1
|
Jiang Q, Zou W, Li S, Qiu X, Zhu L, Kang L, Müller U. Sequence variations and accessory proteins adapt TMC functions to distinct sensory modalities. Neuron 2024; 112:2922-2937.e8. [PMID: 38986620 PMCID: PMC11377162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are expressed throughout the animal kingdom and are thought to encode components of ion channels. Mammals express eight TMCs (mTMC1-8), two of which (mTMC1 and mTMC2) are subunits of mechanotransduction channels. C. elegans expresses two TMCs (TMC-1 and TMC-2), which mediate mechanosensation, egg laying, and alkaline sensing. The mechanisms by which nematode TMCs contribute to such diverse physiological processes and their functional relationship to mammalian mTMCs is unclear. Here, we show that association with accessory proteins tunes nematode TMC-1 to divergent sensory functions. In addition, distinct TMC-1 domains enable touch and alkaline sensing. Strikingly, these domains are segregated in mammals between mTMC1 and mTMC3. Consistent with these findings, mammalian mTMC1 can mediate mechanosensation in nematodes, while mTMC3 can mediate alkaline sensation. We conclude that sequence diversification and association with accessory proteins has led to the emergence of TMC protein complexes with diverse properties and physiological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Jiang
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Wenjuan Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shitian Li
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Xufeng Qiu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Linhui Zhu
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China.
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu K, Zhang Y, Ding F, Yang D, Yu Y, Yu Y, Wang Q, Baoyin H. Innate Orientating Behavior of a Multi-Legged Robot Driven by the Neural Circuits of C. elegans. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:314. [PMID: 38921194 PMCID: PMC11201571 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9060314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research is to achieve biologically autonomous control by utilizing a whole-brain network model, drawing inspiration from biological neural networks to enhance the development of bionic intelligence. Here, we constructed a whole-brain neural network model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which characterizes the electrochemical processes at the level of the cellular synapses. The neural network simulation integrates computational programming and the visualization of the neurons and synapse connections of C. elegans, containing the specific controllable circuits and their dynamic characteristics. To illustrate the biological neural network (BNN)'s particular intelligent control capability, we introduced an innovative methodology for applying the BNN model to a 12-legged robot's movement control. Two methods were designed, one involving orientation control and the other involving locomotion generation, to demonstrate the intelligent control performance of the BNN. Both the simulation and experimental results indicate that the robot exhibits more autonomy and a more intelligent movement performance under BNN control. The systematic approach of employing the whole-brain BNN for robot control provides biomimetic research with a framework that has been substantiated by innovative methodologies and validated through the observed positive outcomes. This method is established as follows: (1) two integrated dynamic models of the C. elegans' whole-brain network and the robot moving dynamics are built, and all of the controllable circuits are discovered and verified; (2) real-time communication is achieved between the BNN model and the robot's dynamical model, both in the simulation and the experiments, including applicable encoding and decoding algorithms, facilitating their collaborative operation; (3) the designed mechanisms using the BNN model to control the robot are shown to be effective through numerical and experimental tests, focusing on 'foraging' behavior control and locomotion control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangxin Hu
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.Z.); (H.B.)
| | - Fei Ding
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Dun Yang
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Ying Yu
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Qingyun Wang
- School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; (K.H.); (F.D.); (D.Y.); (Y.Y.); (Q.W.)
| | - Hexi Baoyin
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.Z.); (H.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Purice MD, Severs LJ, Singhvi A. Glia in Invertebrate Models: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:19-49. [PMID: 39190070 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_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: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Glial cells modulate brain development, function, and health across all bilaterian animals, and studies in the past two decades have made rapid strides to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms of glial functions. The nervous system of the invertebrate genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has small cell numbers with invariant lineages, mapped connectome, easy genetic manipulation, and a short lifespan, and the animal is also optically transparent. These characteristics are revealing C. elegans to be a powerful experimental platform for studying glial biology. This chapter discusses studies in C. elegans that add to our understanding of how glia modulate adult neural functions, and thereby animal behaviors, as well as emerging evidence of their roles as autonomous sensory cells. The rapid molecular and cellular advancements in understanding C. elegans glia in recent years underscore the utility of this model in studies of glial biology. We conclude with a perspective on future research avenues for C. elegans glia that may readily contribute molecular mechanistic insights into glial functions in the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Purice
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Liza J Severs
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aakanksha Singhvi
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tolstenkov O, Chatzigeorgiou M, Gorbushin A. Neuronal gene expression in two generations of the marine parasitic worm, Cryptocotyle lingua. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1279. [PMID: 38110640 PMCID: PMC10728431 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05675-4] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trematodes, or flukes, undergo intricate anatomical and behavioral transformations during their life cycle, yet the functional changes in their nervous system remain poorly understood. We investigated the molecular basis of nervous system function in Cryptocotyle lingua, a species of relevance for fisheries. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a streamlined molecular toolkit with the absence of key signaling pathways and ion channels. Notably, we observed the loss of nitric oxide synthase across the Platyhelminthes. Furthermore, we identified upregulated neuronal genes in dispersal larvae, including those involved in aminergic pathways, synaptic vesicle trafficking, TRPA channels, and surprisingly nitric oxide receptors. Using neuronal markers and in situ hybridization, we hypothesized their functional relevance to larval adaptations and host-finding strategies. Additionally, employing a behavior quantification toolkit, we assessed cercaria motility, facilitating further investigations into the behavior and physiology of parasitic flatworms. This study enhances our understanding of trematode neurobiology and provides insights for targeted antiparasitic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Gorbushin
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, St Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang RQ, Chen YH, Wu QY, Tang J, Niu SZ, Zhao Q, Ma YC, Zou CG. Indole produced during dysbiosis mediates host-microorganism chemical communication. eLife 2023; 12:e85362. [PMID: 37987602 PMCID: PMC10691800 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85362] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance of the gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, has a substantial impact on host physiology. However, the mechanism by which host deals with gut dysbiosis to maintain fitness remains largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, Escherichia coli, which is its bacterial diet, proliferates in its intestinal lumen during aging. Here, we demonstrate that progressive intestinal proliferation of E. coli activates the transcription factor DAF-16, which is required for maintenance of longevity and organismal fitness in worms with age. DAF-16 up-regulates two lysozymes lys-7 and lys-8, thus limiting the bacterial accumulation in the gut of worms during aging. During dysbiosis, the levels of indole produced by E. coli are increased in worms. Indole is involved in the activation of DAF-16 by TRPA-1 in neurons of worms. Our finding demonstrates that indole functions as a microbial signal of gut dysbiosis to promote fitness of the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qiu Yang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Yong-Hong Chen
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Qin-yi Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Sinomedicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese MedicineKunmingChina
| | - Jie Tang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeKunmingChina
| | - Shan-Zhuang Niu
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Qiu Zhao
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Yi-Cheng Ma
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Cheng-Gang Zou
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan UniversityKunmingChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kamkin AG, Kamkina OV, Kazansky VE, Mitrokhin VM, Bilichenko A, Nasedkina EA, Shileiko SA, Rodina AS, Zolotareva AD, Zolotarev VI, Sutyagin PV, Mladenov MI. Identification of RNA reads encoding different channels in isolated rat ventricular myocytes and the effect of cell stretching on L-type Ca 2+current. Biol Direct 2023; 18:70. [PMID: 37899484 PMCID: PMC10614344 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00427-0] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to identify transcripts of specific ion channels in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes and determine their potential role in the regulation of ionic currents in response to mechanical stimulation. The gene expression levels of various ion channels in freshly isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were investigated using the RNA-seq technique. We also measured changes in current through CaV1.2 channels under cell stretching using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. RESULTS Among channels that showed mechanosensitivity, significant amounts of TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 transcripts were found. We suppose that the recorded L-type Ca2+ current is probably expressed through CaV1.2. Furthermore, stretching cells by 6, 8, and 10 μm, which increases ISAC through the TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 channels, also decreased ICa,L through the CaV1.2 channels in K+ in/K+ out, Cs+ in/K+ out, K+ in/Cs+ out, and Cs+ in/Cs+ out solutions. The application of a nonspecific ISAC blocker, Gd3+, during cell stretching eliminated ISAC through nonselective cation channels and ICa,L through CaV1.2 channels. Since the response to Gd3+ was maintained in Cs+ in/Cs+ out solutions, we suggest that voltage-gated CaV1.2 channels in the ventricular myocytes of adult rats also exhibit mechanosensitive properties. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that TRPM7, TRPC1, and TRPM4 channels represent stretch-activated nonselective cation channels in rat ventricular myocytes. Probably the CaV1.2 channels in these cells exhibit mechanosensitive properties. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying stretch-induced responses in rat ventricular myocytes, which may have implications for understanding cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre G Kamkin
