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Theisen JG, Chorich LP, Xu H, Knight J, Kim HG, Layman LC. Identification of rare genetic variants in the PCDH genetic family in a cohort of transgender women. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:283-292. [PMID: 38942387 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.06.005] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the identification of rare genetic variants in the PCDH genetic family in a cohort of transgender women (TGW) and their potential role in gender identity. DESIGN Exome sequencing and functional ontology analysis. SETTING Outpatient gender health and reproductive endocrinology clinics. PATIENT(S) A total of 24 TGW and 22 cisgender men (CM). INTERVENTION(S) Exome sequencing followed by variant confirmation through Sanger sequencing and functional classification analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Identification of rare, functionally significant genetic variants in the PCDH gene family and their prevalence in TGW compared with CM. RESULT(S) Exome sequencing revealed 38,524 genetic variants, of which 2,441 were rare and predicted to be functionally significant. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery analysis demonstrated a statistically enriched functional group, "homophilic cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules," containing 55 genes, including 18 PCDH gene family members. A total of 37 rare variants in 21 PCDH genes were identified, with 36 confirmed using Sanger sequencing. A statistically significant increase in these variants was observed in TGW compared with CM (Z = 2.08905). CONCLUSION(S) Transgender women exhibited a greater than threefold increase in functionally significant PCDH gene variants compared with CM. These findings suggest that the PCDH family may play a role in the genetic pathways associated with gender identity in TGW.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Theisen
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
| | - Lynn P Chorich
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - James Knight
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Jersey, New Jersey
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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2
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Hanes CM, Mah KM, Steffen DM, McLeod CM, Marcucci CG, Fuller LC, Burgess RW, Garrett AM, Weiner JA. A C-terminal motif containing a PKC phosphorylation site regulates γ-Protocadherin-mediated dendrite arborization in the cerebral cortex in vivo. Dev Neurobiol 2024; 84:217-235. [PMID: 38837880 PMCID: PMC11251855 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The Pcdhg gene cluster encodes 22 γ-Protocadherin (γ-Pcdh) cell adhesion molecules that critically regulate multiple aspects of neural development, including neuronal survival, dendritic and axonal arborization, and synapse formation and maturation. Each γ-Pcdh isoform has unique protein domains-a homophilically interacting extracellular domain and a juxtamembrane cytoplasmic domain-as well as a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain shared by all isoforms. The extent to which isoform-specific versus shared domains regulate distinct γ-Pcdh functions remains incompletely understood. Our previous in vitro studies identified protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of a serine residue within a shared C-terminal motif as a mechanism through which γ-Pcdh promotion of dendrite arborization via myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) is abrogated. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate two new mouse lines expressing only non-phosphorylatable γ-Pcdhs, due either to a serine-to-alanine mutation (PcdhgS/A) or to a 15-amino acid C-terminal deletion resulting from insertion of an early stop codon (PcdhgCTD). Both lines are viable and fertile, and the density and maturation of dendritic spines remain unchanged in both PcdhgS/A and PcdhgCTD cortex. Dendrite arborization of cortical pyramidal neurons, however, is significantly increased in both lines, as are levels of active MARCKS. Intriguingly, despite having significantly reduced levels of γ-Pcdh proteins, the PcdhgCTD mutation yields the strongest phenotype, with even heterozygous mutants exhibiting increased arborization. The present study confirms that phosphorylation of a shared C-terminal motif is a key γ-Pcdh negative regulation point and contributes to a converging understanding of γ-Pcdh family function in which distinct roles are played by both individual isoforms and discrete protein domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille M. Hanes
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David M. Steffen
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Cathy M. McLeod
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Charles G. Marcucci
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Leah C. Fuller
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | - Andrew M. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Joshua A. Weiner
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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3
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Su M, Xuan E, Sun X, Pan G, Li D, Zheng H, Zhang YW, Li Y. Synaptic adhesion molecule protocadherin-γC5 mediates β-amyloid-induced neuronal hyperactivity and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1060-1079. [PMID: 38308496 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16066] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal hyperactivity induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) is an early pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contributes to cognitive decline in AD progression. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we revealed that Aβ increased the expression level of synaptic adhesion molecule protocadherin-γC5 (Pcdh-γC5) in a Ca2+-dependent manner, associated with aberrant elevation of synapses in both Aβ-treated neurons in vitro and the cortex of APP/PS1 mice in vivo. By using Pcdhgc5 gene knockout mice, we demonstrated the critical function of Pcdh-γC5 in regulating neuronal synapse formation, synaptic transmission, and cognition. To further investigate the role of Pcdh-γC5 in AD pathogenesis, the aberrantly enhanced expression of Pcdh-γC5 in the brain of APP/PS1 mice was knocked down by shRNA. Downregulation of Pcdh-γC5 efficiently rescued neuronal hyperactivity and impaired cognition in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings revealed the pathophysiological role of Pcdh-γC5 in mediating Aβ-induced neuronal hyperactivity and cognitive deficits in AD and identified a novel mechanism underlying AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Erying Xuan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangyi Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Gaojie Pan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Honghua Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanfang Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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4
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Hanes CM, Mah KM, Steffen DM, Marcucci CG, Fuller LC, Burgess RW, Garrett AM, Weiner JA. A C-terminal motif containing a PKC phosphorylation site regulates γ-Protocadherin-mediated dendrite arborization in the cerebral cortex in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.577214. [PMID: 38328061 PMCID: PMC10849722 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.577214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The Pcdhg gene cluster encodes 22 γ-Protocadherin (γ-Pcdh) cell adhesion molecules that critically regulate multiple aspects of neural development, including neuronal survival, dendritic and axonal arborization, and synapse formation and maturation. Each γ-Pcdh isoform has unique protein domains-a homophilically-interacting extracellular domain and a juxtamembrane cytoplasmic domain-as well as a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain shared by all isoforms. The extent to which isoform-specific vs. shared domains regulate distinct γ-Pcdh functions remains incompletely understood. Our previous in vitro studies identified PKC phosphorylation of a serine residue within a shared C-terminal motif as a mechanism through which γ-Pcdh promotion of dendrite arborization via MARCKS is abrogated. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate two new mouse lines expressing only non-phosphorylatable γ-Pcdhs, due either to a serine-to-alanine mutation (PcdhgS/A) or to a 15-amino acid C-terminal deletion resulting from insertion of an early stop codon (PcdhgCTD). Both lines are viable and fertile, and the density and maturation of dendritic spines remains unchanged in both PcdhgS/A and PcdhgCTD cortex. Dendrite arborization of cortical pyramidal neurons, however, is significantly increased in both lines, as are levels of active MARCKS. Intriguingly, despite having significantly reduced levels of γ-Pcdh proteins, the PcdhgCTD mutation yields the strongest phenotype, with even heterozygous mutants exhibiting increased arborization. The present study confirms that phosphorylation of a shared C-terminal motif is a key γ-Pcdh negative regulation point, and contributes to a converging understanding of γ-Pcdh family function in which distinct roles are played by both individual isoforms and discrete protein domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille M. Hanes
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - David M. Steffen
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Charles G. Marcucci
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Leah C. Fuller
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | | | - Andrew M. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Joshua A. Weiner
- Department of Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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5
