1
|
Jánosi B, Liewald JF, Seidenthal M, Yu SC, Umbach S, Redzovic J, Rentsch D, Alcantara IC, Bergs ACF, Schneider MW, Shao J, Gottschalk A. RIM and RIM-Binding Protein Localize Synaptic CaV2 Channels to Differentially Regulate Transmission in Neuronal Circuits. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0535222024. [PMID: 38951038 PMCID: PMC11293454 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0535-22.2024] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
At chemical synapses, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) translate electrical signals into a trigger for synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. VGCCs and the Ca2+ microdomains they elicit must be located precisely to primed SVs to evoke rapid transmitter release. Localization is mediated by Rab3-interacting molecule (RIM) and RIM-binding proteins, which interact and bind to the C terminus of the CaV2 VGCC α-subunit. We studied this machinery at the mixed cholinergic/GABAergic neuromuscular junction of Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites. rimb-1 mutants had mild synaptic defects, through loosening the anchoring of UNC-2/CaV2 and delaying the onset of SV fusion. UNC-10/RIM deletion much more severely affected transmission. Although postsynaptic depolarization was reduced, rimb-1 mutants had increased cholinergic (but reduced GABAergic) transmission, to compensate for the delayed release. This did not occur when the excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance was altered by removing GABA transmission. Further analyses of GABA defective mutants and GABAA or GABAB receptor deletions, as well as cholinergic rescue of RIMB-1, emphasized that GABA neurons may be more affected than cholinergic neurons. Thus, RIMB-1 function differentially affects excitation-inhibition balance in the different motor neurons, and RIMB-1 thus may differentially regulate transmission within circuits. Untethering the UNC-2/CaV2 channel by removing its C-terminal PDZ ligand exacerbated the rimb-1 defects, and similar phenotypes resulted from acute degradation of the CaV2 β-subunit CCB-1. Therefore, untethering of the CaV2 complex is as severe as its elimination, yet it does not abolish transmission, likely due to compensation by CaV1. Thus, robustness and flexibility of synaptic transmission emerge from VGCC regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Jánosi
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Jana F Liewald
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Marius Seidenthal
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Szi-Chieh Yu
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Simon Umbach
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Jasmina Redzovic
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Dennis Rentsch
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Ivan C Alcantara
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Amelie C F Bergs
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Martin W Schneider
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Jiajie Shao
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| | - Alexander Gottschalk
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt D-60438, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nadiminti SSP, Dixit SB, Ratnakaran N, Deb A, Hegde S, Boyanapalli SPP, Swords S, Grant BD, Koushika SP. LRK-1/LRRK2 and AP-3 regulate trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors through active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin-α. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011253. [PMID: 38722918 PMCID: PMC11081264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins (SVps) are transported by the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. We show that SVps travel in heterogeneous carriers in C. elegans neuronal processes, with some SVp carriers co-transporting lysosomal proteins (SV-lysosomes). LRK-1/LRRK2 and the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3 play a critical role in the sorting of SVps and lysosomal proteins away from each other at the SV-lysosomal intermediate trafficking compartment. Both SVp carriers lacking lysosomal proteins and SV-lysosomes are dependent on the motor UNC-104/KIF1A for their transport. In lrk-1 mutants, both SVp carriers and SV-lysosomes can travel in axons in the absence of UNC-104, suggesting that LRK-1 plays an important role to enable UNC-104 dependent transport of synaptic vesicle proteins. Additionally, LRK-1 acts upstream of the AP-3 complex and regulates its membrane localization. In the absence of the AP-3 complex, the SV-lysosomes become more dependent on the UNC-104-SYD-2/Liprin-α complex for their transport. Therefore, SYD-2 acts to link upstream trafficking events with the transport of SVps likely through its interaction with the motor UNC-104. We further show that the mistrafficking of SVps into the dendrite in lrk-1 and apb-3 mutants depends on SYD-2, likely by regulating the recruitment of the AP-1/UNC-101. SYD-2 acts in concert with AP complexes to ensure polarized trafficking & transport of SVps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sravanthi S. P. Nadiminti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shirley B. Dixit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neena Ratnakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anushka Deb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sneha Hegde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Sierra Swords
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Barth D. Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sandhya P. Koushika
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Romussi S, Giunti S, Andersen N, De Rosa MJ. C. elegans: a prominent platform for modeling and drug screening in neurological disorders. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:565-585. [PMID: 38509691 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2329103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases (NDevDs and NDegDs, respectively) encompass a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the nervous system with an increasing incidence. In this context, the nematode C. elegans, has emerged as a benchmark model for biological research, especially in the field of neuroscience. AREAS COVERED The authors highlight the numerous advantages of this tiny worm as a model for exploring nervous system pathologies and as a platform for drug discovery. There is a particular focus given to describing the existing models of C. elegans for the study of NDevDs and NDegDs. Specifically, the authors underscore their strong applicability in preclinical drug development. Furthermore, they place particular emphasis on detailing the common techniques employed to explore the nervous system in both healthy and diseased states. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery constitutes a long and expensive process. The incorporation of invertebrate models, such as C. elegans, stands as an exemplary strategy for mitigating costs and expediting timelines. The utilization of C. elegans as a platform to replicate nervous system pathologies and conduct high-throughput automated assays in the initial phases of drug discovery is pivotal for rendering therapeutic options more attainable and cost-effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Romussi
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giunti
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Natalia Andersen
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - María José De Rosa
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de Invertebrados, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), UNS-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rathor L, Curry S, Park Y, McElroy T, Robles B, Sheng Y, Chen WW, Min K, Xiao R, Lee MH, Han SM. Mitochondrial stress in GABAergic neurons non-cell autonomously regulates organismal health and aging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.20.585932. [PMID: 38585797 PMCID: PMC10996468 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.585932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial stress within the nervous system can trigger non-cell autonomous responses in peripheral tissues. However, the specific neurons involved and their impact on organismal aging and health have remained incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that mitochondrial stress in γ-aminobutyric acid-producing (GABAergic) neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) is sufficient to significantly alter organismal lifespan, stress tolerance, and reproductive capabilities. This mitochondrial stress also leads to significant changes in mitochondrial mass, energy production, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). DAF-16/FoxO activity is enhanced by GABAergic neuronal mitochondrial stress and mediates the induction of these non-cell-autonomous effects. Moreover, our findings indicate that GABA signaling operates within the same pathway as mitochondrial stress in GABAergic neurons, resulting in non-cell-autonomous alterations in organismal stress tolerance and longevity. In summary, these data suggest the crucial role of GABAergic neurons in detecting mitochondrial stress and orchestrating non-cell-autonomous changes throughout the organism.
Collapse
|
5
|
Essmann CL, Elmi M, Rekatsinas C, Chrysochoidis N, Shaw M, Pawar V, Srinivasan MA, Vavourakis V. The influence of internal pressure and neuromuscular agents on C. elegans biomechanics: an empirical and multi-compartmental in silico modelling study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1335788. [PMID: 38558792 PMCID: PMC10978802 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1335788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of a specific tissue and its biomechanics are interdependent, with pathologies or ageing often being intertwined with structural decline. The biomechanics of Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism widely used in pharmacological and ageing research, has been established as biomarker for healthy ageing. However, the properties of the constituent tissues, and their contribution to the overall mechanical characteristics of the organism, remain relatively unknown. In this study we investigated the biomechanics of healthy C. elegans cuticle, muscle tissue, and pseudocoelom using a combination of indentation experiments and in silico modelling. We performed stiffness measurements using an atomic force microscope. To approximate the nematode's cylindrical body we used a novel three-compartment nonlinear finite element model, enabling us to analyse of how changes in the elasticity of individual compartments affect the bulk stiffness. We then fine-tuned the parameters of the model to match the simulation force-indentation output to the experimental data. To test the finite element model, we modified distinct compartments experimentally. Our in silico results, in agreement with previous studies, suggest that hyperosmotic shock reduces stiffness by decreasing the internal pressure. Unexpectedly, treatment with the neuromuscular agent aldicarb, traditionally associated with muscle contraction, reduced stiffness by decreasing the internal pressure. Furthermore, our finite element model can offer insights into how drugs, mutations, or processes such as ageing target individual tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara L. Essmann
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muna Elmi
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolaos Chrysochoidis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Michael Shaw
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom
| | - Vijay Pawar
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vasileios Vavourakis
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Buckley M, Jacob WP, Bortey L, McClain M, Ritter AL, Godfrey A, Munneke AS, Ramachandran S, Kenis S, Kolnik JC, Olofsson S, Adkins R, Kutoloski T, Rademacher L, Heinecke O, Alva A, Beets I, Francis MM, Kowalski JR. Cell non-autonomous signaling through the conserved C. elegans glycopeptide hormone receptor FSHR-1 regulates cholinergic neurotransmission. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.578699. [PMID: 38405708 PMCID: PMC10888917 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.578699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Modulation of neurotransmission is key for organismal responses to varying physiological contexts such as during infection, injury, or other stresses, as well as in learning and memory and for sensory adaptation. Roles for cell autonomous neuromodulatory mechanisms in these processes have been well described. The importance of cell non-autonomous pathways for inter-tissue signaling, such as gut-to-brain or glia-to-neuron, has emerged more recently, but the cellular mechanisms mediating such regulation remain comparatively unexplored. Glycoproteins and their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well-established orchestrators of multi-tissue signaling events that govern diverse physiological processes through both cell-autonomous and cell non-autonomous regulation. Here, we show that follicle stimulating hormone receptor, FSHR-1, the sole Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of mammalian glycoprotein hormone GPCRs, is important for cell non-autonomous modulation of synaptic transmission. Inhibition of fshr-1 expression reduces muscle contraction and leads to synaptic vesicle accumulation in cholinergic motor neurons. The neuromuscular and locomotor defects in fshr-1 loss-of-function mutants are associated with an underlying accumulation of synaptic vesicles, build-up of the synaptic vesicle priming factor UNC-10/RIM, and decreased synaptic vesicle release from cholinergic motor neurons. Restoration of FSHR-1 to the intestine is sufficient to restore neuromuscular activity and synaptic vesicle localization to fshr-1- deficient animals. Intestine-specific knockdown of FSHR-1 reduces neuromuscular function, indicating FSHR-1 is both necessary and sufficient in the intestine for its neuromuscular effects. Re-expression of FSHR-1 in other sites of endogenous expression, including glial cells and neurons, also restored some neuromuscular deficits, indicating potential cross-tissue regulation from these tissues as well. Genetic interaction studies provide evidence that downstream effectors gsa-1 / Gα S , acy-1 /adenylyl cyclase and sphk-1/ sphingosine kinase and glycoprotein hormone subunit orthologs, GPLA-1/GPA2 and GPLB-1/GPB5, are important for FSHR-1 modulation of the NMJ. Together, our results demonstrate that FSHR-1 modulation directs inter-tissue signaling systems, which promote synaptic vesicle release at neuromuscular synapses.