Synaptotagmin VII Is Targeted to Dense-core Vesicles and Regulates Their Ca2+-dependent Exocytosis in PC12 Cells

SYT7 is a key player in increasing exosome secretion and promoting angiogenesis in non-small-cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. Our previous study confirmed that synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7) promoted NSCLC metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Studies have shown that SYT7 is an important regulatory molecule of exocytosis in various cells. However, the characteristics of SYT7 across cancers and the function of SYT7 in tumor exosome secretion remain unclear. In this study, we conducted systematic pancancer analyses of SYT7, namely, analyses of expression patterns, diagnostic and prognostic values, genetic alterations, methylation, immune infiltration, and potential biological pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SYT7 increased the secretion of exosomes from A549 and H1299 cells, promoting the migration, proliferation, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Notably, SYT7 promoted angiogenesis by transferring exosomes containing the molecule centrosomal protein of 55 kDa (CEP55) protein to HUVECs. The CEP55 protein levels was downregulated in STAT1 inhibitor-treating SYT7-overexpresion NSCLC cells. We further found that SYT7 activated the mTOR signaling pathway through the downstream molecule CEP55, thereby promoting the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells. SYT7 promoted exosome secretion by NSCLC cells through upregulating syntaxin-1a and syntaxin-3. In vivo, SYT7 promoted the tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis of A549 cells through the exosome pathway. Our study is of great importance for understanding the mechanism of tumor exosome secretion and the role of exosomes in tumor progression.

Synaptotagmin 7 is targeted to the axonal plasma membrane through γ-secretase processing to promote synaptic vesicle docking in mouse hippocampal neurons

Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7) has emerged as a key regulator of presynaptic function, but its localization and precise role in the synaptic vesicle cycle remain the subject of debate. Here, we used iGluSnFR to optically interrogate glutamate release, at the single-bouton level, in SYT7KO-dissociated mouse hippocampal neurons. We analyzed asynchronous release, paired-pulse facilitation, and synaptic vesicle replenishment and found that SYT7 contributes to each of these processes to different degrees. 'Zap-and-freeze' electron microscopy revealed that a loss of SYT7 diminishes docking of synaptic vesicles after a stimulus and inhibits the recovery of depleted synaptic vesicles after a stimulus train. SYT7 supports these functions from the axonal plasma membrane, where its localization and stability require both γ-secretase-mediated cleavage and palmitoylation. In summary, SYT7 is a peripheral membrane protein that controls multiple modes of synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis and plasticity, in part, through enhancing activity-dependent docking of SVs.

Development of the hypersecretory phenotype in the population of adrenal chromaffin cells from prehypertensive SHRs

The hypersecretory phenotype of adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) from early spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) mainly results from enhanced Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺-release (CICR). A key question is if these abnormalities can be traced to the prehypertensive stage. Spontaneous and stimulus-induced catecholamine exocytosis, intracellular Ca²⁺ signals, and dense-core granule size and density were examined in CCs from prehypertensive and hypertensive SHRs and compared with age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). During the prehypertensive stage, the depolarization-elicited catecholamine exocytosis was ~ 2.9-fold greater in SHR than in WKY CCs. Interestingly, in half of CCs the exocytosis was indistinguishable from WKY CCs, while it was between 3- and sixfold larger in the other half. Likewise, caffeine-induced exocytosis was ~ twofold larger in prehypertensive SHR. Accordingly, depolarization and caffeine application elicited [Ca²⁺]i rises ~ 1.5-fold larger in prehypertensive SHR than in WKY CCs. Ryanodine reduced the depolarization-induced secretion in prehypertensive SHR by 57%, compared to 14% in WKY CCs, suggesting a greater contribution of intracellular Ca²⁺ release to exocytosis. In SHR CCs, the mean spike amplitude and charge per spike were significantly larger than in WKY CCs, regardless of age and stimulus type. This difference in granule content could explain in part the enhanced exocytosis in SHR CCs. However, electron microscopy did not reveal significant differences in granule size between SHRs and WKY rats' adrenal medulla. Nonetheless, preSHR and hypSHR display 63% and 82% more granules than WKY, which could explain in part the enhanced catecholamine secretion. The mechanism responsible for the heterogeneous population of prehypertensive SHR CCs and the bias towards secreting more medium and large granules remains unexplained.

