1
|
Trus M, Atlas D. Non-ionotropic voltage-gated calcium channel signaling. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2341077. [PMID: 38601983 PMCID: PMC11017947 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2341077] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are the major conduits for calcium ions (Ca2+) within excitable cells. Recent studies have highlighted the non-ionotropic functionality of VGCCs, revealing their capacity to activate intracellular pathways independently of ion flow. This non-ionotropic signaling mode plays a pivotal role in excitation-coupling processes, including gene transcription through excitation-transcription (ET), synaptic transmission via excitation-secretion (ES), and cardiac contraction through excitation-contraction (EC). However, it is noteworthy that these excitation-coupling processes require extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and Ca2+ occupancy of the channel ion pore. Analogous to the "non-canonical" characterization of the non-ionotropic signaling exhibited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), which requires extracellular Ca2+ without the influx of ions, VGCC activation requires depolarization-triggered conformational change(s) concomitant with Ca2+ binding to the open channel. Here, we discuss the contributions of VGCCs to ES, ET, and EC coupling as Ca2+ binding macromolecules that transduces external stimuli to intracellular input prior to elevating intracellular Ca2+. We emphasize the recognition of calcium ion occupancy within the open ion-pore and its contribution to the excitation coupling processes that precede the influx of calcium. The non-ionotropic activation of VGCCs, triggered by the upstroke of an action potential, provides a conceptual framework to elucidate the mechanistic aspects underlying the microseconds nature of synaptic transmission, cardiac contractility, and the rapid induction of first-wave genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trus
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saha Roy D, Gupta A, Vishvakarma V, Krupa P, Li MS, Maiti S. Serotonin Promotes Vesicular Association and Fusion by Modifying Lipid Bilayers. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4975-4985. [PMID: 38743687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The primary event in chemical neurotransmission involves the fusion of a membrane-limited vesicle at the plasma membrane and the subsequent release of its chemical neurotransmitter cargo. The cargo itself is not known to have any effect on the fusion event. However, amphiphilic monoamine neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and dopamine) are known to strongly interact with lipid bilayers and to affect their mechanical properties, which can in principle impact membrane-mediated processes. Here, we probe whether serotonin can enhance the association and fusion of artificial lipid vesicles in vitro. We employ fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to measure the attachment and fusion of vesicles whose lipid compositions mimic the major lipid components of synaptic vesicles. We find that the association between vesicles and supported lipid bilayers is strongly enhanced in a serotonin dose-dependent manner, and this drives an increase in the rate of spontaneous fusion. Molecular dynamics simulations and fluorescence spectroscopy data show that serotonin insertion increases the water content of the hydrophobic part of the bilayer. This suggests that the enhanced membrane association is likely driven by an energetically favorable drying transition. Other monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, but not other related species, such as tryptophan, show similar effects on membrane association. Our results reveal a lipid bilayer-mediated mechanism by which monoamines can themselves modulate vesicle fusion, potentially adding to the control toolbox for the tightly regulated process of neurotransmission in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debsankar Saha Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Vicky Vishvakarma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Pawel Krupa
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-668, Poland
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw 02-668, Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, 729110 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rodriguez Gotor JJ, Mahfooz K, Perez-Otano I, Wesseling JF. Parallel processing of quickly and slowly mobilized reserve vesicles in hippocampal synapses. eLife 2024; 12:RP88212. [PMID: 38727712 PMCID: PMC11087054 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vesicles within presynaptic terminals are thought to be segregated into a variety of readily releasable and reserve pools. The nature of the pools and trafficking between them is not well understood, but pools that are slow to mobilize when synapses are active are often assumed to feed pools that are mobilized more quickly, in a series. However, electrophysiological studies of synaptic transmission have suggested instead a parallel organization where