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mir DA, Cox M, Horrocks J, Ma Z, Rogers A. Roles of progranulin and FRamides in neural versus non-neural tissues on dietary restriction-related longevity and proteostasis in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579250. [PMID: 38370756 PMCID: PMC10871266 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Dietary restriction (DR) mitigates loss of proteostasis associated with aging that underlies neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Previously, we observed increased translational efficiency of certain FMRFamide-like neuropeptide ( flp ) genes and the neuroprotective growth factor progranulin gene prgn-1 under dietary restriction in C. elegans . Here, we tested the effects of flp-5 , flp-14 , flp-15 and pgrn-1 on lifespan and proteostasis under both standard and dietary restriction conditions. We also tested and distinguished function based on their expression in either neuronal or non-neuronal tissue. Lowering the expression of pgrn-1 and flp genes selectively in neural tissue showed no difference in survival under normal feeding conditions nor under DR in two out of three experiments performed. Reduced expression of flp-14 in non-neuronal tissue showed decreased lifespan that was not specific to DR. With respect to proteostasis, a genetic model of DR from mutation of the eat-2 gene that showed increased thermotolerance compared to fully fed wild type animals demonstrated no change in thermotolerance in response to knockdown of pgrn-1 or flp genes. Finally, we tested effects on motility in a neural-specific model of proteotoxicity and found that neuronal knockdown of pgrn-1 and flp genes improved motility in early life regardless of diet. However, knocking these genes down in non-neuronal tissue had variable results. RNAi targeting flp-14 increased motility by day seven of adulthood regardless of diet. Interestingly, non-neuronal RNAi of pgrn-1 decreased motility under standard feeding conditions while DR increased motility for this gene knockdown by day seven (early mid-life). Results show that pgrn-1 , flp-5 , flp-14 , and flp-15 do not have major roles in diet-related changes in longevity or whole-body proteostasis. However, reduced expression of these genes in neurons increases motility early in life in a neural-specific model of proteotoxicity, whereas knockdown of non-neuronal expression mostly increases motility in mid-life under the same conditions.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dirak M, Chan J, Kolemen S. Optical imaging probes for selective detection of butyrylcholinesterase. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1149-1167. [PMID: 38196348 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02468g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a member of the human serine hydrolase family, is an essential enzyme for cholinergic neurotransmission as it catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. It also plays central roles in apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and xenobiotic detoxification. On the other side, abnormal levels of BChE are directly associated with the formation of pathogenic states such as neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric and cardiovascular disorders, liver damage, diabetes, and cancer. Thus, selective and sensitive detection of BChE level in living organisms is highly crucial and is of great importance to further understand the roles of BChE in both physiological and pathological processes. However, it is a very complicated task due to the potential interference of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the other human cholinesterase, as these two enzymes share a very similar substrate scope. To this end, optical imaging probes have attracted immense attention in recent years as they have modular structures, which can be tuned precisely to satisfy high selectivity toward BChE, and at the same time they offer real time and nondestructive imaging opportunities with a high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we summarize BChE selective imaging probes by discussing the critical milestones achieved during the development process of these molecular sensors over the years. We put a special emphasis on design principles and biological applications of highly promising new generation activity-based probes. We also give a comprehensive outlook for the future of BChE-responsive probes and highlight the ongoing challenges. This collection marks the first review article on BChE-responsive imaging agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Musa Dirak
- Department of Chemistry, Koç University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Jefferson Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Safacan Kolemen
- Department of Chemistry, Koç University, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boeglin M, Leyva-Díaz E, Hobert O. Expression and function of Caenorhabditis elegans UNCP-18, a paralog of the SM protein UNC-18. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad180. [PMID: 37793339 PMCID: PMC10697816 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins are important regulators of SNARE complex assembly during exocytosis throughout all major animal tissue types. However, expression of a founding member of the SM family, UNC-18, is mostly restricted to the nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, where it is important for synaptic transmission. Moreover, unc-18 null mutants do not display the lethality phenotype associated with (a) loss of all Drosophila and mouse orthologs of unc-18 and (b) with complete elimination of synaptic transmission in C. elegans. We investigated whether a previously uncharacterized unc-18 paralog, which we named uncp-18, may be able to explain the restricted expression and limited phenotypes of unc-18 null mutants. A reporter allele shows ubiquitous expression of uncp-18. Analysis of uncp-18 null mutants, unc-18 and uncp-18 double null mutants, as well as overexpression of uncp-18 in an unc-18 null mutant background, shows that these 2 genes can functionally compensate for one another and are redundantly required for embryonic viability. Our results indicate that the synaptic transmission defects of unc-18 null mutants cannot necessarily be interpreted as constituting a null phenotype for SM protein function at the synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Boeglin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NewYork, NY 10027, USA
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, IGBMC, CNRS UMR 7104/INSERM U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67081, France
| | - Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NewYork, NY 10027, USA
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NewYork, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zeng WX, Liu H, Hao Y, Qian KY, Tian FM, Li L, Yu B, Zeng XT, Gao S, Hu Z, Tong XJ. CaMKII mediates sexually dimorphic synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctions in C. elegans. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202301117. [PMID: 37624117 PMCID: PMC10457463 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202301117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually dimorphic behaviors are ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom. Although both sex-specific and sex-shared neurons have been functionally implicated in these diverse behaviors, less is known about the roles of sex-shared neurons. Here, we discovered sexually dimorphic cholinergic synaptic transmission in C. elegans occurring at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), with males exhibiting increased release frequencies, which result in sexually dimorphic locomotion behaviors. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that males have significantly more synaptic vesicles (SVs) at their cholinergic synapses than hermaphrodites. Analysis of previously published transcriptome identified the male-enriched transcripts and focused our attention on UNC-43/CaMKII. We ultimately show that differential accumulation of UNC-43 at cholinergic neurons controls axonal SV abundance and synaptic transmission. Finally, we demonstrate that sex reversal of all neurons in hermaphrodites generates male-like cholinergic transmission and locomotion behaviors. Thus, beyond demonstrating UNC-43/CaMKII as an essential mediator of sex-specific synaptic transmission, our study provides molecular and cellular insights into how sex-shared neurons can generate sexually dimorphic locomotion behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xin Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kang-Ying Qian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Min Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bin Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Ting Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shangbang Gao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Xia-Jing Tong
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Petratou D, Gjikolaj M, Kaulich E, Schafer W, Tavernarakis N. A proton-inhibited DEG/ENaC ion channel maintains neuronal ionstasis and promotes neuronal survival under stress. iScience 2023; 26:107117. [PMID: 37416472 PMCID: PMC10320524 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system participates in the initiation and modulation of systemic stress. Ionstasis is of utmost importance for neuronal function. Imbalance in neuronal sodium homeostasis is associated with pathologies of the nervous system. However, the effects of stress on neuronal Na+ homeostasis, excitability, and survival remain unclear. We report that the DEG/ENaC family member DEL-4 assembles into a proton-inactivated sodium channel. DEL-4 operates at the neuronal membrane and synapse to modulate Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion. Heat stress and starvation alter DEL-4 expression, which in turn alters the expression and activity of key stress-response transcription factors and triggers appropriate motor adaptations. Similar to heat stress and starvation, DEL-4 deficiency causes hyperpolarization of dopaminergic neurons and affects neurotransmission. Using humanized models of neurodegenerative diseases in C. elegans, we showed that DEL-4 promotes neuronal survival. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which sodium channels promote neuronal function and adaptation under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dionysia Petratou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Martha Gjikolaj
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| | - Eva Kaulich
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0QH Cambridge, UK
| | - William Schafer
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0QH Cambridge, UK
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013 Crete, Greece
- Department of Basic Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Weishaupt AK, Kubens L, Ruecker L, Schwerdtle T, Aschner M, Bornhorst J. A Reliable Method Based on Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Simultaneous Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecules 2023; 28:5373. [PMID: 37513246 PMCID: PMC10385323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA), serotonin (SRT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) are messenger molecules that play a pivotal role in transmitting excitation between neurons across chemical synapses, thus enabling complex processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Balance in neurotransmitter homeostasis is essential, and altered neurotransmitter levels are associated with various neurological disorders, e.g., loss of dopaminergic neurons (Parkinson's disease) or altered ACh synthesis (Alzheimer's disease). Therefore, it is crucial to possess adequate tools to assess precise neurotransmitter levels, and to apply targeted therapies. An established in vivo model to study neurotoxicity is the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as its neurons have been well characterized and functionally are analogous to mammals. We have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method including a sample preparation assuring neurotransmitter stability, which allows a simultaneous neurotransmitter quantification of DA, SRT, GABA and ACh in C. elegans, but can easily be applied to other matrices. LC-MS/MS combined with isotope-labeled standards is the tool of choice, due to its otherwise unattainable sensitivity and specificity. Using C. elegans together with our analytically validated and verified method provides a powerful tool to evaluate mechanisms of neurotoxicity, and furthermore to identify possible therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Weishaupt
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
| | - Laura Kubens
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lysann Ruecker
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pannone L, Muto V, Nardecchia F, Di Rocco M, Marchei E, Tosato F, Petrini S, Onorato G, Lanza E, Bertuccini L, Manti F, Folli V, Galosi S, Di Schiavi E, Leuzzi V, Tartaglia M, Martinelli S. The recurrent pathogenic Pro890Leu substitution in CLTC causes a generalized defect in synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1170061. [PMID: 37324589 PMCID: PMC10264582 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1170061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo CLTC mutations underlie a spectrum of early-onset neurodevelopmental phenotypes having developmental delay/intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and movement disorders (MD) as major clinical features. CLTC encodes the widely expressed heavy polypeptide of clathrin, a major component of the coated vesicles mediating endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and synaptic vesicle recycling. The underlying pathogenic mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we assessed the functional impact of the recurrent c.2669C > T (p.P890L) substitution, which is associated with a relatively mild ID/MD phenotype. Primary fibroblasts endogenously expressing the mutated protein show reduced transferrin uptake compared to fibroblast lines obtained from three unrelated healthy donors, suggesting defective clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In vitro studies also reveal a block in cell cycle transition from G0/G1 to the S phase in patient's cells compared to control cells. To demonstrate the causative role of the p.P890L substitution, the pathogenic missense change was introduced at the orthologous position of the Caenorhabditis elegans gene, chc-1 (p.P892L), via CRISPR/Cas9. The resulting homozygous gene-edited strain displays resistance to aldicarb and hypersensitivity to PTZ, indicating defective release of acetylcholine and GABA by ventral cord motor neurons. Consistently, mutant animals show synaptic vesicle depletion at the sublateral nerve cords, and slightly defective dopamine signaling, highlighting a generalized deficit in synaptic transmission. This defective release of neurotransmitters is associated with their secondary accumulation at the presynaptic membrane. Automated analysis of C. elegans locomotion indicates that chc-1 mutants move slower than their isogenic controls and display defective synaptic plasticity. Phenotypic profiling of chc-1 (+/P892L) heterozygous animals and transgenic overexpression experiments document a mild dominant-negative behavior for the mutant allele. Finally, a more severe phenotype resembling that of chc-1 null mutants is observed in animals harboring the c.3146 T > C substitution (p.L1049P), homologs of the pathogenic c.3140 T > C (p.L1047P) change associated with a severe epileptic phenotype. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into disease mechanisms and genotype-phenotype correlations of CLTC-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pannone