Ca2+ sensor proteins in spontaneous release and synaptic plasticity: Limited contribution of Doc2c, rabphilin-3a and synaptotagmin 7 in hippocampal glutamatergic neurons

Presynaptic neurotransmitter release is strictly regulated by SNARE proteins, Ca2+ and a number of Ca2+ sensors including synaptotagmins (Syts) and Double C2 domain proteins (Doc2s). More than seventy years after the original description of spontaneous release, the mechanism that regulates this process is still poorly understood. Syt-1, Syt7 and Doc2 proteins contribute predominantly, but not exclusively, to synchronous, asynchronous and spontaneous phases of release. The proteins share a conserved tandem C2 domain architecture, but are functionally diverse in their subcellular location, Ca2+-binding properties and protein interactions. In absence of Syt-1, Doc2a and -b, neurons still exhibit spontaneous vesicle fusion which remains Ca2+-sensitive, suggesting the existence of additional sensors. Here, we selected Doc2c, rabphilin-3a and Syt-7 as three potential Ca2+ sensors for their sequence homology with Syt-1 and Doc2b. We genetically ablated each candidate gene in absence of Doc2a and -b and investigated spontaneous and evoked release in glutamatergic hippocampal neurons, cultured either in networks or on microglial islands (autapses). The removal of Doc2c had no effect on spontaneous or evoked release. Syt-7 removal also did not affect spontaneous release, although it altered short-term plasticity by accentuating short-term depression. The removal of rabphilin caused an increased spontaneous release frequency in network cultures, an effect that was not observed in autapses. Taken together, we conclude that Doc2c and Syt-7 do not affect spontaneous release of glutamate in hippocampal neurons, while our results suggest a possible regulatory role of rabphilin-3a in neuronal networks. These findings importantly narrow down the repertoire of synaptic Ca2+ sensors that may be implicated in the spontaneous release of glutamate.

Synaptotagmin-7 places dense-core vesicles at the cell membrane to promote Munc13-2- and Ca2+-dependent priming

Synaptotagmins confer calcium-dependence to the exocytosis of secretory vesicles, but how coexpressed synaptotagmins interact remains unclear. We find that synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 when present alone act as standalone fast and slow Ca²⁺-sensors for vesicle fusion in mouse chromaffin cells. When present together, synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 are found in largely non-overlapping clusters on dense-core vesicles. Synaptotagmin-7 stimulates Ca²⁺-dependent vesicle priming and inhibits depriming, and it promotes ubMunc13-2- and phorbolester-dependent priming, especially at low resting calcium concentrations. The priming effect of synaptotagmin-7 increases the number of vesicles fusing via synaptotagmin-1, while negatively affecting their fusion speed, indicating both synergistic and competitive interactions between synaptotagmins. Synaptotagmin-7 places vesicles in close membrane apposition (<6 nm); without it, vesicles accumulate out of reach of the fusion complex (20-40 nm). We suggest that a synaptotagmin-7-dependent movement toward the membrane is involved in Munc13-2/phorbolester/Ca²⁺-dependent priming as a prelude to fast and slow exocytosis triggering.

Function of Drosophila Synaptotagmins in membrane trafficking at synapses

The Synaptotagmin (SYT) family of proteins play key roles in regulating membrane trafficking at neuronal synapses. Using both Ca²⁺-dependent and Ca²⁺-independent interactions, several SYT isoforms participate in synchronous and asynchronous fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) while preventing spontaneous release that occurs in the absence of stimulation. Changes in the function or abundance of the SYT1 and SYT7 isoforms alter the number and route by which SVs fuse at nerve terminals. Several SYT family members also regulate trafficking of other subcellular organelles at synapses, including dense core vesicles (DCV), exosomes, and postsynaptic vesicles. Although SYTs are linked to trafficking of multiple classes of synaptic membrane compartments, how and when they interact with lipids, the SNARE machinery and other release effectors are still being elucidated. Given mutations in the SYT family cause disorders in both the central and peripheral nervous system in humans, ongoing efforts are defining how these proteins regulate vesicle trafficking within distinct neuronal compartments. Here, we review the Drosophila SYT family and examine their role in synaptic communication. Studies in this invertebrate model have revealed key similarities and several differences with the predicted activity of their mammalian counterparts. In addition, we highlight the remaining areas of uncertainty in the field and describe outstanding questions on how the SYT family regulates membrane trafficking at nerve terminals.