vesicles within slowly and quickly mobilized reserve pools would separately feed independent reluctant- and fast-releasing subdivisions of the readily releasable pool. Here, we use FM-dyes to confirm the existence of multiple reserve pools at hippocampal synapses and a parallel organization that prevents intermixing between the pools, even when stimulation is intense enough to drive exocytosis at the maximum rate. The experiments additionally demonstrate extensive heterogeneity among synapses in the relative sizes of the slowly and quickly mobilized reserve pools, which suggests equivalent heterogeneity in the numbers of reluctant and fast-releasing readily releasable vesicles that may be relevant for understanding information processing and storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kashif Mahfooz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Isabel Perez-Otano
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante CSIC-UMHSan Juan de AlicanteSpain
| | - John F Wesseling
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante CSIC-UMHSan Juan de AlicanteSpain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xue R, Zhang E, Wang Y. Pre-fusion motion state determines the heterogeneity of membrane fusion dynamics for large dense-core vesicles. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14115. [PMID: 38353019 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14115] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM In neuroendocrine cells, large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) undergo highly regulated pre-fusion processes before releasing hormones via membrane fusion. Significant heterogeneity has been found for LDCV population based on the dynamics of membrane fusion. However, how the pre-fusion status impacts the heterogeneity of LDCVs still remains unclear. Hence, we explored pre-fusion determinants of heterogeneous membrane fusion procedure of LDCV subpopulations. METHODS We assessed the pre-fusion motion of two LDCV subpopulations with distinct membrane fusion dynamics individually, using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. These two subpopulations were isolated by blocking Rho GTPase-dependent actin reorganization using Clostridium difficile toxin B (ToxB), which selectively targets the fast fusion vesicle pool. RESULTS We found that the fast fusion subpopulation was in an active motion mode prior to release, termed "active" LDCV pool, while vesicles from the slow fusion subpopulation were also moving but in a significantly more confined status, forming an "inert" pool. The depletion of the active pool by ToxB also eliminated fast fusion vesicles and was not rescued by pre-treatment with phorbol ester. A mild actin reorganization blocker, latrunculin A, that partially disrupted the active pool, only slightly attenuated the fast fusion subpopulation. CONCLUSION The pre-fusion motion state of LDCVs also exhibits heterogeneity and dictates the heterogeneous fusion pore dynamics. Rearrangement of F-actin network mediates vesicle pre-fusion motion and subsequently determines the membrane fusion kinetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renhao Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Enming Zhang
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Yu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silva M, Tran V, Marty A. A maximum of two readily releasable vesicles per docking site at a cerebellar single active zone synapse. eLife 2024; 12:RP91087. [PMID: 38180320 PMCID: PMC10963025 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests that in central mammalian synapses, active zones contain several docking sites acting in parallel. Before release, one or several synaptic vesicles (SVs) are thought to bind to each docking site, forming the readily releasable pool (RRP). Determining the RRP size per docking site has important implications for short-term synaptic plasticity. Here, using mouse cerebellar slices, we take advantage of recently developed methods to count the number of released SVs at single glutamatergic synapses in response to trains of action potentials (APs). In each recording, the number of docking sites was determined by fitting with a binomial model the number of released SVs in response to individual APs. After normalization with respect to the number of docking sites, the summed number of released SVs following a train of APs was used to estimate of the RRP size per docking site. To improve this estimate, various steps were taken to maximize the release probability of docked SVs, the occupancy of docking sites, as well as the extent of synaptic depression. Under these conditions, the RRP size reached a maximum value close to two SVs per docking site. The results indicate that each docking site contains two distinct SV-binding sites that can simultaneously accommodate up to one SV each. They further suggest that under special experimental conditions, as both sites are close to full occupancy, a maximal RRP size of two SVs per docking site can be reached. More generally, the results validate a sequential two-step docking model previously proposed at this preparation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Silva