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Muto
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martina Di Rocco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Marchei
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Tosato
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Onorato
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Enrico Lanza
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Viola Folli
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- D-Tails s.r.l., Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Martinelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mattison KA, Tossing G, Mulroe F, Simmons C, Butler KM, Schreiber A, Alsadah A, Neilson DE, Naess K, Wedell A, Wredenberg A, Sorlin A, McCann E, Burghel GJ, Menendez B, Hoganson GE, Botto LD, Filloux FM, Aledo-Serrano Á, Gil-Nagel A, Tatton-Brown K, Verbeek NE, van der Zwaag B, Aleck KA, Fazenbaker AC, Balciuniene J, Dubbs HA, Marsh ED, Garber K, Ek J, Duno M, Hoei-Hansen CE, Deardorff MA, Raca G, Quindipan C, van Hirtum-Das M, Breckpot J, Hammer TB, Møller RS, Whitney A, Douglas AGL, Kharbanda M, Brunetti-Pierri N, Morleo M, Nigro V, May HJ, Tao JX, Argilli E, Sherr EH, Dobyns WB, Baines RA, Warwicker J, Parker JA, Banka S, Campeau PM, Escayg A. ATP6V0C variants impair V-ATPase function causing a neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with epilepsy. Brain 2023; 146:1357-1372. [PMID: 36074901 PMCID: PMC10319782 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The vacuolar H+-ATPase is an enzymatic complex that functions in an ATP-dependent manner to pump protons across membranes and acidify organelles, thereby creating the proton/pH gradient required for membrane trafficking by several different types of transporters. We describe heterozygous point variants in ATP6V0C, encoding the c-subunit in the membrane bound integral domain of the vacuolar H+-ATPase, in 27 patients with neurodevelopmental abnormalities with or without epilepsy. Corpus callosum hypoplasia and cardiac abnormalities were also present in some patients. In silico modelling suggested that the patient variants interfere with the interactions between the ATP6V0C and ATP6V0A subunits during ATP hydrolysis. Consistent with decreased vacuolar H+-ATPase activity, functional analyses conducted in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed reduced LysoSensor fluorescence and reduced growth in media containing varying concentrations of CaCl2. Knockdown of ATP6V0C in Drosophila resulted in increased duration of seizure-like behaviour, and the expression of selected patient variants in Caenorhabditis elegans led to reduced growth, motor dysfunction and reduced lifespan. In summary, this study establishes ATP6V0C as an important disease gene, describes the clinical features of the associated neurodevelopmental disorder and provides insight into disease mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Mattison
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gilles Tossing
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fred Mulroe
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Center, Manchester, UK
| | - Callum Simmons
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Center, Manchester, UK
| | - Kameryn M Butler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Greenwood Genetics Center, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Alison Schreiber
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Adnan Alsadah
- Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Derek E Neilson
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Child Health, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Karin Naess
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wedell
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Deparment of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wredenberg
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arthur Sorlin
- National Center of Genetics, Laboratoire National de Santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Emma McCann
- Liverpool Center for Genomic Medicine, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - George J Burghel
- Genomic Diagnostic Laboratory, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - George E Hoganson
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lorenzo D Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Francis M Filloux
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Genetic Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Ruber International Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Genetic Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Ruber International Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Katrina Tatton-Brown
- Medical Genetics, St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute for Molecular and Cell Sciences, St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Nienke E Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Zwaag
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kyrieckos A Aleck
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Child Health, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Andrew C Fazenbaker
- Department of Genetics and Metabolism, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jorune Balciuniene
- Divison of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- PerkinElmer Genomics, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Holly A Dubbs
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn Garber
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jakob Ek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Duno
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina E Hoei-Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthew A Deardorff
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gordana Raca
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Quindipan
- Center for Personalized Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michele van Hirtum-Das
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeroen Breckpot
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Trine Bjørg Hammer
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Center, Fildelfia, Dianalund, Denmark
| | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, Danish Epilepsy Center, Fildelfia, Dianalund, Denmark
- Insititue for Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Andrea Whitney
- Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew G L Douglas
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mira Kharbanda
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Morleo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Halie J May
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - James X Tao
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emanuela Argilli
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pediatrics Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elliot H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Pediatrics Institute of Human Genetics and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William B Dobyns
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Richard A Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Center, Manchester, UK
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - J Alex Parker
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hao Y, Liu H, Zeng XT, Wang Y, Zeng WX, Qian KY, Li L, Chi MX, Gao S, Hu Z, Tong XJ. UNC-43/CaMKII-triggered anterograde signals recruit GABA ARs to mediate inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity at C. elegans NMJs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1436. [PMID: 36918518 PMCID: PMC10015018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37137-0] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbed inhibitory synaptic transmission has functional impacts on neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. An essential mechanism for modulating inhibitory synaptic transmission is alteration of the postsynaptic abundance of GABAARs, which are stabilized by postsynaptic scaffold proteins and recruited by presynaptic signals. However, how GABAergic neurons trigger signals to transsynaptically recruit GABAARs remains elusive. Here, we show that UNC-43/CaMKII functions at GABAergic neurons to recruit GABAARs and modulate inhibitory synaptic transmission at C. elegans neuromuscular junctions. We demonstrate that UNC-43 promotes presynaptic MADD-4B/Punctin secretion and NRX-1α/Neurexin surface delivery. Together, MADD-4B and NRX-1α recruit postsynaptic NLG-1/Neuroligin and stabilize GABAARs. Further, the excitation of GABAergic neurons potentiates the recruitment of NLG-1-stabilized-GABAARs, which depends on UNC-43, MADD-4B, and NRX-1. These data all support that UNC-43 triggers MADD-4B and NRX-1α, which act as anterograde signals to recruit postsynaptic GABAARs. Thus, our findings elucidate a mechanism for pre- and postsynaptic communication and inhibitory synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xian-Ting Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ya Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wan-Xin Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Kang-Ying Qian
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ming-Xuan Chi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shangbang Gao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xia-Jing Tong
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nadiminti SSP, Dixit SB, Ratnakaran N, Hegde S, Swords S, Grant BD, Koushika SP. Active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin- α acts downstream of LRK-1/LRRK2 to regulate polarized trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors through clathrin adaptor protein complexes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.26.530068. [PMID: 36865111 PMCID: PMC9980171 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.26.530068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle proteins (SVps) are thought to travel in heterogeneous carriers dependent on the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. In C. elegans neurons, we found that some SVps are transported along with lysosomal proteins by the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. LRK-1/LRRK2 and the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3 are critical for the separation of lysosomal proteins from SVp transport carriers. In lrk-1 mutants, both SVp carriers and SVp carriers containing lysosomal proteins are independent of UNC-104, suggesting that LRK-1 plays a key role in ensuring UNC-104-dependent transport of SVps. Additionally, LRK-1 likely acts upstream of the AP-3 complex and regulates the membrane localization of AP-3. The action of AP-3 is necessary for the active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin-α to facilitate the transport of SVp carriers. In the absence of the AP-3 complex, SYD-2/Liprin-α acts with UNC-104 to instead facilitate the transport of SVp carriers containing lysosomal proteins. We further show that the mistrafficking of SVps into the dendrite in lrk-1 and apb-3 mutants depends on SYD-2, likely by regulating the recruitment of the AP-1/UNC-101. We propose that SYD-2 acts in concert with both the AP-1 and AP-3 complexes to ensure polarized trafficking of SVps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sravanthi S P Nadiminti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Shirley B Dixit
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Neena Ratnakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Sneha Hegde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| | - Sierra Swords
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Barth D Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sandhya P Koushika
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400 005, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kropp PA, Rogers P, Kelly SE, McWhirter R, Goff WD, Levitan IM, Miller DM, Golden A. Patient-specific variants of NFU1/NFU-1 disrupt cholinergic signaling in a model of multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 1. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286662. [PMID: 36645076 PMCID: PMC9922734 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular dysfunction is a common feature of mitochondrial diseases and frequently presents as ataxia, spasticity and/or dystonia, all of which can severely impact individuals with mitochondrial diseases. Dystonia is one of the most common symptoms of multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome 1 (MMDS1), a disease associated with mutations in the causative gene (NFU1) that impair iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. We have generated Caenorhabditis elegans strains that recreated patient-specific point variants in the C. elegans ortholog (nfu-1) that result in allele-specific dysfunction. Each of these mutants, Gly147Arg and Gly166Cys, have altered acetylcholine signaling at neuromuscular junctions, but opposite effects on activity and motility. We found that the Gly147Arg variant was hypersensitive to acetylcholine and that knockdown of acetylcholine release rescued nearly all neuromuscular phenotypes of this variant. In contrast, we found that the Gly166Cys variant caused predominantly postsynaptic acetylcholine hypersensitivity due to an unclear mechanism. These results are important for understanding the neuromuscular conditions of MMDS1 patients and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Kropp
