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Carney TD, Hebalkar RY, Edeleva E, Çiçek IÖ, Shcherbata HR. Signaling through the dystrophin glycoprotein complex affects the stress-dependent transcriptome in Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286223. [PMID: 36594281 PMCID: PMC9922874 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiencies in the human dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC), which links the extracellular matrix with the intracellular cytoskeleton, cause muscular dystrophies, a group of incurable disorders associated with heterogeneous muscle, brain and eye abnormalities. Stresses such as nutrient deprivation and aging cause muscle wasting, which can be exacerbated by reduced levels of the DGC in membranes, the integrity of which is vital for muscle health and function. Moreover, the DGC operates in multiple signaling pathways, demonstrating an important function in gene expression regulation. To advance disease diagnostics and treatment strategies, we strive to understand the genetic pathways that are perturbed by DGC mutations. Here, we utilized a Drosophila model to investigate the transcriptomic changes in mutants of four DGC components under temperature and metabolic stress. We identified DGC-dependent genes, stress-dependent genes and genes dependent on the DGC for a proper stress response, confirming a novel function of the DGC in stress-response signaling. This perspective yields new insights into the etiology of muscular dystrophy symptoms, possible treatment directions and a better understanding of DGC signaling and regulation under normal and stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis D. Carney
- Hannover Medical School, Research Group Gene Expression and Signaling, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover 30625, Germany,Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Rucha Y. Hebalkar
- Hannover Medical School, Research Group Gene Expression and Signaling, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | | | | | - Halyna R. Shcherbata
- Hannover Medical School, Research Group Gene Expression and Signaling, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover 30625, Germany,Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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2
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Application of Thermodynamics and Protein–Protein Interaction Network Topology for Discovery of Potential New Treatments for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11178059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a bioinformatics-based method, which introduces thermodynamic measures and topological characteristics aimed to identify potential drug targets for pharmaco-resistant epileptic patients. We apply the Gibbs homology analysis to the protein–protein interaction network characteristic of temporal lobe epilepsy. With the identification of key proteins involved in the disease, particularly a number of ribosomal proteins, an assessment of their inhibitors is the next logical step. The results of our work offer a direction for future development of prospective therapeutic solutions for epilepsy patients, especially those who are not responding to the current standard of care.
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Yatsenko AS, Kucherenko MM, Xie Y, Urlaub H, Shcherbata HR. Exocyst-mediated membrane trafficking of the lissencephaly-associated ECM receptor dystroglycan is required for proper brain compartmentalization. eLife 2021; 10:63868. [PMID: 33620318 PMCID: PMC7929561 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To assemble a brain, differentiating neurons must make proper connections and establish specialized brain compartments. Abnormal levels of cell adhesion molecules disrupt these processes. Dystroglycan (Dg) is a major non-integrin cell adhesion receptor, deregulation of which is associated with dramatic neuroanatomical defects such as lissencephaly type II or cobblestone brain. The previously established Drosophila model for cobblestone lissencephaly was used to understand how Dg is regulated in the brain. During development, Dg has a spatiotemporally dynamic expression pattern, fine-tuning of which is crucial for accurate brain assembly. In addition, mass spectrometry analyses identified numerous components associated with Dg in neurons, including several proteins of the exocyst complex. Data show that exocyst-based membrane trafficking of Dg allows its distinct expression pattern, essential for proper brain morphogenesis. Further studies of the Dg neuronal interactome will allow identification of new factors involved in the development of dystroglycanopathies and advance disease diagnostics in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy S Yatsenko
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mariya M Kucherenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yuanbin Xie
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,University Medical Center Göttingen, Bioanalytics, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
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4
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Yatsenko AS, Kucherenko MM, Xie Y, Aweida D, Urlaub H, Scheibe RJ, Cohen S, Shcherbata HR. Profiling of the muscle-specific dystroglycan interactome reveals the role of Hippo signaling in muscular dystrophy and age-dependent muscle atrophy. BMC Med 2020; 18:8. [PMID: 31959160 PMCID: PMC6971923 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystroglycanopathies are a group of inherited disorders characterized by vast clinical and genetic heterogeneity and caused by abnormal functioning of the ECM receptor dystroglycan (Dg). Remarkably, among many cases of diagnosed dystroglycanopathies, only a small fraction can be linked directly to mutations in Dg or its regulatory enzymes, implying the involvement of other, not-yet-characterized, Dg-regulating factors. To advance disease diagnostics and develop new treatment strategies, new approaches to find dystroglycanopathy-related factors should be considered. The Dg complex is highly evolutionarily conserved; therefore, model genetic organisms provide excellent systems to address this challenge. In particular, Drosophila is amenable to experiments not feasible in any other system, allowing original insights about the functional interactors of the Dg