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Brożek J, Poprawa I, Wegierek P, Stroiński A. Functional Morphology and Ultrastructure of the Peripheral Antennal Sensillar System of Graphosoma italicum (Müller, 1766) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). INSECTS 2024; 15:528. [PMID: 39057261 PMCID: PMC11277130 DOI: 10.3390/insects15070528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The antennae of the shield bug Graphosoma italicum (Müller, 1766) were examined through scanning and transmission electron microscopy to reveal their general morphology, as well as the antennal sensilla's distribution, size, and ultrastructure of their dendrites and function. The antennae comprise five antennomeres (one scape, two pedicels, and two flagellomeres). Different lengths of chaetic mechanosensilla (Ch1-Ch4) exist on all antennomeres, and several highly sensitive campaniform sensilla are embedded in the exoskeleton and measure cuticular strain. One pair of peg sensilla, the typical proprioceptive, is only on the proximal edge of the first pedicel and directed to the distal edge of the scapus. The antennal flagellum possesses two subtypes of trichoid and basiconic sensilla, each with one type of coeloconic olfactory sensilla. The distinctive characteristics of G. italicum are also apparent in two subtypes of coeloconic sensilla embedded in different cavities on both antennomeres of the flagellum, probably with a thermo-hypersensitive function. All studied morphological types of the sensilla and their function were supported by ultrastructural elements. The long and thin trichoid sensilla type 2 (TrS2) with an olfactive function was the most abundant sensilla localized on both flagellomeres. The peripheral antennal sensilla system consists of six main types of sensilla divided into twelve subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Brożek
- Faculty of Natural Science, Institute Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-007 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (I.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Izabela Poprawa
- Faculty of Natural Science, Institute Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-007 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (I.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Piotr Wegierek
- Faculty of Natural Science, Institute Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-007 Katowice, Poland; (J.B.); (I.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Adam Stroiński
- Polish Academy of Science, Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Wang Y, Jin P, Kumar A, Jan L, Cheng Y, Jan YN, Zhang Y. Nonlinear compliance of NompC gating spring and its implication in mechanotransduction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599842. [PMID: 38979198 PMCID: PMC11230213 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytoskeleton-tethered mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) utilize compliant proteins or protein domains called gating springs to convert mechanical stimuli into electric signals, enabling sound and touch sensation and proprioception. The mechanical properties of these gating springs, however, remain elusive. Here, we explored the mechanical properties of the homotetrameric NompC complex containing long ankyrin-repeat domains (ARDs). We developed a toehold-mediated strand displacement approach to tether single membrane proteins, allowing us to exert force on them and precisely measure their absolute extension using optical tweezers. Our findings revealed that each ARD has a low stiffness of ~0.7 pN/nm and begins to unfold stepwise at ~7 pN, leading to nonlinear compliance. Our calculations indicate that this nonlinear compliance may help regulate NompC's sensitivity, dynamic range, and kinetics to detect mechanical stimuli. Overall, our research highlights the importance of a compliant and unfolding-refolding gating spring in facilitating a graded response of MSC ion transduction across a wide spectrum of mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Avinash Kumar
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lily Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuh-Nung Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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3
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Jurisch-Yaksi N, Wachten D, Gopalakrishnan J. The neuronal cilium - a highly diverse and dynamic organelle involved in sensory detection and neuromodulation. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:383-394. [PMID: 38580512 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.03.004] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Cilia are fascinating organelles that act as cellular antennae, sensing the cellular environment. Cilia gained significant attention in the late 1990s after their dysfunction was linked to genetic diseases known as ciliopathies. Since then, several breakthrough discoveries have uncovered the mechanisms underlying cilia biogenesis and function. Like most cells in the animal kingdom, neurons also harbor cilia, which are enriched in neuromodulatory receptors. Yet, how neuronal cilia modulate neuronal physiology and animal behavior remains poorly understood. By comparing ciliary biology between the sensory and central nervous systems (CNS), we provide new perspectives on the functions of cilia in brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Erling Skalgssons gate 1, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Department of Biophysical Imaging, Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute for Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07740 Jena, Germany