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Biology Department, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43022, USA
| | - Philippa Rogers
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sydney E Kelly
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rebecca McWhirter
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Willow D Goff
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Biology Department, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA
| | - Ian M Levitan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David M Miller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Andy Golden
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sammi SR, Syeda T, Conrow KD, Leung MCK, Cannon JR. Complementary biological and computational approaches identify distinct mechanisms of chlorpyrifos versus chlorpyrifos-oxon-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:163-178. [PMID: 36269219 PMCID: PMC9887671 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac114] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are widely used in agriculture. While acute cholinergic toxicity has been extensively studied, chronic effects on other neurons are less understood. Here, we demonstrated that the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and its oxon metabolite are dopaminergic neurotoxicants in Caenorhabditis elegans. CPF treatment led to inhibition of mitochondrial complex II, II + III, and V in rat liver mitochondria, while CPF-oxon did not (complex II + III and IV inhibition observed only at high doses). While the effect on C. elegans cholinergic behavior was mostly reversible with toxicant washout, dopamine-associated deficits persisted, suggesting dopaminergic neurotoxicity was irreversible. CPF reduced the mitochondrial content in a dose-dependent manner and the fat modulatory genes cyp-35A2 and cyp-35A3 were found to have a key role in CPF neurotoxicity. These findings were consistent with in vitro effects of CPF and CPF-oxon on nuclear receptor signaling and fatty acid/steroid metabolism observed in ToxCast assays. Two-way hierarchical analysis revealed in vitro effects on estrogen receptor, pregnane X receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathways as well as neurotoxicity of CPF, malathion, and diazinon, whereas these effects were not detected in malaoxon and diazoxon. Taken together, our study suggests that mitochondrial toxicity and metabolic effects of CPF, but not CPF-oxon, have a key role of CPF neurotoxicity in the low-dose, chronic exposure. Further mechanistic studies are needed to examine mitochondria as a common target for all OP pesticide parent compounds, because this has important implications on cumulative pesticide risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreesh Raj Sammi
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Tauqeerunnisa Syeda
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Kendra D Conrow
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Maxwell C K Leung
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Jason R Cannon
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Di Rocco M, Galosi S, Follo FC, Lanza E, Folli V, Martire A, Leuzzi V, Martinelli S. Phenotypic Assessment of Pathogenic Variants in GNAO1 and Response to Caffeine in C. elegans Models of the Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:319. [PMID: 36833246 PMCID: PMC9957173 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations affecting the G protein α o subunit (Gαo)-encoding gene (GNAO1) cause childhood-onset developmental delay, hyperkinetic movement disorders, and epilepsy. Recently, we established Caenorhabditis elegans as an informative experimental model for deciphering pathogenic mechanisms associated with GNAO1 defects and identifying new therapies. In this study, we generated two additional gene-edited strains that harbor pathogenic variants which affect residues Glu246 and Arg209-two mutational hotspots in Gαo. In line with previous findings, biallelic changes displayed a variable hypomorphic effect on Gαo-mediated signaling that led to the excessive release of neurotransmitters by different classes of neurons, which, in turn, caused hyperactive egg laying and locomotion. Of note, heterozygous variants showed a cell-specific dominant-negative behavior, which was strictly dependent on the affected residue. As with previously generated mutants (S47G and A221D), caffeine was effective in attenuating the hyperkinetic behavior of R209H and E246K animals, indicating that its efficacy is mutation-independent. Conversely, istradefylline, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, was effective in R209H animals but not in E246K worms, suggesting that caffeine acts through both adenosine receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Overall, our findings provide new insights into disease mechanisms and further support the potential efficacy of caffeine in controlling dyskinesia associated with pathogenic GNAO1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Rocco
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca C. Follo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Lanza
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Viola Folli
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- D-tails s.r.l., 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Martire
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Martinelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lazaro-Pena MI, Cornwell AB, Diaz-Balzac CA, Das R, Macoretta N, Thakar J, Samuelson AV. Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase maintains neuronal homeostasis during normal Caenorhabditis elegans aging and systemically regulates longevity from serotonergic and GABAergic neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523661. [PMID: 36711523 PMCID: PMC9882034 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Aging and the age-associated decline of the proteome is determined in part through neuronal control of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional effectors, which safeguard homeostasis under fluctuating metabolic and stress conditions by regulating an expansive proteostatic network. We have discovered the Caenorhabditis elegans h omeodomain-interacting p rotein k inase (HPK-1) acts as a key transcriptional effector to preserve neuronal integrity, function, and proteostasis during aging. Loss of hpk-1 results in drastic dysregulation in expression of neuronal genes, including genes associated with neuronal aging. During normal aging hpk-1 expression increases throughout the nervous system more broadly than any other kinase. Within the aging nervous system, hpk-1 is co-expressed with key longevity transcription factors, including daf-16 (FOXO), hlh-30 (TFEB), skn-1 (Nrf2), and hif-1 , which suggests hpk-1 expression mitigates natural age-associated physiological decline. Consistently, pan-neuronal overexpression of hpk-1 extends longevity, preserves proteostasis both within and outside of the nervous system, and improves stress resistance. Neuronal HPK-1 improves proteostasis through kinase activity. HPK-1 functions cell non-autonomously within serotonergic and GABAergic neurons to improve proteostasis in distal tissues by specifically regulating distinct components of the proteostatic network. Increased serotonergic HPK-1 enhances the heat shock response and survival to acute stress. In contrast, GABAergic HPK-1 induces basal autophagy and extends longevity. Our work establishes hpk-1 as a key neuronal transcriptional regulator critical for preservation of neuronal function during aging. Further, these data provide novel insight as to how the nervous system partitions acute and chronic adaptive response pathways to delay aging by maintaining organismal homeostasis.
Collapse
|
21
|
Johnson JR, Barclay JW. C. elegans dkf-1 (Protein Kinase D1) mutants have age-dependent defects in locomotion and neuromuscular transmission. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000800. [PMID: 37090152 PMCID: PMC10113962 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Changes in neuronal function that occur with age are an area of increasing importance. A potential significant contributor to age-dependent decline may be alterations to neurotransmitter release. Protein kinases, such as Protein Kinase C and Protein Kinase A, are well characterised modulators of neuronal function and neurotransmission. Protein Kinase D (PRKD) is a serine/threonine kinase whose role in neurons is less well characterised. Here we report that mutations in the C. elegans PRKD homolog, dkf-1 , show an acceleration in age-dependent decline of locomotion rate and an alteration to age-dependent changes in aldicarb sensitivity. These effects could be explained by a pre- or post-synaptic function of the protein kinase as the animal ages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R. Johnson
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jeff W. Barclay
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
- Correspondence to: Jeff W. Barclay (
)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Meunier FA, Hu Z. Functional Roles of UNC-13/Munc13 and UNC-18/Munc18 in Neurotransmission. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:203-231. [PMID: 37615868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic and secretory vesicles following calcium-triggered fusion with the plasma membrane. These exocytotic events are driven by assembly of a ternary SNARE complex between the vesicle SNARE synaptobrevin and the plasma membrane-associated SNAREs syntaxin and SNAP-25. Proteins that affect SNARE complex assembly are therefore important regulators of synaptic strength. In this chapter, we review our current understanding of the roles played by two SNARE interacting proteins: UNC-13/Munc13 and UNC-18/Munc18. We discuss results from both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, highlighting recent advances, focusing on the current consensus on molecular mechanisms of action and nanoscale organization, and pointing out some unresolved aspects of their functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric A Meunier
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Thapliyal S, Glauser DA. Neurogenetic Analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurogenetics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07793-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
24
|
Vettkötter D, Schneider M, Goulden BD, Dill H, Liewald J, Zeiler S, Guldan J, Ateş YA, Watanabe S, Gottschalk A. Rapid and reversible optogenetic silencing of synaptic transmission by clustering of synaptic vesicles. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7827. [PMID: 36535932 PMCID: PMC9763335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35324-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acutely silencing specific neurons informs about their functional roles in circuits and behavior. Existing optogenetic silencers include ion pumps, channels, metabotropic receptors, and tools that damage the neurotransmitter release machinery. While the former hyperpolarize the cell, alter ionic gradients or cellular biochemistry, the latter allow only slow recovery, requiring de novo synthesis. Thus, tools combining fast activation and reversibility are needed. Here, we use light-evoked homo-oligomerization of cryptochrome CRY2 to silence synaptic transmission, by clustering synaptic vesicles (SVs). We benchmark this tool, optoSynC, in Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, and murine hippocampal neurons. optoSynC clusters SVs, observable by electron microscopy. Locomotion silencing occurs with tauon ~7.2 s and recovers with tauoff ~6.5 min after light-off. optoSynC can inhibit exocytosis for several hours, at very low light intensities, does not affect ion currents, biochemistry or synaptic proteins, and may further allow manipulating different SV pools and the transfer of SVs between them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Vettkötter
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology, D-82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Brady D Goulden
- Department of Cell Biology and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Holger Dill
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jana Liewald
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Zeiler
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Guldan
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Master Program Interdisciplinary Neurosciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yilmaz Arda Ateş
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany
- Master Program Interdisciplinary Neurosciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shigeki Watanabe
- Department of Cell Biology and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alexander Gottschalk
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hu X, Jin X, Cao X, Liu B. The Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome Is a Cellular Ageing Regulator. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315327. [PMID: 36499653 PMCID: PMC9740938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a complicated cellular component that plays significant roles in regulating the cell cycle process of eukaryotic organisms. The spatiotemporal regulation mechanisms of APC/C in distinct cell cycle transitions are no longer mysterious, and the components of this protein complex are gradually identified and characterized. Given the close relationship between the cell cycle and lifespan, it is urgent to understand the roles of APC/C in lifespan regulation, but this field still seems to have not been systematically summarized. Furthermore, although several reviews have reported the roles of APC/C in cancer, there are still gaps in the summary of its roles in other age-related diseases. In this review, we propose that the APC/C is a novel cellular ageing regulator based on its indispensable role in the regulation of lifespan and its involvement in age-associated diseases. This work provides an extensive review of aspects related to the underlying mechanisms of APC/C in lifespan regulation and how it participates in age-associated diseases. More comprehensive recognition and understanding of the relationship between APC/C and ageing and age-related diseases will increase the development of targeted strategies for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xuejiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xiuling Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (B.L.)
| | - Beidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (B.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brockmeier EK, Basili D, Herbert J, Rendal C, Boakes L, Grauslys A, Taylor NS, Danby EB, Gutsell S, Kanda R, Cronin M, Barclay J, Antczak P, Viant MR, Hodges G, Falciani F. Data-driven learning of narcosis mode of action identifies a CNS transcriptional signature shared between whole organism Caenorhabditis elegans and a fish gill cell line. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157666. [PMID: 35908689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the large numbers of man-made chemicals produced and released in the environment, there is a need to provide assessments on their potential effects on environmental safety and human health. Current regulatory frameworks rely on a mix of both hazard and risk-based approaches to make safety decisions, but the large number of chemicals in commerce combined with an increased need to conduct assessments in the absence of animal testing makes this increasingly challenging. This challenge is catalysing the use of more mechanistic knowledge in safety assessment from both in silico and in vitro approaches in the hope that this will increase confidence in being able to identify modes of action (MoA) for the chemicals in question. Here we approach this challenge by testing whether a functional genomics approach in C. elegans and in a fish cell line can identify molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of narcotics, and the effects of more specific acting toxicants. We show that narcosis affects the expression of neuronal genes associated with CNS function in C. elegans and in a fish cell line. Overall, we believe that our study provides an important step in developing mechanistically relevant biomarkers which can be used to screen for hazards, and which prevent the need for repeated animal or cross-species comparisons for each new chemical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica K Brockmeier
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Danilo Basili
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, UK
| | - John Herbert
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Cecilie Rendal
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, UK
| | - Leigh Boakes
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Christeyns Food Hygiene, Warrington, UK
| | - Arturas Grauslys
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Computational Biology Facility (CBF), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nadine S Taylor
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma Butler Danby
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, UK
| | - Steve Gutsell
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, UK
| | - Rakesh Kanda
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Mark Cronin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
| | - Jeff Barclay
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Philipp Antczak
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Computational Biology Facility (CBF), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mark R Viant
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Geoff Hodges
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, UK
| | - Francesco Falciani
- Department of Biochemistry & System Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Computational Biology Facility (CBF), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Towards the development of phytoextract based healthy ageing cognitive booster formulation, explored through Caenorhabditis elegans model. THE NUCLEUS 2022; 65:303-320. [DOI: 10.1007/s13237-022-00407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
28
|
Cheng X, Yan Z, Su Z, Liu J. The transforming growth factor beta ligand TIG-2 modulates the function of neuromuscular junction and muscle energy metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:962974. [PMID: 36385772 PMCID: PMC9650414 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.962974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Deciphering the physiological function of TGF-β (the transforming growth factor beta) family ligands is import for understanding the role of TGF-β in animals' development and aging. Here, we investigate the function of TIG-2, one of the ligands in Caenorhabditis elegans TGF-β family, in animals' behavioral modulation. Our results show that a loss-of-function mutation in tig-2 gene result in slower locomotion speed in the early adulthood and an increased density of cholinergic synapses, but a decreased neurotransmitter release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Further tissue-specific rescue results reveal that neuronal and intestinal TIG-2 are essential for the formation of cholinergic synapses at NMJs. Interestingly, tig-2(ok3416) mutant is characterized with reduced muscle mitochondria content and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, although the function of muscle acetylcholine receptors and the morphology muscle fibers in the mutant are comparable to that in wild-type animals. Our result suggests that TIG-2 from different neuron and intestine regulates worm locomotion by modulating synaptogenesis and neurotransmission at NMJs, as well as energy metabolism in postsynaptic muscle cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Cheng
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhenzhen Yan
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zexiong Su
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jie Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sakai Y, Hanafusa H, Hisamoto N, Matsumoto K. Histidine dephosphorylation of the Gβ protein GPB-1 promotes axon regeneration in C. elegans. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55076. [PMID: 36278516 PMCID: PMC9724660 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Histidine phosphorylation is an emerging noncanonical protein phosphorylation in animals, yet its physiological role remains largely unexplored. The protein histidine phosphatase (PHPT1) was recently identified for the first time in mammals. Here, we report that PHIP-1, an ortholog of PHPT1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, promotes axon regeneration by dephosphorylating GPB-1 Gβ at His-266 and inactivating GOA-1 Goα signaling, a negative regulator of axon regeneration. Overexpression of the histidine kinase NDK-1 also inhibits axon regeneration via GPB-1 His-266 phosphorylation. Thus, His-phosphorylation plays an antiregenerative role in C. elegans. Furthermore, we identify a conserved UNC-51/ULK kinase that functions in autophagy as a PHIP-1-binding protein. We demonstrate that UNC-51 phosphorylates PHIP-1 at Ser-112 and activates its catalytic activity and that this phosphorylation is required for PHIP-1-mediated axon regeneration. This study reveals a molecular link from ULK to protein histidine phosphatase, which facilitates axon regeneration by inhibiting trimeric G protein signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Sakai
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of ScienceNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Hanafusa
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of ScienceNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Naoki Hisamoto
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of ScienceNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| | - Kunihiro Matsumoto
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of ScienceNagoya UniversityNagoyaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Son S, Choi MK, Lim DS, Shim J, Lee J. A genetic screen for aldicarb resistance of Caenorhabditiselegans dauer larvae uncovers 2 alleles of dach-1, a cytochrome P450 gene. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:6747961. [PMID: 36194018 PMCID: PMC9713407 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Animals exhibit phenotypic plasticity through the interaction of genes with the environment, and little is known about the genetic factors that change synaptic function at different developmental stages. Here, we investigated the genetic determinants of how animal's sensitivity to drugs that alter synaptic activity is regulated at a specific developmental stage using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans enters the stress-resistant dauer larval stage under harsh conditions. Although dauer is known to have reduced permeability and increased resistance to most known exogenous chemicals, we discovered that dauer is hypersensitive to a cholinesterase inhibitor, aldicarb. To investigate genes regulating dauer-specific acetylcholine transduction, we first screened for aldicarb-resistant mutations in dauer and then performed a secondary screen to rule out aldicarb-resistant mutations that also affect adults. We isolated 2 different mutations of a single gene called cyp-34A4 or dach-1 encoding a cytochrome P450. In the nondauer stages, dach-1 is mainly expressed in the intestine, but its expression is robustly increased in the epidermis of dauers. By tissue-specific rescue experiments, we found that dach-1 modulates aldicarb sensitivity in a cell nonautonomous manner. In addition, dach-1 plays pleiotropic functions in dauers by regulating quiescence and surviving heat shock and hyperosmolar stress. Our study reveals novel functions of the cytochrome P450 in synaptic and physiological changes during the developmental plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daisy S Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jaegal Shim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Junho Lee
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Suthakaran N, Brock T, Naraine A, Gonzalez- Lerma P, Hopkins C, Dawson-Scully K. Atropine reduces aldicarb-induced sensitivity to C. elegans electroshock model. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000621. [PMID: 36017190 PMCID: PMC9396355 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Atropine has been used as an established anticonvulsant treatment for nerve agent intoxication. Atropine reduces electroshock recovery time among aldicarb-exposed wild-type C. elegans .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirthieca Suthakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Akshay Naraine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Paola Gonzalez- Lerma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL ;
,
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
,
Correspondence to: Ken Dawson-Scully (
)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Parra-Rivas LA, Palfreyman MT, Vu TN, Jorgensen EM. Interspecies complementation identifies a pathway to assemble SNAREs. iScience 2022; 25:104506. [PMID: 35754735 PMCID: PMC9213704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104506] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unc18 and SNARE proteins form the core of the membrane fusion complex at synapses. To understand the functional interactions within the core machinery, we adopted an "interspecies complementation" approach in Caenorhabditis elegans. Substitutions of individual SNAREs and Unc18 proteins with those from yeast fail to rescue fusion. However, synaptic transmission could be restored in worm-yeast chimeras when two key interfaces were present: an Habc-Unc18 contact site and an Unc18-SNARE motif contact site. A constitutively open form of Unc18 bypasses the requirement for the Habc-Unc18 interface. These data suggest that the Habc domain of syntaxin is required for Unc18 to adopt an open conformation; open Unc18 then templates SNARE complex formation. Finally, we demonstrate that the SNARE and Unc18 machinery in the nematode C. elegans can be replaced by yeast proteins and still carry out synaptic transmission, pointing to the deep evolutionary conservation of these two interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo A. Parra-Rivas
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Mark T. Palfreyman
