phenotype, whereas eliminating one allele of Osbp rescues it, suggesting that excess sterol accumulation at the TGN is, in part, responsible for inhibiting dendrite regrowth. These findings distinguish the GARP and EARP complexes in neurodevelopment and implicate vesicle trafficking and lipid transfer pathways in dendrite morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. O’Brien
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Susan H. Younger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Yuh Nung Jan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Physiology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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9
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Tendulkar S, Hegde S, Garg L, Thulasidharan A, Kaduskar B, Ratnaparkhi A, Ratnaparkhi GS. Caspar, an adapter for VAPB and TER94, modulates the progression of ALS8 by regulating IMD/NFκB mediated glial inflammation in a drosophila model of human disease. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2857-2875. [PMID: 35377453 PMCID: PMC9433731 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, late-onset, progressive motor neurodegenerative disorder. A key pathological feature of the disease is the presence of heavily ubiquitinated protein inclusions. Both the unfolded protein response and the ubiquitin–proteasome system appear significantly impaired in patients and animal models of ALS. We have studied cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in ALS using a vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB/ALS8) Drosophila model [Moustaqim-Barrette, A., Lin, Y.Q., Pradhan, S., Neely, G.G., Bellen, H.J. and Tsuda, H. (2014) The ALS 8 protein, VAP, is required for ER protein quality control. Hum. Mol. Genet., 23, 1975–1989], which mimics many systemic aspects of the human disease. Here, we show that VAPB, located on the cytoplasmic face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, interacts with Caspar, an orthologue of human fas associated factor 1 (FAF1). Caspar, in turn, interacts with transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (TER94), a fly orthologue of ALS14 (VCP/p97, valosin-containing protein). Caspar overexpression in the glia extends lifespan and also slows the progression of motor dysfunction in the ALS8 disease model, a phenomenon that we ascribe to its ability to restrain age-dependent inflammation, which is modulated by Relish/NFκB signalling. Caspar binds to VAPB via an FFAT motif, and we find that Caspar’s ability to negatively regulate NFκB signalling is not dependent on the VAPB:Caspar interaction. We hypothesize that Caspar is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of ALS. The VAPB:Caspar:TER94 complex appears to be a candidate for regulating both protein homeostasis and NFκB signalling, with our study highlighting a role for Caspar in glial inflammation. We project human FAF1 as an important protein target to alleviate the progression of motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tendulkar
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
| | - Sushmitha Hegde
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
| | - Lovleen Garg
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
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10
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Saunders HAJ, Johnson-Schlitz DM, Jenkins BV, Volkert PJ, Yang SZ, Wildonger J. Acetylated α-tubulin K394 regulates microtubule stability to shape the growth of axon terminals. Curr Biol 2022; 32:614-630.e5. [PMID: 35081332 PMCID: PMC8843987 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are essential to neuron shape and function. Acetylation of tubulin has the potential to directly tune the behavior and function of microtubules in cells. Although proteomic studies have identified several acetylation sites in α-tubulin, the effects of acetylation at these sites remains largely unknown. This includes the highly conserved residue lysine 394 (K394), which is located at the αβ-tubulin dimer interface. Using a fly model, we show that α-tubulin K394 is acetylated in the nervous system and is an essential residue. We found that an acetylation-blocking mutation in endogenous α-tubulin, K394R, perturbs the synaptic morphogenesis of motoneurons and reduces microtubule stability. Intriguingly, the K394R mutation has opposite effects on the growth of two functionally and morphologically distinct motoneurons, revealing neuron-type-specific responses when microtubule stability is altered. Eliminating the deacetylase HDAC6 increases K394 acetylation, and the over-expression of HDAC6 reduces microtubule stability similar to the K394R mutant. Thus, our findings implicate α-tubulin K394 and its acetylation in the regulation of microtubule stability and suggest that HDAC6 regulates K394 acetylation during synaptic morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet A. J. Saunders
- Integrated Program in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA,Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Dena M. Johnson-Schlitz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Brian V. Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Peter J. Volkert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA,Biochemistry Scholars Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Sihui Z. Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA,Cellular & Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1525 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 440 Henry Mall, Madison, WI, 53706, USA,Current address: Pediatrics Department and Biological Sciences Division, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA,Lead and author for correspondence:
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11
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Kors S, Costello JL, Schrader M. VAP Proteins - From Organelle Tethers to Pathogenic Host Interactors and Their Role in Neuronal Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:895856. [PMID: 35756994 PMCID: PMC9213790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.895856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-associated proteins (VAPs) are ubiquitous ER-resident tail-anchored membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells. Their N-terminal major sperm protein (MSP) domain faces the cytosol and allows them to interact with a wide variety of cellular proteins. Therefore, VAP proteins are vital to many cellular processes, including organelle membrane tethering, lipid transfer, autophagy, ion homeostasis and viral defence. Here, we provide a timely overview of the increasing number of VAPA/B binding partners and discuss the role of VAPA/B in maintaining organelle-ER interactions and cooperation. Furthermore, we address how viruses and intracellular bacteria hijack VAPs and their binding partners to induce interactions between the host ER and pathogen-containing compartments and support pathogen replication. Finally, we focus on the role of VAP in human disease and discuss how mutated VAPB leads to the disruption of cellular homeostasis and causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Kors
- *Correspondence: Suzan Kors, ; Michael Schrader,
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12
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Parato J, Bartolini F. The microtubule cytoskeleton at the synapse. Neurosci Lett 2021; 753:135850. [PMID: 33775740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In neurons, microtubules (MTs) provide routes for transport throughout the cell and structural support for dendrites and axons. Both stable and dynamic MTs are necessary for normal neuronal functions. Research in the last two decades has demonstrated that MTs play additional roles in synaptic structure and function in both pre- and postsynaptic elements. Here, we review current knowledge of the functions that MTs perform in excitatory and inhibitory synapses, as well as in the neuromuscular junction and other specialized synapses, and discuss the implications that this knowledge may have in neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Parato
- Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, 630 West 168(th)Street, P&S 15-421, NY, NY, 10032, United States; SUNY Empire State College, Department of Natural Sciences, 177 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, United States
| | - Francesca Bartolini
- Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, 630 West 168(th)Street, P&S 15-421, NY, NY, 10032, United States.
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13
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Kamemura K, Chen CA, Okumura M, Miura M, Chihara T. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated Vap33 is required for maintaining neuronal dendrite morphology and organelle distribution in Drosophila. Genes Cells 2021; 26:230-239. [PMID: 33548103 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
VAMP-associated protein (VAP) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein that functions as a tethering protein at the membrane contact sites between the ER and various intracellular organelles. Mutations such as P56S in human VAPB cause neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, VAP functions in neurons are poorly understood. Here, we utilized Drosophila olfactory projection neurons with a mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker (MARCM) to analyze the neuronal function of Vap33, a Drosophila ortholog of human VAPB. In vap33 null mutant clones, the dendrites of projection neurons exhibited defects in the maintenance of their morphology. The subcellular localization of the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria were also abnormal. These results indicate that Vap33 is required for neuronal morphology and organelle distribution. Additionally, to examine the impact of ALS-associated mutations in neurons, we overexpressed human VAPB-P56S in vap33 null mutant clones (mosaic rescue experiments) and found that, in aged flies, human VAPB-P56S expression caused mislocalization of Bruchpilot, a presynaptic protein. These results implied that synaptic protein localization and ER quality control may be affected by disease mutations. We provide insights into the physiological and pathological functions of VAP in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kamemura
- Program of Biomedical Science and Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Chun-An Chen
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misako Okumura
- Program of Biomedical Science and Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayuki Miura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Chihara
- Program of Biomedical Science and Basic Biology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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14
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Dudás EF, Huynen MA, Lesk AM, Pastore A. Invisible leashes: The tethering VAPs from infectious diseases to neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100421. [PMID: 33609524 PMCID: PMC8005810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular organelles do not, as thought for a long time, act in isolation but are dynamically tethered together by entire machines responsible for interorganelle trafficking and positioning. Among the proteins responsible for tethering is the family of VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) that appear in all eukaryotes and are localized primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum. The major functional role of VAPs is to tether the endoplasmic reticulum with different organelles and regulate lipid metabolism and transport. VAPs have gained increasing attention because of their role in human pathology where they contribute to infections by viruses and bacteria and participate in neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the structure, evolution, and functions of VAPs, focusing more specifically on VAP-B for its relationship with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika F Dudás
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, The Maurice Wohl Institute, London, UK
| | - Martijn A Huynen
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics (CMBI), Radboud University Medical Centre, GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Arthur M Lesk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, The Maurice Wohl Institute, London, UK.