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Olga V Kamkina
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Viktor E Kazansky
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vadim M Mitrokhin
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey Bilichenko
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elizaveta A Nasedkina
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Stanislav A Shileiko
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasia S Rodina
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexandra D Zolotareva
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Valentin I Zolotarev
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Pavel V Sutyagin
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Mitko I Mladenov
- Department of Physiology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" University, Skopje, North, Macedonia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Hu J, Yin P, Liu L, Chen Y. Mechanotransduction in the urothelium: ATP signalling and mechanoreceptors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19427. [PMID: 37674847 PMCID: PMC10477517 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The urothelium, which covers the inner surface of the bladder, is continuously exposed to a complex physical environment where it is stimulated by, and responds to, a wide range of mechanical cues. Mechanically activated ion channels endow the urothelium with functioning in the conversion of mechanical stimuli into biochemical events that influence the surface of the urothelium itself as well as suburothelial tissues, including afferent nerve fibres, interstitial cells of Cajal and detrusor smooth muscle cells, to ensure normal urinary function during the cycle of filling and voiding. However, under prolonged and abnormal loading conditions, the urothelial sensory system can become maladaptive, leading to the development of bladder dysfunction. In this review, we summarize developments in the understanding of urothelial mechanotransduction from two perspectives: first, with regard to the functions of urothelial mechanotransduction, particularly stretch-mediated ATP signalling and the regulation of urothelial surface area; and secondly, with regard to the mechanoreceptors present in the urothelium, primarily transient receptor potential channels and mechanosensitive Piezo channels, and the potential pathophysiological role of these channels in the bladder. A more thorough understanding of urothelial mechanotransduction function may inspire the development of new therapeutic strategies for lower urinary tract diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ping Yin
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lumin Liu
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuelai Chen
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Li Y, Wei H, Yang Z, Luo R, Gao Y, Zhang W, Liu X, Sun L. Molecular architecture and gating mechanisms of the Drosophila TRPA1 channel. Cell Discov 2023; 9:36. [PMID: 37015924 PMCID: PMC10073219 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00527-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) ion channel is an evolutionary conserved polymodal sensor responding to noxious temperature or chemical stimuli. Notably, the thermosensitivity of TRPA1 varies among different species or even different isoforms in the same species. However, the underlying molecular basis of its thermo-gating remains largely unknown. Here, we determine the structures of a heat-sensitive isoform of TRPA1 in Drosophila melanogaster in two distinct conformations with cryo-samples prepared at 8 °C. Large conformational changes are observed in the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) and the coiled-coil domain between the two states. Remarkably, all 17 ankyrin repeats are mapped in the newly resolved conformation, forming a propeller-like architecture. Two intersubunit interfaces are identified in the amino (N)-terminal domain, and play vital roles during both heat and chemical activation as shown by electrophysiological analysis. With cryo-samples prepared at 35 °C, only one conformation is resolved, suggesting possible state transitions during heat responses. These findings provide a basis for further understanding how the ARD regulates channel functions, and insights into the gating mechanism of TRPA1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Yawen Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Zhisen Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Luo
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China.
| | - Linfeng Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Research Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences at the Microscale, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China.
- CAS Centre for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Naudin L, Raison-Aubry L, Buhry L. A general pattern of non-spiking neuron dynamics under the effect of potassium and calcium channel modifications. J Comput Neurosci 2023; 51:173-186. [PMID: 36371576 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-022-00840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrical activity of excitable cells results from ion exchanges through cell membranes, so that genetic or epigenetic changes in genes encoding ion channels are likely to affect neuronal electrical signaling throughout the brain. There is a large literature on the effect of variations in ion channels on the dynamics of spiking neurons that represent the main type of neurons found in the vertebrate nervous systems. Nevertheless, non-spiking neurons are also ubiquitous in many nervous tissues and play a critical role in the processing of some sensory systems. To our knowledge, however, how conductance variations affect the dynamics of non-spiking neurons has never been assessed. Based on experimental observations reported in the biological literature and on mathematical considerations, we first propose a phenotypic classification of non-spiking neurons. Then, we determine a general pattern of the phenotypic evolution of non-spiking neurons as a function of changes in calcium and potassium conductances. Furthermore, we study the homeostatic compensatory mechanisms of ion channels in a well-posed non-spiking retinal cone model. We show that there is a restricted range of ion conductance values for which the behavior and phenotype of the neuron are maintained. Finally, we discuss the implications of the phenotypic changes of individual cells at the level of neuronal network functioning of the C. elegans worm and the retina, which are two non-spiking nervous tissues composed of neurons with various phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loïs Naudin
- Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses Applications, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
| | - Laetitia Raison-Aubry
- Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses Applications, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Laure Buhry
- Laboratoire Lorrain de Recherche en Informatique et ses Applications, CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang L, Graziano B, Encalada N, Fernandez-Abascal J, Kaplan DH, Bianchi L. Glial regulators of ions and solutes required for specific chemosensory functions in Caenorhabditis elegans. iScience 2022; 25:105684. [PMID: 36567707 PMCID: PMC9772852 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia and accessory cells regulate the microenvironment around neurons and primary sensory cells. However, the impact of specific glial regulators of ions and solutes on functionally diverse primary cells is poorly understood. Here, we systemically investigate the requirement of ion channels and transporters enriched in Caenorhabditis elegans Amsh glia for the function of chemosensory neurons. Although Amsh glia ablated worms show reduced function of ASH, AWC, AWA, and ASE neurons, we show that the loss of glial enriched ion channels and transporters impacts these neurons differently, with nociceptor ASH being the most affected. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the importance of K+, Cl-, and nucleoside homeostasis in the Amphid sensory organ and uncovers the contribution of glial genes implicated in neurological disorders. Our findings build a unique fingerprint of each glial enriched ion channel and transporter and may provide insights into the function of supporting cells of mammalian sensory organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Bianca Graziano
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Nicole Encalada
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Daryn H. Kaplan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Rm 5133 Rosenstiel Building, 1600 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, FL33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang H, Tenorio Lopes L, Barioni NO, Roeske J, Incognito AV, Baker J, Raj SR, Wilson RJA. The molecular makeup of peripheral and central baroreceptors: stretching a role for Transient Receptor Potential (TRP), Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC), Acid Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC), and Piezo channels. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:3052-3070. [PMID: 34734981 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, immune, and thermoregulatory function. Homeostasis involves a variety of feedback mechanisms involving peripheral afferents, many of which contain molecular receptors sensitive to mechanical deformation, termed mechanosensors. Here, we focus on the molecular identity of mechanosensors involved in the baroreflex control of the cardiovascular system. Located within the walls of the aortic arch and carotid sinuses, and/or astrocytes in the brain, these mechanosensors are essential for the rapid moment-to-moment feedback regulation of blood pressure (BP). Growing evidence suggests that these mechanosensors form a co-existing system of peripheral and central baroreflexes. Despite the importance of these molecules in cardiovascular disease and decades of research, their precise molecular identity remains elusive. The uncertainty surrounding the identity of these mechanosensors presents a major challenge in understanding basic baroreceptor function and has hindered the development of novel therapeutic targets for conditions with known arterial baroreflex impairments. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to (i) provide a brief overview of arterial and central baroreflex control of BP, (ii) review classes of ion channels currently proposed as the baroreflex mechanosensor, namely Transient Receptor Potential (TRP), Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC), Acid Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC), and Piezo, along with additional molecular candidates that serve mechanotransduction in other organ systems, and (iii) summarize the potential clinical implications of impaired baroreceptor function in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Luana Tenorio Lopes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Nicole O Barioni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Jamie Roeske
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Anthony V Incognito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Jacquie Baker