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Thien N. Vu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| | - Erik M. Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0840, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ahmad W. Glucose enrichment impair neurotransmission and induce Aβ oligomerization that cannot be reversed by manipulating O-β-GlcNAcylation in the C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 108:109100. [PMID: 35779795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques formation and impaired neurotransmission and neuronal behaviors are primary hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that are further associated with impaired glucose metabolism in elderly AD's patients. However, the exact role of glucose metabolism on disease progression has not been elucidated yet. In this study, the effect of glucose on Aβ-mediated toxicity, neurotransmission and neuronal behaviors has been investigated using a C. elegans model system expressing human Aβ. In addition to regular diet, worms expressing Aβ were supplemented with different concentrations of glucose and glycerol and 5 mM 2-deoxyglucose to draw any conclusions. Addition of glucose to the growth medium delayed Aβ-associated paralysis, promoted abnormal body shapes and movement, unable to restore impaired acetylcholine neurotransmission, inhibited egg laying and hatching in pre-existing Aβ-mediated pathology. The harmful effects of glucose may associate with an increase in toxic Aβ oligomers and impaired neurotransmission. O-β-GlcNAcylation (O-GlcNAc), a well-known post-translational modification is directly associated with glucose metabolism and has been found to ameliorates the Aβ- toxicity. We reasoned that glucose addition might induce O-GlcNAc, thereby protect against Aβ. Contrary to our expectations, induced glucose levels were not protective. Increasing O-GlcNAc, either with Thiamet-G (TMG) or by suppressing the O-GlcNAcase (oga-1) gene does interfere with and, therefore, reduce Aβ- toxicity but not in the presence of high glucose. The effects of glucose cannot be effectively managed by manipulating O-GlcNAc in AD models of C. elegans. Our observations suggest that glucose enrichment is unlikely to be an appropriate therapy to minimize AD progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cao SQ, Aman Y, Fang EF, Tencomnao T. P. edulis Extract Protects Against Amyloid-β Toxicity in Alzheimer's Disease Models Through Maintenance of Mitochondrial Homeostasis via the FOXO3/DAF-16 Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5612-5629. [PMID: 35739408 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and devastating disease characterized by pathological aggregations of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques extracellularly, and Tau tangles intracellularly. While our understandings of the aetiologies of AD have greatly expanded over the decades, there is no drug available to stop disease progression. Here, we demonstrate the potential of Passiflora edulis (P. edulis) pericarp extract in protecting against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity in mammalian cells and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models of AD. We show P. edulis pericarp protects against memory deficit and neuronal loss, and promotes longevity in the Aβ model of AD via stimulation of mitophagy, a selective cellular clearance of damaged and dysfunctional mitochondria. P. edulis pericarp also restores memory and increases neuronal resilience in a C. elegans Tau model of AD. While defective mitophagy-induced accumulation of damaged mitochondria contributes to AD progression, P. edulis pericarp improves mitochondrial quality and homeostasis through BNIP3/DCT1-dependent mitophagy and SOD-3-dependent mitochondrial resilience, both via increased nuclear translocation of the upstream transcriptional regulator FOXO3/DAF-16. Further studies to identify active molecules in P. edulis pericarp that could maintain neuronal mitochondrial homeostasis may enable the development of potential drug candidates for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Qin Cao
- Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.,Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Yahyah Aman
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Evandro F Fang
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway. .,The Norwegian Centre On Healthy Ageing (NO-Age), Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Maglioni S, Schiavi A, Melcher M, Brinkmann V, Luo Z, Laromaine A, Raimundo N, Meyer JN, Distelmaier F, Ventura N. Neuroligin-mediated neurodevelopmental defects are induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and prevented by lutein in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2620. [PMID: 35551180 PMCID: PMC9098500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex-I-deficiency represents the most frequent pathogenetic cause of human mitochondriopathies. Therapeutic options for these neurodevelopmental life-threating disorders do not exist, partly due to the scarcity of appropriate model systems to study them. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetically tractable model organism widely used to investigate neuronal pathologies. Here, we generate C. elegans models for mitochondriopathies and show that depletion of complex I subunits recapitulates biochemical, cellular and neurodevelopmental aspects of the human diseases. We exploit two models, nuo-5/NDUFS1- and lpd-5/NDUFS4-depleted animals, for a suppressor screening that identifies lutein for its ability to rescue animals’ neurodevelopmental deficits. We uncover overexpression of synaptic neuroligin as an evolutionarily conserved consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction, which we find to mediate an early cholinergic defect in C. elegans. We show lutein exerts its beneficial effects by restoring neuroligin expression independently from its antioxidant activity, thus pointing to a possible novel pathogenetic target for the human disease. Mitochondrial deficiency causes rare incurable disorders. Here, the authors use C. elegans to study these diseases and find that the natural compound lutein prevents neurodevelopmental deficits, thus pointing to a possible therapeutic target for the human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maglioni
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marlen Melcher
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vanessa Brinkmann
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhongrui Luo
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC. Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC. Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuno Raimundo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, 17033, USA
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708-0328, USA
| | - Felix Distelmaier
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany. .,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Invited review: Unearthing the mechanisms of age-related neurodegenerative disease using Caenorhabditis elegans. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 267:111166. [PMID: 35176489 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As human life expectancy increases, neurodegenerative diseases present a growing public health threat, for which there are currently few effective treatments. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular and genetic underpinnings of these disorders so new therapeutic targets can be identified. Here we present the argument that the simple nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful tool to rapidly study neurodegenerative disorders due to their short lifespan and vast array of genetic tools, which can be combined with characterization of conserved neuronal processes and behavior orthologous to those disrupted in human disease. We review how pre-existing C. elegans models provide insight into human neurological disease as well as an overview of current tools available to study neurodegenerative diseases in the worm, with an emphasis on genetics and behavior. We also discuss open questions that C. elegans may be particularly well suited for in future studies and how worms will be a valuable preclinical model to better understand these devastating neurological disorders.
Collapse
|
37
|
Sammi SR, Jameson LE, Conrow KD, Leung MCK, Cannon JR. Caenorhabditis elegans Neurotoxicity Testing: Novel Applications in the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:826488. [PMID: 35373186 PMCID: PMC8966687 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.826488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological hazard assessment of industrial and pesticidal chemicals demands a substantial amount of time and resources. Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model organism in developmental biology and neuroscience. It presents an ideal test system with relatively fewer neurons (302 in hermaphrodites) versus higher-order species, a transparent body, short lifespan, making it easier to perform neurotoxic assessment in a time and cost-effective manner. Yet, no regulatory testing guidelines have been developed for C. elegans in the field of developmental and adult neurotoxicity. Here, we describe a set of morphological and behavioral assessment protocols to examine neurotoxicity in C. elegans with relevance to cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. We discuss the homology of human genes and associated proteins in these two signaling pathways and evaluate the morphological and behavioral endpoints of C. elegans in the context of published adverse outcome pathways of neurodegenerative diseases. We conclude that C. elegans neurotoxicity testing will not only be instrumental to eliminating mammalian testing in neurological hazard assessment but also lead to new knowledge and mechanistic validation in the adverse outcome pathway framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreesh Raj Sammi
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Laura E. Jameson
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Kendra D. Conrow
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, United States
| | - Maxwell C. K. Leung
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Maxwell C. K. Leung, ; Jason R. Cannon,
| | - Jason R. Cannon
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Maxwell C. K. Leung, ; Jason R. Cannon,
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leyva-Díaz E, Hobert O. Robust regulatory architecture of pan-neuronal gene expression. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1715-1727.e8. [PMID: 35259341 PMCID: PMC9050922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pan-neuronally expressed genes, such as genes involved in the synaptic vesicle cycle or in neuropeptide maturation, are critical for proper function of all neurons, but the transcriptional control mechanisms that direct such genes to all neurons of a nervous system remain poorly understood. We show here that six members of the CUT family of homeobox genes control pan-neuronal identity specification in Caenorhabditis elegans. Single CUT mutants show barely any effects on pan-neuronal gene expression or global nervous system function, but such effects become apparent and progressively worsen upon removal of additional CUT family members, indicating a critical role of gene dosage. Overexpression of each individual CUT gene rescued the phenotype of compound mutants, corroborating that gene dosage, rather than the activity of specific members of the gene family, is critical for CUT gene family function. Genome-wide binding profiles, as well as mutation of CUT homeodomain binding sites by CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering show that CUT genes directly control the expression of pan-neuronal features. Moreover, CUT genes act in conjunction with neuron-type-specific transcription factors to control pan-neuronal gene expression. Our study, therefore, provides a previously missing key insight into how neuronal gene expression programs are specified and reveals a highly buffered and robust mechanism that controls the most critical functional features of all neuronal cell types.