complex. METHODS To identify new players contributing to dystroglycanopathies, we used Drosophila as a genetic muscular dystrophy model. Using mass spectrometry, we searched for muscle-specific Dg interactors. Next, in silico analyses allowed us to determine their association with diseases and pathological conditions in humans. Using immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic interaction approaches followed by the detailed analysis of the muscle tissue architecture, we verified Dg interaction with some of the discovered factors. Analyses of mouse muscles and myocytes were used to test if interactions are conserved in vertebrates. RESULTS The muscle-specific Dg complexome revealed novel components that influence the efficiency of Dg function in the muscles. We identified the closest human homologs for Dg-interacting partners, determined their significant enrichment in disease-associations, and verified some of the newly identified Dg interactions. We found that Dg associates with two components of the mechanosignaling Hippo pathway: the WW domain-containing proteins Kibra and Yorkie. Importantly, this conserved interaction manages adult muscle size and integrity. CONCLUSIONS The results presented in this study provide a new list of muscle-specific Dg interactors, further analysis of which could aid not only in the diagnosis of muscular dystrophies, but also in the development of new therapeutics. To regulate muscle fitness during aging and disease, Dg associates with Kibra and Yorkie and acts as a transmembrane Hippo signaling receptor that transmits extracellular information to intracellular signaling cascades, regulating muscle gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy S Yatsenko
- Gene Expression and Signaling Group, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mariya M Kucherenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Present Address: Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Physiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuanbin Xie
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Present Address: University Medical Center, Centre for Anatomy, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dina Aweida
- Faculty of Biology, Technion, 32000, Haifa, Israel
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Bioanalytics Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert Koch Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Renate J Scheibe
- Gene Expression and Signaling Group, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Gene Expression and Signaling Group, Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany. .,Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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5
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Nickolls AR, Bönnemann CG. The roles of dystroglycan in the nervous system: insights from animal models of muscular dystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/12/dmm035931. [PMID: 30578246 PMCID: PMC6307911 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystroglycan is a cell membrane protein that binds to the extracellular matrix in a variety of mammalian tissues. The α-subunit of dystroglycan (αDG) is heavily glycosylated, including a special O-mannosyl glycoepitope, relying upon this unique glycosylation to bind its matrix ligands. A distinct group of muscular dystrophies results from specific hypoglycosylation of αDG, and they are frequently associated with central nervous system involvement, ranging from profound brain malformation to intellectual disability without evident morphological defects. There is an expanding literature addressing the function of αDG in the nervous system, with recent reports demonstrating important roles in brain development and in the maintenance of neuronal synapses. Much of these data are derived from an increasingly rich array of experimental animal models. This Review aims to synthesize the information from such diverse models, formulating an up-to-date understanding about the various functions of αDG in neurons and glia of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Where possible, we integrate these data with our knowledge of the human disorders to promote translation from basic mechanistic findings to clinical therapies that take the neural phenotypes into account. Summary: Dystroglycan is a ubiquitous matrix receptor linked to brain and muscle disease. Unraveling the functions of this protein will inform basic and translational research on neural development and muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec R Nickolls
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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220th ENMC workshop: Dystroglycan and the dystroglycanopathies Naarden, The Netherlands, 27-29 May 2016. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 27:387-395. [PMID: 28089719 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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7
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Kreipke RE, Kwon YV, Shcherbata HR, Ruohola-Baker H. Drosophila melanogaster as a Model of Muscle Degeneration Disorders. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 121:83-109. [PMID: 28057309 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful platform with which researchers can dissect complex genetic questions and biochemical pathways relevant to a vast array of human diseases and disorders. Of particular interest, much work has been done with flies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle degeneration diseases. The fly is particularly useful for modeling muscle degeneration disorders because there are no identified satellite muscle cells to repair adult muscle following injury. This allows for the identification of endogenous processes of muscle degeneration as discrete events, distinguishable from phenotypes due to the lack of stem cell-based regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the ways in which the fruit fly provides a powerful platform with which to study human muscle degeneration disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Kreipke
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Y V Kwon
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - H R Shcherbata
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - H Ruohola-Baker
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States.