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4
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Sun L, Meissner J, He J, Cui L, Fürstenhaupt T, Liang X. Resolving the In Situ Three-Dimensional Structure of Fly Mechanosensory Organelles Using Serial Section Electron Tomography. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4940. [PMID: 38405077 PMCID: PMC10883892 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4940] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensory organelles (MOs) are specialized subcellular entities where force-sensitive channels and supporting structures (e.g., microtubule cytoskeleton) are organized in an orderly manner. The delicate structure of MOs needs to be resolved to understand the mechanisms by which they detect forces and how they are formed. Here, we describe a protocol that allows obtaining detailed information about the nanoscopic ultrastructure of fly MOs by using serial section electron tomography (SS-ET). To preserve fine structural details, the tissues are cryo-immobilized using a high-pressure freezer followed by freeze-substitution at low temperature and embedding in resin at room temperature. Then, sample sections are prepared and used to acquire the dual-axis tilt series images, which are further processed for tomographic reconstruction. Finally, tomograms of consecutive sections are combined into a single larger volume using microtubules as fiducial markers. Using this protocol, we managed to reconstruct the sensory organelles, which provide novel molecular insights as to how fly mechanosensory organelles work and are formed. Based on our experience, we think that, with minimal modifications, this protocol can be adapted to a wide range of applications using different cell and tissue samples. Key features • Resolving the high-resolution 3D ultrastructure of subcellular organelles using serial section electron tomography (SS-ET). • Compared with single-axis tilt series, dual-axis tilt series provides a much wider coverage of Fourier space, improving resolution and features in the reconstructed tomograms. • The use of high-pressure freezing and freeze-substitution maximally preserves the fine structural details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landi Sun
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of
Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jana Meissner
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jianfeng He
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of
Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Cui
- Center of Biomedical Analysis, School of Life
Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tobias Fürstenhaupt
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Xin Liang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of
Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Dinges GF, Zyhowski WP, Lucci A, Friend J, Szczecinski NS. Mechanical modeling of mechanosensitive insect strain sensors as a tool to investigate exoskeletal interfaces. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2024; 19:026012. [PMID: 38211340 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad1db9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
During walking, sensory information is measured and monitored by sensory organs that can be found on and within various limb segments. Strain can be monitored by insect load sensors, campaniform sensilla (CS), which have components embedded within the exoskeleton. CS vary in eccentricity, size, and orientation, which can affect their sensitivity to specific strains. Directly investigating the mechanical interfaces that these sensors utilize to encode changes in load bears various obstacles, such as modeling of viscoelastic properties. To circumvent the difficulties of modeling and performing biological experiments in small insects, we developed 3-dimensional printed resin models based on high-resolution imaging of CS. Through the utilization of strain gauges and a motorized tensile tester, physiologically plausible strain can be mimicked while investigating the compression and tension forces that CS experience; here, this was performed for a field of femoral CS inDrosophila melanogaster. Different loading scenarios differentially affected CS compression and the likely neuronal activity of these sensors and elucidate population coding of stresses acting on the cuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa F Dinges
- Neuro-Mechanical Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - William P Zyhowski
- Neuro-Mechanical Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Anastasia Lucci
- Lane Innovation Hub, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Jordan Friend
- Lane Innovation Hub, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Nicholas S Szczecinski
- Neuro-Mechanical Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