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15
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Borgese N, Navone F, Nukina N, Yamanaka T. Mutant VAPB: Culprit or Innocent Bystander of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2021; 4:25152564211022515. [PMID: 37366377 PMCID: PMC10243577 DOI: 10.1177/25152564211022515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nearly twenty years ago a mutation in the VAPB gene, resulting in a proline to serine substitution (p.P56S), was identified as the cause of a rare, slowly progressing, familial form of the motor neuron degenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Since then, progress in unravelling the mechanistic basis of this mutation has proceeded in parallel with research on the VAP proteins and on their role in establishing membrane contact sites between the ER and other organelles. Analysis of the literature on cellular and animal models reviewed here supports the conclusion that P56S-VAPB, which is aggregation-prone, non-functional and unstable, is expressed at levels that are insufficient to support toxic gain-of-function or dominant negative effects within motor neurons. Instead, insufficient levels of the product of the single wild-type allele appear to be required for pathological effects, and may be the main driver of the disease. In light of the multiple interactions of the VAP proteins, we address the consequences of specific VAPB depletion and highlight various affected processes that could contribute to motor neuron degeneration. In the future, distinction of specific roles of each of the two VAP paralogues should help to further elucidate the basis of p.P56S familial ALS, as well as of other more common forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nica Borgese
- CNR Institute of
Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro (MB), Italy
| | | | - Nobuyuki Nukina
- Laboratory of Structural
Neuropathology, Doshisha University Graduate School of Brain Science,
Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yamanaka
- Laboratory of Structural
Neuropathology, Doshisha University Graduate School of Brain Science,
Kyoto, Japan
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16
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Zein-Sabatto H, Cole T, Hoang HD, Tiwary E, Chang C, Miller MA. The type II integral ER membrane protein VAP-B homolog in C. elegans is cleaved to release the N-terminal MSP domain to signal non-cell-autonomously. Dev Biol 2020; 470:10-20. [PMID: 33160939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.10.015] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated protein B (VAP-B) is a type II ER membrane protein, but its N-terminal MSP domain (MSPd) can be cleaved and secreted. Mutations preventing the cleavage and secretion of MSPd have been implicated in cases of human neurodegenerative diseases. The site of VAP cleavage and the tissues capable in releasing the processed MSPd are not understood. In this study, we analyze the C. elegans VAP-B homolog, VPR-1, for its processing and secretion from the intestine. We show that intestine-specific expression of an N-terminally FLAG-tagged VPR-1 rescues underdeveloped gonad and sterility defects in vpr-1 null hermaphrodites. Immunofluorescence studies reveal that the tagged intestinal expressed VPR-1 is present at the distal gonad. Mass spectrometry analysis of a smaller product of the N-terminally tagged VPR-1 identifies a specific cleavage site at Leu156. Mutation of the leucine results in loss of gonadal MSPd signal and reduced activity of the mutant VPR-1. Thus, we report for the first time the cleavage site of VPR-1 and provide direct evidence that intestinally expressed VPR-1 can be released and signal in the distal gonad. These results establish the foundation for further exploration of VAP cleavage, MSPd secretion, and non-cell-autonomous signaling in development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Zein-Sabatto
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA.
| | - Tim Cole
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
| | - Hieu D Hoang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
| | - Ekta Tiwary
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
| | - Chenbei Chang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0006, USA
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17
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Beaver M, Bhatnagar A, Panikker P, Zhang H, Snook R, Parmar V, Vijayakumar G, Betini N, Akhter S, Elefant F. Disruption of Tip60 HAT mediated neural histone acetylation homeostasis is an early common event in neurodegenerative diseases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18265. [PMID: 33106538 PMCID: PMC7588445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common mechanism shared by molecularly and clinically heterogenous neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Histone acetylation homeostasis, maintained by the antagonistic activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), is necessary for appropriate gene expression and neuronal function. Disruption of neural acetylation homeostasis has been implicated in multiple types of NDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet mechanisms underlying alterations remain unclear. We show that like AD, disruption of Tip60 HAT/HDAC2 balance with concomitant epigenetic repression of common Tip60 target neuroplasticity genes occurs early in multiple types of Drosophila ND models such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Repressed neuroplasticity genes show reduced enrichment of Tip60 and epigentic acetylation signatures at all gene loci examined with certain genes showing inappropriate HDAC2 repressor enrichment. Functional neuronal consequences for these disease conditions are reminiscent of human pathology and include locomotion, synapse morphology, and short-term memory deficits. Increasing Tip60 HAT levels specifically in the mushroom body learning and memory center in the Drosophila brain protects against locomotion and short-term memory function deficits in multiple NDs. Together, our results support a model by which Tip60 protects against neurological impairments in different NDs via similar modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Beaver
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Akanksha Bhatnagar
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Priyalakshmi Panikker
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Renee Snook
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Visha Parmar
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gayathri Vijayakumar
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Niteesha Betini
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sunya Akhter
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Felice Elefant
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, PISB 312, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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18
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Arcas A, Wilkinson DG, Nieto MÁ. The Evolutionary History of Ephs and Ephrins: Toward Multicellular Organisms. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:379-394. [PMID: 31589243 PMCID: PMC6993872 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor (Eph) and ephrin signaling regulate fundamental developmental processes through both forward and reverse signaling triggered upon cell–cell contact. In vertebrates, they are both classified into classes A and B, and some representatives have been identified in many metazoan groups, where their expression and functions have been well studied. We have extended previous phylogenetic analyses and examined the presence of Eph and ephrins in the tree of life to determine their origin and evolution. We have found that 1) premetazoan choanoflagellates may already have rudimental Eph/ephrin signaling as they have an Eph-/ephrin-like pair and homologs of downstream-signaling genes; 2) both forward- and reverse-downstream signaling might already occur in Porifera since sponges have most genes involved in these types of signaling; 3) the nonvertebrate metazoan Eph is a type-B receptor that can bind ephrins regardless of their membrane-anchoring structure, glycosylphosphatidylinositol, or transmembrane; 4) Eph/ephrin cross-class binding is specific to Gnathostomata; and 5) kinase-dead Eph receptors can be traced back to Gnathostomata. We conclude that Eph/ephrin signaling is of older origin than previously believed. We also examined the presence of protein domains associated with functional characteristics and the appearance and conservation of downstream-signaling pathways to understand the original and derived functions of Ephs and ephrins. We find that the evolutionary history of these gene families points to an ancestral function in cell–cell interactions that could contribute to the emergence of multicellularity and, in particular, to the required segregation of cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Arcas
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Avda, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - David G Wilkinson
- Neural Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Ángela Nieto
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Avda, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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19
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Teixeira V, Maciel P, Costa V. Leading the way in the nervous system: Lipid Droplets as new players in health and disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1866:158820. [PMID: 33010453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are ubiquitous fat storage organelles composed of a neutral lipid core, comprising triacylglycerols (TAG) and sterol esters (SEs), surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer membrane with several decorating proteins. Recently, LD biology has come to the foreground of research due to their importance for energy homeostasis and cellular stress response. As aberrant LD accumulation and lipid depletion are hallmarks of numerous diseases, addressing LD biogenesis and turnover provides a new framework for understanding disease-related mechanisms. Here we discuss the potential role of LDs in neurodegeneration, while making some predictions on how LD imbalance can contribute to pathophysiology in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Teixeira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade of Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vítor Costa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade of Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Galbiati M, Crippa V, Rusmini P, Cristofani R, Messi E, Piccolella M, Tedesco B, Ferrari V, Casarotto E, Chierichetti M, Poletti A. Multiple Roles of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124291. [PMID: 32560258 PMCID: PMC7352289 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) is a pleiotropic cytokine known to be dysregulated in many neurodegenerative disorders and particularly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This motor neuronal disease is non-cell autonomous, as it affects not only motor neurons but also the surrounding glial cells, and the target skeletal muscle fibers. Here, we analyze the multiple roles of TGFB in these cell types, and how TGFB signaling is altered in ALS tissues. Data reported support a crucial involvement of TGFB in the etiology and progression of ALS, leading us to hypothesize that an imbalance of TGFB signaling, diminished at the pre-symptomatic stage and then increased with time, could be linked to ALS progression. A reduced stimulation of the TGFB pathway at the beginning of disease blocks its neuroprotective effects and promotes glutamate excitotoxicity. At later disease stages, the persistent activation of the TGFB pathway promotes an excessive microglial activation and strengthens muscular dysfunction. The therapeutic potential of TGFB is discussed, in order to foster new approaches to treat ALS.
