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Clayton EL, Huggon L, Cousin MA, Mizielinska S. Synaptopathy: presynaptic convergence in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2024; 147:2289-2307. [PMID: 38451707 PMCID: PMC11224618 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae074] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are common forms of neurodegenerative disease that share overlapping genetics and pathologies. Crucially, no significantly disease-modifying treatments are available for either disease. Identifying the earliest changes that initiate neuronal dysfunction is important for designing effective intervention therapeutics. The genes mutated in genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have diverse cellular functions, and multiple disease mechanisms have been proposed for both. Identification of a convergent disease mechanism in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis would focus research for a targetable pathway, which could potentially effectively treat all forms of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (both familial and sporadic). Synaptopathies are diseases resulting from physiological dysfunction of synapses, and define the earliest stages in multiple neuronal diseases, with synapse loss a key feature in dementia. At the presynapse, the process of synaptic vesicle recruitment, fusion and recycling is necessary for activity-dependent neurotransmitter release. The unique distal location of the presynaptic terminal means the tight spatio-temporal control of presynaptic homeostasis is dependent on efficient local protein translation and degradation. Recently, numerous publications have shown that mutations associated with frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis present with synaptopathy characterized by presynaptic dysfunction. This review will describe the complex local signalling and membrane trafficking events that occur at the presynapse to facilitate neurotransmission and will summarize recent publications linking frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetic mutations to presynaptic function. This evidence indicates that presynaptic synaptopathy is an early and convergent event in frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and illustrates the need for further research in this area, to identify potential therapeutic targets with the ability to impact this convergent pathomechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Clayton
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King’s College London, London SE5 9RT, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Laura Huggon
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King’s College London, London SE5 9RT, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Michael A Cousin
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sarah Mizielinska
- UK Dementia Research Institute at King’s College London, London SE5 9RT, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
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Nadiminti SSP, Dixit SB, Ratnakaran N, Deb A, Hegde S, Boyanapalli SPP, Swords S, Grant BD, Koushika SP. LRK-1/LRRK2 and AP-3 regulate trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors through active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin-α. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011253. [PMID: 38722918 PMCID: PMC11081264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins (SVps) are transported by the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. We show that SVps travel in heterogeneous carriers in C. elegans neuronal processes, with some SVp carriers co-transporting lysosomal proteins (SV-lysosomes). LRK-1/LRRK2 and the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3 play a critical role in the sorting of SVps and lysosomal proteins away from each other at the SV-lysosomal intermediate trafficking compartment. Both SVp carriers lacking lysosomal proteins and SV-lysosomes are dependent on the motor UNC-104/KIF1A for their transport. In lrk-1 mutants, both SVp carriers and SV-lysosomes can travel in axons in the absence of UNC-104, suggesting that LRK-1 plays an important role to enable UNC-104 dependent transport of synaptic vesicle proteins. Additionally, LRK-1 acts upstream of the AP-3 complex and regulates its membrane localization. In the absence of the AP-3 complex, the SV-lysosomes become more dependent on the UNC-104-SYD-2/Liprin-α complex for their transport. Therefore, SYD-2 acts to link upstream trafficking events with the transport of SVps likely through its interaction with the motor UNC-104. We further show that the mistrafficking of SVps into the dendrite in lrk-1 and apb-3 mutants depends on SYD-2, likely by regulating the recruitment of the AP-1/UNC-101. SYD-2 acts in concert with AP complexes to ensure polarized trafficking & transport of SVps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravanthi S. P. Nadiminti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shirley B. Dixit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neena Ratnakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anushka Deb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sneha Hegde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Sierra Swords
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Barth D. Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sandhya P. Koushika
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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3
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Das J, You Y, Mathukumalli K, Ann J, Lee J, Marquez VE. Activation of Munc13-1 by Diacylglycerol (DAG)-Lactones. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2717-2726. [PMID: 37651159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a key protein necessary for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release in the brain. Diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester binds to its C1 domain in the plasma membrane and activates it. The C1 domain of Munc13-1 and protein kinase C (PKC) are homologous in terms of sequence and structure. In order to identify small-molecule modulators of Munc13-1 targeting the C1 domain, we studied the effect of three DAG-lactones, (R,Z)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (JH-131e-153), (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(3-isobutyl-5-methylhexylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl pivalate (AJH-836), and (E)-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (130C037), on Munc13-1 activation using the ligand-induced membrane translocation assay. JH-131e-153 showed higher activation than AJH-836, and 130C037 was not able to activate Munc13-1. To understand the role of the ligand-binding site residues in the activation process, three alanine mutants were generated. For AJH-836, the order of activation was wild-type (WT) Munc13-1 > R592A > W588A > I590A. For JH-131e-153, the order of activation was WT > I590 ≈ R592A ≈ W588A. Overall, the Z isomer of DAG-lactones showed higher potency than the E isomer and Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 were important for its binding. When comparing the activation of Munc13-1 and PKC, the order of activation for JH-131e-153 was PKCα > Munc13-1 > PKCε and for AJH-836, the order of activation was PKCε > PKCα > Munc13-1. Molecular docking supported higher binding of JH-131e-153 than AJH-836 with the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Our results suggest that DAG-lactones have the potential to modulate neuronal processes via Munc13-1 and can be further developed for therapeutic intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Kavya Mathukumalli
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Jihyae Ann
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Building 143, Room 507, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Victor E Marquez
- Center for Cancer Research, Chemical Biology Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, 376 Boyles Street, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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Jusyte M, Blaum N, Böhme MA, Berns MMM, Bonard AE, Vámosi ÁB, Pushpalatha KV, Kobbersmed JRL, Walter AM. Unc13A dynamically stabilizes vesicle priming at synaptic release sites for short-term facilitation and homeostatic potentiation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112541. [PMID: 37243591 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112541] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic plasticity adjusts neurotransmitter (NT) liberation. Short-term facilitation (STF) tunes synapses to millisecond repetitive activation, while presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) of NT release stabilizes transmission over minutes. Despite different timescales of STF and PHP, our analysis of Drosophila neuromuscular junctions reveals functional overlap and shared molecular dependence on the release-site protein Unc13A. Mutating Unc13A's calmodulin binding domain (CaM-domain) increases baseline transmission while blocking STF and PHP. Mathematical modeling suggests that Ca2+/calmodulin/Unc13A interaction plastically stabilizes vesicle priming at release sites and that CaM-domain mutation causes constitutive stabilization, thereby blocking plasticity. Labeling the functionally essential Unc13A MUN domain reveals higher STED microscopy signals closer to release sites following CaM-domain mutation. Acute phorbol ester treatment similarly enhances NT release and blocks STF/PHP in synapses expressing wild-type Unc13A, while CaM-domain mutation occludes this, indicating common downstream effects. Thus, Unc13A regulatory domains integrate signals across timescales to switch release-site participation for synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meida Jusyte
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Blaum
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias A Böhme
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manon M M Berns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alix E Bonard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ábel B Vámosi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Janus R L Kobbersmed
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexander M Walter
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Krout M, Oh KH, Xiong A, Frankel EB, Kurshan PT, Kim H, Richmond JE. C. elegans Clarinet/CLA-1 recruits RIMB-1/RIM-binding protein and UNC-13 to orchestrate presynaptic neurotransmitter release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220856120. [PMID: 37186867 PMCID: PMC10214197 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220856120] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission requires the coordinated activity of multiple synaptic proteins that are localized at the active zone (AZ). We previously identified a Caenorhabditis elegans protein named Clarinet (CLA-1) based on homology to the AZ proteins Piccolo, Rab3-interactingmolecule (RIM)/UNC-10 and Fife. At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), cla-1 null mutants exhibit release defects that are greatly exacerbated in cla-1;unc-10 double mutants. To gain insights into the coordinated roles of CLA-1 and UNC-10, we examined the relative contributions of each to the function and organization of the AZ. Using a combination of electrophysiology, electron microscopy, and quantitative fluorescence imaging we explored the functional relationship of CLA-1 to other key AZ proteins including: RIM1, Cav2.1 channels, RIM1-binding protein, and Munc13 (C. elegans UNC-10, UNC-2, RIMB-1 and UNC-13, respectively). Our analyses show that CLA-1 acts in concert with UNC-10 to regulate UNC-2 calcium channel levels at the synapse via recruitment of RIMB-1. In addition, CLA-1 exerts a RIMB-1-independent role in the localization of the priming factor UNC-13. Thus C. elegans CLA-1/UNC-10 exhibit combinatorial effects that have overlapping design principles with other model organisms: RIM/RBP and RIM/ELKS in mouse and Fife/RIM and BRP/RBP in Drosophila. These data support a semiconserved arrangement of AZ scaffolding proteins that are necessary for the localization and activation of the fusion machinery within nanodomains for precise coupling to Ca2+ channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Krout
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60607
| | - Kelly H. Oh
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection, Chicago Medical School, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL60064
| | - Ame Xiong
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology, and Infection, Chicago Medical School, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL60064
| | - Elisa B. Frankel
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY10461
| | - Peri T. Kurshan
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY10461
| | - Hongkyun Kim
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY10461
| | - Janet E. Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60607