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Ptashnik A, LaMassa N, Mambetalieva A, Schnall E, Bucaro M, Phillips GR. Ubiquitination of the protocadherin-γA3 variable cytoplasmic domain modulates cell-cell interaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1261048. [PMID: 37791076 PMCID: PMC10544333 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of ∼60 clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are cell adhesion molecules encoded by a genomic locus that regulates expression of distinct combinations of isoforms in individual neurons resulting in what is thought to be a neural surface "barcode" which mediates same-cell interactions of dendrites, as well as interactions with other cells in the environment. Pcdh mediated same-cell dendrite interactions were shown to result in avoidance while interactions between different cells through Pcdhs, such as between neurons and astrocytes, appear to be stable. The cell biological mechanism of the consequences of Pcdh based adhesion is not well understood although various signaling pathways have been recently uncovered. A still unidentified cytoplasmic regulatory mechanism might contribute to a "switch" between avoidance and adhesion. We have proposed that endocytosis and intracellular trafficking could be part of such a switch. Here we use "stub" constructs consisting of the proximal cytoplasmic domain (lacking the constant carboxy-terminal domain spliced to all Pcdh-γs) of one Pcdh, Pcdh-γA3, to study trafficking. We found that the stub construct traffics primarily to Rab7 positive endosomes very similarly to the full length molecule and deletion of a substantial portion of the carboxy-terminus of the stub eliminates this trafficking. The intact stub was found to be ubiquitinated while the deletion was not and this ubiquitination was found to be at non-lysine sites. Further deletion mapping of the residues required for ubiquitination identified potential serine phosphorylation sites, conserved among Pcdh-γAs, that can reduce ubiquitination when pseudophosphorylated and increase surface expression. These results suggest Pcdh-γA ubiquitination can influence surface expression which may modulate adhesive activity during neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Ptashnik
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- PhD Program in Biology, Subprogram in Neuroscience, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicole LaMassa
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- PhD Program in Biology, Subprogram in Neuroscience, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aliya Mambetalieva
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emily Schnall
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mike Bucaro
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Greg R. Phillips
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- PhD Program in Biology, Subprogram in Neuroscience, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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6
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Wen J, Zellner A, Braun NC, Bajaj T, Gassen NC, Peitz M, Brüstle O. Loss of function of FIP200 in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons leads to axonal pathology and hyperactivity. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:143. [PMID: 37137886 PMCID: PMC10156752 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
FIP200 plays important roles in homeostatic processes such as autophagy and signaling pathways such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Furthermore, genetic studies suggest an association of FIP200 mutations with psychiatric disorders. However, its potential connections to psychiatric disorders and specific roles in human neurons are not clear. We set out to establish a human-specific model to study the functional consequences of neuronal FIP200 deficiency. To this end, we generated two independent sets of isogenic human pluripotent stem cell lines with homozygous FIP200KO alleles, which were then used for the derivation of glutamatergic neurons via forced expression of NGN2. FIP200KO neurons exhibited pathological axonal swellings, showed autophagy deficiency, and subsequently elevated p62 protein levels. Moreover, monitoring the electrophysiological activity of neuronal cultures on multi-electrode arrays revealed that FIP200KO resulted in a hyperactive network. This hyperactivity could be abolished by glutamatergic receptor antagonist CNQX, suggesting a strengthened glutamatergic synaptic activation in FIP200KO neurons. Furthermore, cell surface proteomic analysis revealed metabolic dysregulation and abnormal cell adhesion-related processes in FIP200KO neurons. Interestingly, an ULK1/2-specific autophagy inhibitor could recapitulate axonal swellings and hyperactivity in wild-type neurons, whereas inhibition of FAK signaling was able to normalize the hyperactivity of FIP200KO neurons. These results suggest that impaired autophagy and presumably also disinhibition of FAK can contribute to the hyperactivity of FIP200KO neuronal networks, whereas pathological axonal swellings are primarily due to autophagy deficiency. Taken together, our study reveals the consequences of FIP200 deficiency in induced human glutamatergic neurons, which might, in the end, help to understand cellular pathomechanisms contributing to neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Wen
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Andreas Zellner
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Christian Braun
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Bajaj
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Christian Gassen
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Peitz
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- Cell Programming Core Facility, University of Bonn Medical Faculty, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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7
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Steffen DM, Hanes CM, Mah KM, Valiño Ramos P, Bosch PJ, Hinz DC, Radley JJ, Burgess RW, Garrett AM, Weiner JA. A Unique Role for Protocadherin γC3 in Promoting Dendrite Arborization through an Axin1-Dependent Mechanism. J Neurosci 2023; 43:918-935. [PMID: 36604170 PMCID: PMC9908324 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0729-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a functional cerebral cortex depends on the proper execution of multiple developmental steps, culminating in dendritic and axonal outgrowth and the formation and maturation of synaptic connections. Dysregulation of these processes can result in improper neuronal connectivity, including that associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders. The γ-Protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), a family of 22 distinct cell adhesion molecules that share a C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, are involved in multiple aspects of neurodevelopment including neuronal survival, dendrite arborization, and synapse development. The extent to which individual γ-Pcdh family members play unique versus common roles remains unclear. We demonstrated previously that the γ-Pcdh-C3 isoform (γC3), via its unique "variable" cytoplasmic domain (VCD), interacts in cultured cells with Axin1, a Wnt-pathway scaffold protein that regulates the differentiation and morphology of neurons. Here, we confirm that γC3 and Axin1 interact in the cortex in vivo and show that both male and female mice specifically lacking γC3 exhibit disrupted Axin1 localization to synaptic fractions, without obvious changes in dendritic spine density or morphology. However, both male and female γC3 knock-out mice exhibit severely decreased dendritic complexity of cortical pyramidal neurons that is not observed in mouse lines lacking several other γ-Pcdh isoforms. Combining knock-out with rescue constructs in cultured cortical neurons pooled from both male and female mice, we show that γC3 promotes dendritic arborization through an Axin1-dependent mechanism mediated through its VCD. Together, these data identify a novel mechanism through which γC3 uniquely regulates the formation of cortical circuitry.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The complexity of a neuron's dendritic arbor is critical for its function. We showed previously that the γ-Protocadherin (γ-Pcdh) family of 22 cell adhesion molecules promotes arborization during development; it remained unclear whether individual family members played unique roles. Here, we show that one γ-Pcdh isoform, γC3, interacts in the brain with Axin1, a scaffolding protein known to influence dendrite development. A CRISPR/Cas9-generated mutant mouse line lacking γC3 (but not lines lacking other γ-Pcdhs) exhibits severely reduced dendritic complexity of cerebral cortex neurons. Using cultured γC3 knock-out neurons and a variety of rescue constructs, we confirm that the γC3 cytoplasmic domain promotes arborization through an Axin1-dependent mechanism. Thus, γ-Pcdh isoforms are not interchangeable, but rather can play unique neurodevelopmental roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Steffen
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Camille M Hanes
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Paula Valiño Ramos
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Peter J Bosch
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Dalton C Hinz
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Jason J Radley
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | | | - Andrew M Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
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8
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FAK-Mediated Signaling Controls Amyloid Beta Overload, Learning and Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169055. [PMID: 36012331 PMCID: PMC9408823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-receptor focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is highly expressed in the central nervous system during development, where it regulates neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, but its role in the adult healthy and diseased brain, specifically in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is largely unknown. Using the 3xTg-AD mouse model, which carries three mutations associated with familial Alzheimer's disease (APP KM670/671NL Swedish, PSEN1 M146V, MAPT P301L) and develops age-related progressive neuropathology including amyloid plaques and Tau tangles, we describe here, for the first time, the in vivo role of FAK in AD pathology. Our data demonstrate that while site-specific knockdown in the hippocampi of 3xTg-AD mice has no effect on learning and memory, hippocampal overexpression of the protein leads to a significant decrease in learning and memory capabilities, which is accompanied by a significant increase in amyloid β (Aβ) load. Furthermore, neuronal morphology is altered following hippocampal overexpression of FAK in these mice. High-throughput proteomics analysis of total and phosphorylated proteins in the hippocampi of FAK overexpressing mice indicates that FAK controls AD-like phenotypes by inhibiting cytoskeletal remodeling in neurons which results in morphological changes, by increasing Tau hyperphosphorylation, and by blocking astrocyte differentiation. FAK activates cell cycle re-entry and consequent cell death while downregulating insulin signaling, thereby increasing insulin resistance and leading to oxidative stress. Our data provide an overview of the signaling networks by which FAK regulates AD pathology and identify FAK as a novel therapeutic target for treating AD.