Synaptotagmin-7 enhances calcium-sensing of chromaffin cell granules and slows discharge of granule cargos

Synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) is one of two major calcium sensors for exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells, the other being synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1). Despite a broad appreciation for the importance of Syt-7, questions remain as to its localization, function in mediating discharge of dense core granule cargos, and role in triggering release in response to physiological stimulation. These questions were addressed using two distinct experimental preparations-mouse chromaffin cells lacking endogenous Syt-7 (KO cells) and a reconstituted system employing cell-derived granules expressing either Syt-7 or Syt-1. First, using immunofluorescence imaging and subcellular fractionation, it is shown that Syt-7 is widely distributed in organelles, including dense core granules. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging demonstrates that the kinetics and probability of granule fusion in Syt-7 KO cells stimulated by a native secretagogue, acetylcholine, are markedly lower than in WT cells. When fusion is observed, fluorescent cargo proteins are discharged more rapidly when only Syt-1 is available to facilitate release. To determine the extent to which the aforementioned results are attributable purely to Syt-7, granules expressing only Syt-7 or Syt-1 were triggered to fuse on planar supported bilayers bearing plasma membrane SNARE proteins. Here, as in cells, Syt-7 confers substantially greater calcium sensitivity to granule fusion than Syt-1 and slows the rate at which cargos are released. Overall, this study demonstrates that by virtue of its high affinity for calcium and effects on fusion pore expansion, Syt-7 plays a central role in regulating secretory output from adrenal chromaffin cells.

Drosophila Synaptotagmin 7 negatively regulates synaptic vesicle release and replenishment in a dosage-dependent manner

Synchronous neurotransmitter release is triggered by Ca2+ binding to the synaptic vesicle protein Synaptotagmin 1, while asynchronous fusion and short-term facilitation is hypothesized to be mediated by plasma membrane-localized Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7). We generated mutations in Drosophila Syt7 to determine if it plays a conserved role as the Ca2+ sensor for these processes. Electrophysiology and quantal imaging revealed evoked release was elevated 2-fold. Syt7 mutants also had a larger pool of readily-releasable vesicles, faster recovery following stimulation, and intact facilitation. Syt1/Syt7 double mutants displayed more release than Syt1 mutants alone, indicating SYT7 does not mediate the residual asynchronous release remaining in the absence of SYT1. SYT7 localizes to an internal membrane tubular network within the peri-active zone, but does not enrich at active zones. These findings indicate the two Ca2+ sensor model of SYT1 and SYT7 mediating all phases of neurotransmitter release and facilitation is not applicable at Drosophila synapses.

Diverse roles of Synaptotagmin-7 in regulating vesicle fusion

Synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) is a multifunctional calcium sensor expressed throughout the body. Its high calcium affinity makes it well suited to act in processes triggered by modest calcium increases within cells. In synaptic transmission, Syt7 has been shown to mediate asynchronous neurotransmitter release, facilitation, and vesicle replenishment. In this review we provide an update on recent developments, and the newly emerging roles of Syt7 in frequency invariant synaptic transmission and in suppressing spontaneous release. Additionally, we discuss Syt7's regulation of membrane fusion in non-neuronal cells, and its involvement in disease. How such diversity of functions is regulated remains an open question. We discuss several potential factors including temperature, presynaptic calcium signals, the localization of Syt7, and its interaction with other Syt isoforms.

Silencing of synaptotagmin 7 regulates osteosarcoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration

BACKGROUND

Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7) is a component of the synaptotagmin family, which is essential in many physiological and pathological processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of SYT7 in osteosarcoma.

METHODS

We defined the expression levels of SYT7 in osteosarcoma tissues and para-sarcoma tissues by immunohistochemistry and analyzed the possible correlation between SYT7 expression and pathological characteristics via Mann-Whitney U analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. The effects of SYT7 silencing in vitro cell growth were assessed by MTT assay. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were applied to assess the migration and invasion capacity.

RESULTS

The results showed that the expression levels of SYT7 were upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared with para-sarcoma tissues and positively correlated with the pathological characteristics of osteosarcoma. Functional experiments demonstrated that SYT7 silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation capacity (P<0.001), induced cell cycle arrest which increased the proportion of G2 phase and decreased the proportion of S phase, enhanced cell apoptosis (P<0.01), and limited the capacity of migration and invasion (P<0.01), compared with shCtrl group.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that SYT7 plays a crucial role in the development of osteosarcoma. SYT7 can be applied as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma.

The Ever-Growing Puzzle of Asynchronous Release

Invasion of an action potential (AP) to presynaptic terminals triggers calcium dependent vesicle fusion in a relatively short time window, about a millisecond, after the onset of the AP. This allows fast and precise information transfer from neuron to neuron by means of synaptic transmission and phasic mediator release. However, at some synapses a single AP or a short burst of APs can generate delayed or asynchronous synaptic release lasting for tens or hundreds of milliseconds. Understanding the mechanisms underlying asynchronous release (AR) is important, since AR can better recruit extrasynaptic metabotropic receptors and maintain a high level of neurotransmitter in the extracellular space for a substantially longer period of time after presynaptic activity. Over the last decade substantial work has been done to identify the presynaptic calcium sensor that may be involved in AR. Several models have been suggested which may explain the long lasting presynaptic calcium elevation a prerequisite for prolonged delayed release. However, the presynaptic mechanisms underlying asynchronous vesicle release are still not well understood. In this review article, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the molecular components involved in delayed vesicle fusion and in the maintenance of sufficient calcium concentration to trigger AR. In addition, we discuss possible alternative models that may explain intraterminal calcium dynamics underlying AR.