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21
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Bolus H, Crocker K, Boekhoff-Falk G, Chtarbanova S. Modeling Neurodegenerative Disorders in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3055. [PMID: 32357532 PMCID: PMC7246467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful genetic model system in which to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss recent progress in Drosophila modeling Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, Ataxia Telangiectasia, and neurodegeneration related to mitochondrial dysfunction or traumatic brain injury. We close by discussing recent progress using Drosophila models of neural regeneration and how these are likely to provide critical insights into future treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harris Bolus
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA;
| | - Kassi Crocker
- Genetics Graduate Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Grace Boekhoff-Falk
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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22
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Öztürk Z, O’Kane CJ, Pérez-Moreno JJ. Axonal Endoplasmic Reticulum Dynamics and Its Roles in Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:48. [PMID: 32116502 PMCID: PMC7025499 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical continuity of axons over long cellular distances poses challenges for their maintenance. One organelle that faces this challenge is endoplasmic reticulum (ER); unlike other intracellular organelles, this forms a physically continuous network throughout the cell, with a single membrane and a single lumen. In axons, ER is mainly smooth, forming a tubular network with occasional sheets or cisternae and low amounts of rough ER. It has many potential roles: lipid biosynthesis, glucose homeostasis, a Ca2+ store, protein export, and contacting and regulating other organelles. This tubular network structure is determined by ER-shaping proteins, mutations in some of which are causative for neurodegenerative disorders such as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). While axonal ER shares many features with the tubular ER network in other contexts, these features must be adapted to the long and narrow dimensions of axons. ER appears to be physically continuous throughout axons, over distances that are enormous on a subcellular scale. It is therefore a potential channel for long-distance or regional communication within neurons, independent of action potentials or physical transport of cargos, but involving its physiological roles such as Ca2+ or organelle homeostasis. Despite its apparent stability, axonal ER is highly dynamic, showing features like anterograde and retrograde transport, potentially reflecting continuous fusion and breakage of the network. Here we discuss the transport processes that must contribute to this dynamic behavior of ER. We also discuss the model that these processes underpin a homeostatic process that ensures both enough ER to maintain continuity of the network and repair breaks in it, but not too much ER that might disrupt local cellular physiology. Finally, we discuss how failure of ER organization in axons could lead to axon degenerative diseases, and how a requirement for ER continuity could make distal axons most susceptible to degeneration in conditions that disrupt ER continuity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cahir J. O’Kane
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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23
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Jiang W, Chen J, Guo ZP, Zhang L, Chen GP. Molecular characterization of a MOSPD2 homolog in the barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) and its involvement in monocyte/macrophage and neutrophil migration. Mol Immunol 2020; 119:8-17. [PMID: 31927202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Motile sperm domain containing 2 (MOSPD2) is a single-pass membrane protein to which until recently little function had been ascribed. Although its mammalian homologs have been identified, the status of the mospd2 gene in lower vertebrates is still unknown. In the present study, cDNA of the mospd2 gene of barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) was cloned and sequenced to characterize its potential involvement in the innate immune system of this fish. Sequence analysis revealed that the predicted barbel steed MOSPD2 protein contained an N-terminal extracellular portion composed of a CRAL-TRIO domain, a motile sperm domain, and a transmembrane domain, as well as a short C-terminal intracellular domain. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that barbel steed MOSPD2 is closely related to that of zebrafish. Barbel steed mospd2 transcripts were detected in a wide range of tissues, with the highest level being found in the gill. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment or Aeromonas hydrophila infection, mospd2 gene expression was significantly altered in the head kidney, spleen, and mid-intestine. The expression of mospd2 gene was detected in monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ), neutrophils, and lymphocytes, and was found to be mainly expressed in MO/MФ. At the same time, using flow cytometry, we also confirmed that MOSPD2 protein is located on MO/MФ, neutrophil, and lymphocyte membranes. Following treatment with LPS or A. hydrophila, MOSPD2 protein expression was induced in these immune cells. The migration of MO/MФ and neutrophils decreased significantly upon MOSPD2 blockade with anti-MOSPD2 IgG in a dose-dependent manner, whereas this treatment had no significant effect on lymphocytes migration. To the best of our knowledge, our study, for the first time, provides evidence that MOSPD2 mediates the migration of MO/MФ and neutrophils in a fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Zhi-Ping Guo
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Le Zhang
- College of Medicine and Health, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guang-Ping Chen
- College of Medicine and Health, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
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24
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Coombes CE, Saunders HAJ, Mannava AG, Johnson-Schlitz DM, Reid TA, Parmar S, McClellan M, Yan C, Rogers SL, Parrish JZ, Wagenbach M, Wordeman L, Wildonger J, Gardner MK. Non-enzymatic Activity of the α-Tubulin Acetyltransferase αTAT Limits Synaptic Bouton Growth in Neurons. Curr Biol 2020; 30:610-623.e5. [PMID: 31928876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal axons terminate as synaptic boutons that form stable yet plastic connections with their targets. Synaptic bouton development relies on an underlying network of both long-lived and dynamic microtubules that provide structural stability for the boutons while also allowing for their growth and remodeling. However, a molecular-scale mechanism that explains how neurons appropriately balance these two microtubule populations remains a mystery. We hypothesized that α-tubulin acetyltransferase (αTAT), which both stabilizes long-lived microtubules against mechanical stress via acetylation and has been implicated in promoting microtubule dynamics, could play a role in this process. Using the Drosophila neuromuscular junction as a model, we found that non-enzymatic dαTAT activity limits the growth of synaptic boutons by affecting dynamic, but not stable, microtubules. Loss of dαTAT results in the formation of ectopic boutons. These ectopic boutons can be similarly suppressed by resupplying enzyme-inactive dαTAT or by treatment with a low concentration of the microtubule-targeting agent vinblastine, which acts to suppress microtubule dynamics. Biophysical reconstitution experiments revealed that non-enzymatic αTAT1 activity destabilizes dynamic microtubules but does not substantially impact the stability of long-lived microtubules. Further, during microtubule growth, non-enzymatic αTAT1 activity results in increasingly extended tip structures, consistent with an increased rate of acceleration of catastrophe frequency with microtubule age, perhaps via tip structure remodeling. Through these mechanisms, αTAT enriches for stable microtubules at the expense of dynamic ones. We propose that the specific suppression of dynamic microtubules by non-enzymatic αTAT activity regulates the remodeling of microtubule networks during synaptic bouton development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Coombes
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Harriet A J Saunders
- Integrated Program in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Anirudh G Mannava
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Taylor A Reid
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sneha Parmar
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mark McClellan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Connie Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stephen L Rogers
- Department of Biology, Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jay Z Parrish
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael Wagenbach
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Linda Wordeman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jill Wildonger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Melissa K Gardner
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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25
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Tight Junctions in Cell Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235972. [PMID: 31783547 PMCID: PMC6928848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight junction (TJ) proteins form a continuous intercellular network creating a barrier with selective regulation of water, ion, and solutes across endothelial, epithelial, and glial tissues. TJ proteins include the claudin family that confers barrier properties, members of the MARVEL family that contribute to barrier regulation, and JAM molecules, which regulate junction organization and diapedesis. In addition, the membrane-associated proteins such as MAGUK family members, i.e., zonula occludens, form the scaffold linking the transmembrane proteins to both cell signaling molecules and the cytoskeleton. Most studies of TJ have focused on the contribution to cell-cell adhesion and tissue barrier properties. However, recent studies reveal that, similar to adherens junction proteins, TJ proteins contribute to the control of cell proliferation. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the specific role of TJ proteins in the control of epithelial and endothelial cell proliferation. In some cases, the TJ proteins act as a reservoir of critical cell cycle modulators, by binding and regulating their nuclear access, while in other cases, junctional proteins are located at cellular organelles, regulating transcription and proliferation. Collectively, these studies reveal that TJ proteins contribute to the control of cell proliferation and differentiation required for forming and maintaining a tissue barrier.