Collapse
|
39
|
Xie C, Zhuang XX, Niu Z, Ai R, Lautrup S, Zheng S, Jiang Y, Han R, Gupta TS, Cao S, Lagartos-Donate MJ, Cai CZ, Xie LM, Caponio D, Wang WW, Schmauck-Medina T, Zhang J, Wang HL, Lou G, Xiao X, Zheng W, Palikaras K, Yang G, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA, Shen HM, Nilsen H, Lu JH, Fang EF. Amelioration of Alzheimer's disease pathology by mitophagy inducers identified via machine learning and a cross-species workflow. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:76-93. [PMID: 34992270 PMCID: PMC8782726 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A reduced removal of dysfunctional mitochondria is common to aging and age-related neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Strategies for treating such impaired mitophagy would benefit from the identification of mitophagy modulators. Here we report the combined use of unsupervised machine learning (involving vector representations of molecular structures, pharmacophore fingerprinting and conformer fingerprinting) and a cross-species approach for the screening and experimental validation of new mitophagy-inducing compounds. From a library of naturally occurring compounds, the workflow allowed us to identify 18 small molecules, and among them two potent mitophagy inducers (Kaempferol and Rhapontigenin). In nematode and rodent models of AD, we show that both mitophagy inducers increased the survival and functionality of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurons, abrogated amyloid-β and tau pathologies, and improved the animals’ memory. Our findings suggest the existence of a conserved mechanism of memory loss across the AD models, this mechanism being mediated by defective mitophagy. The computational–experimental screening and validation workflow might help uncover potent mitophagy modulators that stimulate neuronal health and brain homeostasis. Two potent mitophagy inducers, identified and characterized via unsupervised machine learning and a cross-species screening approach, ameliorated the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease in worms and mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Oujiang Laboratory, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xu-Xu Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Zhangming Niu
- Aladdin Healthcare Technologies Ltd., London, UK.,MindRank AI Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruixue Ai
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Sofie Lautrup
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Shuangjia Zheng
- School of Data and Computer Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Ruiyu Han
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Tanima Sen Gupta
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Shuqin Cao
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Maria Jose Lagartos-Donate
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Cui-Zan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Li-Ming Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Domenica Caponio
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Wen-Wen Wang
- Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tomas Schmauck-Medina
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - He-Ling Wang
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Guofeng Lou
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Konstantinos Palikaras
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Guang Yang
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center for Research on the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center for Research on the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hilde Nilsen
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,The Norwegian Centre on Healthy Ageing (NO-Age), Oslo, Norway
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Evandro F Fang
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway. .,The Norwegian Centre on Healthy Ageing (NO-Age), Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Izquierdo PG, Calahorro F, Thisainathan T, Atkins JH, Haszczyn J, Lewis CJ, Tattersall JEH, Green AC, Holden-Dye L, O'Connor V. Cholinergic signaling at the body wall neuromuscular junction distally inhibits feeding behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101466. [PMID: 34864060 PMCID: PMC8801469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex biological functions within organisms are frequently orchestrated by systemic communication between tissues. In the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the pharyngeal and body wall neuromuscular junctions are two discrete structures that control feeding and locomotion, respectively. Separate, the well-defined neuromuscular circuits control these distinct tissues. Nonetheless, the emergent behaviors, feeding and locomotion, are coordinated to guarantee the efficiency of food intake. Here, we show that pharmacological hyperactivation of cholinergic transmission at the body wall muscle reduces the rate of pumping behavior. This was evidenced by a systematic screening of the effect of the cholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb on the rate of pharyngeal pumping on food in mutant worms. The screening revealed that the key determinants of the inhibitory effect of aldicarb on pharyngeal pumping are located at the body wall neuromuscular junction. In fact, the selective stimulation of the body wall muscle receptors with the agonist levamisole inhibited pumping in a lev-1-dependent fashion. Interestingly, this response was independent of unc-38, an alpha subunit of the nicotinic receptor classically expressed with lev-1 at the body wall muscle. This implies an uncharacterized lev-1-containing receptor underpins this effect. Overall, our results reveal that body wall cholinergic transmission not only controls locomotion but simultaneously inhibits feeding behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G Izquierdo
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Fernando Calahorro
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Thibana Thisainathan
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - James H Atkins
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Haszczyn
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christian J Lewis
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - John E H Tattersall
- Dstl, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - A Christopher Green
- Dstl, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Suthakaran N, Wiggins J, Giles A, Opperman KJ, Grill B, Dawson-Scully K. O-GlcNAc transferase OGT-1 and the ubiquitin ligase EEL-1 modulate seizure susceptibility in C. elegans. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260072. [PMID: 34797853 PMCID: PMC8604358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy and autism have been linked to an imbalance of excitation and inhibition (E/I) in the central nervous system. The simplicity and tractability of C. elegans allows our electroconvulsive seizure (ES) assay to be used as a behavioral readout of the locomotor circuit and neuronal function. C. elegans possess conserved nervous system features such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA receptors in inhibitory neurotransmission, and acetylcholine (Ach) and acetylcholine receptors in excitatory neurotransmission. Our previously published data has shown that decreasing inhibition in the motor circuit, via GABAergic manipulation, will extend the time of locomotor recovery following electroshock. Similarly, mutations in a HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase called EEL-1 leads to impaired GABAergic transmission, E/I imbalance and altered sensitivity to electroshock. Mutations in the human ortholog of EEL-1, called HUWE1, are associated with both syndromic and non-syndromic intellectual disability. Both EEL-1 and its previously established binding protein, OGT-1, are expressed in GABAergic motor neurons, localize to GABAergic presynaptic terminals, and function in parallel to regulate GABA neuron function. In this study, we tested behavioral responses to electroshock in wildtype, ogt-1, eel-1 and ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants. Both ogt-1 and eel-1 null mutants have decreased inhibitory GABAergic neuron function and increased electroshock sensitivity. Consistent with EEL-1 and OGT-1 functioning in parallel pathways, ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants showed enhanced electroshock susceptibility. Expression of OGT-1 in the C. elegans nervous system rescued enhanced electroshock defects in ogt-1; eel-1 double mutants. Application of a GABA agonist, Baclofen, decreased electroshock susceptibility in all animals. Our C. elegans electroconvulsive seizure assay was the first to model a human X-linked Intellectual Disability (XLID) associated with epilepsy and suggests a potential novel role for the OGT-1/EEL-1 complex in seizure susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirthieca Suthakaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Wiggins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Karla J. Opperman
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sadananda G, Velmurugan JD, Subramaniam JR. DMSO Delays Alzheimer Disease Causing Aβ-induced Paralysis in C. elegans Through Modulation of Glutamate/Acetylcholine Neurotransmission. Ann Neurosci 2021; 28:55-64. [PMID: 34733055 PMCID: PMC8558977 DOI: 10.1177/09727531211046369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disease with
progressive dementia and neurotransmission (NT)-dysfunction-related
complications in older adults, is known to be caused by abnormal Amyloid-β
(Aβ) peptide and associated amyloid plaques in the brain. Drugs to cure AD
are not in sight. Two major excitatory neurotransmitters, glutamate (Glu)
and acetylcholine (ACh), and their signaling systems are implicated in
AD. Objective: To determine the effect of various NT-altering compounds including fenobam,
quisqualic acid, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the protection against Aβ
toxicity. Further, to identify the potential mechanism through which the
protection happens. Methods: The well-known C. elegans AD model, CL4176, in which human
Aβ expression is turned on upon a temperature shift to 25 °C that leads to
paralysis, was screened for protection/delay in paralysis because of Αβ
toxicity. While screening the compounds, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a
universal solvent used to solubilize compounds, was identified to provide
protection. Aldicarb and levamisole assays were performed to identify the
contribution of ACh neurotransmission in Αβ toxicity protection by DMSO. Results: One percent and two percent DMSO delayed paralysis by 48% and 90%,
respectively. DMSO was dominant over one of the Glu-NT pathway-related
compounds, Fenobam-Group I mGluR antagonist. But DMSO provided only 30% to
50% protection against Quisqualic acid, the Glu-agonist. DMSO (2%) delayed
ACh-NT, both presynaptic acetylcholine esterase inhibitor (AchEi)-aldicarb
and postsynaptic-iAChR-agonst-levamisole induced paralysis, by ∼70% in
CL4176. DMSO seems to be altering Ca2+ ion permeability essential
for NT as EthyleneDiamine Tetra-Acetic acid (EDTA) and DMSO provided similar
aldicarb resistance either combined or alone in wildtype worms. But
postsynaptic Ca2+ depletion by EDTA could reverse DMSO-induced
levamisole hypersensitivity. Surprisingly, the absence of FOrkhead boXO
(FOXO) transcription factor homolog, daf-16
(loss-of-function mutant), a critical transcription factor in the reduced
IIS-mediated longevity in C. elegans, abolished
DMSO-mediated AldR. Conclusion: DMSO and Fenobam protect against Aβ toxicity through modulation of NT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Girish Sadananda
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Janaki Devi Velmurugan
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jamuna R Subramaniam
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shuchi Smita S, Trivedi M, Tripathi D, Pandey-Rai S, Pandey R. Neuromodulatory potential of Asparagus racemosus and its bioactive molecule Shatavarin IV by enhancing synaptic acetylcholine level and nAChR activity. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136294. [PMID: 34655710 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic dysfunction has been commonly known to be associated with plethora of neurodegenerative disorders and also serves as a biomarker. Recently, cholinergic system demonstrated that acetylcholine has major role in regulation of its function therefore the main therapeutic regimens towards disease management have been focused on increasing acetylcholine levels. The current study explores the potential of Asparagus racemosus extract (ARE) and its bioactive molecule Shatavarin IV (SIV) in improving cholinergic transmission via utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans considering as a model system. Observations and results obtained through this study have clearly showed significant modulation in cholinergic function by increasing acetylcholine (ACh) levels and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) activity. Further exploration on mechanistic facet pointed towards ARE and SIV modulatory potential through increased synaptic ACh level by blocking acetyl cholinesterase at enzyme level and by regulating increment in transcript level of cha-1, and cho-1 that are directly responsible for the synthesis of ACh. Further, the up-regulation of unc-38 and unc-50 transcripts could be the reason for enhanced nAChR activity and investigation on stress modulator activity showed excellent efficiency of ARE and SIV in diminishing ROS thereby lowering the oxidative damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shachi Shuchi Smita
- Ageing Biology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226015, India
| | - Mashu Trivedi
- Ageing Biology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226015, India
| | - Deepika Tripathi
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Shashi Pandey-Rai
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Rakesh Pandey