The high-affinity calcium sensor synaptotagmin-7 serves multiple roles in regulated exocytosis

MacDougall et al. review the structure and function of the calcium sensor synaptotagmin-7 in exocytosis.

Synaptotagmin (Syt) proteins comprise a 17-member family, many of which trigger exocytosis in response to calcium. Historically, most studies have focused on the isoform Syt-1, which serves as the primary calcium sensor in synchronous neurotransmitter release. Recently, Syt-7 has become a topic of broad interest because of its extreme calcium sensitivity and diversity of roles in a wide range of cell types. Here, we review the known and emerging roles of Syt-7 in various contexts and stress the importance of its actions. Unique functions of Syt-7 are discussed in light of recent imaging, electrophysiological, and computational studies. Particular emphasis is placed on Syt-7–dependent regulation of synaptic transmission and neuroendocrine cell secretion. Finally, based on biochemical and structural data, we propose a mechanism to link Syt-7’s role in membrane fusion with its role in subsequent fusion pore expansion via strong calcium-dependent phospholipid binding.

Synaptotagmin-7 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and regulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via Chk1-p53 signaling

Background

Synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) is a member of the synaptotagmin (Syt) family, which plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study describing its function in tumors, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, in this study, we examined the role of Syt-7 in HCC and attempted to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

Materials and methods

We examined the expression levels of Syt-7 in HCC cell lines and normal hepatocytes by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effects of Syt-7 knockdown on in vitro cell growth were assessed by Celigo image cytometry, MTT assay, colony formation assay, and cell cycle analysis. In vivo tumorigenesis was evaluated using a nude mouse model. The underlying molecular mechanism was evaluated using a PathScan Stress Signaling Antibody Array.

Results

Syt-7 mRNA levels were highly expressed in Huh-7 and Hep3B cells; moderately expressed in SMMC-7721, HepG2, and BEL-7402 cells; and lowly expressed in normal hepatocytes L-O2. Functional experiments demonstrated that Syt-7 knockdown significantly suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest by increasing phosphorylation of Chk1 and p53. Furthermore, Syt-7 knockdown remarkably reduced the growth of xenograft tumors in mice.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that Syt-7 plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and in the development of HCC. Syt-7 can be used as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target in HCC.

Molecular underpinnings of synaptic vesicle pool heterogeneity

Neuronal communication relies on chemical synaptic transmission for information transfer and processing. Chemical neurotransmission is initiated by synaptic vesicle fusion with the presynaptic active zone resulting in release of neurotransmitters. Classical models have assumed that all synaptic vesicles within a synapse have the same potential to fuse under different functional contexts. In this model, functional differences among synaptic vesicle populations are ascribed to their spatial distribution in the synapse with respect to the active zone. Emerging evidence suggests, however, that synaptic vesicles are not a homogenous population of organelles, and they possess intrinsic molecular differences and differential interaction partners. Recent studies have reported a diverse array of synaptic molecules that selectively regulate synaptic vesicles' ability to fuse synchronously and asynchronously in response to action potentials or spontaneously irrespective of action potentials. Here we discuss these molecular mediators of vesicle pool heterogeneity that are found on the synaptic vesicle membrane, on the presynaptic plasma membrane, or within the cytosol and consider some of the functional consequences of this diversity. This emerging molecular framework presents novel avenues to probe synaptic function and uncover how synaptic vesicle pools impact neuronal signaling.

Synaptotagmin-1 and -7 Are Redundantly Essential for Maintaining the Capacity of the Readily-Releasable Pool of Synaptic Vesicles

In forebrain neurons, Ca(2+) triggers exocytosis of readily releasable vesicles by binding to synaptotagmin-1 and -7, thereby inducing fast and slow vesicle exocytosis, respectively. Loss-of-function of synaptotagmin-1 or -7 selectively impairs the fast and slow phase of release, respectively, but does not change the size of the readily-releasable pool (RRP) of vesicles as measured by stimulation of release with hypertonic sucrose, or alter the rate of vesicle priming into the RRP. Here we show, however, that simultaneous loss-of-function of both synaptotagmin-1 and -7 dramatically decreased the capacity of the RRP, again without altering the rate of vesicle priming into the RRP. Either synaptotagmin-1 or -7 was sufficient to rescue the RRP size in neurons lacking both synaptotagmin-1 and -7. Although maintenance of RRP size was Ca(2+)-independent, mutations in Ca(2+)-binding sequences of synaptotagmin-1 or synaptotagmin-7--which are contained in flexible top-loop sequences of their C2 domains--blocked the ability of these synaptotagmins to maintain the RRP size. Both synaptotagmins bound to SNARE complexes; SNARE complex binding was reduced by the top-loop mutations that impaired RRP maintenance. Thus, synaptotagmin-1 and -7 perform redundant functions in maintaining the capacity of the RRP in addition to nonredundant functions in the Ca(2+) triggering of different phases of release.