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Nadiminti SSP, Dixit SB, Ratnakaran N, Hegde S, Swords S, Grant BD, Koushika SP. Active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin- α acts downstream of LRK-1/LRRK2 to regulate polarized trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors through clathrin adaptor protein complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.26.530068. [PMID: 36865111 PMCID: PMC9980171 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.26.530068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins (SVps) are thought to travel in heterogeneous carriers dependent on the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. In C. elegans neurons, we found that some SVps are transported along with lysosomal proteins by the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. LRK-1/LRRK2 and the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3 are critical for the separation of lysosomal proteins from SVp transport carriers. In lrk-1 mutants, both SVp carriers and SVp carriers containing lysosomal proteins are independent of UNC-104, suggesting that LRK-1 plays a key role in ensuring UNC-104-dependent transport of SVps. Additionally, LRK-1 likely acts upstream of the AP-3 complex and regulates the membrane localization of AP-3. The action of AP-3 is necessary for the active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin-α to facilitate the transport of SVp carriers. In the absence of the AP-3 complex, SYD-2/Liprin-α acts with UNC-104 to instead facilitate the transport of SVp carriers containing lysosomal proteins. We further show that the mistrafficking of SVps into the dendrite in lrk-1 and apb-3 mutants depends on SYD-2, likely by regulating the recruitment of the AP-1/UNC-101. We propose that SYD-2 acts in concert with both the AP-1 and AP-3 complexes to ensure polarized trafficking of SVps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravanthi S P Nadiminti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Shirley B Dixit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Neena Ratnakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Sneha Hegde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Sierra Swords
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Barth D Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sandhya P Koushika
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
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7
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Manini A, Casiraghi V, Brusati A, Maranzano A, Gentile F, Colombo E, Bonetti R, Peverelli S, Invernizzi S, Gentilini D, Messina S, Verde F, Poletti B, Fogh I, Morelli C, Silani V, Ratti A, Ticozzi N. Association of the risk factor UNC13A with survival and upper motor neuron involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1067954. [PMID: 36819716 PMCID: PMC9931189 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1067954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The UNC13A gene is an established susceptibility locus for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a determinant of shorter survival after disease onset, with up to 33.0 months difference in life expectancy for carriers of the rs12608932 risk genotype. However, its overall effect on other clinical features and ALS phenotypic variability is controversial. Methods Genotype data of the UNC13A rs12608932 SNP (A-major allele; C-minor allele) was obtained from a cohort of 972 ALS patients. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, including cognitive and behavioral profiles, evaluated through the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS) - Italian version and the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI); upper and lower motor neuron involvement, assessed by the Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS) and the Lower Motor Neuron Score (LMNS)/Medical Research Council (MRC) scores, respectively; the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) score at evaluation and progression rate; age and site of onset; survival. The comparison between the three rs12608932 genotypes (AA, AC, and CC) was performed using the additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Results The rs12608932 minor allele frequency was 0.31 in our ALS cohort, in comparison to 0.33-0.41 reported in other Caucasian ALS populations. Carriers of at least one minor C allele (AC + CC genotypes) had a shorter median survival than patients with the wild-type AA genotype (-11.7 months, p = 0.013), even after adjusting for age and site of onset, C9orf72 mutational status and gender. Patients harboring at least one major A allele (AA + AC genotypes) and particularly those with the wild-type AA genotype showed a significantly higher PUMNS compared to CC carriers (p = 0.015 and padj = 0.037, respectively), thus indicating a more severe upper motor neuron involvement. Our analysis did not detect significant associations with all the other clinical parameters considered. Conclusion Overall, our findings confirm the role of UNC13A as a determinant of survival in ALS patients and show the association of this locus also with upper motor neuron involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Manini
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Casiraghi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Brusati
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Gentile
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bonetti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Peverelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Invernizzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy,Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Fogh
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,*Correspondence: Nicola Ticozzi, ✉
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Palfreyman MT, West SE, Jorgensen EM. SNARE Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:63-118. [PMID: 37615864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are stored in small membrane-bound vesicles at synapses; a subset of synaptic vesicles is docked at release sites. Fusion of docked vesicles with the plasma membrane releases neurotransmitters. Membrane fusion at synapses, as well as all trafficking steps of the secretory pathway, is mediated by SNARE proteins. The SNAREs are the minimal fusion machinery. They zipper from N-termini to membrane-anchored C-termini to form a 4-helix bundle that forces the apposed membranes to fuse. At synapses, the SNAREs comprise a single helix from syntaxin and synaptobrevin; SNAP-25 contributes the other two helices to complete the bundle. Unc13 mediates synaptic vesicle docking and converts syntaxin into the permissive "open" configuration. The SM protein, Unc18, is required to initiate and proofread SNARE assembly. The SNAREs are then held in a half-zippered state by synaptotagmin and complexin. Calcium removes the synaptotagmin and complexin block, and the SNAREs drive vesicle fusion. After fusion, NSF and alpha-SNAP unwind the SNAREs and thereby recharge the system for further rounds of fusion. In this chapter, we will describe the discovery of the SNAREs, their relevant structural features, models for their function, and the central role of Unc18. In addition, we will touch upon the regulation of SNARE complex formation by Unc13, complexin, and synaptotagmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Palfreyman
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sam E West
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Jin Y, Zhai RG. Presynaptic Cytomatrix Proteins. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:23-42. [PMID: 37615862 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The Cytomatrix Assembled at the active Zone (CAZ) of a presynaptic terminal displays electron-dense appearance and defines the center of the synaptic vesicle release. The protein constituents of CAZ are multiple-domain scaffolds that interact extensively with each other and also with an ensemble of synaptic vesicle proteins to ensure docking, fusion, and recycling. Reflecting the central roles of the active zone in synaptic transmission, CAZ proteins are highly conserved throughout evolution. As the nervous system increases complexity and diversity in types of neurons and synapses, CAZ proteins expand in the number of gene and protein isoforms and interacting partners. This chapter summarizes the discovery of the core CAZ proteins and current knowledge of their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - R Grace Zhai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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10
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Meunier FA, Hu Z. Functional Roles of UNC-13/Munc13 and UNC-18/Munc18 in Neurotransmission. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:203-231. [PMID: 37615868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic and secretory vesicles following calcium-triggered fusion with the plasma membrane. These exocytotic events are driven by assembly of a ternary SNARE complex between the vesicle SNARE synaptobrevin and the plasma membrane-associated SNAREs syntaxin and SNAP-25. Proteins that affect SNARE complex assembly are therefore important regulators of synaptic strength. In this chapter, we review our current understanding of the roles played by two SNARE interacting proteins: UNC-13/Munc13 and UNC-18/Munc18. We discuss results from both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, highlighting recent advances, focusing on the current consensus on molecular mechanisms of action and nanoscale organization, and pointing out some unresolved aspects of their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric A Meunier
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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11
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Dannhäuser S, Mrestani A, Gundelach F, Pauli M, Komma F, Kollmannsberger P, Sauer M, Heckmann M, Paul MM. Endogenous tagging of Unc-13 reveals nanoscale reorganization at active zones during presynaptic homeostatic potentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1074304. [PMID: 36589286 PMCID: PMC9797049 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1074304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurotransmitter release at presynaptic active zones (AZs) requires concerted protein interactions within a dense 3D nano-hemisphere. Among the complex protein meshwork the (M)unc-13 family member Unc-13 of Drosophila melanogaster is essential for docking of synaptic vesicles and transmitter release. Methods We employ minos-mediated integration cassette (MiMIC)-based gene editing using GFSTF (EGFP-FlAsH-StrepII-TEV-3xFlag) to endogenously tag all annotated Drosophila Unc-13 isoforms enabling visualization of endogenous Unc-13 expression within the central and peripheral nervous system. Results and discussion Electrophysiological characterization using two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) reveals that evoked and spontaneous synaptic transmission remain unaffected in unc-13 GFSTF 3rd instar larvae and acute presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) can be induced at control levels. Furthermore, multi-color structured-illumination shows precise co-localization of Unc-13GFSTF, Bruchpilot, and GluRIIA-receptor subunits within the synaptic mesoscale. Localization microscopy in combination with HDBSCAN algorithms detect Unc-13GFSTF subclusters that move toward the AZ center during PHP with unaltered Unc-13GFSTF protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Dannhäuser
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Achmed Mrestani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Gundelach
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Pauli
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Komma
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Heckmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mila M Paul
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Tan C, de Nola G, Qiao C, Imig C, Born RT, Brose N, Kaeser PS. Munc13 supports fusogenicity of non-docked vesicles at synapses with disrupted active zones. eLife 2022; 11:79077. [PMID: 36398873 PMCID: PMC9822248 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Active zones consist of protein scaffolds that are tightly attached to the presynaptic plasma membrane. They dock and prime synaptic vesicles, couple them to voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and direct neurotransmitter release toward postsynaptic receptor domains. Simultaneous RIM + ELKS ablation disrupts these scaffolds, abolishes vesicle docking, and removes active zone-targeted Munc13, but some vesicles remain releasable. To assess whether this enduring vesicular fusogenicity is mediated by non-active zone-anchored Munc13 or is Munc13-independent, we ablated Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in addition to RIM + ELKS in mouse hippocampal neurons. The hextuple knockout synapses lacked docked vesicles, but other ultrastructural features were near-normal despite the strong genetic manipulation. Removing Munc13 in addition to RIM + ELKS impaired action potential-evoked vesicle fusion more strongly than RIM + ELKS knockout by further decreasing the releasable vesicle pool. Hence, Munc13 can support some fusogenicity without RIM and ELKS, and presynaptic recruitment of Munc13, even without active zone anchoring, suffices to generate some fusion-competent vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Giovanni de Nola