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26
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Roles for the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Regulation of Neuronal Calcium Homeostasis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101232. [PMID: 31658749 PMCID: PMC6829861 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
By influencing Ca2+ homeostasis in spatially and architecturally distinct neuronal compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) illustrates the notion that form and function are intimately related. The contribution of ER to neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis is attributed to the organelle being the largest reservoir of intracellular Ca2+ and having a high density of Ca2+ channels and transporters. As such, ER Ca2+ has incontrovertible roles in the regulation of axodendritic growth and morphology, synaptic vesicle release, and neural activity dependent gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Not surprisingly, many neurological diseases arise from ER Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, either directly due to alterations in ER resident proteins, or indirectly via processes that are coupled to the regulators of ER Ca2+ dynamics. In this review, we describe the mechanisms involved in the establishment of ER Ca2+ homeostasis in neurons. We elaborate upon how changes in the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca2+ exchange between the ER and other organelles sculpt neuronal function and provide examples that demonstrate the involvement of ER Ca2+ dyshomeostasis in a range of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
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27
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Abstract
Defects in membrane trafficking are hallmarks of neurodegeneration. Rab GTPases are key regulators of membrane trafficking. Alterations of Rab GTPases, or the membrane compartments they regulate, are associated with virtually all neuronal activities in health and disease. The observation that many Rab GTPases are associated with neurodegeneration has proven a challenge in the quest for cause and effect. Neurodegeneration can be a direct consequence of a defect in membrane trafficking. Alternatively, changes in membrane trafficking may be secondary consequences or cellular responses. The secondary consequences and cellular responses, in turn, may protect, represent inconsequential correlates or function as drivers of pathology. Here, we attempt to disentangle the different roles of membrane trafficking in neurodegeneration by focusing on selected associations with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and selected neuropathies. We provide an overview of current knowledge on Rab GTPase functions in neurons and review the associations of Rab GTPases with neurodegeneration with respect to the following classifications: primary cause, secondary cause driving pathology or secondary correlate. This analysis is devised to aid the interpretation of frequently observed membrane trafficking defects in neurodegeneration and facilitate the identification of true causes of pathology.
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28
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Johnson B, Leek AN, Tamkun MM. Kv2 channels create endoplasmic reticulum / plasma membrane junctions: a brief history of Kv2 channel subcellular localization. Channels (Austin) 2019; 13:88-101. [PMID: 30712450 PMCID: PMC6380216 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1568824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The potassium channels Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 are widely expressed throughout the mammalian brain. Kv2.1 provides the majority of delayed rectifying current in rat hippocampus while both channels are differentially expressed in cortex. Particularly unusual is their neuronal surface localization pattern: while half the channel population is freely-diffusive on the plasma membrane as expected from the generalized Singer & Nicolson fluid mosaic model, the other half localizes into micron-sized clusters on the soma, dendrites, and axon initial segment. These clusters contain hundreds of channels, which for Kv2.1, are largely non-conducting. Competing theories of the mechanism underlying Kv2.1 clustering have included static tethering to being corralled by an actin fence. Now, recent work has demonstrated channel clustering is due to formation of endoplasmic reticulum/plasma membrane (ER/PM) junctions through interaction with ER-resident VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs). Interaction between surface Kv2 channels and ER VAPs groups channels together in clusters. ER/PM junctions play important roles in inter-organelle communication: they regulate ion flux, are involved in lipid transfer, and are sites of endo- and exocytosis. Kv2-induced ER/PM junctions are regulated through phosphorylation of the channel C-terminus which in turn regulates VAP binding, providing a rapid means to create or dismantle these microdomains. In addition, insults such as hypoxia or ischemia disrupt this interaction resulting in ER/PM junction disassembly. Kv2 channels are the only known plasma membrane protein to form regulated, injury sensitive junctions in this manner. Furthermore, it is likely that concentrated VAPs at these microdomains sequester additional interactors whose functions are not yet fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Johnson
- a Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Program , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA.,b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Ashley N Leek
- a Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Program , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA.,b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
| | - Michael M Tamkun
- a Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Graduate Program , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA.,b Department of Biomedical Sciences , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA.,c Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , CO , USA
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29
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Lindhout FW, Cao Y, Kevenaar JT, Bodzęta A, Stucchi R, Boumpoutsari MM, Katrukha EA, Altelaar M, MacGillavry HD, Hoogenraad CC. VAP-SCRN1 interaction regulates dynamic endoplasmic reticulum remodeling and presynaptic function. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101345. [PMID: 31441084 PMCID: PMC6792018 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018101345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In neurons, the continuous and dynamic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network extends throughout the axon, and its dysfunction causes various axonopathies. However, it remains largely unknown how ER integrity and remodeling modulate presynaptic function in mammalian neurons. Here, we demonstrated that ER membrane receptors VAPA and VAPB are involved in modulating the synaptic vesicle (SV) cycle. VAP interacts with secernin‐1 (SCRN1) at the ER membrane via a single FFAT‐like motif. Similar to VAP, loss of SCRN1 or SCRN1‐VAP interactions resulted in impaired SV cycling. Consistently, SCRN1 or VAP depletion was accompanied by decreased action potential‐evoked Ca2+ responses. Additionally, we found that VAP‐SCRN1 interactions play an important role in maintaining ER continuity and dynamics, as well as presynaptic Ca2+ homeostasis. Based on these findings, we propose a model where the ER‐localized VAP‐SCRN1 interactions provide a novel control mechanism to tune ER remodeling and thereby modulate Ca2+ dynamics and SV cycling at presynaptic sites. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling ER structure and dynamics, and highlight the relevance of ER function for SV cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feline W Lindhout
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yujie Cao
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josta T Kevenaar
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Bodzęta
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Stucchi
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M Boumpoutsari
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eugene A Katrukha
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harold D MacGillavry
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper C Hoogenraad
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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30
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Kamemura K, Chihara T. Multiple functions of the ER-resident VAP and its extracellular role in neural development and disease. J Biochem 2019; 165:391-400. [PMID: 30726905 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
VAP (VAMP-associated protein) is a type II integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and its N-terminal major sperm protein (MSP) domain faces the cytoplasmic side. VAP functions as a tethering molecule at the membrane contact sites between the ER and intracellular organelles and regulates a wide variety of cellular functions, including lipid transport, membrane trafficking, microtubule reorganization and unfolded protein response. VAP-point mutations in human vapb are strongly associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Importantly, the MSP domain of VAP is cleaved, secreted and interacts with the axon growth cone guidance receptors (Eph, Robo, Lar), suggesting that VAP could function as a circulating hormone similar to the Caenorhabditis elegans MSP protein. In this review, we discuss not only the intracellular functions of VAP but also the recently discovered extracellular functions and their implications for neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Kamemura
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Chihara
- Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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31
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Genevini P, Colombo MN, Venditti R, Marcuzzo S, Colombo SF, Bernasconi P, De Matteis MA, Borgese N, Navone F. VAPB depletion alters neuritogenesis and phosphoinositide balance in motoneuron-like cells: relevance to VAPB-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.220061. [PMID: 30745341 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.220061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
VAPB and VAPA are ubiquitously expressed endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins that play key roles in lipid exchange at membrane contact sites. A mutant, aggregation-prone, form of VAPB (P56S) is linked to a dominantly inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, it has been unclear whether its pathogenicity is due to toxic gain of function, to negative dominance, or simply to insufficient levels of the wild-type protein produced from a single allele (haploinsufficiency). To investigate whether reduced levels of functional VAPB, independently from the presence of the mutant form, affect the physiology of mammalian motoneuron-like cells, we generated NSC34 clones, from which VAPB was partially or nearly completely depleted. VAPA levels, determined to be over fourfold higher than those of VAPB in untransfected cells, were unaffected. Nonetheless, cells with even partially depleted VAPB showed an increase in Golgi- and acidic vesicle-localized phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) and reduced neurite extension when induced to differentiate. Conversely, the PI4 kinase inhibitors PIK93 and IN-10 increased neurite elongation. Thus, for long-term survival, motoneurons might require the full dose of functional VAPB, which may have unique function(s) that VAPA cannot perform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Genevini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute and BIOMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20129, Italy