Exocytosis and synaptic vesicle function

Synaptic vesicles release their vesicular contents to the extracellular space by Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis. The Ca(2+)-triggered exocytotic process is regulated by synaptotagmin (Syt), a vesicular Ca(2+)-binding C2 domain protein. Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), the most studied major isoform among 16 Syt isoforms, mediates Ca(2+)-triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis by interacting with the target membranes and SNARE/complexin complex. In synapses of the central nervous system, synaptobrevin 2, a major vesicular SNARE protein, forms a ternary SNARE complex with the plasma membrane SNARE proteins, syntaxin 1 and SNAP25. The affinities of Ca(2+)-dependent interactions between Syt1 and its targets (i.e., SNARE complexes and membranes) are well correlated with the efficacies of the corresponding exocytotic processes. Therefore, different SNARE protein isoforms and membrane lipids, which interact with Syt1 with various affinities, are capable of regulating the efficacy of Syt1-mediated exocytosis. Otoferlin, another type of vesicular C2 domain protein that binds to the membrane in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, is also involved in the Ca(2+)-triggered synaptic vesicle exocytosis in auditory hair cells. However, the functions of otoferlin in the exocytotic process are not well understood. In addition, at least five different types of synaptic vesicle proteins such as synaptic vesicle protein 2, cysteine string protein α, rab3, synapsin, and a group of proteins containing four transmembrane regions, which includes synaptophysin, synaptogyrin, and secretory carrier membrane protein, are involved in modulating the exocytotic process by regulating the formation and trafficking of synaptic vesicles.

Peptidergic cell-specific synaptotagmins in Drosophila: localization to dense-core granules and regulation by the bHLH protein DIMMED

Bioactive peptides are packaged in large dense-core secretory vesicles, which mediate regulated secretion by exocytosis. In a variety of tissues, the regulated release of neurotransmitters and hormones is dependent on calcium levels and controlled by vesicle-associated synaptotagmin (SYT) proteins. Drosophila express seven SYT isoforms, of which two (SYT-α and SYT-β) were previously found to be enriched in neuroendocrine cells. Here we show that SYT-α and SYT-β tissue expression patterns are similar, though not identical. Furthermore, both display significant overlap with the bHLH transcription factor DIMM, a known neuroendocrine (NE) regulator. RNAi-mediated knockdown indicates that both SYT-α and SYT-β functions are essential in identified NE cells as these manipulations phenocopy loss-of-function states for the indicated peptide hormones. In Drosophila cell culture, both SYT-α and neuropeptide cargo form DIMM-dependent fluorescent puncta that are coassociated by super-resolution microscopy. DIMM is required to maintain SYT-α and SYT-β protein levels in DIMM-expressing cells in vivo. In neurons normally lacking all three proteins (DIMM(-)/SYT-α(-)/SYT-β(-)), DIMM misexpression conferred accumulation of endogenous SYT-α and SYT-β proteins. Furthermore transgenic SYT-α does not appreciably accumulate in nonpeptidergic neurons in vivo but does so if DIMM is comisexpressed. Among Drosophila syt genes, only syt-α and syt-β RNA levels are upregulated by DIMM overexpression. Together, these data suggest that SYT-α and SYT-β are important for NE cell physiology, that one or both are integral membrane components of the large dense-core vesicles, and that they are closely regulated by DIMM at a post-transcriptional level.

Distinct fusion properties of synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 bearing dense core granules

Adrenal chromaffin cells express two synaptotagmin isoforms, Syt-1 and Syt-7. Isoforms are usually sorted to separate secretory granules, are differentially activated by depolarizing stimuli, and favor discrete modes of exocytosis. It is proposed that stimulus/Ca⁺-dependent secretion in the chromaffin cell relies on selective Syt isoform activation.