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Richard J A Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gong J, Chen J, Gu P, Shang Y, Ruppell KT, Yang Y, Wang F, Wen Q, Xiang Y. Shear stress activates nociceptors to drive Drosophila mechanical nociception. Neuron 2022; 110:3727-3742.e8. [PMID: 36087585 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical nociception is essential for animal survival. However, the forces involved in nociceptor activation and the underlying mechanotransduction mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we address these problems by investigating nocifensive behavior in Drosophila larvae. We show that strong poking stimulates nociceptors with a mixture of forces including shear stress and stretch. Unexpectedly, nociceptors are selectively activated by shear stress, but not stretch. Both the shear stress responses of nociceptors and nocifensive behavior require transient receptor potential A1 (TrpA1), which is specifically expressed in nociceptors. We further demonstrate that expression of mammalian or Drosophila TrpA1 in heterologous cells confers responses to shear stress but not stretch. Finally, shear stress activates TrpA1 in a membrane-delimited manner, through modulation of membrane fluidity. Together, our study reveals TrpA1 as an evolutionarily conserved mechanosensitive channel specifically activated by shear stress and suggests a critical role of shear stress in activating nociceptors to drive mechanical nociception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Gong
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jiazhang Chen
- Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Pengyu Gu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ye Shang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kendra Takle Ruppell
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of Physics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sexually dimorphic architecture and function of a mechanosensory circuit in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6825. [PMID: 36369281 PMCID: PMC9652301 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34661-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
How sensory perception is processed by the two sexes of an organism is still only partially understood. Despite some evidence for sexual dimorphism in auditory and olfactory perception, whether touch is sensed in a dimorphic manner has not been addressed. Here we find that the neuronal circuit for tail mechanosensation in C. elegans is wired differently in the two sexes and employs a different combination of sex-shared sensory neurons and interneurons in each sex. Reverse genetic screens uncovered cell- and sex-specific functions of the alpha-tubulin mec-12 and the sodium channel tmc-1 in sensory neurons, and of the glutamate receptors nmr-1 and glr-1 in interneurons, revealing the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate tail mechanosensation. Moreover, we show that only in males, the sex-shared interneuron AVG is strongly activated by tail mechanical stimulation, and accordingly is crucial for their behavioral response. Importantly, sex reversal experiments demonstrate that the sexual identity of AVG determines both the behavioral output of the mechanosensory response and the molecular pathways controlling it. Our results present extensive sexual dimorphism in a mechanosensory circuit at both the cellular and molecular levels.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wheeler NJ, Hallem EA, Zamanian M. Making sense of sensory behaviors in vector-borne helminths. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:841-853. [PMID: 35931639 PMCID: PMC9481669 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Migrations performed by helminths are impressive and diverse, and accumulating evidence shows that many are controlled by sophisticated sensory programs. The migrations of vector-borne helminths are particularly complex, requiring precise, stage-specific regulation. We review the contrasting states of knowledge on snail-borne schistosomes and mosquito-borne filarial nematodes. Rich observational data exist for the chemosensory behaviors of schistosomes, while the molecular sensory pathways in nematodes are well described. Recent investigations on the molecular mechanisms of sensation in schistosomes and filarial nematodes have revealed some features conserved within their respective phyla, but adaptations correlated with parasitism are pronounced. Technological developments are likely to extend these advances, and we forecast how these technologies may be applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elissa A Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fernandez-Abascal J, Wang L, Graziano B, Johnson CK, Bianchi L. Exon-dependent transcriptional adaptation by exon-junction complex proteins Y14/RNP-4 and MAGOH/MAG-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010488. [PMID: 36315586 PMCID: PMC9648848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional adaptation is a powerful gene regulation mechanism that can increase genetic robustness. Transcriptional adaptation occurs when a gene is mutated and is mediated by the mutant RNA, rather than by protein feedback loops. We show here that transcriptional adaptation occurs in the C. elegans clh family of Cl- channels and that it requires exon-junction complex (EJC) proteins RNP-4, MAG-1, and eiF4AIII. Depending on which exons are deleted in distinct clh-1 alleles, different clh genes are regulated in an EJC-dependent manner. Our results support the idea that different transcriptional adaptation outcomes may be directed by the differential interaction of the EJC with its target mutant RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Lei Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Bianca Graziano
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Christina K. Johnson
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mechanosensitive body–brain interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102574. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
17
|
Fernandez-Abascal J, Bianchi L. A protocol for imaging calcium and chloride in C. elegans glia upon touch stimulation. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101282. [PMID: 35463465 PMCID: PMC9026654 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia are important for the function of touch receptors. Here, we present a protocol in Caenorhabditis elegans for calcium and chloride imaging in worm glia upon nose touch stimulation. We describe aspects of the procedure that are essential for data reproducibility, including worm immobilization, poking angle, and applied force. We then detail data processing and analysis of calcium and chloride transients in glia. This protocol can be used for other types of mechanical stimulations or for stimulation using odorants. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fernandez-Abascal et al., 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sekajova Z, Rosa E, Spagopoulou F, Zervakis P, Lind MI. Temperature‐induced compensatory growth in the nematode
C. elegans
is regulated by a thermosensitive
TRP
channel and influences reproductive rate. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Sekajova
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics Uppsala University 752 36 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Elena Rosa
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics Uppsala University 752 36 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Foteini Spagopoulou
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics Uppsala University 752 36 Uppsala Sweden
| | | | - Martin I. Lind
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics Uppsala University 752 36 Uppsala Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Choudhary S, Kashyap SS, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. Advances in our understanding of nematode ion channels as potential anthelmintic targets. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 18:52-86. [PMID: 35149380 PMCID: PMC8841521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels are specialized multimeric proteins that underlie cell excitability. These channels integrate with a variety of neuromuscular and biological functions. In nematodes, the physiological behaviors including locomotion, navigation, feeding and reproduction, are regulated by these protein entities. Majority of the antinematodal chemotherapeutics target the ion channels to disrupt essential biological functions. Here, we have summarized current advances in our understanding of nematode ion channel pharmacology. We review cys-loop ligand gated ion channels (LGICs), including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), acetylcholine-chloride gated ion channels (ACCs), glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls), and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) receptors, and other ionotropic receptors (transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and potassium ion channels). We have provided an update on the pharmacological properties of these channels from various nematodes. This article catalogs the differences in ion channel composition and resulting pharmacology in the phylum Nematoda. This diversity in ion channel subunit repertoire and pharmacology emphasizes the importance of pursuing species-specific drug target research. In this review, we have provided an overview of recent advances in techniques and functional assays available for screening ion channel properties and their application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Choudhary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Sudhanva S Kashyap
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang H, Gao S, Chen W. Automated recognition and analysis of head thrashes behavior in C. elegans. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:87. [PMID: 35255825 PMCID: PMC8903547 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Locomotive behaviors are a rapid evaluation indicator reflecting whether the nervous system of worms is damaged, and has been proved to be sensitive to chemical toxicity. In many toxicological studies, C. elegans head thrashes is a key indicator of locomotive behaviors to measure the vitality of worms. In previous studies, the number of head thrashes was manually counted, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Results This paper presents an automatic recognition and counting method for head thrashes behavior of worms from experimental videos. First, the image processing algorithm is designed for worm morphology features calculation, mean gray values of head and tail are used to locate the head of worm accurately. Next, the worm skeleton is extracted and divided into equal parts. The angle formulas are used to calculate the bending angle of the head of worm. Finally, the number of head thrashes is counted according to the bending angle of the head in each frame. The robustness of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing the counting results of the manual counting. It is proved that the proposed algorithm can recognize the occurrence of head thrashes of C. elegans of different strains. In addition, the difference of the head thrashes behavior of different worm strains is analyzed, it is proved that the relationship between worm head thrashes behavior and lifespan. Conclusions A new method is proposed to automatically count the number of head thrashes of worms. This algorithm makes it possible to count the number of head thrashes from the worm videos collected by the automatic tracking system. The proposed algorithm will play an important role in toxicological research and worm vitality research. The code is freely available at https://github.com/hthana/HTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Traceability Technologies for Food Poisoning, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Weiyang Chen
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Reeh PW, Fischer MJM. Nobel somatosensations and pain. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:405-420. [PMID: 35157132 PMCID: PMC8924131 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Nobel prices 2021 for Physiology and Medicine have been awarded to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian "for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch", TRPV1 and PIEZO1/2. The present review tells the past history of the capsaicin receptor, covers further selected TRP channels, TRPA1 in particular, and deals with mechanosensitivity in general and mechanical hyperalgesia in particular. Other achievements of the laureates and translational aspects of their work are shortly treated.