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9
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Hou S, Li G, Xu B, Dong H, Zhang S, Fu Y, Shi J, Li L, Fu J, Shi F, Meng Y, Jin Y. Trans-splicing facilitated by RNA pairing greatly expands sDscam isoform diversity but not homophilic binding specificity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn9458. [PMID: 35857463 PMCID: PMC9258826 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule 1 (Dscam1) gene can generate tens of thousands of isoforms via alternative splicing, which is essential for nervous and immune functions. Chelicerates generate approximately 50 to 100 shortened Dscam (sDscam) isoforms by alternative promoters, similar to mammalian protocadherins. Here, we reveal that trans-splicing markedly increases the repository of sDscamβ isoforms in Tetranychus urticae. Unexpectedly, every variable exon cassette engages in trans-splicing with constant exons from another cluster. Moreover, we provide evidence that competing RNA pairing not only governs alternative cis-splicing but also facilitates trans-splicing. Trans-spliced sDscam isoforms mediate cell adhesion ability but exhibit the same homophilic binding specificity as their cis-spliced counterparts. Thus, we reveal a single sDscam locus that generates diverse adhesion molecules through cis- and trans-splicing coupled with alternative promoters. These findings expand understanding of the mechanism underlying molecular diversity and have implications for the molecular control of neuronal and/or immune specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqing Hou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jiayan Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310018, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
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10
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Goodman KM, Katsamba PS, Rubinstein R, Ahlsén G, Bahna F, Mannepalli S, Dan H, Sampogna RV, Shapiro L, Honig B. How clustered protocadherin binding specificity is tuned for neuronal self-/nonself-recognition. eLife 2022; 11:e72416. [PMID: 35253643 PMCID: PMC8901172 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The stochastic expression of fewer than 60 clustered protocadherin (cPcdh) isoforms provides diverse identities to individual vertebrate neurons and a molecular basis for self-/nonself-discrimination. cPcdhs form chains mediated by alternating cis and trans interactions between apposed membranes, which has been suggested to signal self-recognition. Such a mechanism requires that cPcdh cis dimers form promiscuously to generate diverse recognition units, and that trans interactions have precise specificity so that isoform mismatches terminate chain growth. However, the extent to which cPcdh interactions fulfill these requirements has not been definitively demonstrated. Here, we report biophysical experiments showing that cPcdh cis interactions are promiscuous, but with preferences favoring formation of heterologous cis dimers. Trans homophilic interactions are remarkably precise, with no evidence for heterophilic interactions between different isoforms. A new C-type cPcdh crystal structure and mutagenesis data help to explain these observations. Overall, the interaction characteristics we report for cPcdhs help explain their function in neuronal self-/nonself-discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Marie Goodman
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Phinikoula S Katsamba
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Rotem Rubinstein
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Göran Ahlsén
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Fabiana Bahna
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Seetha Mannepalli
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Hanbin Dan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Rosemary V Sampogna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Barry Honig
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
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11
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McLeod CM, Garrett AM. Mouse models for the study of clustered protocadherins. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 148:115-137. [PMID: 35461562 PMCID: PMC9152800 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Since their first description, the clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs) have sparked interest for their potential to generate diverse cell-surface recognition cues and their widespread expression in the nervous system. Through the use of mouse models, we have learned a great deal about the functions served by cPcdhs, and how their molecular diversity is regulated. cPcdhs are essential contributors to a host of processes during neural circuit formation, including neuronal survival, dendritic and axonal branching, self-avoidance and targeting, and synapse formation. Their expression is controlled by the interplay of epigenetic marks with proximal and distal elements involving high order DNA looping, regulating transcription factor binding. Here, we will review various mouse models targeting the cPcdh locus and how they have been instructive in uncovering the regulation and function of the cPcdhs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy M. McLeod
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine
| | - Andrew M. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine,Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine
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12
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LaMassa N, Sverdlov H, Mambetalieva A, Shapiro S, Bucaro M, Fernandez-Monreal M, Phillips GR. Gamma-protocadherin localization at the synapse is associated with parameters of synaptic maturation. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2407-2417. [PMID: 33381867 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a family of ~60 cadherin-like proteins (divided into subclasses α, β, and γ) that regulate dendrite morphology and neural connectivity. Their expression is controlled through epigenetic regulation at a gene cluster encoding the molecules. During neural development, Pcdhs mediate dendrite self-avoidance in some neuronal types through an uncharacterized anti-adhesive mechanism. Pcdhs are also important for dendritic complexity in cortical neurons likely through a pro-adhesive mechanism. Pcdhs have also been postulated to participate in synaptogenesis and connectivity. Some synaptic defects were noted in knockout animals, including synaptic number and physiology, but the role of these molecules in synaptic development is not understood. The effect of Pcdh knockout on dendritic patterning may present a confound to studying synaptogenesis. We showed previously that Pcdh-γs are highly enriched in intracellular compartments in dendrites and spines with localization at only a few synaptic clefts. To gain insight into how Pcdh-γs might affect synapses, we compared synapses that harbored Pcdh-γs versus those that did not for parameters of synaptic maturation including pre- and postsynaptic size, postsynaptic perforations, and spine morphology by light microscopy in cultured hippocampal neurons and by serial section immuno-electron microscopy in hippocampal CA1. In mature neurons, synapses immunopositive for Pcdh-γs were larger in diameter with more frequent perforations. Analysis of spines in cultured neurons revealed that mushroom spines were more frequently immunopositive for Pcdh-γs at their tips than thin spines. These results suggest that Pcdh-γ function at the synapse may be related to promotion of synaptic maturation and stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole LaMassa
- Program in Biology, Neuroscience Subprogram, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hanna Sverdlov
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aliya Mambetalieva
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stacy Shapiro
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Bucaro
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monica Fernandez-Monreal
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, Bordeaux Imaging Center, BIC, UMS 3420, US 4, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Greg R Phillips