Adrenal chromaffin cells release hormones and neuropeptides that are essential for physiological homeostasis. During this process, secretory granules fuse with the plasma membrane and deliver their cargo to the extracellular space. It was once believed that fusion was the final regulated step in exocytosis, resulting in uniform and total release of granule cargo. Recent evidence argues for nonuniform outcomes after fusion, in which cargo is released with variable kinetics and selectivity. The goal of this study was to identify factors that contribute to the different outcomes, with a focus on the Ca²⁺-sensing synaptotagmin (Syt) proteins. Two Syt isoforms are expressed in chromaffin cells: Syt-1 and Syt-7. We find that overexpressed and endogenous Syt isoforms are usually sorted to separate secretory granules and are differentially activated by depolarizing stimuli. In addition, overexpressed Syt-1 and Syt-7 impose distinct effects on fusion pore expansion and granule cargo release. Syt-7 pores usually fail to expand (or reseal), slowing the dispersal of lumenal cargo proteins and granule membrane proteins. On the other hand, Syt-1 diffuses from fusion sites and promotes the release of lumenal cargo proteins. These findings suggest one way in which chromaffin cells may regulate cargo release is via differential activation of synaptotagmin isoforms.

Synaptotagmin 7 functions as a Ca2+-sensor for synaptic vesicle replenishment

Synaptotagmin (syt) 7 is one of three syt isoforms found in all metazoans; it is ubiquitously expressed, yet its function in neurons remains obscure. Here, we resolved Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent synaptic vesicle (SV) replenishment pathways, and found that syt 7 plays a selective and critical role in the Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. Mutations that disrupt Ca(2+)-binding to syt 7 abolish this function, suggesting that syt 7 functions as a Ca(2+)-sensor for replenishment. The Ca(2+)-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) has also been implicated in SV replenishment, and we found that loss of syt 7 was phenocopied by a CaM antagonist. Moreover, we discovered that syt 7 binds to CaM in a highly specific and Ca(2+)-dependent manner; this interaction requires intact Ca(2+)-binding sites within syt 7. Together, these data indicate that a complex of two conserved Ca(2+)-binding proteins, syt 7 and CaM, serve as a key regulator of SV replenishment in presynaptic nerve terminals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01524.001.

Synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7 trigger synchronous and asynchronous phases of neurotransmitter release

In forebrain neurons, knockout of synaptotagmin-1 blocks fast Ca(2+)-triggered synchronous neurotransmitter release but enables manifestation of slow Ca(2+)-triggered asynchronous release. Here, we show using single-cell PCR that individual hippocampal neurons abundantly coexpress two Ca(2+)-binding synaptotagmin isoforms, synaptotagmin-1 and synaptotagmin-7. In synaptotagmin-1-deficient synapses of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, loss of function of synaptotagmin-7 suppressed asynchronous release. This phenotype was rescued by wild-type but not mutant synaptotagmin-7 lacking functional Ca(2+)-binding sites. Even in synaptotagmin-1-containing neurons, synaptotagmin-7 ablation partly impaired asynchronous release induced by extended high-frequency stimulus trains. Synaptotagmins bind Ca(2+) via two C2 domains, the C2A and C2B domains. Surprisingly, synaptotagmin-7 function selectively required its C2A domain Ca(2+)-binding sites, whereas synaptotagmin-1 function required its C2B domain Ca(2+)-binding sites. Our data show that nearly all Ca(2+)-triggered release at a synapse is due to synaptotagmins, with synaptotagmin-7 mediating a slower form of Ca(2+)-triggered release that is normally occluded by faster synaptotagmin-1-induced release but becomes manifest upon synaptotagmin-1 deletion.

Neurotransmitter release: the last millisecond in the life of a synaptic vesicle

During an action potential, Ca(2+) entering a presynaptic terminal triggers synaptic vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release in less than a millisecond. How does Ca(2+) stimulate release so rapidly and precisely? Work over the last decades revealed that Ca(2+) binding to synaptotagmin triggers release by stimulating synaptotagmin binding to a core fusion machinery composed of SNARE and SM proteins that mediates membrane fusion during exocytosis. Complexin adaptor proteins assist synaptotagmin by activating and clamping this core fusion machinery. Synaptic vesicles containing synaptotagmin are positioned at the active zone, the site of vesicle fusion, by a protein complex containing RIM proteins. RIM proteins activate docking and priming of synaptic vesicles and simultaneously recruit Ca(2+) channels to active zones, thereby connecting in a single complex primed synaptic vesicles to Ca(2+) channels. This architecture allows direct flow of Ca(2+) ions from Ca(2+) channels to synaptotagmin, which then triggers fusion, thus mediating tight millisecond coupling of an action potential to neurotransmitter release.