Collapse
|
22
|
Fernandez-Abascal J, Johnson CK, Graziano B, Wang L, Encalada N, Bianchi L. A glial ClC Cl - channel mediates nose touch responses in C. elegans. Neuron 2022; 110:470-485.e7. [PMID: 34861150 PMCID: PMC8813913 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In touch receptors, glia and accessory cells play a key role in mechanosensation. However, the mechanisms underlying such regulation are poorly understood. We show, for the first time, that the chloride channel CLH-1 is needed in glia of C. elegans nose touch receptors for touch responses and for regulation of excitability. Using in vivo Ca2+ and Cl- imaging, behavioral assays, and combined genetic and pharmacological manipulations, we show that CLH-1 mediates Cl- flux needed for glial GABA inhibition of ASH sensory neuron function and for regulation of cyclic AMP levels in ASH neurons. Finally, we show that the rat ClC-2 channel rescues the clh-1 nose-touch-insensitive phenotype, underscoring conservation of function across species. Our work identifies a glial Cl- channel as a novel regulator of touch sensitivity. We propose that glial CLH-1 regulates the interplay between Ca2+ and cAMP signaling in ASH neurons to control the sensitivity of the worm's nose touch receptors.
Collapse
|
23
|
Lezama-García K, Mota-Rojas D, Pereira AMF, Martínez-Burnes J, Ghezzi M, Domínguez A, Gómez J, de Mira Geraldo A, Lendez P, Hernández-Ávalos I, Falcón I, Olmos-Hernández A, Wang D. Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) and Thermoregulation in Animals: Structural Biology and Neurophysiological Aspects. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:106. [PMID: 35011212 PMCID: PMC8749608 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents and analyzes recent scientific findings on the structure, physiology, and neurotransmission mechanisms of transient receptor potential (TRP) and their function in the thermoregulation of mammals. The aim is to better understand the functionality of these receptors and their role in maintaining the temperature of animals, or those susceptible to thermal stress. The majority of peripheral receptors are TRP cation channels formed from transmembrane proteins that function as transductors through changes in the membrane potential. TRP are classified into seven families and two groups. The data gathered for this review include controversial aspects because we do not fully know the mechanisms that operate the opening and closing of the TRP gates. Deductions, however, suggest the intervention of mechanisms related to G protein-coupled receptors, dephosphorylation, and ligands. Several questions emerge from the review as well. For example, the future uses of these data for controlling thermoregulatory disorders and the invitation to researchers to conduct more extensive studies to broaden our understanding of these mechanisms and achieve substantial advances in controlling fever, hyperthermia, and hypothermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lezama-García
- PhD Program in Biological and Health Sciences, [Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud], Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Production, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.); (J.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Alfredo M. F. Pereira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (A.M.F.P.); (A.d.M.G.)
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico;
| | - Marcelo Ghezzi
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Research Center (CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CONICET-CICPBA, Arroyo Seco S/N, Tandil 7000, Argentina; (M.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Adriana Domínguez
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Production, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.); (J.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Jocelyn Gómez
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Production, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.); (J.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Ana de Mira Geraldo
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal; (A.M.F.P.); (A.d.M.G.)
| | - Pamela Lendez
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Research Center (CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), CONICET-CICPBA, Arroyo Seco S/N, Tandil 7000, Argentina; (M.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlan Izcalli 54714, Mexico;
| | - Isabel Falcón
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Production, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.); (J.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Dehua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Britz S, Markert SM, Witvliet D, Steyer AM, Tröger S, Mulcahy B, Kollmannsberger P, Schwab Y, Zhen M, Stigloher C. Structural Analysis of the Caenorhabditis elegans Dauer Larval Anterior Sensilla by Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:732520. [PMID: 34819841 PMCID: PMC8607169 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.732520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At the end of the first larval stage, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans developing in harsh environmental conditions is able to choose an alternative developmental path called the dauer diapause. Dauer larvae exhibit different physiology and behaviors from non-dauer larvae. Using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), we volumetrically reconstructed the anterior sensory apparatus of C. elegans dauer larvae with unprecedented precision. We provide a detailed description of some neurons, focusing on structural details that were unknown or unresolved by previously published studies. They include the following: (1) dauer-specific branches of the IL2 sensory neurons project into the periphery of anterior sensilla and motor or putative sensory neurons at the sub-lateral cords; (2) ciliated endings of URX sensory neurons are supported by both ILso and AMso socket cells near the amphid openings; (3) variability in amphid sensory dendrites among dauers; and (4) somatic RIP interneurons maintain their projection into the pharyngeal nervous system. Our results support the notion that dauer larvae structurally expand their sensory system to facilitate searching for more favorable environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Britz
- Imaging Core Facility of the Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Matthias Markert
- Imaging Core Facility of the Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Witvliet
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Maria Steyer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Tröger
- Imaging Core Facility of the Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ben Mulcahy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yannick Schwab
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mei Zhen
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Physiology and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christian Stigloher
- Imaging Core Facility of the Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Julius-Maximilians-University, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Filipowicz A, Lalsiamthara J, Aballay A. TRPM channels mediate learned pathogen avoidance following intestinal distention. eLife 2021; 10:65935. [PMID: 34032213 PMCID: PMC8177887 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65935] [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: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon exposure to harmful microorganisms, hosts engage in protective molecular and behavioral immune responses, both of which are ultimately regulated by the nervous system. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that ingestion of Enterococcus faecalis leads to a fast pathogen avoidance behavior that results in aversive learning. We have identified multiple sensory mechanisms involved in the regulation of avoidance of E. faecalis. The G-protein coupled receptor NPR-1-dependent oxygen-sensing pathway opposes this avoidance behavior, while an ASE neuron-dependent pathway and an AWB and AWC neuron-dependent pathway are directly required for avoidance. Colonization of the anterior part of the intestine by E. faecalis leads to AWB and AWC mediated olfactory aversive learning. Finally, two transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels, GON-2 and GTL-2, mediate this newly described rapid pathogen avoidance. These results suggest a mechanism by which TRPM channels may sense the intestinal distension caused by bacterial colonization to elicit pathogen avoidance and aversive learning by detecting changes in host physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Filipowicz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Jonathan Lalsiamthara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Alejandro Aballay
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lemaire LA, Cao C, Yoon PH, Long J, Levine M. The hypothalamus predates the origin of vertebrates. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/18/eabf7452. [PMID: 33910896 PMCID: PMC8081355 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf7452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus coordinates neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates. To explore its evolutionary origin, we describe integrated transcriptome/connectome brain maps for swimming tadpoles of Ciona, which serves as an approximation of the ancestral proto-vertebrate. This map features several cell types related to different regions of the vertebrate hypothalamus, including the mammillary nucleus, the arcuate nucleus, and magnocellular neurons. Coronet cells express melanopsin and share additional properties with the saccus vasculosus, a specialized region of the hypothalamus that mediates photoperiodism in nontropical fishes. Comparative transcriptome analyses identified orthologous cell types for mechanosensory switch neurons, and VP+ and VPR+ relay neurons in different regions of the mouse hypothalamus. These observations provide evidence that the hypothalamus predates the evolution of the vertebrate brain. We discuss the possibility that switch neurons, coronet cells, and FoxP+ /VPR+ relay neurons comprise a behavioral circuit that helps trigger metamorphosis of Ciona larvae in response to twilight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Lemaire
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Chen Cao
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Peter H Yoon
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Juanjuan Long
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Levine
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Structural and developmental principles of neuropil assembly in C. elegans. Nature 2021; 591:99-104. [PMID: 33627875 PMCID: PMC8385650 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuropil is a fundamental form of tissue organization within the brain1, in which densely packed neurons synaptically interconnect into precise circuit architecture2,3. However, the structural and developmental principles that govern this nanoscale precision remain largely unknown4,5. Here we use an iterative data coarse-graining algorithm termed 'diffusion condensation'6 to identify nested circuit structures within the Caenorhabditis elegans neuropil, which is known as the nerve ring. We show that the nerve ring neuropil is largely organized into four strata that are composed of related behavioural circuits. The stratified architecture of the neuropil is a geometrical representation of the functional segregation of sensory information and motor outputs, with specific sensory organs and muscle quadrants mapping onto particular neuropil strata. We identify groups of neurons with unique morphologies that integrate information across strata and that create neural structures that cage the strata within the nerve ring. We use high resolution light-sheet microscopy7,8 coupled with lineage-tracing and cell-tracking algorithms9,10 to resolve the developmental sequence and reveal principles of cell position, migration and outgrowth that guide stratified neuropil organization. Our results uncover conserved structural design principles that underlie the architecture and function of the nerve ring neuropil, and reveal a temporal progression of outgrowth-based on pioneer neurons-that guides the hierarchical development of the layered neuropil. Our findings provide a systematic blueprint for using structural and developmental approaches to understand neuropil organization within the brain.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Mechanosensing is a key feature through which organisms can receive inputs from the environment and convert them into specific functional and behavioral outputs. Mechanosensation occurs in many cells and tissues, regulating a plethora of molecular processes based on the distribution of forces and stresses both at the cell membrane and at the intracellular organelles levels, through complex interactions between cells’ microstructures, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix. Although several primary and secondary mechanisms have been shown to contribute to mechanosensation, a fundamental pathway in simple organisms and mammals involves the presence of specialized sensory neurons and the presence of different types of mechanosensitive ion channels on the neuronal cell membrane. In this contribution, we present a review of the main ion channels which have been proven to be significantly involved in mechanotransduction in neurons. Further, we discuss recent studies focused on the biological mechanisms and modeling of mechanosensitive ion channels’ gating, and on mechanotransduction modeling at different scales and levels of details.