- Program in Biology, Neuroscience Subprogram, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Jia Z, Wu Q. Clustered Protocadherins Emerge as Novel Susceptibility Loci for Mental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:587819. [PMID: 33262685 PMCID: PMC7688460 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.587819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs) are a subfamily of type I single-pass transmembrane cell adhesion molecules predominantly expressed in the brain. Their stochastic and combinatorial expression patterns encode highly diverse neural identity codes which are central for neuronal self-avoidance and non-self discrimination in brain circuit formation. In this review, we first briefly outline mechanisms for generating a tremendous diversity of cPcdh cell-surface assemblies. We then summarize the biological functions of cPcdhs in a wide variety of neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal migration and survival, dendritic arborization and self-avoidance, axonal tiling and even spacing, and synaptogenesis. We focus on genetic, epigenetic, and 3D genomic dysregulations of cPcdhs that are associated with various neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. A deeper understanding of regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of cPcdhs should provide significant insights into the pathogenesis of mental disorders and facilitate development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Wu Q, Jia Z. Wiring the Brain by Clustered Protocadherin Neural Codes. Neurosci Bull 2020; 37:117-131. [PMID: 32939695 PMCID: PMC7811963 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are more than a thousand trillion specific synaptic connections in the human brain and over a million new specific connections are formed every second during the early years of life. The assembly of these staggeringly complex neuronal circuits requires specific cell-surface molecular tags to endow each neuron with a unique identity code to discriminate self from non-self. The clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) genes, which encode a tremendous diversity of cell-surface assemblies, are candidates for neuronal identity tags. We describe the adaptive evolution, genomic structure, and regulation of expression of the clustered Pcdhs. We specifically focus on the emerging 3-D architectural and biophysical mechanisms that generate an enormous number of diverse cell-surface Pcdhs as neural codes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Zhilian Jia
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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15
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Pancho A, Aerts T, Mitsogiannis MD, Seuntjens E. Protocadherins at the Crossroad of Signaling Pathways. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:117. [PMID: 32694982 PMCID: PMC7339444 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are cell adhesion molecules that belong to the cadherin superfamily, and are subdivided into clustered (cPcdhs) and non-clustered Pcdhs (ncPcdhs) in vertebrates. In this review, we summarize their discovery, expression mechanisms, and roles in neuronal development and cancer, thereby highlighting the context-dependent nature of their actions. We furthermore provide an extensive overview of current structural knowledge, and its implications concerning extracellular interactions between cPcdhs, ncPcdhs, and classical cadherins. Next, we survey the known molecular action mechanisms of Pcdhs, emphasizing the regulatory functions of proteolytic processing and domain shedding. In addition, we outline the importance of Pcdh intracellular domains in the regulation of downstream signaling cascades, and we describe putative Pcdh interactions with intracellular molecules including components of the WAVE complex, the Wnt pathway, and apoptotic cascades. Our overview combines molecular interaction data from different contexts, such as neural development and cancer. This comprehensive approach reveals potential common Pcdh signaling hubs, and points out future directions for research. Functional studies of such key factors within the context of neural development might yield innovative insights into the molecular etiology of Pcdh-related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pancho
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Aerts
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manuela D Mitsogiannis
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Das S, Ooi FK, Cruz Corchado J, Fuller LC, Weiner JA, Prahlad V. Serotonin signaling by maternal neurons upon stress ensures progeny survival. eLife 2020; 9:e55246. [PMID: 32324136 PMCID: PMC7237211 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cells are vulnerable to stress. Therefore, how organisms protect their future progeny from damage in a fluctuating environment is a fundamental question in biology. We show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, serotonin released by maternal neurons during stress ensures the viability and stress resilience of future offspring. Serotonin acts through a signal transduction pathway conserved between C. elegans and mammalian cells to enable the transcription factor HSF1 to alter chromatin in soon-to-be fertilized germ cells by recruiting the histone chaperone FACT, displacing histones, and initiating protective gene expression. Without serotonin release by maternal neurons, FACT is not recruited by HSF1 in germ cells, transcription occurs but is delayed, and progeny of stressed C. elegans mothers fail to complete development. These studies uncover a novel mechanism by which stress sensing by neurons is coupled to transcription response times of germ cells to protect future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijit Das
- Department of Biology, Aging Mind and Brain InitiativeIowa CityUnited States
| | - Felicia K Ooi
- Department of Biology, Aging Mind and Brain InitiativeIowa CityUnited States
| | | | | | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of BiologyIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteIowa CityUnited States
| | - Veena Prahlad
- Department of Biology, Aging Mind and Brain InitiativeIowa CityUnited States
- Department of BiologyIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience InstituteIowa CityUnited States
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17
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Garrett AM, Bosch PJ, Steffen DM, Fuller LC, Marcucci CG, Koch AA, Bais P, Weiner JA, Burgess RW. CRISPR/Cas9 interrogation of the mouse Pcdhg gene cluster reveals a crucial isoform-specific role for Pcdhgc4. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008554. [PMID: 31877124 PMCID: PMC6957209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Pcdhg gene cluster encodes a family of 22 cell adhesion molecules, the gamma-Protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), critical for neuronal survival and neural circuit formation. The extent to which isoform diversity–a γ-Pcdh hallmark–is required for their functions remains unclear. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to reduce isoform diversity, targeting each Pcdhg variable exon with pooled sgRNAs to generate an allelic series of 26 mouse lines with 1 to 21 isoforms disrupted via discrete indels at guide sites and/or larger deletions/rearrangements. Analysis of 5 mutant lines indicates that postnatal viability and neuronal survival do not require isoform diversity. Surprisingly, given reports that it might not independently engage in trans-interactions, we find that γC4, encoded by Pcdhgc4, is the only critical isoform. Because the human orthologue is the only PCDHG gene constrained in humans, our results indicate a conserved γC4 function that likely involves distinct molecular mechanisms. The γ-Protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs) are a family of 22 molecules that serve many crucial functions during neural development. They can combine to form multimers at the cell surface, such that each combination specifically recognizes the same combination at the surface of other cells. In this way, 22 molecules can generate thousands of distinct recognition complexes. To test the extent to which molecular diversity is required for the γ-Pcdhs to serve their many functions, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to make a series of mouse mutants in which different combinations of the γ-Pcdhs are disrupted. We report 25 new mouse lines with between 1 and 21 intact members of the γ-Pcdh family. Further, we found that for the critical function of neuronal survival–and consequently the survival of the animal–the molecular diversity was not essential. Rather, a single member of the family called γC4 was the only one necessary or sufficient for this function; databases of human genome sequences suggest that this important role is conserved. These new strains will be invaluable for disentangling the role of molecular diversity in the γ-Pcdhs’ functions, and as we have already found, will help identify specific functions for specific γ-Pcdh family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AMG); (JAW); (RWB)
| | - Peter J. Bosch
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - David M. Steffen
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Leah C. Fuller
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Charles G. Marcucci
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Alexis A. Koch
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Preeti Bais
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Joshua A. Weiner
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AMG); (JAW); (RWB)
| | - Robert W. Burgess
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AMG); (JAW); (RWB)
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18