Expression and regulation of SNAP-25 and synaptotagmin VII in developing mouse ovarian follicles via the FSH receptor

Soluble-NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins play a role in vesicle fusion, exocytosis, and intracellular trafficking in neuronal cells as well as in fertilization and embryogenesis. We investigated the expression patterns of two SNARE proteins, SNAP-25 and synaptotagmin VII (SytVII), and their regulation by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) during mouse ovarian follicular development. Ovaries were obtained at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post-PMSG injection of immature mice. SNAP-25 and SytVII mRNA expression levels increased gradually in a time-dependant manner. However, protein levels revealed different patterns of expression, suggesting different translational regulation following PMSG stimulation. SNAP-25 and SytVII expression was closely associated with thickening of the granulosa cell (GC) layer and follicle morphological changes from a flattened to a cuboidal shape. To explore follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)-mediated regulation of their expression, GCs from preantral follicles were cultured to examine the effects of FSHR siRNA knockdown. FSHR siRNA abolished upregulation of the SNAREs in both PMSG and FSH-stimulated GCs. This abolished gene expression was rescued by adding dibutyryl cyclic AMP to the cultures. These results suggest that SNAP-25 and SytVII expression is regulated via the FSHR-cAMP pathway during follicular development.

Interaction of anesthetics with neurotransmitter release machinery proteins

General anesthetics produce anesthesia by depressing central nervous system activity. Activation of inhibitory GABA(A) receptors plays a central role in the action of many clinically relevant general anesthetics. Even so, there is growing evidence that anesthetics can act at a presynaptic locus to inhibit neurotransmitter release. Our own data identified the neurotransmitter release machinery as a target for anesthetic action. In the present study, we sought to examine the site of anesthetic action more closely. Exocytosis was stimulated by directly elevating the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration at neurotransmitter release sites, thereby bypassing anesthetic effects on channels and receptors, allowing anesthetic effects on the neurotransmitter release machinery to be examined in isolation. Three different PC12 cell lines, which had the expression of different release machinery proteins stably suppressed by RNA interference, were used in these studies. Interestingly, there was still significant neurotransmitter release when these knockdown PC12 cells were stimulated. We have previously shown that etomidate, isoflurane, and propofol all inhibited the neurotransmitter release machinery in wild-type PC12 cells. In the present study, we show that knocking down synaptotagmin I completely prevented etomidate from inhibiting neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin I knockdown also diminished the inhibition produced by propofol and isoflurane, but the magnitude of the effect was not as large. Knockdown of SNAP-25 and SNAP-23 expression also changed the ability of these three anesthetics to inhibit neurotransmitter release. Our results suggest that general anesthetics inhibit the neurotransmitter release machinery by interacting with multiple SNARE and SNARE-associated proteins.

Membrane traffic and synaptic cross-talk during host cell entry by Trypanosoma cruzi

It is widely accepted that Trypanosoma cruzi can exploit the natural exocytic response of the host to cell damage, utilizing host cell lysosomes as important effectors. It is, though, increasingly clear that the parasite also exploits endocytic mechanisms which allow for incorporation of plasma membrane into the parasitophorous vacuole. Further, that these endocytic mechanisms are involved in cross-talk with the exocytic machinery, in the recycling of vesicles and in the manipulation of the cytoskeleton. Here we review the mechanisms by which T. cruzi exploits features of the exocytic and endocytic pathways in epithelial and endothelial cells and the evidence for cross-talk between these pathways.

Golgi apparatus-localized synaptotagmin 2 is required for unconventional secretion in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND

Most secretory proteins contain signal peptides that direct their sorting to the ER and secreted via the conventional ER/Golgi transport pathway, while some signal-peptide-lacking proteins have been shown to export through ER/Golgi independent secretory pathways. Hygromycin B is an aminoglycoside antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus that is active against both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The hygromycin phosphotransferase (HYG(R)) can phosphorylate and inactivate the hygromycin B, and has been widely used as a positive selective marker in the construction of transgenic plants. However, the localization and trafficking of HYG(R) in plant cells remain unknown. Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are involved in controlling vesicle endocytosis and exocytosis as calcium sensors in animal cells, while their functions in plant cells are largely unclear.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We found Arabidopsis synaptotagmin SYT2 was localized on the Golgi apparatus by immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling. Surprisingly, co-expression of SYT2 and HYG(R) caused hypersensitivity of the transgenic Arabidopsis plants to hygromycin B. HYG(R), which lacks a signal sequence, was present in the cytoplasm as well as in the extracellular space in HYG(R)-GFP transgenic Arabidopsis plants and its secretion is not sensitive to brefeldin A treatment, suggesting it is not secreted via the conventional secretory pathway. Furthermore, we found that HYG(R)-GFP was truncated at carboxyl terminus of HYG(R) shortly after its synthesis, and the cells deficient SYT2 failed to efficiently truncate HYG(R)-GFP,resulting in HYG(R)-GFP accumulated in prevacuoles/vacuoles, indicating that SYT2 was involved in HYG(R)-GFP trafficking and secretion.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

These findings reveal for the first time that SYT2 is localized on the Golgi apparatus and regulates HYG(R)-GFP secretion via the unconventional protein transport from the cytosol to the extracelluar matrix in plant cells.