| | - Maria Nicol Colombo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute and BIOMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20129, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Marcuzzo
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Sara Francesca Colombo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute and BIOMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20129, Italy
| | - Pia Bernasconi
- Neurology IV - Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Matteis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80133, Italy
| | - Nica Borgese
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute and BIOMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20129, Italy
| | - Francesca Navone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute and BIOMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20129, Italy
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32
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A Screen for Synaptic Growth Mutants Reveals Mechanisms That Stabilize Synaptic Strength. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4051-4065. [PMID: 30902873 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2601-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses grow, prune, and remodel throughout development, experience, and disease. This structural plasticity can destabilize information transfer in the nervous system. However, neural activity remains stable throughout life, implying that adaptive countermeasures exist that maintain neurotransmission within proper physiological ranges. Aberrant synaptic structure and function have been associated with a variety of neural diseases, including Fragile X syndrome, autism, and intellectual disability. We have screened 300 mutants in Drosophila larvae of both sexes for defects in synaptic growth at the neuromuscular junction, identifying 12 mutants with severe reductions or enhancements in synaptic growth. Remarkably, electrophysiological recordings revealed that synaptic strength was unchanged in all but one of these mutants compared with WT. We used a combination of genetic, anatomical, and electrophysiological analyses to illuminate three mechanisms that stabilize synaptic strength despite major disparities in synaptic growth. These include compensatory changes in (1) postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor abundance, (2) presynaptic morphology, and (3) active zone structure. Together, this characterization identifies new mutants with defects in synaptic growth and the adaptive strategies used by synapses to homeostatically stabilize neurotransmission in response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study reveals compensatory mechanisms used by synapses to ensure stable functionality during severe alterations in synaptic growth using the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Through a forward genetic screen, we identify mutants that exhibit dramatic undergrown or overgrown synapses yet express stable levels of synaptic strength, with three specific compensatory mechanisms discovered. Thus, this study reveals novel insights into the adaptive strategies that constrain neurotransmission within narrow physiological ranges while allowing considerable flexibility in overall synapse number. More broadly, these findings provide insights into how stable synaptic function may be maintained in the nervous system during periods of intensive synaptic growth, pruning, and remodeling.
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33
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Mao D, Lin G, Tepe B, Zuo Z, Tan KL, Senturk M, Zhang S, Arenkiel BR, Sardiello M, Bellen HJ. VAMP associated proteins are required for autophagic and lysosomal degradation by promoting a PtdIns4P-mediated endosomal pathway. Autophagy 2019; 15:1214-1233. [PMID: 30741620 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2019.1580103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the ER-associated VAPB/ALS8 protein cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy. Previous studies have argued that ER stress may underlie the demise of neurons. We find that loss of VAP proteins (VAPs) leads to an accumulation of aberrant lysosomes and impairs lysosomal degradation. VAPs mediate ER to Golgi tethering and their loss may affect phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) transfer between these organelles. We found that loss of VAPs elevates PtdIns4P levels in the Golgi, leading to an expansion of the endosomal pool derived from the Golgi. Fusion of these endosomes with lysosomes leads to an increase in lysosomes with aberrant acidity, contents, and shape. Importantly, reducing PtdIns4P levels with a PtdIns4-kinase (PtdIns4K) inhibitor, or removing a single copy of Rab7, suppress macroautophagic/autophagic degradation defects as well as behavioral defects observed in Drosophila Vap33 mutant larvae. We propose that a failure to tether the ER to the Golgi when VAPs are lost leads to an increase in Golgi PtdIns4P levels, and an expansion of endosomes resulting in an accumulation of dysfunctional lysosomes and a failure in proper autophagic lysosomal degradation. Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid; CERT: ceramide transfer protein; FFAT: two phenylalanines in an acidic tract; MSP: major sperm proteins; OSBP: oxysterol binding protein; PH: pleckstrin homology; PtdIns4P: phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate; PtdIns4K: phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; VAMP: vesicle-associated membrane protein; VAPA/B: mammalian VAPA and VAPB proteins; VAPs: VAMP-associated proteins (referring to Drosophila Vap33, and human VAPA and VAPB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Mao
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Guang Lin
- b Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Burak Tepe
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Zhongyuan Zuo
- b Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Kai Li Tan
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Mumine Senturk
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- c The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine , University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston , TX , USA.,d Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy , University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston , Houston , TX , USA.,e Programs in Genetics & Epigenetics and Neuroscience , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MD Anderson UTHealth GSBS) , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,b Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,f Texas Children's Hospital , Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute , Houston , TX , USA.,g Department of Neuroscience , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Marco Sardiello
- b Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,f Texas Children's Hospital , Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- a Program in Developmental Biology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,b Department of Molecular and Human Genetics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,f Texas Children's Hospital , Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute , Houston , TX , USA.,g Department of Neuroscience , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,h Baylor College of Medicine , Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Houston , TX , USA
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34
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Chaplot K, Pimpale L, Ramalingam B, Deivasigamani S, Kamat SS, Ratnaparkhi GS. SOD1 activity threshold and TOR signalling modulate VAP(P58S) aggregation via reactive oxygen species-induced proteasomal degradation in a Drosophila model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm.033803. [PMID: 30635270 PMCID: PMC6398501 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.033803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, late-onset motor neuron disease, linked strongly to various causative genetic loci. ALS8 codes for a missense mutation, P56S, in VAMP-associated protein B (VAPB) that causes the protein to misfold and form cellular aggregates. Uncovering genes and mechanisms that affect aggregation dynamics would greatly help increase our understanding of the disease and lead to potential therapeutics. We developed a quantitative high-throughput Drosophila S2R+ cell-based kinetic assay coupled with fluorescent microscopy to score for genes involved in the modulation of aggregates of the fly orthologue, VAP(P58S), fused with GFP. A targeted RNA interference screen against 900 genes identified 150 hits that modify aggregation, including the ALS loci Sod1 and TDP43 (also known as TBPH), as well as genes belonging to the mTOR pathway. Further, a system to measure the extent of VAP(P58S) aggregation in the Drosophila larval brain was developed in order to validate the hits from the cell-based screen. In the larval brain, we find that reduction of SOD1 levels or decreased mTOR signalling reduces aggregation, presumably by increasing the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mechanism of aggregate clearance is, primarily, proteasomal degradation, which appears to be triggered by an increase in ROS. We have thus uncovered an interesting interplay between SOD1, ROS and mTOR signalling that regulates the dynamics of VAP aggregation. Mechanistic processes underlying such cellular regulatory networks will lead to better understanding of the initiation and progression of ALS.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Chaplot
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | - Lokesh Pimpale
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | | | | | - Siddhesh S Kamat
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
| | - Girish S Ratnaparkhi
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune 411008, India
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35
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Loss of VAPB Regulates Autophagy in a Beclin 1-Dependent Manner. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:1037-1046. [PMID: 30143980 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0276-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily-conserved self-degradative process that maintains cellular homeostasis by eliminating protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Recently, vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB), which is associated with the familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has been shown to regulate autophagy. In the present study, we demonstrated that knockdown of VAPB induced the up-regulation of beclin 1 expression, which promoted LC3 (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3) conversion and the formation of LC3 puncta, whereas overexpression of VAPB inhibited these processes. The regulation of beclin 1 by VAPB was at the transcriptional level. Moreover, knockdown of VAPB increased autophagic flux, which promoted the degradation of the autophagy substrate p62 and neurodegenerative disease proteins. Our study provides evidence that the regulation of autophagy by VAPB is associated with the autophagy-initiating factor beclin 1.
