1
|
Ismail Mohamad N, Santra P, Park Y, Matthews IR, Taketa E, Chan DK. Synaptic ribbon dynamics after noise exposure in the hearing cochlea. Commun Biol 2024; 7:421. [PMID: 38582813 PMCID: PMC10998851 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06067-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Moderate noise exposure induces cochlear synaptopathy, the loss of afferent ribbon synapses between cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, which is associated with functional hearing decline. Prior studies have demonstrated noise-induced changes in the distribution and number of synaptic components, but the dynamic changes that occur after noise exposure have not been directly visualized. Here, we describe a live imaging model using RIBEYE-tagRFP to enable direct observation of pre-synaptic ribbons in mature hearing mouse cochleae after synaptopathic noise exposure. Ribbon number does not change, but noise induces an increase in ribbon volume as well as movement suggesting unanchoring from synaptic tethers. A subgroup of basal ribbons displays concerted motion towards the cochlear nucleus with subsequent migration back to the cell membrane after noise cessation. Understanding the immediate dynamics of synaptic damage after noise exposure may facilitate identification of specific target pathways to treat cochlear synaptopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura Ismail Mohamad
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peu Santra
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yesai Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ian R Matthews
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily Taketa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dylan K Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leclère JC, Dulon D. Otoferlin as a multirole Ca 2+ signaling protein: from inner ear synapses to cancer pathways. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1197611. [PMID: 37538852 PMCID: PMC10394277 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1197611] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have six members of the ferlin protein family: dysferlin, myoferlin, otoferlin, fer1L4, fer1L5, and fer1L6. These proteins share common features such as multiple Ca2+-binding C2 domains, FerA domains, and membrane anchoring through their single C-terminal transmembrane domain, and are believed to play a key role in calcium-triggered membrane fusion and vesicle trafficking. Otoferlin plays a crucial role in hearing and vestibular function. In this review, we will discuss how we see otoferlin working as a Ca2+-dependent mechanical sensor regulating synaptic vesicle fusion at the hair cell ribbon synapses. Although otoferlin is also present in the central nervous system, particularly in the cortex and amygdala, its role in brain tissues remains unknown. Mutations in the OTOF gene cause one of the most frequent genetic forms of congenital deafness, DFNB9. These mutations produce severe to profound hearing loss due to a defect in synaptic excitatory glutamatergic transmission between the inner hair cells and the nerve fibers of the auditory nerve. Gene therapy protocols that allow normal rescue expression of otoferlin in hair cells have just started and are currently in pre-clinical phase. In parallel, studies have linked ferlins to cancer through their effect on cell signaling and development, allowing tumors to form and cancer cells to adapt to a hostile environment. Modulation by mechanical forces and Ca2+ signaling are key determinants of the metastatic process. Although ferlins importance in cancer has not been extensively studied, data show that otoferlin expression is significantly associated with survival in specific cancer types, including clear cell and papillary cell renal carcinoma, and urothelial bladder cancer. These findings indicate a role for otoferlin in the carcinogenesis of these tumors, which requires further investigation to confirm and understand its exact role, particularly as it varies by tumor site. Targeting this protein may lead to new cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Leclère
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
- Laboratory of Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Didier Dulon
- Laboratory of Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Institut de l’Audition, Institut Pasteur & INSERM UA06, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Plazas PV, Elgoyhen AB. The Cholinergic Lateral Line Efferent Synapse: Structural, Functional and Molecular Similarities With Those of the Cochlea. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:765083. [PMID: 34712122 PMCID: PMC8545859 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.765083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate hair cell (HC) systems are innervated by efferent fibers that modulate their response to external stimuli. In mammals, the best studied efferent-HC synapse, the cholinergic medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system, makes direct synaptic contacts with HCs. The net effect of MOC activity is to hyperpolarize HCs through the activation of α9α10 nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) and the subsequent activation of Ca2+-dependent SK2 potassium channels. A serious obstacle in research on many mammalian sensory systems in their native context is that their constituent neurons are difficult to access even in newborn animals, hampering circuit observation, mapping, or controlled manipulation. By contrast, fishes and amphibians have a superficial and accessible mechanosensory system, the lateral line (LL), which circumvents many of these problems. LL responsiveness is modulated by efferent neurons which aid to distinguish between external and self-generated stimuli. One component of the LL efferent system is cholinergic and its activation inhibits LL afferent activity, similar to what has been described for MOC efferents. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful model system for studying human hearing and balance disorders, since LL HC are structurally and functionally analogous to cochlear HCs, but are optically and pharmacologically accessible within an intact specimen. Complementing mammalian studies, zebrafish have been used to gain significant insights into many facets of HC biology, including mechanotransduction and synaptic physiology as well as mechanisms of both hereditary and acquired HC dysfunction. With the rise of the zebrafish LL as a model in which to study auditory system function and disease, there has been an increased interest in studying its efferent system and evaluate the similarity between mammalian and piscine efferent synapses. Advances derived from studies in zebrafish include understanding the effect of the LL efferent system on HC and afferent activity, and revealing that an α9-containing nAChR, functionally coupled to SK channels, operates at the LL efferent synapse. In this review, we discuss the tools and findings of these recent investigations into zebrafish efferent-HC synapse, their commonalities with the mammalian counterpart and discuss several emerging areas for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola V Plazas
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Belén Elgoyhen
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Voorn RA, Vogl C. Molecular Assembly and Structural Plasticity of Sensory Ribbon Synapses-A Presynaptic Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8758. [PMID: 33228215 PMCID: PMC7699581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian cochlea, specialized ribbon-type synapses between sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and postsynaptic spiral ganglion neurons ensure the temporal precision and indefatigability of synaptic sound encoding. These high-through-put synapses are presynaptically characterized by an electron-dense projection-the synaptic ribbon-which provides structural scaffolding and tethers a large pool of synaptic vesicles. While advances have been made in recent years in deciphering the molecular anatomy and function of these specialized active zones, the developmental assembly of this presynaptic interaction hub remains largely elusive. In this review, we discuss the dynamic nature of IHC (pre-) synaptogenesis and highlight molecular key players as well as the transport pathways underlying this process. Since developmental assembly appears to be a highly dynamic process, we further ask if this structural plasticity might be maintained into adulthood, how this may influence the functional properties of a given IHC synapse and how such plasticity could be regulated on the molecular level. To do so, we take a closer look at other ribbon-bearing systems, such as retinal photoreceptors and pinealocytes and aim to infer conserved mechanisms that may mediate these phenomena.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Alcohol Oxidoreductases/genetics
- Alcohol Oxidoreductases/metabolism
- Animals
- Co-Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Co-Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics
- Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism
- Cytoskeleton/metabolism
- Cytoskeleton/ultrastructure
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/metabolism
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/ultrastructure
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer/metabolism
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer/ultrastructure
- Hair Cells, Vestibular/metabolism
- Hair Cells, Vestibular/ultrastructure
- Mechanotransduction, Cellular
- Mice
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuronal Plasticity/genetics
- Neuropeptides/genetics
- Neuropeptides/metabolism
- Rats
- Synapses/metabolism
- Synapses/ultrastructure
- Synaptic Transmission/genetics
- Synaptic Vesicles/metabolism
- Synaptic Vesicles/ultrastructure
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roos Anouk Voorn
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
- Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889 “Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing”, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian Vogl
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
- Collaborative Research Center 889 “Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing”, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boyle R. Otolith adaptive responses to altered gravity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 122:218-228. [PMID: 33152424 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The force of gravity has remained constantly present over the course of animal evolution and forms our frame of reference with the environment, including spatial orientation, navigation, gaze and postural stability. Inertial head accelerations occur within this gravity frame of reference naturally during voluntary movements and perturbations. Execution of movements of aquatic, terrestrial and flight species widely differ, but the sensory systems detecting acceleration forces, including gravity, have remained remarkably conserved among vertebrates. The utricular organ senses the sum of inertial force due to head translation and head tilt relative to gravitational vertical. A sudden or persistent change in gravitational force would be expected to have profound and global effects on an organism. Physiological data collected immediately after orbital missions, after short and extended increases in gravity load via centrifugation, and after readaptation to normal gravity exist in the toadfish model. This review focuses on the otolith adaptive responses to changes in gravity in a number of model organisms and their potential impact on human space travel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clément GR, Boyle RD, George KA, Nelson GA, Reschke MF, Williams TJ, Paloski WH. Challenges to the central nervous system during human spaceflight missions to Mars. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2037-2063. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00476.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Space travel presents a number of environmental challenges to the central nervous system, including changes in gravitational acceleration that alter the terrestrial synergies between perception and action, galactic cosmic radiation that can damage sensitive neurons and structures, and multiple factors (isolation, confinement, altered atmosphere, and mission parameters, including distance from Earth) that can affect cognition and behavior. Travelers to Mars will be exposed to these environmental challenges for up to 3 years, and space-faring nations continue to direct vigorous research investments to help elucidate and mitigate the consequences of these long-duration exposures. This article reviews the findings of more than 50 years of space-related neuroscience research on humans and animals exposed to spaceflight or analogs of spaceflight environments, and projects the implications and the forward work necessary to ensure successful Mars missions. It also reviews fundamental neurophysiology responses that will help us understand and maintain human health and performance on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard D. Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