- Université Paris Cité, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRSParisFrance
| | - Van Tran
- Université Paris Cité, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRSParisFrance
| | - Alain Marty
- Université Paris Cité, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRSParisFrance
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ogunmowo T, Hoffmann C, Pepper R, Wang H, Gowrisankaran S, Ho A, Raychaudhuri S, Cooper BH, Milosevic I, Milovanovic D, Watanabe S. Intersectin and Endophilin condensates prime synaptic vesicles for release site replenishment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.554276. [PMID: 37662300 PMCID: PMC10473601 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter is released from dedicated sites of synaptic vesicle fusion within a synapse. Following fusion, the vacated sites are replenished immediately by new vesicles for subsequent neurotransmission. These replacement vesicles are assumed to be located near release sites and used by chance. Here, we find that replacement vesicles are clustered around this region by Intersectin-1. Specifically, Intersectin-1 forms dynamic molecular condensates with Endophilin A1 near release sites and sequesters vesicles around this region. In the absence of Intersectin-1, vesicles within 20 nm of the plasma membrane are reduced, and consequently, vacated sites cannot be replenished rapidly, leading to depression of synaptic transmission. Similarly, mutations in Intersectin-1 that disrupt Endophilin A1 binding result in similar phenotypes. However, in the absence of Endophilin, this replacement pool of vesicles is available but cannot be accessed, suggesting that Endophilin A1 is needed to mobilize these vesicles. Thus, our work describes a distinct physical region within a synapse where replacement vesicles are harbored for release site replenishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Ogunmowo
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Christian Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Renee Pepper
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Han Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Annie Ho
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Sumana Raychaudhuri
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Benjamin H. Cooper
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ira Milosevic
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dragomir Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Einstein Center for Neuroscience, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Shigeki Watanabe
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jusyte M, Blaum N, Böhme MA, Berns MMM, Bonard AE, Vámosi ÁB, Pushpalatha KV, Kobbersmed JRL, Walter AM. Unc13A dynamically stabilizes vesicle priming at synaptic release sites for short-term facilitation and homeostatic potentiation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112541. [PMID: 37243591 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112541] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic plasticity adjusts neurotransmitter (NT) liberation. Short-term facilitation (STF) tunes synapses to millisecond repetitive activation, while presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) of NT release stabilizes transmission over minutes. Despite different timescales of STF and PHP, our analysis of Drosophila neuromuscular junctions reveals functional overlap and shared molecular dependence on the release-site protein Unc13A. Mutating Unc13A's calmodulin binding domain (CaM-domain) increases baseline transmission while blocking STF and PHP. Mathematical modeling suggests that Ca2+/calmodulin/Unc13A interaction plastically stabilizes vesicle priming at release sites and that CaM-domain mutation causes constitutive stabilization, thereby blocking plasticity. Labeling the functionally essential Unc13A MUN domain reveals higher STED microscopy signals closer to release sites following CaM-domain mutation. Acute phorbol ester treatment similarly enhances NT release and blocks STF/PHP in synapses expressing wild-type Unc13A, while CaM-domain mutation occludes this, indicating common downstream effects. Thus, Unc13A regulatory domains integrate signals across timescales to switch release-site participation for synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meida Jusyte
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalie Blaum
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias A Böhme
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Division of General Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manon M M Berns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alix E Bonard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ábel B Vámosi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Janus R L Kobbersmed
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alexander M Walter