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36
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Portela M, Yang L, Paul S, Li X, Veraksa A, Parsons LM, Richardson HE. Lgl reduces endosomal vesicle acidification and Notch signaling by promoting the interaction between Vap33 and the V-ATPase complex. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/533/eaar1976. [PMID: 29871910 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aar1976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell polarity is linked to the control of tissue growth and tumorigenesis. The tumor suppressor and cell polarity protein lethal-2-giant larvae (Lgl) promotes Hippo signaling and inhibits Notch signaling to restrict tissue growth in Drosophila melanogaster Notch signaling is greater in lgl mutant tissue than in wild-type tissue because of increased acidification of endosomal vesicles, which promotes the proteolytic processing and activation of Notch by γ-secretase. We showed that the increased Notch signaling and tissue growth defects of lgl mutant tissue depended on endosomal vesicle acidification mediated by the vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase). Lgl promoted the activity of the V-ATPase by interacting with Vap33 (VAMP-associated protein of 33 kDa). Vap33 physically and genetically interacted with Lgl and V-ATPase subunits and repressed V-ATPase-mediated endosomal vesicle acidification and Notch signaling. Vap33 overexpression reduced the abundance of the V-ATPase component Vha44, whereas Lgl knockdown reduced the binding of Vap33 to the V-ATPase component Vha68-3. Our data indicate that Lgl promotes the binding of Vap33 to the V-ATPase, thus inhibiting V-ATPase-mediated endosomal vesicle acidification and thereby reducing γ-secretase activity, Notch signaling, and tissue growth. Our findings implicate the deregulation of Vap33 and V-ATPase activity in polarity-impaired epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Portela
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.,Cell Cycle and Development Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.,Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Avenida Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Sayantanee Paul
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Alexey Veraksa
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Linda M Parsons
- Cell Cycle and Development Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Helena E Richardson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia. .,Cell Cycle and Development Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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37
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Kim JY, Jang A, Reddy R, Yoon WH, Jankowsky JL. Neuronal overexpression of human VAPB slows motor impairment and neuromuscular denervation in a mouse model of ALS. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 25:4661-4673. [PMID: 28173107 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Four mutations in the VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated protein B (VAPB) gene have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) type 8. The mechanism by which VAPB mutations cause motor neuron disease is unclear, but studies of the most common P56S variant suggest both loss of function and dominant-negative sequestration of wild-type protein. Diminished levels of VAPB and its proteolytic cleavage fragment have also been reported in sporadic ALS cases, suggesting that VAPB loss of function may be a common mechanism of disease. Here, we tested whether neuronal overexpression of wild-type human VAPB would attenuate disease in a mouse model of familial ALS1. We used neonatal intraventricular viral injections to express VAPB or YFP throughout the brain and spinal cord of superoxide dismutase (SOD1) G93A transgenic mice. Lifelong elevation of neuronal VAPB slowed the decline of neurological impairment, delayed denervation of hindlimb muscles, and prolonged survival of spinal motor neurons. Collectively, these changes produced a slight but significant extension in lifespan, even in this highly aggressive model of disease. Our findings lend support for a protective role of VAPB in neuromuscular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yoen Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX , USA
| | - Ava Jang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX , USA.,Department of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX , USA
| | - Rohit Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX , USA.,Department of Cognitive Science, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wan Hee Yoon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joanna L Jankowsky
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX , USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Hauswirth AG, Ford KJ, Wang T, Fetter RD, Tong A, Davis GW. A postsynaptic PI3K-cII dependent signaling controller for presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. eLife 2018; 7:31535. [PMID: 29303480 PMCID: PMC5773188 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity stabilizes information transfer at synaptic connections in organisms ranging from insect to human. By analogy with principles of engineering and control theory, the molecular implementation of PHP is thought to require postsynaptic signaling modules that encode homeostatic sensors, a set point, and a controller that regulates transsynaptic negative feedback. The molecular basis for these postsynaptic, homeostatic signaling elements remains unknown. Here, an electrophysiology-based screen of the Drosophila kinome and phosphatome defines a postsynaptic signaling platform that includes a required function for PI3K-cII, PI3K-cIII and the small GTPase Rab11 during the rapid and sustained expression of PHP. We present evidence that PI3K-cII localizes to Golgi-derived, clathrin-positive vesicles and is necessary to generate an endosomal pool of PI(3)P that recruits Rab11 to recycling endosomal membranes. A morphologically distinct subdivision of this platform concentrates postsynaptically where we propose it functions as a homeostatic controller for retrograde, trans-synaptic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna G Hauswirth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Kevin J Ford
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Amy Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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Luarte A, Cornejo VH, Bertin F, Gallardo J, Couve A. The axonal endoplasmic reticulum: One organelle-many functions in development, maintenance, and plasticity. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 78:181-208. [PMID: 29134778 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is highly conserved in eukaryotes and neurons. Indeed, the localization of the organelle in axons has been known for nearly half a century. However, the relevance of the axonal ER is only beginning to emerge. In this review, we discuss the structure of the ER in axons, examining the role of ER-shaping proteins and highlighting reticulons. We analyze the multiple functions of the ER and their potential contribution to axonal physiology. First, we examine the emerging roles of the axonal ER in lipid synthesis, protein translation, processing, quality control, and secretory trafficking of transmembrane proteins. We also review the impact of the ER on calcium dynamics, focusing on intracellular mechanisms and functions. We describe the interactions between the ER and endosomes, mitochondria, and synaptic vesicles. Finally, we analyze available proteomic data of axonal preparations to reveal the dynamic functionality of the ER in axons during development. We suggest that the dynamic proteome and a validated axonal interactome, together with state-of-the-art methodologies, may provide interesting research avenues in axon physiology that may extend to pathology and regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 181-208, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Luarte
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Hugo Cornejo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Bertin
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Gallardo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Couve
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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40
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Graham LC, Eaton SL, Brunton PJ, Atrih A, Smith C, Lamont DJ, Gillingwater TH, Pennetta G, Skehel P, Wishart TM. Proteomic profiling of neuronal mitochondria reveals modulators of synaptic architecture. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:77. [PMID: 29078798 PMCID: PMC5659037 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0221-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurons are highly polarized cells consisting of three distinct functional domains: the cell body (and associated dendrites), the axon and the synapse. Previously, it was believed that the clinical phenotypes of neurodegenerative diseases were caused by the loss of entire neurons, however it has recently become apparent that these neuronal sub-compartments can degenerate independently, with synapses being particularly vulnerable to a broad range of stimuli. Whilst the properties governing the differential degenerative mechanisms remain unknown, mitochondria consistently appear in the literature, suggesting these somewhat promiscuous organelles may play a role in affecting synaptic stability. Synaptic and non-synaptic mitochondrial subpools are known to have different enzymatic properties (first demonstrated by Lai et al., 1977). However, the molecular basis underpinning these alterations, and their effects on morphology, has not been well documented. Methods The current study has employed electron microscopy, label-free proteomics and in silico analyses to characterize the morphological and biochemical properties of discrete sub-populations of mitochondria. The physiological relevance of these findings was confirmed in-vivo using a molecular genetic approach at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Results Here, we demonstrate that mitochondria at the synaptic terminal are indeed morphologically different to non-synaptic mitochondria, in both rodents and human patients. Furthermore, generation of proteomic profiles reveals distinct molecular fingerprints – highlighting that the properties of complex I may represent an important specialisation of synaptic mitochondria. Evidence also suggests that at least 30% of the mitochondrial enzymatic activity differences previously reported can be accounted for by protein abundance. Finally, we demonstrate that the molecular differences between discrete mitochondrial sub-populations are capable of selectively influencing synaptic morphology in-vivo. We offer several novel mitochondrial candidates that have the propensity to significantly alter the synaptic architecture in-vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrates discrete proteomic profiles exist dependent upon mitochondrial subcellular localization and selective alteration of intrinsic mitochondrial proteins alters synaptic morphology in-vivo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-017-0221-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Graham