Collapse
|
29
|
Behavioral and molecular response of the insect parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae to cues emitted by a host, the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 241:111345. [PMID: 33290763 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As the larvae of the date palm pest, the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, feeds on the host tissue, they emit a distinctive sound which can be recorded outside of the infected tree. We evaluated the response of infective juveniles (IJs) of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae to the R. ferrugineus larvae and it's sound source, separately. In the presence of the insect larvae, 50.2 % of total IJs moved toward those larvae. Recorded insect larvae sound emitted by the speaker resulted in 7% of total IJs near the sound source. RNA-Seq data indicated that more genes were downregulated in S. carpocapsae IJs exposed to insect and speaker compared to non-stimulated IJs. IJs exposed to insect exhibited more up-regulated genes than IJs exposed to speaker. Enriched pathways and biological processes in IJs were similar for both stimuli. The inhibition of locomotion, regulation of neurotransmitter secretion, response to biotic stimulus, and cellular response to chemical stimuli were enriched with unique GO terms for speaker treatment. The regulation of localization, sodium ion transmembrane transport, regulation of response to stress and response to organic substances were the GO categories enriched unique to insect. The host-parasitic interaction was regulated by the differential expression of Ras/MAP kinase, TGF-beta signaling, insulin signaling, AMPK signaling, PPAR signaling pathways and many developmental pathways. More prominent R. ferrugineus host localization by S. carpocapsae was primarily due to the differential transcriptional regulation of olfactory signal transduction, FOXO-family proteins, calcium signaling, WNT and mTOR signaling pathway. The neural basis for the nematode attraction to insect host is based on the chemosensation and the mechanosensation. Many neuropeptides and neuromodulators are involved in regulating the foraging behavior of S. carpocapsae. The results of this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that allow these nematodes to seek insect hosts. Our finding, especially the molecular ones suggest that chemical cues emitted by the active insect host are stimulants of nematodes attraction. Whereas the sound emitted by the insect has minor effects on the nematode behavior.
Collapse
|
30
|
Xiao R, Xu XZS. Temperature Sensation: From Molecular Thermosensors to Neural Circuits and Coding Principles. Annu Rev Physiol 2020; 83:205-230. [PMID: 33085927 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-031220-095215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is a universal cue and regulates many essential processes ranging from enzymatic reactions to species migration. Due to the profound impact of temperature on physiology and behavior, animals and humans have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to detect temperature changes. Studies from animal models, such as mouse, Drosophila, and C. elegans, have revealed many exciting principles of thermosensation. For example, conserved molecular thermosensors, including thermosensitive channels and receptors, act as the initial detectors of temperature changes across taxa. Additionally, thermosensory neurons and circuits in different species appear to adopt similar logic to transduce and process temperature information. Here, we present the current understanding of thermosensation at the molecular and cellular levels. We also discuss the fundamental coding strategies of thermosensation at the circuit level. A thorough understanding of thermosensation not only provides key insights into sensory biology but also builds a foundation for developing better treatments for various sensory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xiao
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging and Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA;
| | - X Z Shawn Xu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Himmel NJ, Cox DN. Transient receptor potential channels: current perspectives on evolution, structure, function and nomenclature. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201309. [PMID: 32842926 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential superfamily of ion channels (TRP channels) is widely recognized for the roles its members play in sensory nervous systems. However, the incredible diversity within the TRP superfamily, and the wide range of sensory capacities found therein, has also allowed TRP channels to function beyond sensing an organism's external environment, and TRP channels have thus become broadly critical to (at least) animal life. TRP channels were originally discovered in Drosophila and have since been broadly studied in animals; however, thanks to a boom in genomic and transcriptomic data, we now know that TRP channels are present in the genomes of a variety of creatures, including green algae, fungi, choanoflagellates and a number of other eukaryotes. As a result, the organization of the TRP superfamily has changed radically from its original description. Moreover, modern comprehensive phylogenetic analyses have brought to light the vertebrate-centricity of much of the TRP literature; much of the nomenclature has been grounded in vertebrate TRP subfamilies, resulting in a glossing over of TRP channels in other taxa. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the function, structure and evolutionary history of TRP channels, and put forth a more complete set of non-vertebrate-centric TRP family, subfamily and other subgroup nomenclature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel N Cox
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim B, Lee J, Kim Y, Lee SJV. Regulatory systems that mediate the effects of temperature on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:518-526. [PMID: 32633588 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1781849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Temperature affects animal physiology, including aging and lifespan. How temperature and biological systems interact to influence aging and lifespan has been investigated using model organisms, including the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which diverse cellular factors modulate the effects of ambient temperatures on aging and lifespan in C. elegans. C. elegans thermosensory neurons alleviate lifespan-shortening effects of high temperatures via sterol endocrine signaling and probably through systemic regulation of cytosolic proteostasis. At low temperatures, C. elegans displays a long lifespan by upregulating the cold-sensing TRPA channel, lipid homeostasis, germline-mediated prostaglandin signaling, and autophagy. In addition, co-chaperone p23 amplifies lifespan changes affected by high and low temperatures. Our review summarizes how external temperatures modulate C. elegans lifespan and provides information regarding responses of biological processes to temperature changes, which may affect health and aging at an organism level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byounghun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jongsun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Younghun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seung-Jae V Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ernst DA, Fitak RR, Schmidt M, Derby CD, Johnsen S, Lohmann KJ. Pulse magnetization elicits differential gene expression in the central nervous system of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 206:725-742. [PMID: 32607762 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01433-7] [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: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diverse animals use Earth's magnetic field to guide their movements, but the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying the magnetic sense remain enigmatic. One hypothesis is that particles of the mineral magnetite (Fe3O4) provide the basis of magnetoreception. Here we examined gene expression in the central nervous system of a magnetically sensitive invertebrate, the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), after applying a magnetic pulse known to alter magnetic orientation behavior. Numerous genes were differentially expressed in response to the pulse, including 647 in the brain, 1256 in the subesophageal ganglion, and 712 in the thoracic ganglia. Many such genes encode proteins linked to iron regulation, oxidative stress, and immune response, consistent with possible impacts of a magnetic pulse on magnetite-based magnetoreceptors. Additionally, however, altered expression also occurred for numerous genes with no apparent link to magnetoreception, including genes encoding proteins linked to photoreception, carbohydrate and hormone metabolism, and other physiological processes. Overall, the results are consistent with the magnetite hypothesis of magnetoreception, yet also reveal that in spiny lobsters, a strong pulse altered expression of > 10% of all expressed genes, including many seemingly unrelated to sensory processes. Thus, caution is required when interpreting the effects of magnetic pulses on animal behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Ernst
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Robert R Fitak
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Manfred Schmidt
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Charles D Derby
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Sönke Johnsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Kenneth J Lohmann