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wender M, Bornschein G, Brachtendorf S, Hallermann S, Eilers J, Schmidt H. Ca v2.2 Channels Sustain Vesicle Recruitment at a Mature Glutamatergic Synapse. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4005-4018. [PMID: 37185239 PMCID: PMC10255130 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1279-22.2023] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (Cav) subtypes that gate action potential (AP)-evoked release changes during the development of mammalian CNS synapses. Cav2.2 and Cav2.3 lose their function in gating-evoked release during postnatal synapse maturation. In mature boutons, Cav2.1 currents provide the almost exclusive trigger for evoked release, and Cav2.3 currents are required for the induction of presynaptic long-term potentiation. However, the functional significance of Cav2.2 remained elusive in mature boutons, although they remain present at active zones and continue contributing significantly to presynaptic Ca2+ influx. Here, we addressed the functional significance of Cav2.2 and Cav2.3 at mature parallel-fiber (PF) to Purkinje neuron synapses of mice of either sex. These synapses are known to exhibit the corresponding developmental Cav subtype changes in gating release. We addressed two hypotheses, namely that Cav2.2 and Cav2.3 are involved in triggering spontaneous glutamate release and that they are engaged in vesicle recruitment during repetitive evoked release. We found that spontaneous miniature release is Ca2+ dependent. However, experiments with Cav subtype-specific blockers excluded the spontaneous opening of Cavs as the Ca2+ source for spontaneous glutamate release. Thus, neither Cav2.2 nor Cav2.3 controls spontaneous release from PF boutons. Furthermore, vesicle recruitment during brief bursts of APs was also independent of Ca2+ influx through Cav2.2 and Cav2.3. However, Cav2.2, but not Cav2.3, currents significantly boosted vesicle recruitment during sustained high-frequency synaptic transmission. Thus, in mature PF boutons Cav2.2 channels are specifically required to sustain synaptic transmission during prolonged neuronal activity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT At young CNS synapses, action potential-evoked release is gated via three subtypes of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels: Cav2.1, Cav2.2, and Cav2.3. During postnatal maturation, Cav2.2 and Cav2.3 lose their function in gating evoked release, such that at mature synapses Cav2.1 provides the almost exclusive source for triggering evoked release. Cav2.3 currents are required for the induction of presynaptic long-term potentiation. However, the function of the still abundant Cav2.2 in mature boutons remained largely elusive. Here, we studied mature cerebellar parallel-fiber synapses and found that Cav2.2 does not control spontaneous release. However, Ca2+ influx through Cav2.2 significantly boosted vesicle recruitment during trains of action potentials. Thus, Cav2.2 in mature parallel-fiber boutons participate in sustaining synaptic transmission during prolonged activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wender
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Grit Bornschein
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone Brachtendorf
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Riachy L, Ferrand T, Chasserot-Golaz S, Galas L, Alexandre S, Montero-Hadjadje M. Advanced Imaging Approaches to Reveal Molecular Mechanisms Governing Neuroendocrine Secretion. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:107-119. [PMID: 34915491 DOI: 10.1159/000521457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the molecular mechanisms governing neuroendocrine secretion and resulting intercellular communication is one of the great challenges of cell biology to better understand organism physiology and neurosecretion disruption-related pathologies such as hypertension, neurodegenerative, or metabolic diseases. To visualize molecule distribution and dynamics at the nanoscale, many imaging approaches have been developed and are still emerging. In this review, we provide an overview of the pioneering studies using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, total internal reflection microscopy, and super-resolution microscopy in neuroendocrine cells to visualize molecular mechanisms driving neurosecretion processes, including exocytosis and associated fusion pores, endocytosis and associated recycling vesicles, and protein-protein or protein-lipid interactions. Furthermore, the potential and the challenges of these different advanced imaging approaches for application in the study of neuroendocrine cell biology are discussed, aiming to guide researchers to select the best approach for their specific purpose around the crucial but not yet fully understood neurosecretion process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Riachy
- Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale de Normandie, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Rouen, France
| | - Thomas Ferrand
- Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale de Normandie, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Rouen, France
| | - Sylvette Chasserot-Golaz
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ludovic Galas