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Song X, Cui L, Wu M, Wang S, Song Y, Liu Z, Xue Z, Chen W, Zhang Y, Li H, Sun L, Liang X. DCX-EMAP is a core organizer for the ultrastructure of Drosophila mechanosensory organelles. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202209116. [PMID: 37651176 PMCID: PMC10471123 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202209116] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanoreceptor cells develop specialized mechanosensory organelles (MOs), where force-sensitive channels and supporting structures are organized in an orderly manner to detect forces. It is intriguing how MOs are formed. Here, we address this issue by studying the MOs of fly ciliated mechanoreceptors. We show that the main structure of the MOs is a compound cytoskeleton formed of short microtubules and electron-dense materials (EDMs). In a knock-out mutant of DCX-EMAP, this cytoskeleton is nearly absent, suggesting that DCX-EMAP is required for the formation of the MOs and in turn fly mechanotransduction. Further analysis reveals that DCX-EMAP expresses in fly ciliated mechanoreceptors and localizes to the MOs. Moreover, it plays dual roles by promoting the assembly/stabilization of the microtubules and the accumulation of the EDMs in the MOs. Therefore, DCX-EMAP serves as a core ultrastructural organizer of the MOs, and this finding provides novel molecular insights as to how fly MOs are formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Song
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Cui
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinlong Song
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyu Xue
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Landi Sun
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Sharma Y, Jacobs JS, Sivan-Loukianova E, Lee E, Kernan MJ, Eberl DF. The retrograde IFT dynein is required for normal function of diverse mechanosensory cilia in Drosophila. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1263411. [PMID: 37808471 PMCID: PMC10556659 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1263411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cilia biogenesis relies on intraflagellar transport (IFT), a conserved transport mechanism which functions bi-directionally to bring protein complexes to the growing ciliary tip and recycle signaling and transport proteins between the cilium and cell body. In Drosophila, anterograde IFT is critical for assembly of sensory cilia in the neurons of both chordotonal (ch) organs, which have relatively long ciliary axonemes, and external sensory (es) organs, which have short axonemal segments with microtubules in distal sensory segments forming non-axonemal bundles. We previously isolated the beethoven (btv) mutant in a mutagenesis screen for auditory mutants. Although many btv mutant flies are deaf, some retain a small residual auditory function as determined both by behavior and by auditory electrophysiology. Results Here we molecularly characterize the btv gene and demonstrate that it encodes the IFT-associated dynein-2 heavy chain Dync2h1. We also describe morphological changes in Johnston's organ as flies age to 30 days, and we find that morphological and electrophysiological phenotypes in this ch organ of btv mutants become more severe with age. We show that NompB protein, encoding the conserved IFT88 protein, an IFT complex B component, fails to be cleared from chordotonal cilia in btv mutants, instead accumulating in the distorted cilia. In macrochaete bristles, a class of es organ, btv mutants show a 50% reduction in mechanoreceptor potentials. Discussion Thus, the btv-encoded Dync2h1 functions as the retrograde IFT motor in the assembly of long ciliary axonemes in ch organs and is also important for normal function of the short ciliary axonemes in es organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashoda Sharma
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Julie S. Jacobs
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | | | - Eugene Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Maurice J. Kernan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Daniel F. Eberl
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Dinges GF, Bockemühl T, Iacoviello F, Shearing PR, Büschges A, Blanke A. Ultra high-resolution biomechanics suggest that substructures within insect mechanosensors decisively affect their sensitivity. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220102. [PMID: 35506211 PMCID: PMC9065962 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect load sensors, called campaniform sensilla (CS), measure strain changes within the cuticle of appendages. This mechanotransduction provides the neuromuscular system with feedback for posture and locomotion. Owing to their diverse morphology and arrangement, CS can encode different strain directions. We used nano-computed tomography and finite-element analysis to investigate how different CS morphologies within one location—the femoral CS field of the leg in the fruit fly Drosophila—interact under load. By investigating the influence of CS substructures' material properties during simulated limb displacement with naturalistic forces, we could show that CS substructures (i.e. socket and collar) influence strain distribution throughout the whole CS field. Altered socket and collar elastic moduli resulted in 5% relative differences in displacement, and the artificial removal of all sockets caused differences greater than 20% in cap displacement. Apparently, CS sockets support the distribution of distal strain to more proximal CS, while collars alter CS displacement more locally. Harder sockets can increase or decrease CS displacement depending on sensor location. Furthermore, high-resolution imaging revealed that sockets are interconnected in subcuticular rows. In summary, the sensitivity of individual CS is dependent on the configuration of other CS and their substructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa F Dinges