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hodul M, Ganji R, Dahlberg CL, Raman M, Juo P. The WD40-repeat protein WDR-48 promotes the stability of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP-46 by inhibiting its ubiquitination and degradation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11776-11788. [PMID: 32587090 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a reversible post-translational modification that has emerged as a critical regulator of synapse development and function. However, the mechanisms that regulate the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) responsible for the removal of ubiquitin from target proteins are poorly understood. We have previously shown that the DUB ubiquitin-specific protease 46 (USP-46) removes ubiquitin from the glutamate receptor GLR-1 and regulates its trafficking and degradation in Caenorhabditis elegans We found that the WD40-repeat proteins WDR-20 and WDR-48 bind and stimulate the catalytic activity of USP-46. Here, we identified another mechanism by which WDR-48 regulates USP-46. We found that increased expression of WDR-48, but not WDR-20, promotes USP-46 abundance in mammalian cells in culture and in C. elegans neurons in vivo Inhibition of the proteasome increased USP-46 abundance, and this effect was nonadditive with increased WDR-48 expression. We found that USP-46 is ubiquitinated and that expression of WDR-48 reduces the levels of ubiquitin-USP-46 conjugates and increases the t 1/2 of USP-46. A point-mutated WDR-48 variant that disrupts binding to USP-46 was unable to promote USP-46 abundance in vivo Finally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of wdr48 destabilizes USP46 in mammalian cells. Together, these results support a model in which WDR-48 binds and stabilizes USP-46 protein levels by preventing the ubiquitination and degradation of USP-46 in the proteasome. Given that a large number of USPs interact with WDR proteins, we propose that stabilization of DUBs by their interacting WDR proteins may be a conserved and widely used mechanism that controls DUB availability and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Hodul
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh Ganji
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caroline L Dahlberg
- Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, USA
| | - Malavika Raman
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Juo
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA .,Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wheeler NJ, Heimark ZW, Airs PM, Mann A, Bartholomay LC, Zamanian M. Genetic and functional diversification of chemosensory pathway receptors in mosquito-borne filarial nematodes. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000723. [PMID: 32511224 PMCID: PMC7302863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) afflicts over 60 million people worldwide and leads to severe pathological outcomes in chronic cases. The nematode parasites (Nematoda: Filarioidea) that cause LF require both arthropod (mosquito) intermediate hosts and mammalian definitive hosts for their propagation. The invasion and migration of filarial worms through host tissues are complex and critical to survival, yet little is known about the receptors and signaling pathways that mediate directed migration in these medically important species. In order to better understand the role of chemosensory signaling in filarial worm taxis, we employ comparative genomics, transcriptomics, reverse genetics, and chemical approaches to identify putative chemosensory receptor proteins and perturb chemotaxis phenotypes in filarial worms. We find that chemoreceptor family size is correlated with the presence of environmental (extrahost) stages in nematode life cycles, and that filarial worms contain compact and highly diverged chemoreceptor complements and lineage-specific ion channels that are predicted to operate downstream of chemoreceptor activation. In Brugia malayi, an etiological agent of LF, chemoreceptor expression patterns correspond to distinct parasite migration events across the life cycle. To interrogate the role of chemosensation in the migration of larval worms, arthropod and mammalian infectious stage Brugia parasites were incubated in nicotinamide, an agonist of the nematode transient receptor potential (TRP) channel OSM-9. Exposure of microfilariae to nicotinamide alters intramosquito migration, and exposure of L3s reduces chemotaxis toward host-associated cues in vitro. Nicotinamide also potently modulates thermosensory responses in L3s, suggesting a polymodal sensory role for Brugia osm-9. Reverse genetic studies implicate both Brugia osm-9 and the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel subunit tax-4 in larval chemotaxis toward host serum, and these ion channel subunits partially rescue sensory defects in Caenorhabditis elegans osm-9 and tax-4 knock-out strains. Together, these data reveal genetic and functional diversification of chemosensory signaling proteins in filarial worms and encourage a more thorough investigation of clade- and parasite-specific facets of nematode sensory receptor biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zachary W. Heimark
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Alexis Mann
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Lyric C. Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Startek JB, Talavera K. Lipid Raft Destabilization Impairs Mouse TRPA1 Responses to Cold and Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3826. [PMID: 32481567 PMCID: PMC7312353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transient Receptor Potential ankyrin 1 cation channel (TRPA1) is expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons and epithelial cells, where it plays key roles in the detection of noxious stimuli. Recent reports showed that mouse TRPA1 (mTRPA1) localizes in lipid rafts and that its sensitivity to electrophilic and non-electrophilic agonists is reduced by cholesterol depletion from the plasma membrane. Since effects of manipulating membrane cholesterol levels on other TRP channels are known to vary across different stimuli we here tested whether the disruption of lipid rafts also affects mTRPA1 activation by cold or bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Cooling to 12 °C, E. coli LPS and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) induced robust Ca2+ responses in CHO-K1 cells stably transfected with mTRPA1. The amplitudes of the responses to these stimuli were significantly lower in cells treated with the cholesterol scavenger methyl β-cyclodextrin (MCD) or with the sphingolipids hydrolyzer sphingomyelinase (SMase). This effect was more prominent with higher concentrations of the raft destabilizers. Our data also indicate that reduction of cholesterol does not alter the expression of mTRPA1 in the plasma membrane in the CHO-K1 stable expression system, and that the most salient effect is that on the channel gating. Our findings further indicate that the function of mTRPA1 is regulated by the local lipid environment and suggest that targeting lipid-TRPA1 interactions may be a strategy for the treatment of pain and neurogenic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Karel Talavera
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N1 bus 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yan Z, Su Z, Cheng X, Liu J. Caenorhabditis elegans body wall muscles sense mechanical signals with an amiloride-sensitive cation channel. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:581-587. [PMID: 32423813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.130] [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: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
C. elegans uses specialized mechanoreceptor neurons to sense various mechanical cues. However, whether other tissues and organs in C. elegans are able to perceive mechanical forces is not clear. In this study, with a whole-cell patch-clamp recording, we show that body wall muscles (BWMs) in C. elegans convert mechanical energy into ionic currents in a cell-autonomous manner. Mechano-gated ion channels in BWMs are blocked in amiloride or cation-free solutions. A further characterization of physiological properties of mechano-gate ion channels in BMWs and a genetic screening show that mechanosensation in BMWs is not dependent on UNC-105 and well-defined mechano-gated ion channels MEC-4 and TRP-4 in C. elegans. Taken together, our results demonstrate that BWMs in C. elegans function as mechanoreceptors to sense mechanical stimuli with an amiloride-sensitive, non-selective cation channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Yan
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Zexiong Su
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Xinran Cheng
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jie Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Johnson CK, Fernandez-Abascal J, Wang Y, Wang L, Bianchi L. The Na +-K +-ATPase is needed in glia of touch receptors for responses to touch in C. elegans. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2064-2074. [PMID: 32292107 PMCID: PMC7444924 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00636.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Four of the five types of mammalian mechanosensors are composed of nerve endings and accessory cells. In Caenorhabditis elegans we showed that glia support the function of nose touch neurons via the activity of glial Na+ and K+ channels. We show here that a third regulator of Na+ and K+, the Na+-K+-ATPase, is needed in glia of nose touch neurons for touch. Importantly, we show that two Na+-K+-ATPase genes are needed for the function rather than structural integrity and that their ion transport activity is crucial for touch. Finally, when glial Na+-K+-ATPase genes are knocked out, touch can be restored by activation of a third Na+-K+-ATPase. Taken together, these data show the requirement in glia of touch neurons of the function of the Na+-K+-ATPase. These data underscore the importance of the homeostasis of Na+ and K+, most likely in the space surrounding touch neurons, in touch sensation, a function that might be conserved across species.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increasing evidence supports that accessory cells in mechanosensors regulate neuronal output; however, the glial molecular mechanisms that control this regulation are not fully understood. We show here in Caenorhabditis elegans that specific glial Na+-K+-ATPase genes are needed for nose touch-avoidance behavior. Our data support the requirement of these Na+-K+-ATPases for homeostasis of Na+ and K+ in nose touch receptors. Our data add to our understanding of glial regulation of mechanosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Johnson