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Claire Qiao
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Cordelia Imig
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Richard T Born
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Pascal S Kaeser
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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13
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Rizo J, David G, Fealey ME, Jaczynska K. On the difficulties of characterizing weak protein interactions that are critical for neurotransmitter release. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1912-1938. [PMID: 35986639 PMCID: PMC9623538 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of neurotransmitter release has been extensively characterized, showing that vesicle fusion is mediated by the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin. This complex is disassembled by N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) and SNAPs to recycle the SNAREs, whereas Munc18-1 and Munc13s organize SNARE complex assembly in an NSF-SNAP-resistant manner. Synaptotagmin-1 acts as the Ca2+ sensor that triggers exocytosis in a tight interplay with the SNAREs and complexins. Here, we review technical aspects associated with investigation of protein interactions underlying these steps, which is hindered because the release machinery is assembled between two membranes and is highly dynamic. Moreover, weak interactions, which are difficult to characterize, play key roles in neurotransmitter release, for instance by lowering energy barriers that need to be overcome in this highly regulated process. We illustrate the crucial role that structural biology has played in uncovering mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release, but also discuss the importance of considering the limitations of the techniques used, including lessons learned from research in our lab and others. In particular, we emphasize: (a) the promiscuity of some protein sequences, including membrane-binding regions that can mediate irrelevant interactions with proteins in the absence of their native targets; (b) the need to ensure that weak interactions observed in crystal structures are biologically relevant; and (c) the limitations of isothermal titration calorimetry to analyze weak interactions. Finally, we stress that even studies that required re-interpretation often helped to move the field forward by improving our understanding of the system and providing testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Guillaume David
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Michael E. Fealey
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
| | - Klaudia Jaczynska
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA,Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTXUSA
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14
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Stepien KP, Xu J, Zhang X, Bai XC, Rizo J. SNARE assembly enlightened by cryo-EM structures of a synaptobrevin-Munc18-1-syntaxin-1 complex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo5272. [PMID: 35731863 PMCID: PMC9216511 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Munc18-1 forms a template to organize assembly of the neuronal SNARE complex that triggers neurotransmitter release, binding first to a closed conformation of syntaxin-1 where its amino-terminal region interacts with the SNARE motif, and later binding to synaptobrevin. However, the mechanism of SNARE complex assembly remains unclear. Here, we report two cryo-EM structures of Munc18-1 bound to cross-linked syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin. The structures allow visualization of how syntaxin-1 opens and reveal how part of the syntaxin-1 amino-terminal region can help nucleate interactions between the amino termini of the syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin SNARE motifs, while their carboxyl termini bind to distal sites of Munc18-1. These observations, together with mutagenesis, SNARE complex assembly experiments, and fusion assays with reconstituted proteoliposomes, support a model whereby these interactions are critical to initiate SNARE complex assembly and multiple energy barriers enable diverse mechanisms for exquisite regulation of neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P. Stepien
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiao-Chen Bai
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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15
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Gething C, Ferrar J, Misra B, Howells G, Andrzejewski AL, Bowen ME, Choi UB. Conformational change of Syntaxin-3b in regulating SNARE complex assembly in the ribbon synapses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9261. [PMID: 35661757 PMCID: PMC9166750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release of synaptic vesicles relies on the assembly of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, consisting of syntaxin and SNAP-25 on the plasma membrane and synaptobrevin on the synaptic vesicle. The formation of the SNARE complex progressively zippers towards the membranes, which drives membrane fusion between the plasma membrane and the synaptic vesicle. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of SNARE complex regulation is unclear. In this study, we investigated the syntaxin-3b isoform found in the retinal ribbon synapses using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to monitor the conformational changes of syntaxin-3b that modulate the SNARE complex formation. We found that syntaxin-3b is predominantly in a self-inhibiting closed conformation, inefficiently forming the ternary SNARE complex. Conversely, a phosphomimetic mutation (T14E) at the N-terminal region of syntaxin-3b promoted the open conformation, similar to the constitutively open form of syntaxin LE mutant. When syntaxin-3b is bound to Munc18-1, SNARE complex formation is almost completely blocked. Surprisingly, the T14E mutation of syntaxin-3b partially abolishes Munc18-1 regulation, acting as a conformational switch to trigger SNARE complex assembly. Thus, we suggest a model where the conformational change of syntaxin-3b induced by phosphorylation initiates the release of neurotransmitters in the ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Gething
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Joshua Ferrar
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Bishal Misra
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Giovanni Howells
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | | | - Mark E Bowen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Quantum-Si, Inc, Guilford, CT, 06437, USA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA. .,Quantum-Si, Inc, Guilford, CT, 06437, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Major recent advances and previous data have led to a plausible model of how key proteins mediate neurotransmitter release. In this model, the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin form tight complexes that bring the membranes together and are crucial for membrane fusion. NSF and SNAPs disassemble SNARE complexes and ensure that fusion occurs through an exquisitely regulated pathway that starts with Munc18-1 bound to a closed conformation of syntaxin-1. Munc18-1 also binds to synaptobrevin, forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex when Munc13-1 opens syntaxin-1 while bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes. Synaptotagmin-1 and complexin bind to partially assembled SNARE complexes, likely stabilizing them and preventing fusion until Ca2+ binding to synaptotagmin-1 causes dissociation from the SNARE complex and induces interactions with phospholipids that help trigger release. Although fundamental questions remain about the mechanism of membrane fusion, these advances provide a framework to investigate the mechanisms underlying presynaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Rizo
- Departments of Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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17
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Tan C, Wang SSH, de Nola G, Kaeser PS. Rebuilding essential active zone functions within a synapse. Neuron 2022; 110:1498-1515.e8. [PMID: 35176221 PMCID: PMC9081183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Presynaptic active zones are molecular machines that control neurotransmitter secretion. They form sites for vesicle docking and priming and couple vesicles to Ca2+ entry for release triggering. The complexity of active zone machinery has made it challenging to determine its mechanisms in release. Simultaneous knockout of the active zone proteins RIM and ELKS disrupts active zone assembly, abolishes vesicle docking, and impairs release. We here rebuild docking, priming, and Ca2+ secretion coupling in these mutants without reinstating active zone networks. Re-expression of RIM zinc fingers recruited Munc13 to undocked vesicles and rendered the vesicles release competent. Action potential triggering of release was reconstituted by docking these primed vesicles to Ca2+ channels through attaching RIM zinc fingers to CaVβ4-subunits. Our work identifies an 80-kDa β4-Zn protein that bypasses the need for megadalton-sized secretory machines, establishes that fusion competence and docking are mechanistically separable, and defines RIM zinc finger-Munc13 complexes as hubs for active zone function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shan Shan H Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giovanni de Nola
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pascal S Kaeser
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Ghosh A, Muthuraju S, Badal S, Wooden J, Leasure JL, Roman G, Das J. Differential Expression of Presynaptic Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in Mouse Hippocampus Following Ethanol Drinking. Neuroscience 2022; 487:166-183. [PMID: 35167938 PMCID: PMC8930510 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.02.008] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Munc13 family of proteins is critically involved in synaptic vesicle priming and release in glutamatergic neurons in the brain. Munc13-1 binds to alcohol and, in Drosophila, modulates sedation sensitivity and self-administration. We examined the effect of alcohol consumption on the expression of Munc13-1 and Munc13-2, NMDA receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B in the hippocampus-derived HT22 cells, hippocampal primary neuron culture, and wild-type and Munc13-1+/- male mouse hippocampus after ethanol consumption (Drinking in the Dark (DID) paradigm). In HT22 cells, Munc13-1 was upregulated following 25 mM ethanol treatment for 24 h. In the primary neuronal culture, however, the expression of both Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 increased after ethanol exposure. While Munc13-1 was upregulated in the hippocampus, Munc13-2 was downregulated following DID. This differential effect was found in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. Although Munc13-1+/- mice had approximately 50% Munc13-1 expression compared to wild-type, it was nonetheless significantly increased following DID. Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 were expressed in vesicular glutamate transporter1 (VGLUT1) immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus, but ethanol did not alter the expression of VGLUT1. The NMDA receptor subunits, GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B were upregulated in the hippocampal primary culture and in the CA1. Ethanol exerts a differential effect on the expression of Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in the CA1 in male mice. Our study also found that ethanol's effect on Munc13 expression is dependent on the experimental paradigm, and both Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 could contribute to the ethanol-induced augmentation of glutamatergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamitra Ghosh
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Sangu Muthuraju
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Sean Badal
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Jessica Wooden
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - J Leigh Leasure
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Gregg Roman
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, United States.