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Francesco Iacoviello
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, WC1DE 6BT London, UK
| | - Paul R Shearing
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, WC1DE 6BT London, UK
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Blanke
- Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
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9
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Agrawal S, Tuthill JC. The two-body problem: Proprioception and motor control across the metamorphic divide. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 74:102546. [PMID: 35512562 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Like a rocket being propelled into space, evolution has engineered flies to launch into adulthood via multiple stages. Flies develop and deploy two distinct bodies, linked by the transformative process of metamorphosis. The fly larva is a soft hydraulic tube that can crawl to find food and avoid predators. The adult fly has a stiff exoskeleton with articulated limbs that enable long-distance navigation and rich social interactions. Because the larval and adult forms are so distinct in structure, they require distinct strategies for sensing and moving the body. The metamorphic divide thus presents an opportunity for comparative analysis of neural circuits. Here, we review recent progress toward understanding the neural mechanisms of proprioception and motor control in larval and adult Drosophila. We highlight commonalities that point toward general principles of sensorimotor control and differences that may reflect unique constraints imposed by biomechanics. Finally, we discuss emerging opportunities for comparative analysis of neural circuit architecture in the fly and other animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Agrawal
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - John C Tuthill
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Nanchung and Inactive define pore properties of the native auditory transduction channel in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106459118. [PMID: 34848538 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106459118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory transduction is mediated by chordotonal (Cho) neurons in Drosophila larvae, but the molecular identity of the mechanotransduction (MET) channel is elusive. Here, we established a whole-cell recording system of Cho neurons and showed that two transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels, Nanchung (NAN) and Inactive (IAV), are essential for MET currents in Cho neurons. NAN and IAV form active ion channels when expressed simultaneously in S2 cells. Point mutations in the pore region of NAN-IAV change the reversal potential of the MET currents. Particularly, residues 857 through 990 in the IAV carboxyl terminus regulate the kinetics of MET currents in Cho neurons. In addition, TRPN channel NompC contributes to the adaptation of auditory transduction currents independent of its ion-conduction function. These results indicate that NAN-IAV, rather than NompC, functions as essential pore-forming subunits of the native auditory transduction channel in Drosophila and provide insights into the gating mechanism of MET currents in Cho neurons.
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Aiello BR, Stanchak KE, Weber AI, Deora T, Sponberg S, Brunton BW. Spatial distribution of campaniform sensilla mechanosensors on wings: form, function, and phylogeny. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 48:8-17. [PMID: 34175464 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect wings serve two crucial functions in flight: propulsion and sensing. During flapping flight, complex spatiotemporal patterns of strain on the wing reflect mechanics, kinematics, and external perturbations; sensing wing deformation provides feedback necessary for flight control. Campaniform sensilla distributed across the wing transduce local strain fluctuations into neural signals, so their placement on the wing determines sensory information available to the insect. Thus, understanding the significance of these sensor locations will also reveal how sensing and wing movement are coupled. Here, we identify trends in wing campaniform sensilla placement across flying insects from the literature. We then discuss how these patterns can influence sensory encoding by wing mechanosensors. Finally, we propose combining a comparative approach on model insect clades with computational modeling, leveraging the spectacular natural diversity in wings to uncover biological principles of mechanosensory feedback in flight control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R Aiello
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332, GA, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332, GA, USA
| | | | - Alison I Weber
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA
| | - Tanvi Deora
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA
| | - Simon Sponberg
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332, GA, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332, GA, USA.