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ying Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Lei Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tang YQ, Lee SA, Rahman M, Vanapalli SA, Lu H, Schafer WR. Ankyrin Is An Intracellular Tether for TMC Mechanotransduction Channels. Neuron 2020; 107:112-125.e10. [PMID: 32325031 PMCID: PMC7343241 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction channels have been proposed as force sensors in various physiological processes, such as hearing and touch. In particular, TMC1 has been shown to constitute the pore of hair cell mechanotransduction channels, but little is known about how force is sensed by TMC channels. Here, we identify UNC-44/ankyrin as an essential component of the TMC-1 mechanotransduction channel complex in the sensory cilia of Caenorhabditis elegans mechanoreceptor neurons. Ankyrin binds indirectly to TMC-1 via evolutionarily conserved CIB proteins, which are required for TMC-1-mediated mechanosensation in C. elegans OLQ neurons and body wall muscles. Mechanosensory activity conferred by ectopically expressed TMCs in mechanoinsensitive neurons depends on both ankyrin and CIB proteins, indicating that the ankyrin-CIB subcomplex is required for TMC mechanosensitivity. Our work indicates that ankyrin is a long-sought intracellular tether that transmits force to TMC mechanotransduction channels. TMC-1 functions as a mechanosensor in C. elegans neurons and muscles UNC-44/ankyrin binds indirectly to TMC-1 via CALM-1 CALM-1 and ankyrin are required for TMC-1-mediated mechanosensation Ankyrin acts as an intracellular tether to confer mechanosensitivity to TMC channels
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Quan Tang
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Sol Ah Lee
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA
| | - Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Siva A Vanapalli
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Hang Lu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA
| | - William R Schafer
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK; Department of Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Walker DS, Schafer WR. Distinct roles for innexin gap junctions and hemichannels in mechanosensation. eLife 2020; 9:e50597. [PMID: 31995033 PMCID: PMC7010410 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensation is central to a wide range of functions, including tactile and pain perception, hearing, proprioception, and control of blood pressure, but identifying the molecules underlying mechanotransduction has proved challenging. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the avoidance response to gentle body touch is mediated by six touch receptor neurons (TRNs), and is dependent on MEC-4, a DEG/ENaC channel. We show that hemichannels containing the innexin protein UNC-7 are also essential for gentle touch in the TRNs, as well as harsh touch in both the TRNs and the PVD nociceptors. UNC-7 and MEC-4 do not colocalize, suggesting that their roles in mechanosensory transduction are independent. Heterologous expression of unc-7 in touch-insensitive chemosensory neurons confers ectopic touch sensitivity, indicating a specific role for UNC-7 hemichannels in mechanosensation. The unc-7 touch defect can be rescued by the homologous mouse gene Panx1 gene, thus, innexin/pannexin proteins may play broadly conserved roles in neuronal mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise S Walker
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - William R Schafer
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Talavera K, Startek JB, Alvarez-Collazo J, Boonen B, Alpizar YA, Sanchez A, Naert R, Nilius B. Mammalian Transient Receptor Potential TRPA1 Channels: From Structure to Disease. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:725-803. [PMID: 31670612 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA) channels are Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels remarkably conserved through the animal kingdom. Mammals have only one member, TRPA1, which is widely expressed in sensory neurons and in non-neuronal cells (such as epithelial cells and hair cells). TRPA1 owes its name to the presence of 14 ankyrin repeats located in the NH2 terminus of the channel, an unusual structural feature that may be relevant to its interactions with intracellular components. TRPA1 is primarily involved in the detection of an extremely wide variety of exogenous stimuli that may produce cellular damage. This includes a plethora of electrophilic compounds that interact with nucleophilic amino acid residues in the channel and many other chemically unrelated compounds whose only common feature seems to be their ability to partition in the plasma membrane. TRPA1 has been reported to be activated by cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli, and its function is modulated by multiple factors, including Ca2+, trace metals, pH, and reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonyl species. TRPA1 is involved in acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation, plays key roles in the pathophysiology of nearly all organ systems, and is an attractive target for the treatment of related diseases. Here we review the current knowledge about the mammalian TRPA1 channel, linking its unique structure, widely tuned sensory properties, and complex regulation to its roles in multiple pathophysiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karel Talavera
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Justyna B Startek
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julio Alvarez-Collazo
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brett Boonen
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yeranddy A Alpizar
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicia Sanchez
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robbe Naert
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bernd Nilius
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shi D, Levina A, Noori HR. Refined parcellation of the nervous system by algorithmic detection of hidden features within communities. Phys Rev E 2019; 100:012301. [PMID: 31499866 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.100.012301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system can be represented as a multiscale network comprised by single cells or ensembles that are linked by physical or functional connections. Groups of morphologically and physiologically diverse neurons are wired as connectivity patterns with a certain degree of universality across species and individual variability. Thereby, community detection approaches are often used to characterize how neural units cluster into such densely interconnected groups. However, the communities may possess deeper structural features that remain undetected by current algorithms. We present a scheme for refined parcellation of neuronal networks, by identifying local integrator units (LU) that are contained in network communities. An LU is defined as a connected subnetwork in which all neuronal connections are constrained within this unit, and can be formed for instance by a set of interneurons. Our method uses the Louvain algorithm to detect communities and participation coefficients to discriminate local neurons from global hubs. The sensitivity of the algorithm for discovering LUs with respect to the choice of community detection algorithm and network parameters was tested by simulations of different synthetic networks. The appropriateness of the algorithm for real-world scenarios was demonstrated on weighted and binary Caenorhabditis elegans connectomes. The detected LUs are distinctly localized within the worm body and clearly define functional groups. This approach provides a robust, observer-independent parcellation strategy that is useful for functional structure confirmation and potentially contributes to the current efforts in quantitative whole-brain architectonics of different species as well as the analysis of functional connectivity networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Shi
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Anna Levina
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Hamid R Noori
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen 72076, Germany.,Courant Institute for Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York 10012, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
How Caenorhabditis elegans Senses Mechanical Stress, Temperature, and Other Physical Stimuli. Genetics 2019; 212:25-51. [PMID: 31053616 PMCID: PMC6499529 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans lives in a complex habitat in which they routinely experience large fluctuations in temperature, and encounter physical obstacles that vary in size and composition. Their habitat is shared by other nematodes, by beneficial and harmful bacteria, and nematode-trapping fungi. Not surprisingly, these nematodes can detect and discriminate among diverse environmental cues, and exhibit sensory-evoked behaviors that are readily quantifiable in the laboratory at high resolution. Their ability to perform these behaviors depends on <100 sensory neurons, and this compact sensory nervous system together with powerful molecular genetic tools has allowed individual neuron types to be linked to specific sensory responses. Here, we describe the sensory neurons and molecules that enable C. elegans to sense and respond to physical stimuli. We focus primarily on the pathways that allow sensation of mechanical and thermal stimuli, and briefly consider this animal’s ability to sense magnetic and electrical fields, light, and relative humidity. As the study of sensory transduction is critically dependent upon the techniques for stimulus delivery, we also include a section on appropriate laboratory methods for such studies. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about the sensitivity and response dynamics of individual classes of C. elegans mechano- and thermosensory neurons from in vivo calcium imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology studies. We also describe the roles of conserved molecules and signaling pathways in mediating the remarkably sensitive responses of these nematodes to mechanical and thermal cues. These studies have shown that the protein partners that form mechanotransduction channels are drawn from multiple superfamilies of ion channel proteins, and that signal transduction pathways responsible for temperature sensing in C. elegans share many features with those responsible for phototransduction in vertebrates.