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19
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Wang S, Ma C. Neuronal SNARE complex assembly guided by Munc18-1 and Munc13-1. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1939-1957. [PMID: 35278279 PMCID: PMC9623535 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release by Ca2+ -triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis is essential for information transmission in the nervous system. The soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin-2 form the SNARE complex to bring synaptic vesicles and the plasma membranes together and to catalyze membrane fusion. Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 regulate synaptic vesicle priming via orchestrating neuronal SNARE complex assembly. In this review, we summarize recent advances toward the functions and molecular mechanisms of Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 in guiding neuronal SNARE complex assembly, and discuss the functional similarities and differences between Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 in neurons and their homologs in other intracellular membrane trafficking systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Cong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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20
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Götze KJ, Mrestani A, Beckmann P, Krohn K, Le Duc D, Velluva A, Böhme MA, Heckmann M, Jamra RA, Lemke JR, Bläker H, Scholz N, Ljaschenko D, Langenhan T. Improving one-step scarless genome editing in Drosophila melanogaster by combining ovoD co-CRISPR selection with sgRNA target site masking. Biol Methods Protoc 2022; 7:bpac003. [PMID: 35087953 PMCID: PMC8789338 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpac003] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise and rapid construction of alleles through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering renders Drosophila melanogaster a powerful animal system for molecular structure–function analyses and human disease models. Application of the ovoD co-selection method offers expedited generation and enrichment of scarlessly edited alleles without the need for linked transformation markers, which specifically in the case of exon editing can impact allele usability. However, we found that knockin procedures by homology-directed repair (HDR) under ovoD co-selection resulted in low transformation efficiency. This is likely due to repeated rounds of Cas9 cleavage of HDR donor and/or engineered genomic locus DNA, as noted for other CRISPR/Cas9 editing strategies before, impeding the recovery of correctly edited alleles. Here we provide a one-step protocol to improve the generation of scarless alleles by ovoD-co-selection with single-guide RNA (sgRNA) binding site masking. Using this workflow, we constructed human disease alleles for two Drosophila genes, unc-13/CG2999 and armadillo/CG11579. We show and quantify how a known countermeasure, the insertion of silent point mutations into protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) or sgRNA homology regions, can potently suppress unintended sequence modifications during CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of D. melanogaster under ovoD co-selection. This strongly increased the recovery frequency of disease alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina J Götze
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achmed Mrestani
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Liebigstraße 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paula Beckmann
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Knut Krohn
- Core Unit DNA, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Diana Le Duc
- Institute of Human Genetics,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Akhil Velluva
- Institute of Human Genetics,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mathias A Böhme
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manfred Heckmann
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neurophysiology, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes R Lemke
- Institute of Human Genetics,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology,University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Scholz
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Ljaschenko
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Langenhan
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 30, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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21
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Piao C, Sigrist SJ. (M)Unc13s in Active Zone Diversity: A Drosophila Perspective. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 13:798204. [PMID: 35046788 PMCID: PMC8762327 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.798204] [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: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The so-called active zones at pre-synaptic terminals are the ultimate filtering devices, which couple between action potential frequency and shape, and the information transferred to the post-synaptic neurons, finally tuning behaviors. Within active zones, the release of the synaptic vesicle operates from specialized “release sites.” The (M)Unc13 class of proteins is meant to define release sites topologically and biochemically, and diversity between Unc13-type release factor isoforms is suspected to steer diversity at active zones. The two major Unc13-type isoforms, namely, Unc13A and Unc13B, have recently been described from the molecular to the behavioral level, exploiting Drosophila being uniquely suited to causally link between these levels. The exact nanoscale distribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels relative to release sites (“coupling”) at pre-synaptic active zones fundamentally steers the release of the synaptic vesicle. Unc13A and B were found to be either tightly or loosely coupled across Drosophila synapses. In this review, we reported recent findings on diverse aspects of Drosophila Unc13A and B, importantly, their nano-topological distribution at active zones and their roles in release site generation, active zone assembly, and pre-synaptic homeostatic plasticity. We compared their stoichiometric composition at different synapse types, reviewing the correlation between nanoscale distribution of these two isoforms and release physiology and, finally, discuss how isoform-specific release components might drive the functional heterogeneity of synapses and encode discrete behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengji Piao
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Institute for Biology/Genetics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stephan J. Sigrist
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22
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You Y, Das J. Molecular dynamics simulation studies on binding of activator and inhibitor to Munc13-1 C1 in the presence of membrane. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:14160-14175. [PMID: 34779746 PMCID: PMC9482821 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that plays a critical role in priming the synaptic vesicle and releasing neurotransmitters in the brain. Munc13-1 acts as a scaffold and is activated when diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester binds to its C1 domain in the plasma membrane. Our previous studies showed that bryostatin 1 activated the Munc13-1, but resveratrol inhibited the phorbol ester-induced Munc13-1 activity. To gain structural insights into the binding of the ligand into Munc13-1 C1 in the membrane, we conducted 1.0 μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on Munc13-1 C1-ligand-lipid ternary system using phorbol 13-acetate, bryostatin 1 and resveratrol as ligands. Munc13-1 C1 shows higher conformational stability and less mobility along membrane with phorbol 13-acetate and bryostatin 1 than with resveratrol. Bryostatin 1 and phorbol ester remained in the protein active site, but resveratrol moved out of Munc13-1 C1 during the MD simulation. While bryostatin 1-bound Munc13-1 C1 showed two different positioning in the membrane, phorbol 13-acetate and resveratrol-bound Munc13-1 C1 only showed one positioning. Phorbol 13-acetate formed hydrogen bond with Ala-574 and Gly-589. Bryostatin 1 had more hydrogen bonds with Trp-588 and Arg-592 than with other residues. Resveratrol formed hydrogen bond with Ile-590. This study suggests that different ligands control Munc13-1 C1's mobility and positioning in the membrane differently. Ligand also has a critical role in the interaction between Munc13-1 C1 and lipid membrane. Our results provide structural basis of the pharmacological activity of the ligands and highlight the importance of membrane in Munc13-1 activity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joydip Das
- To whom to address correspondence at: Joydip Das, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health 2, 4849 Calhoun Road, Room 3044, Houston TX 77204-5037. ; Tel: 713-743-1708; FAX 713-743-1229
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23
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Fratini E, Salvemini M, Lombardo F, Muzzi M, Molfini M, Gisondi S, Roma E, D'Ezio V, Persichini T, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Di Giulio A, Bologna MA, Cervelli M, Mancini E. Unraveling the role of male reproductive tract and haemolymph in cantharidin-exuding Lydus trimaculatus and Mylabris variabilis (Coleoptera: Meloidae): a comparative transcriptomics approach. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:808. [PMID: 34749651 PMCID: PMC8576976 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meloidae (blister beetles) are known to synthetize cantharidin (CA), a toxic and defensive terpene mainly stored in male accessory glands (MAG) and emitted outward through reflex-bleeding. Recent progresses in understanding CA biosynthesis and production organ(s) in Meloidae have been made, but the way in which self-protection is achieved from the hazardous accumulation and release of CA in blister beetles has been experimentally neglected. To provide hints on this pending question, a comparative de novo assembly transcriptomic approach was performed by targeting two tissues where CA is largely accumulated and regularly circulates in Meloidae: the male reproductive tract (MRT) and the haemolymph. Differential gene expression profiles in these tissues were examined in two blister beetle species, Lydus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (tribe Lyttini) and Mylabris variabilis (Pallas, 1781) (tribe Mylabrini). Upregulated transcripts were compared between the two species to identify conserved genes possibly involved in CA detoxification and transport. Results Based on our results, we hypothesize that, to avoid auto-intoxication, ABC, MFS or other solute transporters might sequester purported glycosylated CA precursors into MAG, and lipocalins could bind CA and mitigate its reactivity when released into the haemolymph during the autohaemorrhaging response. We also found an over-representation in haemolymph of protein-domains related to coagulation and integument repairing mechanisms that likely reflects the need to limit fluid loss during reflex-bleeding. Conclusions The de novo assembled transcriptomes of L. trimaculatus and M. variabilis here provided represent valuable genetic resources to further explore the mechanisms employed to cope with toxicity of CA in blister beetle tissues. These, if revealed, might help conceiving safe and effective drug-delivery approaches to enhance the use of CA in medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Molfini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Gisondi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elia Roma