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samantha L Eaton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paula J Brunton
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Abdelmadjid Atrih
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Academic Neuropathology, University of Edinburgh, CCBS, Chancellor's Building, Little France, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Douglas J Lamont
- FingerPrints Proteomics Facility, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Thomas H Gillingwater
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Giuseppa Pennetta
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul Skehel
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Thomas M Wishart
- Division of Neurobiology, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Cottee PA, Cole T, Schultz J, Hoang HD, Vibbert J, Han SM, Miller MA. The C. elegans VAPB homolog VPR-1 is a permissive signal for gonad development. Development 2017. [PMID: 28634273 PMCID: PMC5482997 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated proteins (VAPs) contain an N-terminal major sperm protein domain (MSPd) that is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. VAPs have an intracellular housekeeping function, as well as an extracellular signaling function mediated by the secreted MSPd. Here we show that the C. elegans VAP homolog VPR-1 is essential for gonad development. vpr-1 null mutants are maternal effect sterile due to arrested gonadogenesis following embryo hatching. Somatic gonadal precursor cells and germ cells fail to proliferate fully and complete their respective differentiation programs. Maternal or zygotic vpr-1 expression is sufficient to induce gonadogenesis and fertility. Genetic mosaic and cell type-specific expression studies indicate that vpr-1 activity is important in the nervous system, germ line and intestine. VPR-1 acts in parallel to Notch signaling, a key regulator of germline stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Neuronal vpr-1 expression is sufficient for gonadogenesis induction during a limited time period shortly after hatching. These results support the model that the secreted VPR-1 MSPd acts at least in part on gonadal sheath cell precursors in L1 to early L2 stage hermaphrodites to permit gonadogenesis. Highlighted Article:vpr-1 null mutants are sterile upon hatching, a defect rescued by the expression of MSPd from almost any tissue except for the somatic gonad itself. See also the companion paper by Schultz et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline A Cottee
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Tim Cole
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jessica Schultz
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hieu D Hoang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jack Vibbert
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sung Min Han
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Gu T, Zhao T, Kohli U, Hewes RS. The large and small SPEN family proteins stimulate axon outgrowth during neurosecretory cell remodeling in Drosophila. Dev Biol 2017; 431:226-238. [PMID: 28916169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Split ends (SPEN) is the founding member of a well conserved family of nuclear proteins with critical functions in transcriptional regulation and the post-transcriptional processing and nuclear export of transcripts. In animals, the SPEN proteins fall into two size classes that perform either complementary or antagonistic functions in different cellular contexts. Here, we show that the two Drosophila representatives of this family, SPEN and Spenito (NITO), regulate metamorphic remodeling of the CCAP/bursicon neurosecretory cells. CCAP/bursicon cell-targeted overexpression of SPEN had no effect on the larval morphology or the pruning back of the CCAP/bursicon cell axons at the onset of metamorphosis. During the subsequent outgrowth phase of metamorphic remodeling, overexpression of either SPEN or NITO strongly inhibited axon extension, axon branching, peripheral neuropeptide accumulation, and soma growth. Cell-targeted loss-of-function alleles for both spen and nito caused similar reductions in axon outgrowth, indicating that the absolute levels of SPEN and NITO activity are critical to support the developmental plasticity of these neurons. Although nito RNAi did not affect SPEN protein levels, the phenotypes produced by SPEN overexpression were suppressed by nito RNAi. We propose that SPEN and NITO function additively or synergistically in the CCAP/bursicon neurons to regulate multiple aspects of neurite outgrowth during metamorphic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Gu
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Tao Zhao
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Uday Kohli
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Randall S Hewes
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
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43
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Ulian-Benitez S, Bishop S, Foldi I, Wentzell J, Okenwa C, Forero MG, Zhu B, Moreira M, Phizacklea M, McIlroy G, Li G, Gay NJ, Hidalgo A. Kek-6: A truncated-Trk-like receptor for Drosophila neurotrophin 2 regulates structural synaptic plasticity. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006968. [PMID: 28846707 PMCID: PMC5591008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophism, structural plasticity, learning and long-term memory in mammals critically depend on neurotrophins binding Trk receptors to activate tyrosine kinase (TyrK) signaling, but Drosophila lacks full-length Trks, raising the question of how these processes occur in the fly. Paradoxically, truncated Trk isoforms lacking the TyrK predominate in the adult human brain, but whether they have neuronal functions independently of full-length Trks is unknown. Drosophila has TyrK-less Trk-family receptors, encoded by the kekkon (kek) genes, suggesting that evolutionarily conserved functions for this receptor class may exist. Here, we asked whether Keks function together with Drosophila neurotrophins (DNTs) at the larval glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We tested the eleven LRR and Ig-containing (LIG) proteins encoded in the Drosophila genome for expression in the central nervous system (CNS) and potential interaction with DNTs. Kek-6 is expressed in the CNS, interacts genetically with DNTs and can bind DNT2 in signaling assays and co-immunoprecipitations. Ligand binding is promiscuous, as Kek-6 can also bind DNT1, and Kek-2 and Kek-5 can also bind DNT2. In vivo, Kek-6 is found presynaptically in motoneurons, and DNT2 is produced by the muscle to function as a retrograde factor at the NMJ. Kek-6 and DNT2 regulate NMJ growth and synaptic structure. Evidence indicates that Kek-6 does not antagonise the alternative DNT2 receptor Toll-6. Instead, Kek-6 and Toll-6 interact physically, and together regulate structural synaptic plasticity and homeostasis. Using pull-down assays, we identified and validated CaMKII and VAP33A as intracellular partners of Kek-6, and show that they regulate NMJ growth and active zone formation downstream of DNT2 and Kek-6. The synaptic functions of Kek-6 could be evolutionarily conserved. This raises the intriguing possibility that a novel mechanism of structural synaptic plasticity involving truncated Trk-family receptors independently of TyrK signaling may also operate in the human brain. A long-standing paradox had been to explain how brain structural plasticity, learning and long-term memory might occur in Drosophila in the absence of canonical Trk receptors for neurotrophin (NT) ligands. NTs link structure and function in the brain enabling adjustments in cell number, dendritic, axonal and synaptic patterns, in response to neuronal activity. These events are essential for brain development, learning and long-term memory, and are thought to depend on the tyrosine-kinase function of the NT Trk receptors. However, paradoxically, the most abundant Trk isoforms in the adult human brain lack the tyrosine kinase, and their neuronal function is unknown. Remarkably, Drosophila has kinase-less receptors of the Trk family encoded by the kekkon (kek) genes, suggesting that deep evolutionary functional conservation for this receptor class could be unveiled. Here, we show that Kek-6 is a receptor for Drosophila neurotrophin 2 (DNT2) that regulates structural synaptic plasticity via CaMKII and VAP33A. The latter are well-known factors regulating synaptic structure and plasticity and vesicle release. Furthemore, Kek-6 cooperates with the alternative DNT2 receptor Toll-6, and their concerted functions are required to regulate structural homeostasis at the NMJ. Our findings suggest that in mammals truncated Trk-family receptors could also have synaptic functions in neurons independently of Tyrosine kinase signaling. This might reveal a novel mechanism of brain plasticity, with important implications for understanding also the human brain, in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Ulian-Benitez
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Bishop
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Istvan Foldi
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jill Wentzell
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chinenye Okenwa
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bangfu Zhu
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Moreira
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Phizacklea
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Graham McIlroy
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Guiyi Li
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Gay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Hidalgo
- NeuroDevelopment Group, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis Converges on Defects in Protein Homeostasis Associated with TDP-43 Mislocalization and Proteasome-Mediated Degradation Overload. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 121:111-171. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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45