Collapse
|
44
|
Lin King JV, Emrick JJ, Kelly MJS, Herzig V, King GF, Medzihradszky KF, Julius D. A Cell-Penetrating Scorpion Toxin Enables Mode-Specific Modulation of TRPA1 and Pain. Cell 2019; 178:1362-1374.e16. [PMID: 31447178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
TRPA1 is a chemosensory ion channel that functions as a sentinel for structurally diverse electrophilic irritants. Channel activation occurs through an unusual mechanism involving covalent modification of cysteine residues clustered within an amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Here, we describe a peptidergic scorpion toxin (WaTx) that activates TRPA1 by penetrating the plasma membrane to access the same intracellular site modified by reactive electrophiles. WaTx stabilizes TRPA1 in a biophysically distinct active state characterized by prolonged channel openings and low Ca2+ permeability. Consequently, WaTx elicits acute pain and pain hypersensitivity but fails to trigger efferent release of neuropeptides and neurogenic inflammation typically produced by noxious electrophiles. These findings provide a striking example of convergent evolution whereby chemically disparate animal- and plant-derived irritants target the same key allosteric regulatory site to differentially modulate channel activity. WaTx is a unique pharmacological probe for dissecting TRPA1 function and its contribution to acute and persistent pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John V Lin King
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Joshua J Emrick
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Program, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark J S Kelly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Katalin F Medzihradszky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Julius
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lee HJ, Noormohammadi A, Koyuncu S, Calculli G, Simic MS, Herholz M, Trifunovic A, Vilchez D. Prostaglandin signals from adult germ stem cells delay somatic aging of Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Metab 2019; 1:790-810. [PMID: 31485561 PMCID: PMC6726479 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-019-0097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A moderate reduction of body temperature can induce a remarkable lifespan extension. Here we examine the link between cold temperature, germ line fitness and organismal longevity. We show that low temperature reduces age-associated exhaustion of germ stem cells (GSCs) in Caenorhabditis elegans, a process modulated by thermosensory neurons. Notably, robust self-renewal of adult GSCs delays reproductive aging and is required for extended lifespan at cold temperatures. These cells release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to induce cbs-1 expression in the intestine, increasing somatic production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous signaling molecule that prolongs lifespan. Whereas loss of adult GSCs reduces intestinal cbs-1 expression and cold-induced longevity, application of exogenous PGE2 rescues these phenotypes. Importantly, tissue-specific intestinal overexpression of cbs-1 mimics cold-temperature conditions and extends longevity even at warm temperatures. Thus, our results indicate that GSCs communicate with somatic tissues to coordinate extended reproductive capacity with longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Lee
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alireza Noormohammadi
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Seda Koyuncu
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Calculli
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Milos S Simic
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marija Herholz
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Trifunovic
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Vilchez
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Startek JB, Boonen B, López-Requena A, Talavera A, Alpizar YA, Ghosh D, Van Ranst N, Nilius B, Voets T, Talavera K. Mouse TRPA1 function and membrane localization are modulated by direct interactions with cholesterol. eLife 2019; 8:e46084. [PMID: 31184584 PMCID: PMC6590989 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cation channel TRPA1 transduces a myriad of noxious chemical stimuli into nociceptor electrical excitation and neuropeptide release, leading to pain and neurogenic inflammation. Despite emergent evidence that TRPA1 is regulated by the membrane environment, it remains unknown whether this channel localizes in membrane microdomains or whether it interacts with cholesterol. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and density gradient centrifugation we found that mouse TRPA1 localizes preferably into cholesterol-rich domains and functional experiments revealed that cholesterol depletion decreases channel sensitivity to chemical agonists. Moreover, we identified two structural motifs in transmembrane segments 2 and 4 involved in mTRPA1-cholesterol interactions that are necessary for normal agonist sensitivity and plasma membrane localization. We discuss the impact of such interactions on TRPA1 gating mechanisms, regulation by the lipid environment, and role of this channel in sensory membrane microdomains, all of which helps to understand the puzzling pharmacology and pathophysiology of this channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna B Startek
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Brett Boonen
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Alejandro López-Requena
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Ariel Talavera
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Laboratory of MicroscopyUniversité Libre de BruxellesGosseliesBelgium
| | - Yeranddy A Alpizar
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Debapriya Ghosh
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Nele Van Ranst
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Bernd Nilius
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| | - Karel Talavera
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research and TRP Research Platform Leuven (TRPLe), Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Stegeman GW, Medina D, Cutter AD, Ryu WS. Neuro-genetic plasticity of Caenorhabditis elegans behavioral thermal tolerance. BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:26. [PMID: 31182018 PMCID: PMC6558720 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0510-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal responses to thermal stimuli involve intricate contributions of genetics, neurobiology and physiology, with temperature variation providing a pervasive environmental factor for natural selection. Thermal behavior thus exemplifies a dynamic trait that requires non-trivial phenotypic summaries to appropriately capture the trait in response to a changing environment. To characterize the deterministic and plastic components of thermal responses, we developed a novel micro-droplet assay of nematode behavior that permits information-dense summaries of dynamic behavioral phenotypes as reaction norms in response to increasing temperature (thermal tolerance curves, TTC). RESULTS We found that C. elegans TTCs shift predictably with rearing conditions and developmental stage, with significant differences between distinct wildtype genetic backgrounds. Moreover, after screening TTCs for 58 C. elegans genetic mutant strains, we determined that genes affecting thermosensation, including cmk-1 and tax-4, potentially play important roles in the behavioral control of locomotion at high temperature, implicating neural decision-making in TTC shape rather than just generalized physiological limits. However, expression of the transient receptor potential ion channel TRPA-1 in the nervous system is not sufficient to rescue rearing-dependent plasticity in TTCs conferred by normal expression of this gene, indicating instead a role for intestinal signaling involving TRPA-1 in the adaptive plasticity of thermal performance. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate nervous system and non-nervous system contributions to behavior, in addition to basic cellular physiology, as key mediators of evolutionary responses to selection from temperature variation in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Stegeman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Denise Medina
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Asher D Cutter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - William S Ryu
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3E1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abramova A, Alm Rosenblad M, Blomberg A, Larsson TA. Sensory receptor repertoire in cyprid antennules of the barnacle Balanus improvisus. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216294. [PMID: 31048879 PMCID: PMC6497305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Barnacle settlement involves sensing of a variety of exogenous cues. A pair of antennules is the main sensory organ that the cyprid larva uses to explore the surface. Antennules are equipped with a number of setae that have both chemo- and mechanosensing function. The current study explores the repertoire of sensory receptors in Balanus improvisus cyprid antennules with the goal to better understand sensory systems involved in the settling behavior of this species. We carried out transcriptome sequencing of dissected B. improvisus cyprid antennules. The generated transcriptome assembly was used to search for sensory receptors using HMM models. Among potential chemosensory genes, we identified the ionotropic receptors IR25a, IR8a and IR93a, and several divergent IR candidates to be expressed in the cyprid antennules. We found one gustatory-like receptor but no odorant receptors, chemosensory or odorant-binding proteins. Apart from chemosensory receptors, we also identified 13 potential mechanosensory genes represented by several transient receptor potential channels (TRP) subfamilies. Furthermore, we analyzed changes in expression profiles of IRs and TRPs during the B. improvisus settling process. Several of the sensory genes were differentially expressed during the course of larval settlement. This study gives expanded knowledge about the sensory systems present in barnacles, a taxonomic group for which only limited information about receptors is currently available. It furthermore serves as a starting point for more in depth studies of how sensory signaling affects settling behavior in barnacles with implications for preventing biofouling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Abramova
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Alm Rosenblad
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Blomberg
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tomas Axel Larsson
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Inberg S, Meledin A, Kravtsov V, Iosilevskii Y, Oren-Suissa M, Podbilewicz B. Lessons from Worm Dendritic Patterning. Annu Rev Neurosci 2019; 42:365-383. [PMID: 30939099 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-072116-031437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional properties of neurons have intrigued scientists since the pioneering work of Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Since then, emerging cutting-edge technologies, including light and electron microscopy, electrophysiology, biochemistry, optogenetics, and molecular biology, have dramatically increased our understanding of dendritic properties. This advancement was also facilitated by the establishment of different animal model organisms, from flies to mammals. Here we describe the emerging model system of a Caenorhabditis elegans polymodal neuron named PVD, whose dendritic tree follows a stereotypical structure characterized by repeating candelabra-like structural units. In the past decade, progress has been made in understanding PVD's functions, morphogenesis, regeneration, and aging, yet many questions still remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Inberg
- Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Anna Meledin
- Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Veronika Kravtsov
- Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Yael Iosilevskii
- Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| | - Meital Oren-Suissa
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Benjamin Podbilewicz
- Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ogino T, Toyohara H. Identification of possible hypoxia sensor for behavioral responses in a marine annelid, Capitella teleta. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.037630. [PMID: 30745436 PMCID: PMC6451338 DOI: 10.1242/bio.037630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia often occurs in summer and causes deleterious effects on marine benthic animals. A marine annelid, Capitella teleta, is tolerant to hypoxia, as shown by the fact that it inhabits organically polluted areas, where severe hypoxia is often observed. To understand how this species adapts to the environment, we focused on its hypoxia sensor, and we showed that TRPAbasal was a possible contributor to hypoxia detection in C. teleta. To examine the involvement of TRPA1 in the response of C. teleta to hypoxia, we exposed C. teleta to hypoxic water with or without a TRPA1-specific inhibitor, A-967079. Hypoxic stimulation induced escape behavior in C. teleta from the sediment, and this behavior was suppressed by the inhibitor. The cloned TRPA gene from C. teleta was phylogenetically categorized into TRPAbasal, and contains an oxygen-dependent degradation domain, which is important for the detection of hypoxia. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed that the gene was transcribed in the prostomium, where sensing functions are localized. These results suggested that the worm has a hypoxia-sensing system possibly utilizing CtTRPAbasal, and this system contributes to expanding the organism's niches in hypoxic environments by detecting whether hypoxia exceeds a level that would imperil its survival. Summary: The hypoxia-avoidance behavior of a marine annelid was suppressed by a TRPA1-specific inhibitor. Our dataset suggests that the possible hypoxia sensor for hypoxia-inducing behaviors of this marine annelid is TRPAbasal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ogino
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Toyohara
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|