| | | | - Gregory A. Nelson
- Division of Biomedical Engineering Sciences, School of Medicine Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | - Millard F. Reschke
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Thomas J. Williams
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - William H. Paloski
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moser T, Grabner CP, Schmitz F. Sensory Processing at Ribbon Synapses in the Retina and the Cochlea. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:103-144. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00026.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, sensory neuroscientists have made major efforts to dissect the structure and function of ribbon synapses which process sensory information in the eye and ear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of two key aspects of ribbon synapses: 1) their mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis and 2) their molecular anatomy and physiology. Our comparison of ribbon synapses in the cochlea and the retina reveals convergent signaling mechanisms, as well as divergent strategies in different sensory systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Chad P. Grabner
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schmitz
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Michanski S, Smaluch K, Steyer AM, Chakrabarti R, Setz C, Oestreicher D, Fischer C, Möbius W, Moser T, Vogl C, Wichmann C. Mapping developmental maturation of inner hair cell ribbon synapses in the apical mouse cochlea. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6415-6424. [PMID: 30867284 PMCID: PMC6442603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812029116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) undergo molecular assembly and extensive functional and structural maturation before hearing onset. Here, we characterized the nanostructure of IHC synapses from late prenatal mouse embryo stages (embryonic days 14-18) into adulthood [postnatal day (P)48] using electron microscopy and tomography as well as optical nanoscopy of apical turn organs of Corti. We find that synaptic ribbon precursors arrive at presynaptic active zones (AZs) after afferent contacts have been established. These ribbon precursors contain the proteins RIBEYE and piccolino, tether synaptic vesicles and their delivery likely involves active, microtubule-based transport pathways. Synaptic contacts undergo a maturational transformation from multiple small to one single, large AZ. This maturation is characterized by the fusion of ribbon precursors with membrane-anchored ribbons that also appear to fuse with each other. Such fusion events are most frequently encountered around P12 and hence, coincide with hearing onset in mice. Thus, these events likely underlie the morphological and functional maturation of the AZ. Moreover, the postsynaptic densities appear to undergo a similar refinement alongside presynaptic maturation. Blockwise addition of ribbon material by fusion as found during AZ maturation might represent a general mechanism for modulating ribbon size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susann Michanski
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Smaluch
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Steyer
- Electron Microscopy Core Unit, Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cristian Setz
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - David Oestreicher
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Fischer
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Georg August University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Electron Microscopy Core Unit, Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Vogl
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Junior Research Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pickett SB, Raible DW. Water Waves to Sound Waves: Using Zebrafish to Explore Hair Cell Biology. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2019; 20:1-19. [PMID: 30635804 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-018-00711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although perhaps best known for their use in developmental studies, over the last couple of decades, zebrafish have become increasingly popular model organisms for investigating auditory system function and disease. Like mammals, zebrafish possess inner ear mechanosensory hair cells required for hearing, as well as superficial hair cells of the lateral line sensory system, which mediate detection of directional water flow. Complementing mammalian studies, zebrafish have been used to gain significant insights into many facets of hair cell biology, including mechanotransduction and synaptic physiology as well as mechanisms of both hereditary and acquired hair cell dysfunction. Here, we provide an overview of this literature, highlighting some of the particular advantages of using zebrafish to investigate hearing and hearing loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Pickett
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building H-501, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA, 98195-7420, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357270, Seattle, WA, 98195-7270, USA
| | - David W Raible
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building H-501, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA, 98195-7420, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357270, Seattle, WA, 98195-7270, USA.