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Sauvola CW, Littleton JT. SNARE Regulatory Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion and Recycling. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:733138. [PMID: 34421538 PMCID: PMC8377282 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.733138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion is a universal feature of eukaryotic protein trafficking and is mediated by the soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family. SNARE proteins embedded in opposing membranes spontaneously assemble to drive membrane fusion and cargo exchange in vitro. Evolution has generated a diverse complement of SNARE regulatory proteins (SRPs) that ensure membrane fusion occurs at the right time and place in vivo. While a core set of SNAREs and SRPs are common to all eukaryotic cells, a specialized set of SRPs within neurons confer additional regulation to synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. Neuronal communication is characterized by precise spatial and temporal control of SNARE dynamics within presynaptic subdomains specialized for neurotransmitter release. Action potential-elicited Ca2+ influx at these release sites triggers zippering of SNAREs embedded in the SV and plasma membrane to drive bilayer fusion and release of neurotransmitters that activate downstream targets. Here we discuss current models for how SRPs regulate SNARE dynamics and presynaptic output, emphasizing invertebrate genetic findings that advanced our understanding of SRP regulation of SV cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad W Sauvola
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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25
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Koopman M, Janssen L, Nollen EAA. An economical and highly adaptable optogenetics system for individual and population-level manipulation of Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Biol 2021; 19:170. [PMID: 34429103 PMCID: PMC8386059 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optogenetics allows the experimental manipulation of excitable cells by a light stimulus without the need for technically challenging and invasive procedures. The high degree of spatial, temporal, and intensity control that can be achieved with a light stimulus, combined with cell type-specific expression of light-sensitive ion channels, enables highly specific and precise stimulation of excitable cells. Optogenetic tools have therefore revolutionized the study of neuronal circuits in a number of models, including Caenorhabditis elegans. Despite the existence of several optogenetic systems that allow spatial and temporal photoactivation of light-sensitive actuators in C. elegans, their high costs and low flexibility have limited wide access to optogenetics. Here, we developed an inexpensive, easy-to-build, modular, and adjustable optogenetics device for use on different microscopes and worm trackers, which we called the OptoArm. Results The OptoArm allows for single- and multiple-worm illumination and is adaptable in terms of light intensity, lighting profiles, and light color. We demonstrate OptoArm’s power in a population-based multi-parameter study on the contributions of motor circuit cells to age-related motility decline. We found that individual components of the neuromuscular system display different rates of age-dependent deterioration. The functional decline of cholinergic neurons mirrors motor decline, while GABAergic neurons and muscle cells are relatively age-resilient, suggesting that rate-limiting cells exist and determine neuronal circuit ageing. Conclusion We have assembled an economical, reliable, and highly adaptable optogenetics system which can be deployed to address diverse biological questions. We provide a detailed description of the construction as well as technical and biological validation of our set-up. Importantly, use of the OptoArm is not limited to C. elegans and may benefit studies in multiple model organisms, making optogenetics more accessible to the broader research community. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - L Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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26
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Silva M, Tran V, Marty A. Calcium-dependent docking of synaptic vesicles. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:579-592. [PMID: 34049722 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of calcium ions in presynaptic terminals regulates transmitter release, but underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Here we review recent studies that shed new light on this issue. Fast-freezing electron microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy studies reveal complex calcium-dependent vesicle movements including docking on a millisecond time scale. Recordings from so-called 'simple synapses' indicate that calcium not only triggers exocytosis, but also modifies synaptic strength by controlling a final, rapid vesicle maturation step before release. Molecular studies identify several calcium-sensitive domains on Munc13 and on synaptotagmin-1 that are likely involved in bringing the vesicular and plasma membranes closer together in response to calcium elevation. Together, these results suggest that calcium-dependent vesicle docking occurs in a wide range of time domains and plays a crucial role in several phenomena including synaptic facilitation, post-tetanic potentiation, and neuromodulator-induced potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Silva
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Van Tran
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Alain Marty
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France.
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27
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A Trio of Active Zone Proteins Comprised of RIM-BPs, RIMs, and Munc13s Governs Neurotransmitter Release. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107960. [PMID: 32755572 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
At the presynaptic active zone, action-potential-triggered neurotransmitter release requires that fusion-competent synaptic vesicles are placed next to Ca2+ channels. The active zone resident proteins RIM, RBP, and Munc13 are essential contributors for vesicle priming and Ca2+-channel recruitment. Although the individual contributions of these scaffolds have been extensively studied, their respective functions in neurotransmission are still incompletely understood. Here, we analyze the functional interactions of RIMs, RBPs, and Munc13s at the genetic, molecular, functional, and ultrastructural levels in a mammalian synapse. We find that RBP, together with Munc13, promotes vesicle priming at the expense of RBP's role in recruiting presynaptic Ca2+ channels, suggesting that the support of RBP for vesicle priming and Ca2+-secretion coupling is mutually exclusive. Our results demonstrate that the functional interaction of RIM, RBP, and Munc13 is more profound than previously envisioned, acting as a functional trio that govern basic and short-term plasticity properties of neurotransmission.
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28
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You Y, Katti S, Yu B, Igumenova TI, Das J. Probing the Diacylglycerol Binding Site of Presynaptic Munc13-1. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1286-1298. [PMID: 33818064 PMCID: PMC8906797 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that acts as a master regulator of synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release in the brain. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Diacylglycerol and phorbol ester activate Munc13-1 by binding to its C1 domain. The objective of this study is to identify the structural determinants of ligand binding activity of the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Molecular docking suggested that residues Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 of Munc13-1 are involved in ligand interactions. To elucidate the role of these three residues in ligand binding, we generated W588A, I590A, and R592A mutants in full-length Munc13-1, expressed them as GFP-tagged proteins in HT22 cells, and measured their ligand-induced membrane translocation by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The extent of 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG)- and phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > W588A > R592A and wild type > W588A > I590A > R592A, respectively. To understand the effect of the mutations on ligand binding, we also measured the DOG binding affinity of the isolated wild-type C1 domain and its mutants in membrane-mimicking micelles using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The DOG binding affinity decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > R592A. No binding was detected for W588A with DOG in micelles. This study shows that Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 are essential determinants for the activity of Munc13-1 and the effects of the three residues on the activity are ligand-dependent. This study bears significance for the development of selective modulators of Munc13-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngki You
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Sachin Katti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Binhan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tatyana I Igumenova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, 300 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health 2, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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29
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A unique C2 domain at the C terminus of Munc13 promotes synaptic vesicle priming. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016276118. [PMID: 33836576 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016276118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release during synaptic transmission comprises a tightly orchestrated sequence of molecular events, and Munc13-1 is a cornerstone of the fusion machinery. A forward genetic screen for defects in neurotransmitter release in Caenorhabditis elegans identified a mutation in the Munc13-1 ortholog UNC-13 that eliminated its unique and deeply conserved C-terminal module (referred to as HC2M) containing a Ca2+-insensitive C2 domain flanked by membrane-binding helices. The HC2M module could be functionally replaced in vivo by protein domains that localize to synaptic vesicles but not to the plasma membrane. HC2M is broadly conserved in other Unc13 family members and is required for efficient synaptic vesicle priming. We propose that the HC2M domain evolved as a vesicle/endosome adaptor and acquired synaptic vesicle specificity in the Unc13ABC protein family.