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Miralles CP, Taylor MJ, Bear J, Fekete CD, George S, Li Y, Bonhomme B, Chiou TT, De Blas AL. Expression of protocadherin-γC4 protein in the rat brain. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:840-864. [PMID: 31609469 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been proposed that the combinatorial expression of γ-protocadherins (Pcdh-γs) and other clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) provides a code of molecular identity and individuality to neurons, which plays a major role in the establishment of specific synaptic connectivity and formation of neuronal circuits. Particular attention has been directed to the Pcdh-γ family, for which experimental evidence derived from Pcdh-γ-deficient mice shows that they are involved in dendrite self-avoidance, synapse development, dendritic arborization, spine maturation, and prevention of apoptosis of some neurons. Moreover, a triple-mutant mouse deficient in the three C-type members of the Pcdh-γ family (Pcdh-γC3, Pcdh-γC4, and Pcdh-γC5) shows a phenotype similar to the mouse deficient in whole Pcdh-γ family, indicating that the latter is largely due to the absence of C-type Pcdh-γs. The role of each individual C-type Pcdh-γ is not known. We have developed a specific antibody to Pcdh-γC4 to reveal the expression of this protein in the rat brain. The results show that although Pcdh-γC4 is expressed at higher levels in the embryo and earlier postnatal weeks, it is also expressed in the adult rat brain. Pcdh-γC4 is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. In the adult brain, the regional distribution of Pcdh-γC4 immunoreactivity is similar to that of Pcdh-γC4 mRNA, being highest in the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum. Pcdh-γC4 forms puncta that are frequently apposed to glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. They are also frequently associated with neuron-astrocyte contacts. The results provide new insights into the cell recognition function of Pcdh-γC4 in neurons and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia P Miralles
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael J Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - John Bear
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christopher D Fekete
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shanu George
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bevan Bonhomme
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tzu-Ting Chiou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Angel L De Blas
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Bernardo-Castiñeira C, Valdés N, Celada L, Martinez ASJ, Sáenz-de-Santa-María I, Bayón GF, Fernández AF, Sierra MI, Fraga MF, Astudillo A, Jiménez-Fonseca P, Rial JC, Hevia MÁ, Turienzo E, Bernardo C, Forga L, Tena I, Molina-Garrido MJ, Cacho L, Villabona C, Serrano T, Scola B, Chirivella I, Del Olmo M, Menéndez CL, Navarro E, Tous M, Vallejo A, Athimulam S, Bancos I, Suarez C, Chiara MD. Epigenetic Deregulation of Protocadherin PCDHGC3 in Pheochromocytomas/Paragangliomas Associated With SDHB Mutations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5673-5692. [PMID: 31216007 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT SDHB mutations are found in an increasing number of neoplasms, most notably in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs). SDHB-PPGLs are slow-growing tumors, but ∼50% of them may develop metastasis. The molecular basis of metastasis in these tumors is a long-standing and unresolved problem. Thus, a better understanding of the biology of metastasis is needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify gene methylation changes relevant for metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. DESIGN We performed genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation in diverse clinical and genetic PPGL subtypes, and validated protocadherin γ-C3 (PCDHGC3) gene promoter methylation in metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. RESULTS We define an epigenetic landscape specific for metastatic SDHB-PPGLs. DNA methylation levels were found significantly higher in metastatic SDHB-PPGLs than in SDHB-PPGLs without metastases. One such change included long-range de novo methylation of the PCDHA, PCDHB, and PCDHG gene clusters. High levels of PCDHGC3 promoter methylation were validated in primary metastatic SDHB-PPGLs, it was found amplified in the corresponding metastases, and it was significantly correlated with PCDHGC3 reduced expression. Interestingly, this epigenetic alteration could be detected in primary tumors that developed metastasis several years later. We also show that PCDHGC3 down regulation engages metastasis-initiating capabilities by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a map of the DNA methylome episignature specific to an SDHB-mutated cancer and establish PCDHGC3 as a putative suppressor gene and a potential biomarker to identify patients with SDHB-mutated cancer at high risk of metastasis who might benefit from future targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal Bernardo-Castiñeira
- Head and Neck Oncology Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nuria Valdés
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lucía Celada
- Head and Neck Oncology Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - I Sáenz-de-Santa-María
- Head and Neck Oncology Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Gustavo F Bayón
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Agustín F Fernández
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta I Sierra
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias, Spain
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mario F Fraga
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center, Spanish Council for Scientific Research, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aurora Astudillo
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Service of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez-Fonseca
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Service of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Rial
- Service of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Hevia
- Service of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Service of Urology Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Estrella Turienzo
- Service of Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Bernardo
- Service of Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lluis Forga
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Isabel Tena
- Service of Medical Oncology, Hospital Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, Spain
| | | | - Laura Cacho
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carles Villabona
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Serrano
- Service of Pathology, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bartolomé Scola
- Service of Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Chirivella
- Unit of Genetic Counsel in Cancer, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maribel Del Olmo
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Elena Navarro
- Service of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - María Tous
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Vallejo
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica of Pathology, Hospital Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Shobana Athimulam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Carlos Suarez
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María-Dolores Chiara
- Head and Neck Oncology Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Oncology of Asturias, Spain
- Institute of Sanitary Research of Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Oviedo, Spain
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20
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Chen M, Pritchard C, Fortune D, Kodi P, Grados M. Hydrogen sulfide: a target to modulate oxidative stress and neuroplasticity for the treatment of pathological anxiety. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 20:109-121. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1668270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Chen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Diandra Fortune
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Priyadurga Kodi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marco Grados