| | - Bingni W Brunton
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, WA, USA
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12
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Sun L, Cui L, Liu Z, Wang Q, Xue Z, Wu M, Sun T, Mao D, Ni J, Pastor-Pareja JC, Liang X. Katanin p60-like 1 sculpts the cytoskeleton in mechanosensory cilia. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:211570. [PMID: 33263729 PMCID: PMC7717695 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202004184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanoreceptor cells develop a specialized cytoskeleton that plays structural and sensory roles at the site of mechanotransduction. However, little is known about how the cytoskeleton is organized and formed. Using electron tomography and live-cell imaging, we resolve the 3D structure and dynamics of the microtubule-based cytoskeleton in fly campaniform mechanosensory cilia. Investigating the formation of the cytoskeleton, we find that katanin p60-like 1 (kat-60L1), a neuronal type of microtubule-severing enzyme, serves two functions. First, it amplifies the mass of microtubules to form the dense microtubule arrays inside the sensory cilia. Second, it generates short microtubules that are required to build the nanoscopic cytoskeleton at the mechanotransduction site. Additional analyses further reveal the functional roles of Patronin and other potential factors in the local regulatory network. In all, our results characterize the specialized cytoskeleton in fly external mechanosensory cilia at near-molecular resolution and provide mechanistic insights into how it is formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landi Sun
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Cui
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qixuan Wang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyu Xue
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianhui Sun
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Decai Mao
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianquan Ni
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - José Carlos Pastor-Pareja
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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13
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Liu P, Lou X, Wingfield JL, Lin J, Nicastro D, Lechtreck K. Chlamydomonas PKD2 organizes mastigonemes, hair-like glycoprotein polymers on cilia. J Cell Biol 2021; 219:151720. [PMID: 32348466 PMCID: PMC7265326 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the channel protein PKD2 cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, but the function of PKD2 in cilia remains unclear. Here, we show that PKD2 targets and anchors mastigonemes, filamentous polymers of the glycoprotein MST1, to the extracellular surface of Chlamydomonas cilia. PKD2–mastigoneme complexes physically connect to the axonemal doublets 4 and 8, positioning them perpendicular to the plane of ciliary beating. pkd2 mutant cilia lack mastigonemes, and mutant cells swim with reduced velocity, indicating a motility-related function of the PKD2–mastigoneme complex. Association with both the axoneme and extracellular structures supports a mechanosensory role of Chlamydomonas PKD2. We propose that PKD2–mastigoneme arrays, on opposing sides of the cilium, could perceive forces during ciliary beating and transfer these signals to locally regulate the response of the axoneme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Xiaochu Lou
- Departments of Cell Biology and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Jianfeng Lin
- Departments of Cell Biology and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Daniela Nicastro
- Departments of Cell Biology and Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Karl Lechtreck
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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14
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Abstract
Mechanosensing is a key feature through which organisms can receive inputs from the environment and convert them into specific functional and behavioral outputs. Mechanosensation occurs in many cells and tissues, regulating a plethora of molecular processes based on the distribution of forces and stresses both at the cell membrane and at the intracellular organelles levels, through complex interactions between cells’ microstructures, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix. Although several primary and secondary mechanisms have been shown to contribute to mechanosensation, a fundamental pathway in simple organisms and mammals involves the presence of specialized sensory neurons and the presence of different types of mechanosensitive ion channels on the neuronal cell membrane. In this contribution, we present a review of the main ion channels which have been proven to be significantly involved in mechanotransduction in neurons. Further, we discuss recent studies focused on the biological mechanisms and modeling of mechanosensitive ion channels’ gating, and on mechanotransduction modeling at different scales and levels of details.