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30
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Liu H, Li L, Sheoran S, Yu Y, Richmond JE, Xia J, Tang J, Liu J, Hu Z. The M domain in UNC-13 regulates the probability of neurotransmitter release. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108828. [PMID: 33691106 PMCID: PMC8066380 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses exhibit multiple forms of short-term plasticities, which have been attributed to the heterogeneity of neurotransmitter release probability. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the differential release states remain to be fully elucidated. The Unc-13 proteins appear to have key roles in synaptic function through multiple regulatory domains. Here, we report that deleting the M domain in Caenorhabditis elegans UNC-13MR leads to a significant increase in release probability, revealing an inhibitory function of this domain. The inhibitory effect of this domain is eliminated when the C1 and C2B domains are absent or activated, suggesting that the M domain inhibits release probability by suppressing the activity of C1 and C2B domains. When fused directly to the MUNC2C fragment of UNC-13, the M domain greatly enhances release probability. Thus, our findings reveal a mechanism by which the UNC-13 M domain regulates synaptic transmission and provides molecular insights into the regulation of release probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Seema Sheoran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Yi Yu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Janet E Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Jingyao Xia
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jing Tang
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jie Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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31
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Function of Drosophila Synaptotagmins in membrane trafficking at synapses. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4335-4364. [PMID: 33619613 PMCID: PMC8164606 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03788-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Synaptotagmin (SYT) family of proteins play key roles in regulating membrane trafficking at neuronal synapses. Using both Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent interactions, several SYT isoforms participate in synchronous and asynchronous fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) while preventing spontaneous release that occurs in the absence of stimulation. Changes in the function or abundance of the SYT1 and SYT7 isoforms alter the number and route by which SVs fuse at nerve terminals. Several SYT family members also regulate trafficking of other subcellular organelles at synapses, including dense core vesicles (DCV), exosomes, and postsynaptic vesicles. Although SYTs are linked to trafficking of multiple classes of synaptic membrane compartments, how and when they interact with lipids, the SNARE machinery and other release effectors are still being elucidated. Given mutations in the SYT family cause disorders in both the central and peripheral nervous system in humans, ongoing efforts are defining how these proteins regulate vesicle trafficking within distinct neuronal compartments. Here, we review the Drosophila SYT family and examine their role in synaptic communication. Studies in this invertebrate model have revealed key similarities and several differences with the predicted activity of their mammalian counterparts. In addition, we highlight the remaining areas of uncertainty in the field and describe outstanding questions on how the SYT family regulates membrane trafficking at nerve terminals.
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32
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Yue J, Dai Q, Hao S, Zhu S, Liu X, Tang Z, Li M, Fang H, Lin C, Luo Z. Suppression of the NTS-CPS1 regulatory axis by AFF1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100319. [PMID: 33493519 PMCID: PMC7949158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the neuropeptide neurotensin (NTS) in a subgroup of lung cancers has been linked to poor prognosis. However, the regulatory pathway centered on NTS in lung cancer remains unclear. Here we identified the NTS-specific enhancer in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The AF4/FMR2 (AFF) family protein AFF1 occupies the NTS enhancer and inhibits NTS transcription. Clustering analysis of lung adenocarcinoma gene expression data demonstrated that NTS expression is highly positively correlated with the expression of the oncogenic factor CPS1. Detailed analyses demonstrated that the IL6 pathway antagonizes NTS in regulating CPS1. Thus, our analyses revealed a novel NTS-centered regulatory axis, consisting of AFF1 as a master transcription suppressor and IL6 as an antagonist in lung adenocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Yue
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Dai
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaohua Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiqi Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqun Tang
- Singapore Eye research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitong Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengqi Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Zhuojuan Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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33
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Disentangling the Roles of RIM and Munc13 in Synaptic Vesicle Localization and Neurotransmission. J Neurosci 2020; 40:9372-9385. [PMID: 33139401 PMCID: PMC7724145 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1922-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminal requires docking of synaptic vesicles to the active zone membrane and formation of fusion-competent synaptic vesicles near voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Rab3-interacting molecule (RIM) is a critical active zone organizer, as it recruits Ca2+ channels and activates synaptic vesicle docking and priming via Munc13-1. However, our knowledge about Munc13-independent contributions of RIM to active zone functions is limited. To identify the functions that are solely mediated by RIM, we used genetic manipulations to control RIM and Munc13-1 activity in cultured hippocampal neurons from mice of either sex and compared synaptic ultrastructure and neurotransmission. We found that RIM modulates synaptic vesicle localization in the proximity of the active zone membrane independent of Munc13-1. In another step, both RIM and Munc13 mediate synaptic vesicle docking and priming. In addition, while the activity of both RIM and Munc13-1 is required for Ca2+-evoked release, RIM uniquely controls neurotransmitter release efficiency. However, activity-dependent augmentation of synaptic vesicle pool size relies exclusively on the action of Munc13s. Based on our results, we extend previous findings and propose a refined model in which RIM and Munc13-1 act in overlapping and independent stages of synaptic vesicle localization and release. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The presynaptic active zone is composed of scaffolding proteins that functionally interact to localize synaptic vesicles to release sites, ensuring neurotransmission. Our current knowledge of the presynaptic active zone function relies on structure-function analysis, which has provided detailed information on the network of interactions and the impact of active zone proteins. Yet, the hierarchical, redundant, or independent cooperation of each active zone protein to synapse functions is not fully understood. Rab3-interacting molecule and Munc13 are the two key functionally interacting active zone proteins. Here, we dissected the distinct actions of Rab3-interacting molecule and Munc13-1 from both ultrastructural and physiological aspects. Our findings provide a more detailed view of how these two presynaptic proteins orchestrate their functions to achieve synaptic transmission.
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Li L, Liu H, Hall Q, Wang W, Yu Y, Kaplan JM, Hu Z. A Hyperactive Form of unc-13 Enhances Ca 2+ Sensitivity and Synaptic Vesicle Release Probability in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2979-2995.e4. [PMID: 31509756 PMCID: PMC6779330 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Munc13 proteins play several roles in regulating shortterm synaptic plasticity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here we report that C. elegans UNC-13L, a Munc13-1 ortholog, has three domains that inhibit synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. These include the X (sequence between C2A and C1), C1, and C2B domains. Deleting all three inhibitory domains produces a hyperactive UNC-13 (sUNC-13) that exhibits dramatically increased neurotransmitter release, Ca2+ sensitivity of release, and release probability. The vesicular pool in unc-13 mutants rescued by sUNC-13 exhibits a faster synaptic recovery and replenishment rate, demonstrating an important role of sUNC-13 in regulating synaptic plasticity. Analysis of double mutants suggests that sUNC-13 enhances tonic release by increasing the open probability of UNC-64/syntaxin-1A, whereas its effects on evoked release appear to be mediated by additional functions, presumably by further regulating the activity of the assembled soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor activating protein receptor (SNARE) complex. Li et al. identify three domains in UNC-13L that inhibit neurotransmitter release. Removal of the three inhibitory domains produces a hyperactive UNC-13 that dramatically increases Ca2+ sensitivity and release probability of vesicle exocytosis by opening syntaxin in a highly efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Qi Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yi Yu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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35
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Ginger L, Malsam J, Sonnen AFP, Morado D, Scheutzow A, Söllner TH, Briggs JAG. Arrangements of proteins at reconstituted synaptic vesicle fusion sites depend on membrane separation. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3450-3463. [PMID: 32860428 PMCID: PMC7711843 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins, including N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), Synaptotagmin‐1 and Complexin, are responsible for controlling the synchronised fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane in response to elevated cytosolic calcium levels. A range of structures of SNAREs and their regulatory proteins have been elucidated, but the exact organisation of these proteins at synaptic junction membranes remains elusive. Here, we have used cryoelectron tomography to investigate the arrangement of synaptic proteins in an in vitro reconstituted fusion system. We found that the separation between vesicle and target membranes strongly correlates with the organisation of protein complexes at junctions. At larger membrane separations, protein complexes assume a ‘clustered’ distribution at the docking site, inducing a protrusion in the target membrane. As the membrane separation decreases, protein complexes become displaced radially outwards and assume a ‘ring‐like’ arrangement. Our findings indicate that docked vesicles can possess a wide range of protein complex numbers and be heterogeneous in their protein arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Ginger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joerg Malsam
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas F-P Sonnen
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - John A G Briggs
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.,Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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36
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You Y, Das J. Effect of ethanol on Munc13-1 C1 in Membrane: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1344-1355. [PMID: 32424866 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14363] [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: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EtOH has a significant effect on synaptic plasticity. Munc13-1 is an essential presynaptic active zone protein involved in priming the synaptic vesicle and releasing neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a peripheral membrane protein and binds to the activator, diacylglycerol (DAG)/phorbol ester at its membrane-targeting C1 domain. Our previous studies identified Glu-582 of C1 domain as the alcohol-binding residue (Das, J. et al, J. Neurochem., 126, 715-726, 2013). METHODS Here, we describe a 250 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study on the interaction of EtOH and the activator-bound Munc13-1 C1 in the presence of varying concentrations of phosphatidylserine (PS). RESULTS In this study, Munc13-1 C1 shows higher conformational stability in EtOH than in water. It forms fewer hydrogen bonds with phorbol 13-acetate in the presence of EtOH than in water. EtOH also affected the interaction between the protein and the membrane and between the activator and the membrane. Similar studies in a E582A mutant suggest that these effects of EtOH are mostly mediated through Glu-582. CONCLUSIONS EtOH forms hydrogen bonds with Glu-582. While occupancy of the EtOH molecules at the vicinity (4Å) of Glu-582 is 34.4%, the occupancy in the E582A mutant is 26.5% of the simulation time. In addition, the amount of PS in the membrane influences the conformational stability of the C1 domain and interactions in the ternary complex. This study is important in providing the structural basis of EtOH's effects on synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngki You
- From the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joydip Das
- From the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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37
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Verhage M, Sørensen JB. SNAREopathies: Diversity in Mechanisms and Symptoms. Neuron 2020; 107:22-37. [PMID: 32559416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal SNAREs and their key regulators together drive synaptic vesicle exocytosis and synaptic transmission as a single integrated membrane fusion machine. Human pathogenic mutations have now been reported for all eight core components, but patients are diagnosed with very different neurodevelopmental syndromes. We propose to unify these syndromes, based on etiology and mechanism, as "SNAREopathies." Here, we review the strikingly diverse clinical phenomenology and disease severity and the also remarkably diverse genetic mechanisms. We argue that disease severity generally scales with functional redundancy and, conversely, that the large effect of mutations in some SNARE genes is the price paid for extensive integration and exceptional specialization. Finally, we discuss how subtle differences in components being rate limiting in different types of neurons helps to explain the main symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Verhage
- Department of Functional Genomics, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, UMC Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
| | - Jakob B Sørensen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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38
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Assembly of the presynaptic active zone. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 63:95-103. [PMID: 32403081 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In a presynaptic nerve terminal, the active zone is composed of sophisticated protein machinery that enables secretion on a submillisecond time scale and precisely targets it toward postsynaptic receptors. The past two decades have provided deep insight into the roles of active zone proteins in exocytosis, but we are only beginning to understand how a neuron assembles active zone protein complexes into effective molecular machines. In this review, we outline the fundamental processes that are necessary for active zone assembly and discuss recent advances in understanding assembly mechanisms that arise from genetic, morphological and biochemical studies. We further outline the challenges ahead for understanding this important problem.