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Vega-Benedetti AF, Loi E, Moi L, Blois S, Fadda A, Antonelli M, Arcella A, Badiali M, Giangaspero F, Morra I, Columbano A, Restivo A, Zorcolo L, Gismondi V, Varesco L, Bellomo SE, Giordano S, Canale M, Casadei-Gardini A, Faloppi L, Puzzoni M, Scartozzi M, Ziranu P, Cabras G, Cocco P, Ennas MG, Satta G, Zucca M, Canzio D, Zavattari P. Clustered protocadherins methylation alterations in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:100. [PMID: 31288858 PMCID: PMC6617643 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Clustered protocadherins (PCDHs) map in tandem at human chromosome 5q31 and comprise three multi-genes clusters: α-, β- and γ-PCDH. The expression of this cluster consists of a complex mechanism involving DNA hub formation through DNA-CCTC binding factor (CTCF) interaction. Methylation alterations can affect this interaction, leading to transcriptional dysregulation. In cancer, clustered PCDHs undergo a mechanism of long-range epigenetic silencing by hypermethylation. Results In this study, we detected frequent methylation alterations at CpG islands associated to these clustered PCDHs in all the solid tumours analysed (colorectal, gastric and biliary tract cancers, pilocytic astrocytoma), but not hematologic neoplasms such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Importantly, several altered CpG islands were associated with CTCF binding sites. Interestingly, our analysis revealed a hypomethylation event in pilocytic astrocytoma, suggesting that in neuronal tissue, where PCDHs are highly expressed, these genes become hypomethylated in this type of cancer. On the other hand, in tissues where PCDHs are lowly expressed, these CpG islands are targeted by DNA methylation. In fact, PCDH-associated CpG islands resulted hypermethylated in gastrointestinal tumours. Conclusions Our study highlighted a strong alteration of the clustered PCDHs methylation pattern in the analysed solid cancers and suggested these methylation aberrations in the CpG islands associated with PCDH genes as powerful diagnostic biomarkers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0695-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Loredana Moi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sylvain Blois
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Badiali
- Genetic and Genomic Laboratory, Microcitemico Children's Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Isabella Morra
- Department of Pathology OIRM-S, Anna Hospital, A.O.U. City of Health and Science, Turin, Italy
| | - Amedeo Columbano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal Surgery Center, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Viviana Gismondi
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Liliana Varesco
- Unit of Hereditary Cancer, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Giordano
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Matteo Canale
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico di Modena Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Faloppi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Macerata General Hospital, ASUR Marche AV3, Macerata, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Cocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giannina Satta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Occupational Health Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cytomorphology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Canzio
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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22
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Brasch J, Goodman KM, Noble AJ, Rapp M, Mannepalli S, Bahna F, Dandey VP, Bepler T, Berger B, Maniatis T, Potter CS, Carragher B, Honig B, Shapiro L. Visualization of clustered protocadherin neuronal self-recognition complexes. Nature 2019; 569:280-283. [PMID: 30971825 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurite self-recognition and avoidance are fundamental properties of all nervous systems1. These processes facilitate dendritic arborization2,3, prevent formation of autapses4 and allow free interaction among non-self neurons1,2,4,5. Avoidance among self neurites is mediated by stochastic cell-surface expression of combinations of about 60 isoforms of α-, β- and γ-clustered protocadherin that provide mammalian neurons with single-cell identities1,2,4-13. Avoidance is observed between neurons that express identical protocadherin repertoires2,5, and single-isoform differences are sufficient to prevent self-recognition10. Protocadherins form isoform-promiscuous cis dimers and isoform-specific homophilic trans dimers10,14-20. Although these interactions have previously been characterized in isolation15,17-20, structures of full-length protocadherin ectodomains have not been determined, and how these two interfaces engage in self-recognition between neuronal surfaces remains unknown. Here we determine the molecular arrangement of full-length clustered protocadherin ectodomains in single-isoform self-recognition complexes, using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron tomography. We determine the crystal structure of the clustered protocadherin γB4 ectodomain, which reveals a zipper-like lattice that is formed by alternating cis and trans interactions. Using cryo-electron tomography, we show that clustered protocadherin γB6 ectodomains tethered to liposomes spontaneously assemble into linear arrays at membrane contact sites, in a configuration that is consistent with the assembly observed in the crystal structure. These linear assemblies pack against each other as parallel arrays to form larger two-dimensional structures between membranes. Our results suggest that the formation of ordered linear assemblies by clustered protocadherins represents the initial self-recognition step in neuronal avoidance, and thus provide support for the isoform-mismatch chain-termination model of protocadherin-mediated self-recognition, which depends on these linear chains11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brasch
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerry M Goodman
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alex J Noble
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Micah Rapp
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seetha Mannepalli
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fabiana Bahna
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Venkata P Dandey
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tristan Bepler
- Computational and Systems Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bonnie Berger
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Mathematics, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tom Maniatis
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clinton S Potter
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bridget Carragher
- Simons Electron Microscopy Center, New York Structural Biology Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barry Honig
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Zuckerman Mind, Brain and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Proper neuronal wiring is central to all bodily functions, sensory perception, cognition, memory, and learning. Establishment of a functional neuronal circuit is a highly regulated and dynamic process involving axonal and dendritic branching and navigation toward appropriate targets and connection partners. This intricate circuitry includes axo-dendritic synapse formation, synaptic connections formed with effector cells, and extensive dendritic arborization that function to receive and transmit mechanical and chemical sensory inputs. Such complexity is primarily achieved by extensive axonal and dendritic branch formation and pruning. Fundamental to neuronal branching are cytoskeletal dynamics and plasma membrane expansion, both of which are regulated via numerous extracellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms and molecules. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the biology of neuronal branching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Menon
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie Gupton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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24
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Genomic responses to selection for tame/aggressive behaviors in the silver fox ( Vulpes vulpes). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:10398-10403. [PMID: 30228118 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800889115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal domestication efforts have led to a shared spectrum of striking behavioral and morphological changes. To recapitulate this process, silver foxes have been selectively bred for tame and aggressive behaviors for more than 50 generations at the Institute for Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Russia. To understand the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic changes, we profiled gene expression levels and coding SNP allele frequencies in two brain tissue specimens from 12 aggressive foxes and 12 tame foxes. Expression analysis revealed 146 genes in the prefrontal cortex and 33 genes in the basal forebrain that were differentially expressed, with a 5% false discovery rate (FDR). These candidates include genes in key pathways known to be critical to neurologic processing, including the serotonin and glutamate receptor pathways. In addition, 295 of the 31,000 exonic SNPs show significant allele frequency differences between the tame and aggressive populations (1% FDR), including genes with a role in neural crest cell fate determination.