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, 1701 NE Columbia Rd, Box 357923, Seattle, WA, 98195-7923, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Transfer Characteristics of Hair Cells Encoding Mechanical Stimuli in the Lateral Line of Zebrafish. J Neurosci 2018; 39:112-124. [PMID: 30413644 PMCID: PMC6325263 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1472-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells transmit mechanical information by converting deflection of the hair bundle into synaptic release of glutamate. We have investigated this process in the lateral line of larval zebrafish (male and female) to understand how stimuli are encoded within a neuromast. Using multiphoton microscopy in vivo, we imaged synaptic release of glutamate using the reporter iGluSnFR as well as deflections of the cupula. We found that the neuromast is composed of a functionally diverse population of hair cells. Half the hair cells signaled cupula motion in both directions from rest, either by increasing glutamate release in response to a deflection in the positive direction or by reducing release in the negative direction. The relationship between cupula deflection and glutamate release demonstrated maximum sensitivity at displacements of just ∼40 nm in the positive direction. The remaining hair cells only signaled motion in one direction and were less sensitive, extending the operating range of the neuromast beyond 1 μm. Adaptation of the synaptic output was also heterogeneous, with some hair cells generating sustained glutamate release in response to a steady deflection of the cupula and others generating transient outputs. Finally, a distinct signal encoded a return of the cupula to rest: a large and transient burst of glutamate release from hair cells unresponsive to the initial stimulus. A population of hair cells with these different sensitivities, operating ranges, and adaptive properties will allow the neuromast to encode weak stimuli while maintaining the dynamic range to signal the amplitude and duration of stronger deflections. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hair cells transmit information about mechanical stimuli by converting very small deflections of their hair bundle into changes in the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate. We have measured this input/output relation in the live fish using a fluorescent protein and find that different hair cells vary in their mechanical sensitivity and the time course of their response. These variations will allow the fish to sense the timing and duration of both very weak stimuli (∼40 nm deflections) and strong stimuli (∼1 μm), underlying the ability of the fish to avoid predators and maintain its body position in flowing water.