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Ugur B, Chen K, Bellen HJ. Drosophila tools and assays for the study of human diseases. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:235-44. [PMID: 26935102 PMCID: PMC4833332 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.023762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the internal organ systems of Drosophila melanogaster are functionally analogous to those in vertebrates, including humans. Although humans and flies differ greatly in terms of their gross morphological and cellular features, many of the molecular mechanisms that govern development and drive cellular and physiological processes are conserved between both organisms. The morphological differences are deceiving and have led researchers to undervalue the study of invertebrate organs in unraveling pathogenic mechanisms of diseases. In this review and accompanying poster, we highlight the physiological and molecular parallels between fly and human organs that validate the use of Drosophila to study the molecular pathogenesis underlying human diseases. We discuss assays that have been developed in flies to study the function of specific genes in the central nervous system, heart, liver and kidney, and provide examples of the use of these assays to address questions related to human diseases. These assays provide us with simple yet powerful tools to study the pathogenic mechanisms associated with human disease-causing genes. Editors' choice - Drosophila Collection: In this review and accompanying poster, we highlight the physiological and molecular parallels between fly and human organs that validate the use of Drosophila to study the molecular pathogenesis underlying human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrak Ugur
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kuchuan Chen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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46
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Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease causing the death of motor neurons with consequent muscle atrophy and paralysis. Several neurodegenerative diseases have been modeled in Drosophila and genetic studies on this model organism led to the elucidation of crucial aspects of disease mechanisms. ALS, however, has lagged somewhat behind possibly because of the lack of a suitable genetic model. We were the first to develop a fly model for ALS and over the last few years, we have implemented and used this model for a large scale, unbiased modifier screen. We also report an extensive bioinformatic analysis of the genetic modifiers and we show that most of them are associated in a network of interacting genes controlling known as well as novel cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis. A similar analysis for the human homologues of the Drosophila modifiers and the validation of a subset of them in human tissues confirm and expand the significance of the data for the human disease. Finally, we analyze a possible application of the model in the process of therapeutic discovery in ALS and we discuss the importance of novel “non-obvious” models for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chai
- a Euan McDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research.,b Centre for Integrative Physiology; University of Edinburgh ; Edinburgh ; UK
| | - Giuseppa Pennetta
- a Euan McDonald Center for Motor Neurone Disease Research.,b Centre for Integrative Physiology; University of Edinburgh ; Edinburgh ; UK
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47
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Bodaleo FJ, Gonzalez-Billault C. The Presynaptic Microtubule Cytoskeleton in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Lessons from Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:60. [PMID: 27504085 PMCID: PMC4958632 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of the nervous system to generate neuronal networks relies on the establishment and maintenance of synaptic contacts. Synapses are composed of functionally different presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. An appropriate synaptic architecture is required to provide the structural basis that supports synaptic transmission, a process involving changes in cytoskeletal dynamics. Actin microfilaments are the main cytoskeletal components present at both presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals in glutamatergic synapses. However, in the last few years it has been demonstrated that microtubules (MTs) transiently invade dendritic spines, promoting their maturation. Nevertheless, the presence and functions of MTs at the presynaptic site are still a matter of debate. Early electron microscopy (EM) studies revealed that MTs are present in the presynaptic terminals of the central nervous system (CNS) where they interact with synaptic vesicles (SVs) and reach the active zone. These observations have been reproduced by several EM protocols; however, there is empirical heterogeneity in detecting presynaptic MTs, since they appear to be both labile and unstable. Moreover, increasing evidence derived from studies in the fruit fly neuromuscular junction proposes different roles for MTs in regulating presynaptic function in physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the main findings that support the presence and roles of MTs at presynaptic terminals, integrating descriptive and biochemical analyses, and studies performed in invertebrate genetic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe J Bodaleo
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO)Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Gonzalez-Billault
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO)Santiago, Chile; The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, NovatoCA, USA
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48
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Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B)-deficient neurons show structural presynaptic deficiencies in vitro and altered presynaptic physiology. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30069. [PMID: 27425640 PMCID: PMC4948024 DOI: 10.1038/srep30069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) is expressed predominantly during the early stages of development of the nervous system, where it regulates processes such as axonal guidance and elongation. Nevertheless, MAP1B expression in the brain persists in adult stages, where it participates in the regulation of the structure and physiology of dendritic spines in glutamatergic synapses. Moreover, MAP1B expression is also found in presynaptic synaptosomal preparations. In this work, we describe a presynaptic phenotype in mature neurons derived from MAP1B knockout (MAP1B KO) mice. Mature neurons express MAP1B, and its deficiency does not alter the expression levels of a subgroup of other synaptic proteins. MAP1B KO neurons display a decrease in the density of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals, which involves a reduction in the density of synaptic contacts, and an increased proportion of orphan presynaptic terminals. Accordingly, MAP1B KO neurons present altered synaptic vesicle fusion events, as shown by FM4-64 release assay, and a decrease in the density of both synaptic vesicles and dense core vesicles at presynaptic terminals. Finally, an increased proportion of excitatory immature symmetrical synaptic contacts in MAP1B KO neurons was detected. Altogether these results suggest a novel role for MAP1B in presynaptic structure and physiology regulation in vitro.
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Abstract
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is an organelle where most secretory and membrane proteins are synthesized, folded, and undergo further maturation. As numerous conditions can perturb such ER function, eukaryotic cells are equipped with responsive signaling pathways, widely referred to as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Chronic conditions of ER stress that cannot be fully resolved by UPR, or conditions that impair UPR signaling itself, are associated with many metabolic and degenerative diseases. In recent years, Drosophila has been actively employed to study such connections between UPR and disease. Notably, the UPR pathways are largely conserved between Drosophila and humans, and the mediating genes are essential for development in both organisms, indicating their requirement to resolve inherent stress. By now, many Drosophila mutations are known to impose stress in the ER, and a number of these appear similar to those that underlie human diseases. In addition, studies have employed the strategy of overexpressing human mutations in Drosophila tissues to perform genetic modifier screens. The fact that the basic UPR pathways are conserved, together with the availability of many human disease models in this organism, makes Drosophila a powerful tool for studying human disease mechanisms. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(8): 445-453]
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Don Ryoo
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Sanhueza M, Kubasik-Thayil A, Pennetta G. Why Quantification Matters: Characterization of Phenotypes at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27213489 PMCID: PMC4942095 DOI: 10.3791/53821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on morphogenesis rely on qualitative descriptions of how anatomical traits are affected by the disruption of specific genes and genetic pathways. Quantitative descriptions are rarely performed, although genetic manipulations produce a range of phenotypic effects and variations are observed even among individuals within control groups. Emerging evidence shows that morphology, size and location of organelles play a previously underappreciated, yet fundamental role in cell function and survival. Here we provide step-by-step instructions for performing quantitative analyses of phenotypes at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We use several reliable immuno-histochemical markers combined with bio-imaging techniques and morphometric analyses to examine the effects of genetic mutations on specific cellular processes. In particular, we focus on the quantitative analysis of phenotypes affecting morphology, size and position of nuclei within the striated muscles of Drosophila larvae. The Drosophila larval NMJ is a valuable experimental model to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure and the function of the neuromuscular system, both in health and disease. However, the methodologies we describe here can be extended to other systems as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sanhueza
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh
| | | | - Giuseppa Pennetta
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh;
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