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, PRIMACEN, Rouen, France
| | - Stéphane Alexandre
- Polymères, Biopolymères, Surfaces Laboratory, CNRS, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, UMR 6270, Rouen, France
| | - Maité Montero-Hadjadje
- Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Institut de Recherche et d'Innovation Biomédicale de Normandie, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Rouen, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Park C, Jung S, Park H. Single vesicle tracking for studying synaptic vesicle dynamics in small central synapses. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 76:102596. [PMID: 35803103 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sustained neurotransmission is driven by a continuous supply of synaptic vesicles to the release sites and modulated by synaptic vesicle dynamics. However, synaptic vesicle dynamics in synapses remain elusive because of technical limitations. Recent advances in fluorescence imaging techniques have enabled the tracking of single synaptic vesicles in small central synapses in living neurons. Single vesicle tracking has uncovered a wealth of new information about synaptic vesicle dynamics both within and outside presynaptic terminals, showing that single vesicle tracking is an effective tool for studying synaptic vesicle dynamics. Particularly, single vesicle tracking with high spatiotemporal resolution has revealed the dependence of synaptic vesicle dynamics on the location, stages of recycling, and neuronal activity. This review summarizes the recent findings from single synaptic vesicle tracking in small central synapses and their implications in synaptic transmission and pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chungwon Park
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Sangyong Jung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 11 Biopolis Way, 138667, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Hyokeun Park
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong; Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Atlas D. Revisiting the molecular basis of synaptic transmission. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102312. [PMID: 35760141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Measurements of the time elapsed during synaptic transmission has shown that synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion lags behind Ca2+-influx by approximately 60 microseconds (µsec). The conventional model cannot explain this extreme rapidity of the release event. Synaptic transmission occurs at the active zone (AZ), which comprises of two pools of SV, non-releasable "tethered" vesicles, and a readily-releasable pool of channel-associated Ca2+-primed vesicles, "RRP". A recent TIRF study at cerebellar-mossy fiber-terminal, showed that subsequent to an action potential, newly "tethered" vesicles, became fusion-competent in a Ca2+-dependent manner, 300-400 milliseconds after tethering, but were not fused. This time resolution may correspond to priming of tethered vesicles through Ca2+-binding to Syt1/Munc13-1/complexin. It confirms that Ca2+-priming and Ca2+-influx-independent fusion, are two distinct events. Notably, we have established that Ca2+ channel signals evoked-release in an ion flux-independent manner, demonstrated by Ca2+-impermeable channel, or a Ca2+ channel in which Ca2+ is replaced by impermeable La3+. Thus, conformational changes in a channel coupled to RRP appear to directly activate the release machinery and account for a µsec Ca2+-influx-independent vesicle fusion. Rapid vesicle fusion driven by non-ionotropic channel signaling strengthens a conformational-coupling mechanism of synaptic transmission, and contributes to better understanding of neuronal communication vital for brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Atlas
- Dept. of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kusick GF, Ogunmowo TH, Watanabe S. Transient docking of synaptic vesicles: Implications and mechanisms. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 74:102535. [PMID: 35398664 PMCID: PMC9167714 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
As synaptic vesicles fuse, they must continually be replaced with new docked, fusion-competent vesicles to sustain neurotransmission. It has long been appreciated that vesicles are recruited to docking sites in an activity-dependent manner. However, once entering the sites, vesicles were thought to be stably docked, awaiting calcium signals. Based on recent data from electrophysiology, electron microscopy, biochemistry, and computer simulations, a picture emerges in which vesicles can rapidly and reversibly transit between docking and undocking during activity. This "transient docking" can account for many aspects of synaptic physiology. In this review, we cover recent evidence for transient docking, physiological processes at the synapse that it may support, and progress on the underlying mechanisms. We also discuss an open question: what determines for how long and whether vesicles stay docked, or eventually undock?