Collapse
|
11
|
Boyle R, Popova Y, Varelas J. Influence of Magnitude and Duration of Altered Gravity and Readaptation to 1 g on the Structure and Function of the Utricle in Toadfish, Opsanus tau. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1469. [PMID: 30405430 PMCID: PMC6204554 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity has remained constant during animal evolution and the neural sensory systems detecting acceleration forces have remained remarkably conserved among vertebrates. The utricular organ senses the sum of inertial force due to head translation and head tilt relative to gravitational vertical. Change in gravitational force would be expected to have profound effects on how an organism maintains equilibrium. We characterize the physiology of utricular afferents to applied accelerations in the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, in normal 1 g to establish benchmarks, after 1–32-day exposures to 2.24 g (resultant) via centrifugation (hypergravity, HG), after 4- and 16-day exposures to 1.12 g (resultant), and following 1–8 days recovery to HG exposures to study re-adaptation to 1 g. Afferents were also examined during activation of efferent vestibular pathway. Centrifugation at 2.24 g included 228°/s constant angular velocity component, and thus horizontal canal afferent responses to yaw rotation were recorded as an internal control in each fish. Afferents studied after 228°/s rotation for 4 and 16 days without centripetal acceleration, called On-Center-Control, were indistinguishable from their control counterparts. Principal response to HG was an adjustment of afferent sensitivity as a function of magnitude and duration of exposure: an initial robust increase at 3–4 days followed by a significant decrease from 16 to 32 days. Initial increase observed after 4 days of HG took >4 days in 1 g to recover, and the decrease observed after 16 days of HG took >2 days to readapt to 1 g. Hair cells in striola and medial extrastriola macula regions were serially reconstructed in 3D from thin sections using transmission electron microscopy in control fish and fish exposed to 4 and 16 days of HG. Despite the highly significant differences in afferent physiology, synaptic body counts quantified in the same fish were equivalent in their inter-animal variability and averages. No clear role of the efferent pathway as a feedback mechanism regulating afferent behavior to HG was found. Transfer from 1 g to HG imparts profound effects on gravitational sensitivity of utricular afferents and the accompanying transfer from the HG back to the 1 g resembles in part (as an analog) the transfer from 1 g to the micrograms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Boyle
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Yekaterina Popova
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Joseph Varelas
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States.,Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Science & Technology Innovation Labs at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kindt KS, Sheets L. Transmission Disrupted: Modeling Auditory Synaptopathy in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:114. [PMID: 30258843 PMCID: PMC6143809 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss in humans, and results from either dysfunction in hair cells, the sensory receptors of sound, or the neurons that innervate hair cells. A specific type of sensorineural hearing loss, referred to as auditory synaptopathy, occurs when hair cells are able to detect sound but fail to transmit sound stimuli at the hair-cell synapse. Auditory synaptopathy can originate from genetic alterations that specifically disrupt hair-cell synapse function. Additionally, environmental factors such as noise exposure can leave hair cells intact but result in loss of hair-cell synapses, and represent an acquired form of auditory synaptopathy. The zebrafish model has emerged as a valuable system for studies of hair-cell function, and specifically hair-cell synaptopathy. In this review, we describe the experimental tools that have been developed to study hair-cell synapses in zebrafish. We discuss how zebrafish genetics has helped identify and define the roles of hair-cell synaptic proteins crucial for hearing in humans, and highlight how studies in zebrafish have contributed to our understanding of hair-cell synapse formation and function. In addition, we also discuss work that has used noise exposure or pharmacological mimic of noise-induced excitotoxicity in zebrafish to define cellular mechanisms underlying noise-induced hair-cell damage and synapse loss. Lastly, we highlight how future studies in zebrafish could enhance our understanding of the pathological processes underlying synapse loss in both genetic and acquired auditory synaptopathy. This knowledge is critical in order to develop therapies that protect or repair auditory synaptic contacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie S. Kindt
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and Function, NIDCD/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lavinia Sheets
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Veerapathiran S, Wohland T. Fluorescence techniques in developmental biology. J Biosci 2018; 43:541-553. [PMID: 30002271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced fluorescence techniques, commonly known as the F-techniques, measure the kinetics and the interactions of biomolecules with high sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution. Applications of the F-techniques, which were initially limited to cells, were further extended to study in vivo protein organization and dynamics in whole organisms. The integration of F-techniques with multi-photon microscopy and light-sheet microscopy widened their applications in the field of developmental biology. It became possible to penetrate the thick tissues of living organisms and obtain good signal-to-noise ratio with reduced photo-induced toxicity. In this review, we discuss the principle and the applications of the three most commonly used F-techniques in developmental biology: Fluorescence Recovery After Photo-bleaching (FRAP), Fo¨ rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), and Fluorescence Correlation and Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS and FCCS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapthaswaran Veerapathiran
- Department of Biological Sciences and NUS Centre for Bio-Imaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117557, Singapore
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
|