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Munc13-1 MUN domain and Munc18-1 cooperatively chaperone SNARE assembly through a tetrameric complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:1036-1041. [PMID: 31888993 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914361117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Munc13-1 is a large multifunctional protein essential for synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. Its dysfunction has been linked to many neurological disorders. Evidence suggests that the MUN domain of Munc13-1 collaborates with Munc18-1 to initiate SNARE assembly, thereby priming vesicles for fast calcium-triggered vesicle fusion. The underlying molecular mechanism, however, is poorly understood. Recently, it was found that Munc18-1 catalyzes neuronal SNARE assembly through an obligate template complex intermediate containing Munc18-1 and 2 SNARE proteins-syntaxin 1 and VAMP2. Here, using single-molecule force spectroscopy, we discovered that the MUN domain of Munc13-1 stabilizes the template complex by ∼2.1 kBT. The MUN-bound template complex enhances SNAP-25 binding to the templated SNAREs and subsequent full SNARE assembly. Mutational studies suggest that the MUN-bound template complex is functionally important for SNARE assembly and neurotransmitter release. Taken together, our observations provide a potential molecular mechanism by which Munc13-1 and Munc18-1 cooperatively chaperone SNARE folding and assembly, thereby regulating synaptic vesicle fusion.
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40
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Das J. SNARE Complex-Associated Proteins and Alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 44:7-18. [PMID: 31724225 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol addiction causes major health problems throughout the world, causing numerous deaths and incurring a huge economic burden to society. To develop an intervention for alcohol addiction, it is necessary to identify molecular target(s) of alcohol and associated molecular mechanisms of alcohol action. The functions of many central and peripheral synapses are impacted by low concentrations of ethanol (EtOH). While the postsynaptic targets and mechanisms are studied extensively, there are limited studies on the presynaptic targets and mechanisms. This article is an endeavor in this direction, focusing on the effect of EtOH on the presynaptic proteins associated with the neurotransmitter release machinery. Studies on the effects of EtOH at the levels of gene, protein, and behavior are highlighted in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Das
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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41
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Brockmann MM, Maglione M, Willmes CG, Stumpf A, Bouazza BA, Velasquez LM, Grauel MK, Beed P, Lehmann M, Gimber N, Schmoranzer J, Sigrist SJ, Rosenmund C, Schmitz D. RIM-BP2 primes synaptic vesicles via recruitment of Munc13-1 at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. eLife 2019; 8:43243. [PMID: 31535974 PMCID: PMC6752948 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
All synapses require fusion-competent vesicles and coordinated Ca2+-secretion coupling for neurotransmission, yet functional and anatomical properties are diverse across different synapse types. We show that the presynaptic protein RIM-BP2 has diversified functions in neurotransmitter release at different central murine synapses and thus contributes to synaptic diversity. At hippocampal pyramidal CA3-CA1 synapses, RIM-BP2 loss has a mild effect on neurotransmitter release, by only regulating Ca2+-secretion coupling. However, at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses, RIM-BP2 has a substantial impact on neurotransmitter release by promoting vesicle docking/priming and vesicular release probability via stabilization of Munc13-1 at the active zone. We suggest that differences in the active zone organization may dictate the role a protein plays in synaptic transmission and that differences in active zone architecture is a major determinant factor in the functional diversity of synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa M Brockmann
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Stumpf
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Boris A Bouazza
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura M Velasquez
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Katharina Grauel
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Prateep Beed
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Niclas Gimber
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany.,DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany.,DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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42
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Held RG, Kaeser PS. ELKS active zone proteins as multitasking scaffolds for secretion. Open Biol 2019; 8:rsob.170258. [PMID: 29491150 PMCID: PMC5830537 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle exocytosis relies on the tethering of release ready vesicles close to voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and specific lipids at the future site of fusion. This enables rapid and efficient neurotransmitter secretion during presynaptic depolarization by an action potential. Extensive research has revealed that this tethering is mediated by an active zone, a protein dense structure that is attached to the presynaptic plasma membrane and opposed to postsynaptic receptors. Although roles of individual active zone proteins in exocytosis are in part understood, the molecular mechanisms that hold the protein scaffold at the active zone together and link it to the presynaptic plasma membrane have remained unknown. This is largely due to redundancy within and across scaffolding protein families at the active zone. Recent studies, however, have uncovered that ELKS proteins, also called ERC, Rab6IP2 or CAST, act as active zone scaffolds redundant with RIMs. This redundancy has led to diverse synaptic phenotypes in studies of ELKS knockout mice, perhaps because different synapses rely to a variable extent on scaffolding redundancy. In this review, we first evaluate the need for presynaptic scaffolding, and we then discuss how the diverse synaptic and non-synaptic functional roles of ELKS support the hypothesis that ELKS provides molecular scaffolding for organizing vesicle traffic at the presynaptic active zone and in other cellular compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Held
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pascal S Kaeser
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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43
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Ugur B, Bao H, Stawarski M, Duraine LR, Zuo Z, Lin YQ, Neely GG, Macleod GT, Chapman ER, Bellen HJ. The Krebs Cycle Enzyme Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 3A Couples Mitochondrial Metabolism to Synaptic Transmission. Cell Rep 2019; 21:3794-3806. [PMID: 29281828 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmission is a tightly regulated Ca2+-dependent process. Upon Ca2+ influx, Synaptotagmin1 (Syt1) promotes fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) with the plasma membrane. This requires regulation at multiple levels, but the role of metabolites in SV release is unclear. Here, we uncover a role for isocitrate dehydrogenase 3a (idh3a), a Krebs cycle enzyme, in neurotransmission. Loss of idh3a leads to a reduction of the metabolite, alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG), causing defects in synaptic transmission similar to the loss of syt1. Supplementing idh3a flies with αKG suppresses these defects through an ATP or neurotransmitter-independent mechanism. Indeed, αKG, but not glutamate, enhances Syt1-dependent fusion in a reconstitution assay. αKG promotes interaction between the C2-domains of Syt1 and phospholipids. The data reveal conserved metabolic regulation of synaptic transmission via αKG. Our studies provide a synaptic role for αKG, a metabolite that has been proposed as a treatment for aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrak Ugur
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huan Bao
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Michal Stawarski
- Department of Biological Sciences and Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Lita R Duraine
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongyuan Zuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Qi Lin
- The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - G Gregory Neely
- The Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gregory T Macleod
- Department of Biological Sciences and Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Edwin R Chapman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 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; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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44
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Liu H, Li L, Nedelcu D, Hall Q, Zhou L, Wang W, Yu Y, Kaplan JM, Hu Z. Heterodimerization of UNC-13/RIM regulates synaptic vesicle release probability but not priming in C. elegans. eLife 2019; 8:40585. [PMID: 30802206 PMCID: PMC6389284 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-13 proteins play an essential role in synaptic transmission by recruiting synaptic vesicles (SVs) to become available for release, which is termed SV priming. Here we show that the C2A domain of UNC-13L, like the corresponding domain in mammalian Munc13-1, displays two conserved binding modes: forming C2A/C2A homodimers, or forming a heterodimer with the zinc finger domain of UNC-10/RIM (C2A/RIM). Functional analysis revealed that UNC-13L’s C2A promotes synaptic transmission by regulating a post-priming process. Stimulus-evoked release but not SV priming, was impaired in unc-10 mutants deficient for C2A/RIM heterodimerization, leading to decreased release probability. Disrupting C2A/C2A homodimerization in UNC-13L-rescued animals had no effect on synaptic transmission, but fully restored the evoked release and the release probability of unc-10/RIM mutants deficient for C2A/RIM heterodimerization. Thus, our results support the model that RIM binding C2A releases UNC-13L from an autoinhibitory homodimeric complex to become fusion-competent by functioning as a switch only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Liu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lei Li
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daniel Nedelcu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Qi Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Lijun Zhou
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yi Yu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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45
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Unc13: a multifunctional synaptic marvel. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 57:17-25. [PMID: 30690332 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nervous systems are built on synaptic connections, and our understanding of these complex compartments has deepened over the past quarter century as the diverse fields of genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and biochemistry each made significant in-roads into synaptic function. On the presynaptic side, an evolutionarily conserved core fusion apparatus constructed from a handful of proteins has emerged, with Unc13 serving as a hub that coordinates nearly every aspect of synaptic transmission. This review briefly highlights recent studies on diverse aspects of Unc13 function including roles in SNARE assembly and quality control, release site building, calcium channel proximity, and short-term synaptic plasticity.