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8
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miRNA-based buffering of the cobblestone-lissencephaly-associated extracellular matrix receptor dystroglycan via its alternative 3'-UTR. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4906. [PMID: 25232965 PMCID: PMC4199286 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins are expressed dynamically during different stages of cellular life and the accuracy of protein amounts is critical for cell endurance. Therefore, cells should have a perceptive system that notifies about fluctuations in the amounts of certain components and an executive system that efficiently restores their precise levels. At least one mechanism that evolution has employed for this task is regulation of 3'-UTR length for microRNA targeting. Here we show that in Drosophila the microRNA complex miR-310s acts as an executive mechanism to buffer levels of the muscular dystrophy-associated extracellular matrix receptor dystroglycan via its alternative 3'-UTR. miR-310s gene expression fluctuates depending on dystroglycan amounts and nitric oxide signalling, which perceives dystroglycan levels and regulates microRNA gene expression. Aberrant levels of dystroglycan or deficiencies in miR-310s and nitric oxide signalling result in cobblestone brain appearance, resembling human lissencephaly type II phenotype.
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9
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Yatsenko AS, Marrone AK, Kucherenko MM, Shcherbata HR. Measurement of metabolic rate in Drosophila using respirometry. J Vis Exp 2014:e51681. [PMID: 24998593 DOI: 10.3791/51681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders are a frequent problem affecting human health. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate metabolism is a crucial scientific task. Many disease causing genes in humans have a fly homologue, making Drosophila a good model to study signaling pathways involved in the development of different disorders. Additionally, the tractability of Drosophila simplifies genetic screens to aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets that may regulate metabolism. In order to perform such a screen a simple and fast method to identify changes in the metabolic state of flies is necessary. In general, carbon dioxide production is a good indicator of substrate oxidation and energy expenditure providing information about metabolic state. In this protocol we introduce a simple method to measure CO2 output from flies. This technique can potentially aid in the identification of genetic perturbations affecting metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy S Yatsenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry
| | - April K Marrone
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry
| | - Mariya M Kucherenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry
| | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry;
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10
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Yatsenko AS, Shcherbata HR. Drosophila miR-9a targets the ECM receptor Dystroglycan to canalize myotendinous junction formation. Dev Cell 2014; 28:335-48. [PMID: 24525189 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of intercellular interactions between various cell types of different origin is vital for organism development and tissue maintenance. Therefore, precise timing, expression pattern, and amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins must be tightly regulated. Particularly, the ECM is important for the development and function of myotendinous junctions (MTJs). We find that precise levels of the ECM receptor Dystroglycan (Dg) are required for MTJ formation in Drosophila and that Dg levels in this process are controlled by miR-9a. In the embryo, Dg is enriched at the termini of the growing muscles facing the tendon matrix and absent from miR-9a-expressing tendons. This gradient of Dg expression is crucial for proper muscle-tendon attachments and is adjusted by miR-9a. In addition to Dg, miR-9a regulates the expression of several other critical muscle genes, and we therefore propose that during embryogenesis, miR-9a specifically controls the expression of mesodermal genes to canalize MTJ morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriy S Yatsenko
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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11
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Edeleva EV, Shcherbata HR. Stress-induced ECM alteration modulates cellular microRNAs that feedback to readjust the extracellular environment and cell behavior. Front Genet 2013; 4:305. [PMID: 24427166 PMCID: PMC3876577 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular environment is a complex entity comprising of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulatory molecules. It is highly dynamic and under cell-extrinsic stress, transmits the stressed organism’s state to each individual ECM-connected cell. microRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules involved in virtually all the processes in the cell, especially under stress. In this review, we analyse how miRNA expression is regulated downstream of various signal transduction pathways induced by changes in the extracellular environment. In particular, we focus on the muscular dystrophy-associated cell adhesion molecule dystroglycan capable of signal transduction. Then we show how exactly the same miRNAs feedback to regulate the extracellular environment. The ultimate goal of this bi-directional signal transduction process is to change cell behavior under cell-extrinsic stress in order to respond to it accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniia V Edeleva
- Max Planck Research Group for Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Göttingen, Germany
| | - Halyna R Shcherbata
- Max Planck Research Group for Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Göttingen, Germany
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12