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25
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Molumby MJ, Anderson RM, Newbold DJ, Koblesky NK, Garrett AM, Schreiner D, Radley JJ, Weiner JA. γ-Protocadherins Interact with Neuroligin-1 and Negatively Regulate Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis. Cell Rep 2017; 18:2702-2714. [PMID: 28297673 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 22 γ-Protocadherin (γ-Pcdh) cell adhesion molecules are critical for the elaboration of complex dendritic arbors in the cerebral cortex. Here, we provide evidence that the γ-Pcdhs negatively regulate synapse development by inhibiting the postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule, neuroligin-1 (Nlg1). Mice lacking all γ-Pcdhs in the forebrain exhibit significantly increased dendritic spine density in vivo, while spine density is significantly decreased in mice overexpressing one of the 22 γ-Pcdh isoforms. Co-expression of γ-Pcdhs inhibits the ability of Nlg1 to increase spine density and to induce presynaptic differentiation in hippocampal neurons in vitro. The γ-Pcdhs physically interact in cis with Nlg1 both in vitro and in vivo, and we present evidence that this disrupts Nlg1 binding to its presynaptic partner neurexin1β. Together with prior work, these data identify a mechanism through which γ-Pcdhs could coordinate dendrite arbor growth and complexity with spine maturation in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Molumby
- Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Rachel M Anderson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dillan J Newbold
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Norah K Koblesky
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Andrew M Garrett
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dietmar Schreiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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26
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Peek SL, Mah KM, Weiner JA. Regulation of neural circuit formation by protocadherins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4133-4157. [PMID: 28631008 PMCID: PMC5643215 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The protocadherins (Pcdhs), which make up the most diverse group within the cadherin superfamily, were first discovered in the early 1990s. Data implicating the Pcdhs, including ~60 proteins encoded by the tandem Pcdha, Pcdhb, and Pcdhg gene clusters and another ~10 non-clustered Pcdhs, in the regulation of neural development have continually accumulated, with a significant expansion of the field over the past decade. Here, we review the many roles played by clustered and non-clustered Pcdhs in multiple steps important for the formation and function of neural circuits, including dendrite arborization, axon outgrowth and targeting, synaptogenesis, and synapse elimination. We further discuss studies implicating mutation or epigenetic dysregulation of Pcdh genes in a variety of human neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. With recent structural modeling of Pcdh proteins, the prospects for uncovering molecular mechanisms of Pcdh extracellular and intracellular interactions, and their role in normal and disrupted neural circuit formation, are bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Peek
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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27
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Lefebvre JL. Neuronal territory formation by the atypical cadherins and clustered protocadherins. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 69:111-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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28
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Mah KM, Weiner JA. Regulation of Wnt signaling by protocadherins. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 69:158-171. [PMID: 28774578 PMCID: PMC5586504 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ∼70 protocadherins comprise the largest group within the cadherin superfamily. Their diversity, the complexity of the mechanisms through which their genes are regulated, and their many critical functions in nervous system development have engendered a growing interest in elucidating the intracellular signaling pathways through which they act. Recently, multiple protocadherins across several subfamilies have been implicated as modulators of Wnt signaling pathways, and through this as potential tumor suppressors. Here, we review the extant data on the regulation by protocadherins of Wnt signaling pathways and components, and highlight some key unanswered questions that could shape future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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29
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Synaptic Adhesion Molecule Pcdh-γC5 Mediates Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9259-9268. [PMID: 28842416 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1051-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction and neuronal excitatory/inhibitory imbalance have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although intensive studies have been focused on the excitatory synaptic system, much less is known concerning the mechanisms mediating inhibitory synaptic dysfunction in AD. We reported previously that protocadherin-γC5 (Pcdh-γC5), a member of clustered Pcdh-γ subfamily of cadherin-type synaptic adhesion proteins, functions to promote GABAergic synaptic transmission. We reveal here that Pcdh-γC5 is enriched in vesicular GABA transporter-positive synaptic puncta and its expression levels are increased in neuronal hyperexcitation conditions, upon β-amyloid (Aβ) treatment, and in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1)-transgenic mice of both sexes. This is associated with elevated levels of GABAergic proteins and enhanced synaptic inhibition. Genetic knock-down experiments showed that Pcdh-γC5 modulates spontaneous synaptic currents and Aβ-induced synaptic alterations directly. Our results support a model in which Pcdh-γC5 senses neuronal hyperexcitation to augment GABAergic inhibition. This adaptive mechanism may be dysregulated under chronic excitation conditions such as AD, leading to aberrant Pcdh-γC5 expression and associated synaptic dysfunction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic dysfunction is causal for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we reveal a novel pathway that contributes GABAergic synaptic dysfunction in AD mediated by protocadherin-γC5. Our study not only identifies a new mechanism mediating excitatory/inhibitory balance in AD, but may also offer a new target for potential therapeutic intervention.
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30
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Epigenetic dysregulation of protocadherins in human disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 69:172-182. [PMID: 28694114 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a group of cell-cell adhesion molecules that are highly expressed in the nervous system and have a major function in dendrite development and neural circuit formation. However, the role protocadherins play in human health and disease remains unclear. Several recent studies have associated epigenetic dysregulation of protocadherins with possible implications for disease pathogenesis. In this review, we briefly recap the various epigenetic mechanisms regulating protocadherin genes, particularly the clustered Pcdhs. We further outline research describing altered epigenetic regulation of protocadherins in neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in cancer and during aging. We additionally present preliminary data on DNA methylation dynamics of clustered protocadherins during fetal brain development, as well as the epigenetic differences distinguishing adult neuronal and glial cells. A deeper understanding of the role of protocadherins in disease is crucial for designing novel diagnostic tools and therapies targeting brain disorders.
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31
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Phillips GR, LaMassa N, Nie YM. Clustered protocadherin trafficking. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 69:131-139. [PMID: 28478299 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The cluster of almost 60 protocadherin genes, divided into the α, β and γ subgroups, is a hallmark of vertebrate nervous system evolution. These clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are of interest for several reasons, one being the arrangement of the genes, which allows epigenetic regulation at the cluster and single-cell identity. Another reason is the still ambiguous effect of Pcdhs on cell-cell interaction. Unlike the case for classical cadherins, which typically mediate strong cell adhesion and formation of adherens junctions, it has been challenging to ascertain exactly how Pcdhs affect interacting cells. In some instances, Pcdhs appear to promote the association of membranes, while in other cases the Pcdhs are anti-adhesive and cause avoidance of interacting membranes. It is clear that Pcdh extracellular domains bind homophillically in an antiparallel conformation, typical of adhesive interactions. How can molecules that would seemingly bind cells together be able to promote the avoidance of membranes? It is possible that Pcdh trafficking will eventually provide insights into the role of these molecules at the cell surface. We have found that endogenous and expressed Pcdhs are generally less efficient at targeting to cell junctions and synapses than are classical cadherins. Instead, Pcdhs are prominently sequestered in the endolysosome system or other intracellular compartments. What role this trafficking plays in the unique mode of cell-cell interaction is a current topic of investigation. It is tempting to speculate that modulation of endocytosis and endolysosomal trafficking may be a part of the mechanism by which Pcdhs convert from adhesive to avoidance molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg R Phillips
- Department of Biology, Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, United States; Program in Neuroscience, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, United States.