- Ageing Biology Lab, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226015, India.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ahmad W, Ebert PR. Suppression of a core metabolic enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase ( dld) protects against amyloid beta toxicity in C. elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Genes Dis 2021; 8:849-866. [PMID: 34522713 PMCID: PMC8427249 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A decrease in energy metabolism is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it is not known whether the observed decrease exacerbates or protects against the disease. The importance of energy metabolism in AD is reinforced by the observation that variants of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), is genetically linked to late-onset AD. To determine whether DLD is a suitable therapeutic target, we suppressed the dld-1 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans that express human Aβ peptide in either muscles or neurons. Suppression of the dld-1 gene resulted in significant restoration of vitality and function that had been degraded by Aβ pathology. This included protection of neurons and muscles cells. The observed decrease in proteotoxicity was associated with a decrease in the formation of toxic oligomers rather than a decrease in the abundance of the Aβ peptide. The mitochondrial uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), which like dld-1 gene expression inhibits ATP synthesis, had no significant effect on Aβ toxicity. Proteomics data analysis revealed that beneficial effects after dld-1 suppression could be due to change in energy metabolism and activation of the pathways associated with proteasomal degradation, improved cell signaling and longevity. Thus, some features unique to dld-1 gene suppression are responsible for the therapeutic benefit. By direct genetic intervention, we have shown that acute inhibition of dld-1 gene function may be therapeutically beneficial. This result supports the hypothesis that lowering energy metabolism protects against Aβ pathogenicity and that DLD warrants further investigation as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R. Ebert
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Di Rocco M, Galosi S, Lanza E, Tosato F, Caprini D, Folli V, Friedman J, Bocchinfuso G, Martire A, Di Schiavi E, Leuzzi V, Martinelli S. Caenorhabditis elegans provides an efficient drug screening platform for GNAO1-related disorders and highlights the potential role of caffeine in controlling dyskinesia. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:929-941. [PMID: 34622282 PMCID: PMC8947233 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominant GNAO1 mutations cause an emerging group of childhood-onset neurological disorders characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, movement disorders, drug-resistant seizures and neurological deterioration. GNAO1 encodes the α-subunit of an inhibitory GTP/GDP-binding protein regulating ion channel activity and neurotransmitter release. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying GNAO1-related disorders remain largely elusive and there are no effective therapies. Here, we assessed the functional impact of two disease-causing variants associated with distinct clinical features, c.139A > G (p.S47G) and c.662C > A (p.A221D), using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The c.139A > G change was introduced into the orthologous position of the C. elegans gene via CRISPR/Cas9, whereas a knock-in strain carrying the p.A221D variant was already available. Like null mutants, homozygous knock-in animals showed increased egg laying and were hypersensitive to aldicarb, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, suggesting excessive neurotransmitter release by different classes of motor neurons. Automated analysis of C. elegans locomotion indicated that goa-1 mutants move faster than control animals, with more frequent body bends and a higher reversal rate and display uncoordinated locomotion. Phenotypic profiling of heterozygous animals revealed a strong hypomorphic effect of both variants, with a partial dominant-negative activity for the p.A221D allele. Finally, caffeine was shown to rescue aberrant motor function in C. elegans harboring the goa-1 variants; this effect is mainly exerted through adenosine receptor antagonism. Overall, our findings establish a suitable platform for drug discovery, which may assist in accelerating the development of new therapies for this devastating condition, and highlight the potential role of caffeine in controlling GNAO1-related dyskinesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Di Rocco
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy.,Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Serena Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Enrico Lanza
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Federica Tosato
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Davide Caprini
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Viola Folli
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Jennifer Friedman
- UCSD Department of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital Division of Neurology; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Gianfranco Bocchinfuso
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Alberto Martire
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Simone Martinelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome 00161, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Labarre A, Tossing G, Maios C, Doyle JJ, Parker JA. A single copy transgenic mutant FUS strain reproduces age-dependent ALS phenotypes in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021. [PMID: 34568776 PMCID: PMC8459179 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the human DNA/RNA binding protein FUS are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration, including some aggressive and juvenile onset forms. Cytoplasmic inclusions of human FUS proteins are observed in various neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s disease or spinocerebellar ataxia, suggesting that FUS proteinopathy may be a key player in neurodegeneration. To better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of FUS, we created single copy transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing full-length, untagged human FUS in the worm’s GABAergic neurons. These transgenic worms expressing human mutant FUS (mFUS) display the same ALS-associated phenotypes than our previous multiple copy transgenic model, including adult-onset age-dependent loss of motility, progressive paralysis and GABAergic neurodegeneration. These phenotypes are distinct from the transgenic worms expressing human wild-type FUS (wtFUS). We introduce here our C. elegans single copy transgenic for human mutant FUS motor neuron toxicity that may be used for rapid genetic and pharmacological suppressor screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Labarre
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gilles Tossing
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Claudia Maios
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - James J Doyle
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada.,Metabolic Disorders and Complications, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre , Montreal, Canada
| | - J Alex Parker
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Leone P, Tolomeo M, Piancone E, Puzzovio PG, De Giorgi C, Indiveri C, Di Schiavi E, Barile M. Mimicking human riboflavin responsive neuromuscular disorders by silencing flad-1 gene in C. elegans: Alteration of vitamin transport and cholinergic transmission. IUBMB Life 2021; 74:672-683. [PMID: 34558787 PMCID: PMC9292511 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Riboflavin (Rf), or vitamin B2, is the precursor of FMN and FAD, redox cofactors of several dehydrogenases involved in energy metabolism, redox balance and other cell regulatory processes. FAD synthase, coded by FLAD1 gene in humans, is the last enzyme in the pathway converting Rf into FAD. Mutations in FLAD1 gene are responsible for neuromuscular disorders, in some cases treatable with Rf. In order to mimic these disorders, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) gene orthologue of FLAD1 (flad‐1) was silenced in a model strain hypersensitive to RNA interference in nervous system. Silencing flad‐1 resulted in a significant decrease in total flavin content, paralleled by a decrease in the level of the FAD‐dependent ETFDH protein and by a secondary transcriptional down‐regulation of the Rf transporter 1 (rft‐1) possibly responsible for the total flavin content decrease. Conversely an increased ETFDH mRNA content was found. These biochemical changes were accompanied by significant phenotypical changes, including impairments of fertility and locomotion due to altered cholinergic transmission, as indicated by the increased sensitivity to aldicarb. A proposal is made that neuronal acetylcholine production/release is affected by alteration of Rf homeostasis. Rf supplementation restored flavin content, increased rft‐1 transcript levels and eliminated locomotion defects. In this aspect, C. elegans could provide a low‐cost animal model to elucidate the molecular rationale for Rf therapy in human Rf responsive neuromuscular disorders and to screen other molecules with therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Leone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Tolomeo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Piancone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Puzzovio
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Carla De Giorgi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Elia Di Schiavi
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources (IBBR) CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Narayanan RK, Brewer MH, Perez-Siles G, Ellis M, Ly C, Burgess A, Neumann B, Nicholson GA, Vucic S, Kennerson ML. Charcot-Marie-tooth disease causing mutation (p.R158H) in pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3) affects synaptic transmission, ATP production and causes neurodegeneration in a CMTX6 C. elegans model. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:133-145. [PMID: 34387338 PMCID: PMC8682796 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot–Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a commonly inherited, non-fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects sensory and motor neurons in patients. More than 90 genes are known to cause axonal and demyelinating forms of CMT. The p.R158H mutation in the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 3 (PDK3) gene is the genetic cause for an X linked form of axonal CMT (CMTX6). In vitro studies using patient fibroblasts and iPSC-derived motor neurons have shown that this mutation causes deficits in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Animal models that recapitulate pathogenic in vivo events in patients are crucial for investigating mechanisms of axonal degeneration and developing therapies for CMT. We have developed a C. elegans model of CMTX6 by knocking-in the p.R158H mutation in pdhk-2, the ortholog of PDK3. In addition, we have developed animal models overexpressing the wild type and mutant form of human PDK3 specifically in the GABAergic motor neurons of C. elegans. CMTX6 mutants generated in this study exhibit synaptic transmission deficits, locomotion defects and show signs of progressive neurodegeneration. Furthermore, the CMTX6 in vivo models display energy deficits that recapitulate the phenotype observed in patient fibroblasts and iPSC-derived motor neurons. Our CMTX6 animals represent the first in vivo model for this form of CMT and have provided novel insights into the cellular function and metabolic pathways perturbed by the p.R158H mutation, all the while closely replicating the clinical presentation observed in CMTX6 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh K Narayanan
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan H Brewer
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gonzalo Perez-Siles
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melina Ellis
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn Ly
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Burgess
- Cell Division Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brent Neumann
- Neuroscience Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Garth A Nicholson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord General Repatriation Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina L Kennerson
- Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord General Repatriation Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Choudhary B, Marx O, Norris AD. Spliceosomal component PRP-40 is a central regulator of microexon splicing. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109464. [PMID: 34348142 PMCID: PMC8378409 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microexons (≤27 nt) play critical roles in nervous system development and function but create unique challenges for the splicing machinery. The mechanisms of microexon regulation are therefore of great interest. We performed a genetic screen for alternative splicing regulators in the C. elegans nervous system and identify PRP-40, a core component of the U1 snRNP. RNA-seq reveals that PRP-40 is required for inclusion of alternatively spliced, but not constitutively spliced, exons. PRP-40 is particularly required for inclusion of neuronal microexons, and our data indicate that PRP-40 is a central regulator of microexon splicing. Microexons can be relieved from PRP-40 dependence by artificially increasing exon size or reducing flanking intron size, indicating that PRP-40 is specifically required for microexons surrounded by conventionally sized introns. Knockdown of the orthologous PRPF40A in mouse neuroblastoma cells causes widespread dysregulation of microexons but not conventionally sized exons. PRP-40 regulation of neuronal microexons is therefore a widely conserved phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Choudhary
- Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | - Olivia Marx
- Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | - Adam D Norris
- Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chemical and genetic rescue of in vivo progranulin-deficient lysosomal and autophagic defects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022115118. [PMID: 34140407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2006, GRN mutations were first linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the leading cause of non-Alzheimer dementias. While much research has been dedicated to understanding the genetic causes of the disease, our understanding of the mechanistic impacts of GRN deficiency has only recently begun to take shape. With no known cure or treatment available for GRN-related FTD, there is a growing need to rapidly advance genetic and/or small-molecule therapeutics for this disease. This issue is complicated by the fact that, while lysosomal dysfunction seems to be a key driver of pathology, the mechanisms linking a loss of GRN to a pathogenic state remain unclear. In our attempt to address these key issues, we have turned to the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, to model, study, and find potential therapies for GRN-deficient FTD. First, we show that the loss of the nematode GRN ortholog, pgrn-1, results in several behavioral and molecular defects, including lysosomal dysfunction and defects in autophagic flux. Our investigations implicate the sphingolipid metabolic pathway in the regulation of many of the in vivo defects associated with pgrn-1 loss. Finally, we utilized these nematodes as an in vivo tool for high-throughput drug screening and identified two small molecules with potential therapeutic applications against GRN/pgrn-1 deficiency. These compounds reverse the biochemical, cellular, and functional phenotypes of GRN deficiency. Together, our results open avenues for mechanistic and therapeutic research into the outcomes of GRN-related neurodegeneration, both genetic and molecular.
Collapse
|