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46
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Prinslow EA, Stepien KP, Pan YZ, Xu J, Rizo J. Multiple factors maintain assembled trans-SNARE complexes in the presence of NSF and αSNAP. eLife 2019; 8:38880. [PMID: 30657450 PMCID: PMC6353594 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release requires formation of trans-SNARE complexes between the synaptic vesicle and plasma membranes, which likely underlies synaptic vesicle priming to a release-ready state. It is unknown whether Munc18-1, Munc13-1, complexin-1 and synaptotagmin-1 are important for priming because they mediate trans-SNARE complex assembly and/or because they prevent trans-SNARE complex disassembly by NSF-αSNAP, which can lead to de-priming. Here we show that trans-SNARE complex formation in the presence of NSF-αSNAP requires both Munc18-1 and Munc13-1, as proposed previously, and is facilitated by synaptotagmin-1. Our data also show that Munc18-1, Munc13-1, complexin-1 and likely synaptotagmin-1 contribute to maintaining assembled trans-SNARE complexes in the presence of NSF-αSNAP. We propose a model whereby Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 are critical not only for mediating vesicle priming but also for precluding de-priming by preventing trans-SNARE complex disassembly; in this model, complexin-1 also impairs de-priming, while synaptotagmin-1 may assist in priming and hinder de-priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Prinslow
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Karolina P Stepien
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Yun-Zu Pan
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Junjie Xu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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47
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Abstract
Modulation of neurotransmitter exocytosis by activated Gi/o coupled G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) is a universal regulatory mechanism used both to avoid overstimulation and to influence circuitry. One of the known modulation mechanisms is the interaction between Gβγ and the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNAREs). There are 5 Gβ and 12 Gγ subunits, but specific Gβγs activated by a given GPCR and the specificity to effectors, such as SNARE, in vivo are not known. Although less studied, Gβγ binding to the exocytic fusion machinery (i.e. SNARE) provides a more direct regulatory mechanism for neurotransmitter release. Here, we review some recent insights in the architecture of the synaptic terminal, modulation of synaptic transmission, and implications of G protein modulation of synaptic transmission in diseases. Numerous presynaptic proteins are involved in the architecture of synaptic terminals, particularly the active zone, and their importance in the regulation of exocytosis is still not completely understood. Further understanding of the Gβγ-SNARE interaction and the architecture and mechanisms of exocytosis may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to help patients with various disorders such as hypertension, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and acute/chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Young Yim
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville 37232-6600, TN, United States
| | - Zack Zurawski
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville 37232-6600, TN, United States
| | - Heidi Hamm
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville 37232-6600, TN, United States.
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48
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Ortega JM, Genç Ö, Davis GW. Molecular mechanisms that stabilize short term synaptic plasticity during presynaptic homeostatic plasticity. eLife 2018; 7:40385. [PMID: 30422113 PMCID: PMC6250423 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic homeostatic plasticity (PHP) compensates for impaired postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor function through a rapid, persistent adjustment of neurotransmitter release, an effect that can exceed 200%. An unexplained property of PHP is the preservation of short-term plasticity (STP), thereby stabilizing activity-dependent synaptic information transfer. We demonstrate that the dramatic potentiation of presynaptic release during PHP is achieved while simultaneously maintaining a constant ratio of primed to super-primed synaptic vesicles, thereby preserving STP. Mechanistically, genetic, biochemical and electrophysiological evidence argue that a constant ratio of primed to super-primed synaptic vesicles is achieved by the concerted action of three proteins: Unc18, Syntaxin1A and RIM. Our data support a model based on the regulated availability of Unc18 at the presynaptic active zone, a process that is restrained by Syntaxin1A and facilitated by RIM. As such, regulated vesicle priming/super-priming enables PHP to stabilize both synaptic gain and the activity-dependent transfer of information at a synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Ortega
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Özgür Genç
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Graeme W Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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49
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Böhme MA, Grasskamp AT, Walter AM. Regulation of synaptic release-site Ca 2+ channel coupling as a mechanism to control release probability and short-term plasticity. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:3516-3531. [PMID: 29993122 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic transmission relies on the rapid fusion of neurotransmitter-containing synaptic vesicles (SVs), which happens in response to action potential (AP)-induced Ca2+ influx at active zones (AZs). A highly conserved molecular machinery cooperates at SV-release sites to mediate SV plasma membrane attachment and maturation, Ca2+ sensing, and membrane fusion. Despite this high degree of conservation, synapses - even within the same organism, organ or neuron - are highly diverse regarding the probability of APs to trigger SV fusion. Additionally, repetitive activation can lead to either strengthening or weakening of transmission. In this review, we discuss mechanisms controlling release probability and this short-term plasticity. We argue that an important layer of control is exerted by evolutionarily conserved AZ scaffolding proteins, which determine the coupling distance between SV fusion sites and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and, thereby, shape synapse-specific input/output behaviors. We propose that AZ-scaffold modifications may occur to adapt the coupling distance during synapse maturation and plastic regulation of synapse strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias A Böhme
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
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50
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Zhu YH, Hyun J, Pan YZ, Hopper JE, Rizo J, Wu JQ. Roles of the fission yeast UNC-13/Munc13 protein Ync13 in late stages of cytokinesis. Mol Biol Cell 2018; 29:2259-2279. [PMID: 30044717 PMCID: PMC6249806 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-04-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis is a complicated yet conserved step of the cell-division cycle that requires the coordination of multiple proteins and cellular processes. Here we describe a previously uncharacterized protein, Ync13, and its roles during fission yeast cytokinesis. Ync13 is a member of the UNC-13/Munc13 protein family, whose animal homologues are essential priming factors for soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex assembly during exocytosis in various cell types, but no roles in cytokinesis have been reported. We find that Ync13 binds to lipids in vitro and dynamically localizes to the plasma membrane at cell tips during interphase and at the division site during cytokinesis. Deletion of Ync13 leads to defective septation and exocytosis, uneven distribution of cell-wall enzymes and components of cell-wall integrity pathway along the division site and massive cell lysis during cell separation. Interestingly, loss of Ync13 compromises endocytic site selection at the division plane. Collectively, we find that Ync13 has a novel function as an UNC-13/Munc13 protein in coordinating exocytosis, endocytosis, and cell-wall integrity during fission yeast cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hua Zhu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Joanne Hyun
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Yun-Zu Pan
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - James E Hopper
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Jian-Qiu Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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