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grant F Kusick
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. https://twitter.com/@ultrafastgrant
| | - Tyler H Ogunmowo
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. https://twitter.com/@unculturedTy
| | - Shigeki Watanabe
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 725 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Three small vesicular pools in sequence govern synaptic response dynamics during action potential trains. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2114469119. [PMID: 35101920 PMCID: PMC8812539 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114469119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term changes in the strength of synaptic connections underlie many brain functions. The strength of a synapse in response to subsequent stimulation is largely determined by the remaining number of synaptic vesicles available for release. We developed a methodological approach to measure the dynamics of various vesicle pools following synaptic activity. We find that the readily releasable pool, which comprises vesicles that are docked or tethered to release sites, is fed by a small-sized pool containing approximately one to four vesicles per release site at rest. This upstream pool is significantly depleted even after a short stimulation train. Therefore, regulation of the size of the upstream pool emerges as a key factor in determining synaptic strength during and after sustained stimulation. During prolonged trains of presynaptic action potentials (APs), synaptic release reaches a stable level that reflects the speed of replenishment of the readily releasable pool (RRP). Determining the size and filling dynamics of vesicular pools upstream of the RRP has been hampered by a lack of precision of synaptic output measurements during trains. Using the recent technique of tracking vesicular release in single active zone synapses, we now developed a method that allows the sizes of the RRP and upstream pools to be followed in time. We find that the RRP is fed by a small-sized pool containing approximately one to four vesicles per docking site at rest. This upstream pool is significantly depleted by short AP trains, and reaches a steady, depleted state for trains of >10 APs. We conclude that a small, highly dynamic vesicular pool upstream of the RRP potently controls synaptic strength during sustained stimulation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wichmann C, Kuner T. Heterogeneity of glutamatergic synapses: cellular mechanisms and network consequences. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:269-318. [PMID: 34727002 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are commonly known as a structurally and functionally highly diverse class of cell-cell contacts specialized to mediate communication between neurons. They represent the smallest "computational" unit of the brain and are typically divided into excitatory and inhibitory as well as modulatory categories. These categories are subdivided into diverse types, each representing a different structure-function repertoire that in turn are thought to endow neuronal networks with distinct computational properties. The diversity of structure and function found among a given category of synapses is referred to as heterogeneity. The main building blocks for this heterogeneity are synaptic vesicles, the active zone, the synaptic cleft, the postsynaptic density, and glial processes associated with the synapse. Each of these five structural modules entails a distinct repertoire of functions, and their combination specifies the range of functional heterogeneity at mammalian excitatory synapses, which are the focus of this review. We describe synapse heterogeneity that is manifested on different levels of complexity ranging from the cellular morphology of the pre- and postsynaptic cells toward the expression of different protein isoforms at individual release sites. We attempt to define the range of structural building blocks that are used to vary the basic functional repertoire of excitatory synaptic contacts and discuss sources and general mechanisms of synapse heterogeneity. Finally, we explore the possible impact of synapse heterogeneity on neuronal network function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tanaka M, Sakaba T, Miki T. Quantal analysis estimates docking site occupancy determining short-term depression at hippocampal glutamatergic synapses. J Physiol 2021; 599:5301-5327. [PMID: 34705277 DOI: 10.1113/jp282235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Before fusion, synaptic vesicles (SVs) pause at discrete release/docking sites. During repetitive stimulation, the probability of site occupancy changes following SV fusion and replenishment. The occupancy probability is considered to be one of the crucial determinants of synaptic strength, but it is difficult to estimate separately because it usually blends with other synaptic parameters. Thus, the contribution of site occupancy to synaptic function, particularly to synaptic depression, remains elusive. Here, we directly estimated the occupancy probability at the hippocampal mossy fibre-CA3 interneuron synapse showing synaptic depression, using statistics of counts of vesicular events detected by deconvolution. We found that this synapse had a particularly high occupancy (∼0.85) with a high release probability of a docked SV (∼0.8) under 3 mm external calcium conditions. Analyses of quantal amplitudes and SV