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15
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Hehlert P, Zhang W, Göpfert MC. Drosophila Mechanosensory Transduction. Trends Neurosci 2020; 44:323-335. [PMID: 33257000 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensation in Drosophila relies on sensory neurons transducing mechanical stimuli into ionic currents. The molecular mechanisms of this transduction are in the process of being revealed. Transduction relies on mechanogated ion channels that are activated by membrane stretch or the tension of force-conveying tethers. NOMPC (no-mechanoreceptor potential C) and DmPiezo were put forward as bona fide mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channels, providing insights into MET channel architecture and the structural basis of mechanogating. Various additional channels were implicated in Drosophila mechanosensory neuron functions, and parallels between fly and vertebrate mechanotransduction were delineated. Collectively, these advances put forward Drosophila mechanosensory neurons as cellular paradigms for mechanotransduction and mechanogated ion channel function in the context of proprio- and nociception as well as the detection of substrate vibrations, touch, gravity, and sound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Hehlert
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, University of Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Martin C Göpfert
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, University of Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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16
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Discoveries in structure and physiology of mechanically activated ion channels. Nature 2020; 587:567-576. [PMID: 33239794 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The ability to sense physical forces is conserved across all organisms. Cells convert mechanical stimuli into electrical or chemical signals via mechanically activated ion channels. In recent years, the identification of new families of mechanosensitive ion channels-such as PIEZO and OSCA/TMEM63 channels-along with surprising insights into well-studied mechanosensitive channels have driven further developments in the mechanotransduction field. Several well-characterized mechanosensory roles such as touch, blood-pressure sensing and hearing are now linked with primary mechanotransducers. Unanticipated roles of mechanical force sensing continue to be uncovered. Furthermore, high-resolution structures representative of nearly every family of mechanically activated channel described so far have underscored their diversity while advancing our understanding of the biophysical mechanisms of pressure sensing. Here we summarize recent discoveries in the physiology and structures of known mechanically activated ion channel families and discuss their implications for understanding the mechanisms of mechanical force sensing.
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17
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Harris CM, Dinges GF, Haberkorn A, Gebehart C, Büschges A, Zill SN. Gradients in mechanotransduction of force and body weight in insects. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 58:100970. [PMID: 32702647 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Posture and walking require support of the body weight, which is thought to be detected by sensory receptors in the legs. Specificity in sensory encoding occurs through the numerical distribution, size and response range of sense organs. We have studied campaniform sensilla, receptors that detect forces as strains in the insect exoskeleton. The sites of mechanotransduction (cuticular caps) were imaged by light and confocal microscopy in four species (stick insects, cockroaches, blow flies and Drosophila). The numbers of receptors and cap diameters were determined in projection images. Similar groups of receptors are present in the legs of each species (flies lack Group 2 on the anterior trochanter). The number of receptors is generally related to the body weight but similar numbers are found in blow flies and Drosophila, despite a 30 fold difference in their weight. Imaging data indicate that the gradient (range) of cap sizes may more closely correlate with the body weight: the range of cap sizes is larger in blow flies than in Drosophila but similar to that found in juvenile cockroaches. These studies support the idea that morphological properties of force-detecting sensory receptors in the legs may be tuned to reflect the body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Harris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25704, USA
| | - Gesa F Dinges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Haberkorn
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Corinna Gebehart
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, Biocenter Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sasha N Zill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25704, USA.