| | - Nicole LaMassa
- Department of Biology, Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, United States
| | - Yan Mei Nie
- Department of Biology, Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, United States
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32
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PKC mediated phosphorylation of TIMAP regulates PP1c activity and endothelial barrier function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:431-439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Mah KM, Houston DW, Weiner JA. The γ-Protocadherin-C3 isoform inhibits canonical Wnt signalling by binding to and stabilizing Axin1 at the membrane. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31665. [PMID: 27530555 PMCID: PMC4987702 DOI: 10.1038/srep31665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The 22 γ-Protocadherin (γ-Pcdh) adhesion molecules encoded by the Pcdhg gene cluster play critical roles in nervous system development, including regulation of dendrite arborisation, neuronal survival, and synaptogenesis. Recently, they have been implicated in suppression of tumour cell growth by inhibition of canonical Wnt signalling, though the mechanisms through which this occurs remain unknown. Here, we show differential regulation of Wnt signalling by individual γ-Pcdhs: The C3 isoform uniquely inhibits the pathway, whilst 13 other isoforms upregulate signalling. Focusing on the C3 isoform, we show that its unique variable cytoplasmic domain (VCD) is the critical one for Wnt pathway inhibition. γ-Pcdh-C3, but not other isoforms, physically interacts with Axin1, a key component of the canonical Wnt pathway. The C3 VCD competes with Dishevelled for binding to the DIX domain of Axin1, which stabilizes Axin1 at the membrane and leads to reduced phosphorylation of Wnt co-receptor Lrp6. Finally, we present evidence that Wnt pathway activity can be modulated up (by γ-Pcdh-A1) or down (by γ-Pcdh-C3) in the cerebral cortex in vivo, using conditional transgenic alleles. Together, these data delineate opposing roles for γ-Pcdh isoforms in regulating Wnt signalling and identify Axin1 as a novel protein interactor of the widely-expressed γ-Pcdh-C3 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA.,Integrated Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City,52242, IA, USA
| | - Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
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El Hajj N, Dittrich M, Böck J, Kraus TFJ, Nanda I, Müller T, Seidmann L, Tralau T, Galetzka D, Schneider E, Haaf T. Epigenetic dysregulation in the developing Down syndrome cortex. Epigenetics 2016; 11:563-78. [PMID: 27245352 PMCID: PMC4990229 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1192736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using Illumina 450K arrays, 1.85% of all analyzed CpG sites were significantly hypermethylated and 0.31% hypomethylated in fetal Down syndrome (DS) cortex throughout the genome. The methylation changes on chromosome 21 appeared to be balanced between hypo- and hyper-methylation, whereas, consistent with prior reports, all other chromosomes showed 3-11 times more hyper- than hypo-methylated sites. Reduced NRSF/REST expression due to upregulation of DYRK1A (on chromosome 21q22.13) and methylation of REST binding sites during early developmental stages may contribute to this genome-wide excess of hypermethylated sites. Upregulation of DNMT3L (on chromosome 21q22.4) could lead to de novo methylation in neuroprogenitors, which then persists in the fetal DS brain where DNMT3A and DNMT3B become downregulated. The vast majority of differentially methylated promoters and genes was hypermethylated in DS and located outside chromosome 21, including the protocadherin gamma (PCDHG) cluster on chromosome 5q31, which is crucial for neural circuit formation in the developing brain. Bisulfite pyrosequencing and targeted RNA sequencing showed that several genes of PCDHG subfamilies A and B are hypermethylated and transcriptionally downregulated in fetal DS cortex. Decreased PCDHG expression is expected to reduce dendrite arborization and growth in cortical neurons. Since constitutive hypermethylation of PCDHG and other genes affects multiple tissues, including blood, it may provide useful biomarkers for DS brain development and pharmacologic targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Böck
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theo F. J. Kraus
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Seidmann
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim Tralau
- Rehabilitation Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Westerland/Sylt, Germany
| | - Danuta Galetzka
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eberhard Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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Shan M, Su Y, Kang W, Gao R, Li X, Zhang G. Aberrant expression and functions of protocadherins in human malignant tumors. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:12969-12981. [PMID: 27449047 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5169-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherins (PCDHs) are a group of transmembrane proteins belonging to the cadherin superfamily and are subdivided into "clustered" and "non-clustered" groups. PCDHs vary in both structure and interaction partners and thus regulate multiple biological responses in complex and versatile patterns. Previous researches showed that PCDHs regulated the development of brain and were involved in some neuronal diseases. Recently, studies have revealed aberrant expression of PCDHs in various human malignant tumors. The down-regulation or absence of PCDHs in malignant cells has been associated with cancer progression. Further researches suggest that PCDHs may play major functions as tumor suppressor by inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we focus on the altered expression of PCDHs and their roles in the development of cancer progression. We also discuss the potential mechanisms, by which PCDHs are aberrantly expressed, and its implications in regulating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shan
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yonghui Su
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenli Kang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Hei Longjiang Province Land Reclamation Headquarter, Harbin, China
| | - Ruixin Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihaer City, Qiqihaer, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Molumby MJ, Keeler AB, Weiner JA. Homophilic Protocadherin Cell-Cell Interactions Promote Dendrite Complexity. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1037-1050. [PMID: 27117416 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth of a properly complex dendrite arbor is a key step in neuronal differentiation and a prerequisite for neural circuit formation. Diverse cell surface molecules, such as the clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs), have long been proposed to regulate circuit formation through specific cell-cell interactions. Here, using transgenic and conditional knockout mice to manipulate γ-Pcdh repertoire in the cerebral cortex, we show that the complexity of a neuron's dendritic arbor is determined by homophilic interactions with other cells. Neurons expressing only one of the 22 γ-Pcdhs can exhibit either exuberant or minimal dendrite complexity, depending only on whether surrounding cells express the same isoform. Furthermore, loss of astrocytic γ-Pcdhs, or disruption of astrocyte-neuron homophilic matching, reduces dendrite complexity cell non-autonomously. Our data indicate that γ-Pcdhs act locally to promote dendrite arborization via homophilic matching, and they confirm that connectivity in vivo depends on molecular interactions between neurons and between neurons and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Molumby
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Austin B Keeler
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Shonubi A, Roman C, Phillips GR. The clustered protocadherin endolysosomal trafficking motif mediates cytoplasmic association. BMC Cell Biol 2015; 16:28. [PMID: 26608278 PMCID: PMC4660814 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-015-0074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of neural cadherin-like proteins encoded by individual exons located within three gene clusters. Each exon codes an extracellular, transmembrane, and proximal cytoplasmic domain. These "variable" regions may be spliced to a constant cytoplasmic moiety encoded at the end of a cluster. Pcdh extracellular domains mediate homophilic cell-cell binding but their cytoplasmic domains cause intracellular retention and may negatively regulate Pcdh cell-cell binding. Pcdhs can be found at the cell surface in neurons and other cells but are also, unlike classical cadherins, prominently trafficked to the endolysosome system. It was previously found that a segment within the variable portion of the Pcdh-γA3 cytoplasmic domain (VCD) was shown to be necessary for endolysosomal trafficking. RESULTS Here it is shown that this same VCD segment can mediate cytoplasmic association among Pcdhs from the different clusters. Internal deletions within this VCD region (termed here the VCD motif) that disrupt the association altered trafficking of Pcdh-γA3 in the endolysosomal system while deletions outside VCD motif did not affect trafficking. CONCLUSIONS The results show that Pcdhs associate cytoplasmically via a motif within the VCD and that this is critical for Pcdh trafficking. Given that truncation at the VCD motif alters endolysosomal trafficking of Pcdhs, the VCD interaction described here may provide new insights into the dynamic nature of Pcdh mediated cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Shonubi
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
| | - Chantelle Roman
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
| | - Greg R Phillips
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA. .,Center for Developmental Neuroscience, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA. .,CUNY Graduate Center, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
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