counts indicated that quantal size reduction decreased the amplitudes of all responses in a train to a similar degree, whereas release/docking site number was unchanged during trains, suggesting that quantal size and release/docking site number had little influence on the extent of synaptic depression. Model simulations revealed that the initial occupancy with high release probability and slow replenishment determined the time course of synaptic depression. Consistently, decreasing external calcium concentration reduced both the occupancy and release probability, and the reductions in turn produced less depression. Based on these results, we suggest that the occupancy probability is a crucial determinant of short-term synaptic depression at glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus. KEY POINTS: The occupancy probability of a release/docking site by a synaptic vesicle at presynaptic terminals is considered to be one of the crucial determinants of synaptic strength, but it is difficult to estimate separately from other synaptic parameters. Here, we directly estimate the occupancy probability at the hippocampal mossy fibre-interneuron synapse using statistics of vesicular events detected by deconvolution. We show that the synapses have particularly high occupancy (0.85) with high release probability (0.8) under high external calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]o ) conditions, and that both parameter values change with [Ca2+ ]o , shaping synaptic depression. Analyses of the quantal amplitudes and synaptic vesicle counts suggest that quantal sizes and release/docking site number have little influence on the extent of synaptic depression. The results suggest that the occupancy probability is a crucial determinant of short-term synaptic depression at glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Tanaka
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakaba
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takafumi Miki
- Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan.,Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eshra A, Schmidt H, Eilers J, Hallermann S. Calcium dependence of neurotransmitter release at a high fidelity synapse. eLife 2021; 10:70408. [PMID: 34612812 PMCID: PMC8494478 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-dependence of the priming, fusion, and replenishment of synaptic vesicles are fundamental parameters controlling neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Despite intense efforts, these important steps in the synaptic vesicles’ cycle remain poorly understood due to the technical challenge in disentangling vesicle priming, fusion, and replenishment. Here, we investigated the Ca2+-sensitivity of these steps at mossy fiber synapses in the rodent cerebellum, which are characterized by fast vesicle replenishment mediating high-frequency signaling. We found that the basal free Ca2+ concentration (<200 nM) critically controls action potential-evoked release, indicating a high-affinity Ca2+ sensor for vesicle priming. Ca2+ uncaging experiments revealed a surprisingly shallow and non-saturating relationship between release rate and intracellular Ca2+ concentration up to 50 μM. The rate of vesicle replenishment during sustained elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration exhibited little Ca2+-dependence. Finally, quantitative mechanistic release schemes with five Ca2+ binding steps incorporating rapid vesicle replenishment via parallel or sequential vesicle pools could explain our data. We thus show that co-existing high- and low-affinity Ca2+ sensors mediate priming, fusion, and replenishment of synaptic vesicles at a high-fidelity synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmoneim Eshra
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Silva M, Tran V, Marty A. Calcium-dependent docking of synaptic vesicles. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:579-592. [PMID: 34049722 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of calcium ions in presynaptic terminals regulates transmitter release, but underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Here we review recent studies that shed new light on this issue. Fast-freezing electron microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy studies reveal complex calcium-dependent vesicle movements including docking on a millisecond time scale. Recordings from so-called 'simple synapses' indicate that calcium not only triggers exocytosis, but also modifies synaptic strength by controlling a final, rapid vesicle maturation step before release. Molecular studies identify several calcium-sensitive domains on Munc13 and on synaptotagmin-1 that are likely involved in bringing the vesicular and plasma membranes closer together in response to calcium elevation. Together, these results suggest that calcium-dependent vesicle docking occurs in a wide range of time domains and plays a crucial role in several phenomena including synaptic facilitation, post-tetanic potentiation, and neuromodulator-induced potentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Silva
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Van Tran
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Alain Marty
- Université de Paris, SPPIN-Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, CNRS, F-75006 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