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18
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Location and arrangement of campaniform sensilla in
Drosophila melanogaster. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:905-925. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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19
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Jin P, Jan LY, Jan YN. Mechanosensitive Ion Channels: Structural Features Relevant to Mechanotransduction Mechanisms. Annu Rev Neurosci 2020; 43:207-229. [PMID: 32084327 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-070918-050509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Activation of mechanosensitive ion channels underlies a variety of fundamental physiological processes that require sensation of mechanical force. Different mechanosensitive channels adapt distinctive structures and mechanotransduction mechanisms to fit their biological roles. How mechanosensitive channels work, especially in animals, has been extensively studied in the past decade. Here we review key findings in the functional and structural characterizations of these channels and highlight the structural features relevant to the mechanotransduction mechanism of each specific channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jin
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA;
| | - Lily Yeh Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA; .,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Yuh-Nung Jan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA; .,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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20
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Bezares-Calderón LA, Berger J, Jékely G. Diversity of cilia-based mechanosensory systems and their functions in marine animal behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190376. [PMID: 31884914 PMCID: PMC7017336 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory cells that detect mechanical forces usually have one or more specialized cilia. These mechanosensory cells underlie hearing, proprioception or gravity sensation. To date, it is unclear how cilia contribute to detecting mechanical forces and what is the relationship between mechanosensory ciliated cells in different animal groups and sensory systems. Here, we review examples of ciliated sensory cells with a focus on marine invertebrate animals. We discuss how various ciliated cells mediate mechanosensory responses during feeding, tactic responses or predator-prey interactions. We also highlight some of these systems as interesting and accessible models for future in-depth behavioural, functional and molecular studies. We envisage that embracing a broader diversity of organisms could lead to a more complete view of cilia-based mechanosensation. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Unity and diversity of cilia in locomotion and transport'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jürgen Berger
- Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gáspár Jékely
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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21
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Three-dimensional architecture of a mechanoreceptor in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, revealed by FIB-SEM. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:487-495. [PMID: 31768711 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Trichoid sensilla are the most common mechanoreceptors in insects; depending on their distribution, they can act as either exteroceptors or proprioceptors. In this study, the internal structure of the trichoid sensillum from Nilaparvata lugens was studied, using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). We reconstructed a three-dimensional (3D) model derived from the FIB-SEM data set. The model displayed characteristic mechanosensory sensilla components, including a hair inserted in the socket, a dendrite going through the laminated cuticle, and an electron-dense tubular body at the dendrite terminal. The detailed 3D model showed the relationship between the microtubules within the tubular body and those outside of the tubular body. We also found an autocellular junction in the tormogen cell, indicating that the tormogen cell grows around the dendrite sheath to form a hollow column shape during sensilla morphogenesis.
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22
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Sanzeni A, Katta S, Petzold B, Pruitt BL, Goodman MB, Vergassola M. Somatosensory neurons integrate the geometry of skin deformation and mechanotransduction channels to shape touch sensing. eLife 2019; 8:43226. [PMID: 31407662 PMCID: PMC6692131 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Touch sensation hinges on force transfer across the skin and activation of mechanosensitive ion channels along the somatosensory neurons that invade the skin. This skin-nerve sensory system demands a quantitative model that spans the application of mechanical loads to channel activation. Unlike prior models of the dynamic responses of touch receptor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (Eastwood et al., 2015), which substituted a single effective channel for the ensemble along the TRNs, this study integrates body mechanics and the spatial recruitment of the various channels. We demonstrate that this model captures mechanical properties of the worm’s body and accurately reproduces neural responses to simple stimuli. It also captures responses to complex stimuli featuring non-trivial spatial patterns, like extended or multiple contacts that could not be addressed otherwise. We illustrate the importance of these effects with new experiments revealing that skin-neuron composites respond to pre-indentation with increased currents rather than adapting to persistent stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sanzeni
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States.,National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Samata Katta
- Neuroscience Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Bryan Petzold
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Beth L Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Miriam B Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Massimo Vergassola
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
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23
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Mechanics to pre-process information for the fine tuning of mechanoreceptors. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 205:661-686. [PMID: 31270587 PMCID: PMC6726712 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-nervous auxiliary structures play a significant role in sensory biology. They filter the stimulus and transform it in a way that fits the animal’s needs, thereby contributing to the avoidance of the central nervous system’s overload with meaningless stimuli and a corresponding processing task. The present review deals with mechanoreceptors mainly of invertebrates and some remarkable recent findings stressing the role of mechanics as an important source of sensor adaptedness, outstanding performance, and diversity. Instead of organizing the review along the types of stimulus energy (force) taken up by the sensors, processes associated with a few basic and seemingly simple mechanical principles like lever systems, viscoelasticity, resonance, traveling waves, and impedance matching are taken as the guideline. As will be seen, nature makes surprisingly competent use of such “simple mechanics”.
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