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Marrone AK, Edeleva EV, Kucherenko MM, Hsiao NH, Shcherbata HR. Dg-Dys-Syn1 signaling in Drosophila regulates the microRNA profile. BMC Cell Biol 2012; 13:26. [PMID: 23107381 PMCID: PMC3551632 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-13-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex (DGC) is at the center of significant inheritable diseases, such as muscular dystrophies that can be fatal and impair neuronal function in addition to muscle degeneration. Recent evidence has shown that it can control cellular homeostasis and work via Dystrophin signaling to regulate microRNA gene expression which implies that disease phenotypes hide an entourage of regulatory and homeostatic anomalies. Uncovering these hidden processes could shed new light on the importance of proper DGC function for an organism’s overall welfare and bring forth new ideas for treatments. Results To better understand a role for the DGC in these processes, we used the genetically advantageous Drosophila muscular dystrophy model to conduct a whole animal microarray screen. Since we have recently found that dystrophic symptoms can be caused by stress even in wild type animals and are enhanced in mutants, we screened stressed animals for microRNA misregulation as well. We were able to define microRNAs misregulated due to stress and/or dystrophy. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a Dystrophin and Dystroglycan dependent circuitry of processes linking stress response, dystrophic conditions and cellular signaling and that microRNAs play an important role in this network. Verification of a subset of our results was conducted via q-PCR and revealed that miR-956, miR-980 and miR-252 are regulated via a Dystroglycan-Dystrophin-Syntrophin dependent pathway. Conclusions The results presented in this study support the hypothesis that there is a Dystrophin and Dystroglycan dependent circuitry of processes that includes regulation of microRNAs. Dystrophin signaling has already been found to occur in mammalian musculature; however, our data reveals that this regulation is evolutionarily conserved and also present in at least neuronal tissues. Our data imply that Dystroglycan-Dystrophin-Syntrophin signaling through control of multiple microRNAs is involved in highly managed regulation of gene expression required to adapt cellular homeostasis that is compromised under stress and dystrophic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- April K Marrone
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for biophysical chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, Goettingen 37077, Germany
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13
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Marrone AK, Kucherenko MM, Rishko VM, Shcherbata HR. New dystrophin/dystroglycan interactors control neuron behavior in Drosophila eye. BMC Neurosci 2011; 12:93. [PMID: 21943192 PMCID: PMC3217851 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-12-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex (DGC) is a large multi-component complex that is well known for its function in muscle tissue. When the main components of the DGC, Dystrophin (Dys) and Dystroglycan (Dg) are affected cognitive impairment and mental retardation in addition to muscle degeneration can occur. Previously we performed an array of genetic screens using a Drosophila model for muscular dystrophy in order to find novel DGC interactors aiming to elucidate the signaling role(s) in which the complex is involved. Since the function of the DGC in the brain and nervous system has not been fully defined, we have here continued to analyze the DGC modifiers' function in the developing Drosophila brain and eye. Results Given that disruption of Dys and Dg leads to improper photoreceptor axon projections into the lamina and eye neuron elongation defects during development, we have determined the function of previously screened components and their genetic interaction with the DGC in this tissue. Our study first found that mutations in chif, CG34400, Nrk, Lis1, capt and Cam cause improper axon path-finding and loss of SP2353, Grh, Nrk, capt, CG34400, vimar, Lis1 and Cam cause shortened rhabdomere lengths. We determined that Nrk, mbl, capt and Cam genetically interact with Dys and/or Dg in these processes. It is notable that most of the neuronal DGC interacting components encountered are involved in regulation of actin dynamics. Conclusions Our data indicate possible DGC involvement in the process of cytoskeletal remodeling in neurons. The identification of new components that interact with the DGC not only helps to dissect the mechanism of axon guidance and eye neuron differentiation but also provides a great opportunity for understanding the signaling mechanisms by which the cell surface receptor Dg communicates via Dys with the actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- April K Marrone
- Max Planck Institute for biophysical chemistry, Research group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Goettingen, Germany
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14
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Marrone AK, Shcherbata HR. Dystrophin Orchestrates the Epigenetic Profile of Muscle Cells Via miRNAs. Front Genet 2011; 2:64. [PMID: 22303359 PMCID: PMC3268617 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2011.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian musculature is a very robust and dynamic tissue that goes through many rounds of degeneration and regeneration in an individual’s lifetime. There is a biological program that maintains muscle progenitor cells that, when activated, give rise to intermediate myoblast progeny that consequently differentiate into mature muscle cells. Recent works have provided a picture of the role that microRNAs (miRNAs) play in maintaining aspects of this program. Intriguingly, a subset of these miRNAs is de-regulated in muscular dystrophies (MDs), a group of fatal inherited neuromuscular disorders that are often associated with deficiencies in the Dystrophin (Dys) complex. Apparently, transcriptional expression of many of the muscle specific genes and miRNAs is dependent on chromatin state regulated by the Dys–Syn–nNOS pathway. This puts Dystrophin at the epicenter of a highly regulated program of muscle gene expression in which miRNAs help to coordinate networking between multiple phases of muscle maintenance, degeneration, and regeneration. Therefore, understanding the role of miRNAs in physiology of normal and diseased muscle tissue could be useful for future applications in improving the MD therapies and could open new clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- April K Marrone
- Max Planck Research Group of Gene Expression and Signaling, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Goettingen, Germany
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