McDonald NA, Shen K. Finding functions of phase separation in the presynapse. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:178-184. [PMID: 33979706 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Synapses are the basic units of neuronal communication. Understanding how synapses assemble and function is therefore essential to understanding nervous systems. Decades of study have identified many molecular components and functional mechanisms of synapses. Recently, an additional level of synaptic protein organization has been identified: phase separation. In the presynapse, components of the central active zone and a synaptic vesicle-clustering factor have been shown to form liquid-liquid phase-separated condensates or hydrogels. New in vivo functional studies have directly tested how phase separation impacts both synapse formation and function. Here, we review this emerging evidence for in vivo functional roles of phase separation at the presynapse and discuss future functional studies necessary to understand its complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kang Shen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Thoreson WB. Transmission at rod and cone ribbon synapses in the retina. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1469-1491. [PMID: 33779813 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Light-evoked voltage responses of rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the vertebrate retina must be converted to a train of synaptic vesicle release events for transmission to downstream neurons. This review discusses the processes, proteins, and structures that shape this critical early step in vision, focusing on studies from salamander retina with comparisons to other experimental animals. Many mechanisms are conserved across species. In cones, glutamate release is confined to ribbon release sites although rods are also capable of release at non-ribbon sites. The role of non-ribbon release in rods remains unclear. Release from synaptic ribbons in rods and cones involves at least three vesicle pools: a readily releasable pool (RRP) matching the number of membrane-associated vesicles along the ribbon base, a ribbon reserve pool matching the number of additional vesicles on the ribbon, and an enormous cytoplasmic reserve. Vesicle release increases in parallel with Ca2+ channel activity. While the opening of only a few Ca2+ channels beneath each ribbon can trigger fusion of a single vesicle, sustained release rates in darkness are governed by the rate at which the RRP can be replenished. The number of vacant release sites, their functional status, and the rate of vesicle delivery in turn govern replenishment. Along with an overview of the mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis, we consider specific properties of ribbon-associated proteins and pose a number of remaining questions about this first synapse in the visual system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Direct Observation of Vesicle Transport on the Synaptic Ribbon Provides Evidence That Vesicles Are Mobilized and Prepared Rapidly for Release. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7390-7404. [PMID: 32847965 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0605-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic ribbons are thought to provide vesicles for continuous release in some retinal nonspiking neurons, yet recent studies indicate that genetic removal of the ribbon has little effect on release kinetics. To investigate vesicle replenishment at synaptic ribbons, we used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to image synaptic vesicles and ribbons in retinal bipolar cells of goldfish (Carassius auratus) of both sexes. Analysis of vesicles released by trains of 30 ms depolarizations revealed that most releasable vesicles reside within 300 nm of the ribbon center. A single 30 ms step to 0 mV was sufficient to deplete the membrane-proximal vesicle pool, while triggering rapid stepwise movements of distal vesicles along the ribbon and toward the plasma membrane. Replenishment only becomes rate-limiting for recovery from paired-pulse depression for interstimulus intervals shorter than 250 ms. For longer interstimulus intervals, vesicle movement down the ribbon is fast enough to replenish released vesicles, but newly arrived vesicles are not release-ready. Notably, the rates of vesicle resupply and maturation of newcomers are among the fastest measured optically at any synapse. Lastly, our data show that the delay in vesicle departure increases and vesicle speed decreases with multiple stimuli. Our results support a role for ribbons in the supply of vesicles for release, provide direct measurements of vesicle movement down the ribbon, and suggest that multiple factors contribute to paired-pulse depression.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic ribbons are macromolecular scaffolds that tether synaptic vesicles close to release sites in nonspiking neurons of the retina and cochlea. Because these neurons release neurotransmitter continuously, synaptic ribbons are assumed to act as platforms for supplying vesicles rapidly in the face of prolonged stimulation. Yet, ribbon synapses suffer from profound paired-pulse depression, which takes seconds to subside. We investigated the mechanistic origin of this phenomenon by directly imaging triggered vesicle movement and release at ribbon sites in retinal bipolar cells, and find that, although ribbon synapses deliver and prime vesicles faster than most conventional synapses, both vesicle absence and vesicle priming contribute to the long recovery from paired-pulse depression.
Collapse
|