Somatodendritic dopamine release requires synaptotagmin 4 and 7 and the participation of voltage-gated calcium channels

Somatodendritic (STD) dopamine (DA) release is a key mechanism for the autoregulatory control of DA release in the brain. However, its molecular mechanism remains undetermined. We tested the hypothesis that differential expression of synaptotagmin (Syt) isoforms explains some of the differential properties of terminal and STD DA release. Down-regulation of the dendritically expressed Syt4 and Syt7 severely reduced STD DA release, whereas terminal release required Syt1. Moreover, we found that although mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores is inefficient, Ca(2+) influx through N- and P/Q-type voltage-gated channels is critical to trigger STD DA release. Our findings provide an explanation for the differential Ca(2+) requirement of terminal and STD DA release. In addition, we propose that not all sources of intracellular Ca(2+) are equally efficient to trigger this release mechanism. Our findings have implications for a better understanding of a fundamental cell biological process mediating transcellular signaling in a system critical for diseases such as Parkinson disease.

Release mode of large and small dense-core vesicles specified by different synaptotagmin isoforms in PC12 cells

Different synaptotagmin isoforms (syt I, VII, and IX) sort to populations of dense-core vesicles with different sizes. These isoforms differ in their sensitivities to divalent cations and trigger different modes of exocytosis. Exocytosis triggered by these isoforms also differs in its sensitivity to inhibition by another isoform, syt IV.

Many cells release multiple substances in different proportions according to the specific character of a stimulus. PC12 cells, a model neuroendocrine cell line, express multiple isoforms of the exocytotic Ca²⁺ sensor synaptotagmin. We show that these isoforms sort to populations of dense-core vesicles that differ in size. These synaptotagmins differ in their Ca²⁺ sensitivities, their preference for full fusion or kiss-and-run, and their sensitivity to inhibition by synaptotagmin IV. In PC12 cells, vesicles that harbor these different synaptotagmin isoforms can be preferentially triggered to fuse by different forms of stimulation. The mode of fusion is specified by the synaptotagmin isoform activated, and because kiss-and-run exocytosis can filter small molecules through a size-limiting fusion pore, the activation of isoforms that favor kiss-and-run will select smaller molecules over larger molecules packaged in the same vesicle. Thus synaptotagmin isoforms can provide multiple levels of control in the release of different molecules from the same cell.

Differential distribution of synaptotagmin-1, -4, -7, and -9 in rat adrenal chromaffin cells

Neurons and certain kinds of endocrine cells, such as adrenal chromaffin cells, have large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) and synaptic vesicles or synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMVs). These secretory vesicles exhibit differences in Ca(2+) sensitivity and contain diverse signaling substances. The present work was undertaken to identify the synaptotagmin (Syt) isoforms present in secretory vesicles. Fractionation analysis of lysates of the bovine adrenal medulla and immunocytochemistry in rat chromaffin cells indicated that Syt 1 was localized in LDCVs and SLMVs, whereas Syt 7 was the predominant isoform present in LDCVs. In contrast to PC12 cells and the pancreatic β cell line INS-1, Syt 9 was not immunodetected in LDCVs in rat chromaffin cells. Double-staining revealed that Syt 9-like immunoreactivity was nearly identical with fluorescent thapsigargin binding, suggesting the presence of Syt 9 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).The exogenous expression of Syt 1-GFP in INS-1 cells, which had a negligible level of endogenous Syt 1, resulted in an increase in the amount of Syt 9 in the ER, suggesting that Syt 9 competes with Syt 1 for trafficking from the ER to the Golgi complex. We conclude that LDCVs mainly contain Syt 7, whereas SLMVs contain Syt 1, but not Syt 7, in rat and bovine chromaffin cells.

Palmitoylation-dependent association with CD63 targets the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin VII to lysosomes

Posttranslational lipid modifications promote association of Syt VII with the tetraspanin CD63, determining its exit from the Golgi and targeting to lysosomes.

Syt VII is a Ca²⁺ sensor that regulates lysosome exocytosis and plasma membrane repair. Because it lacks motifs that mediate lysosomal targeting, it is unclear how Syt VII traffics to these organelles. In this paper, we show that mutations or inhibitors that abolish palmitoylation disrupt Syt VII targeting to lysosomes, causing its retention in the Golgi complex. In macrophages, Syt VII is translocated simultaneously with the lysosomal tetraspanin CD63 from tubular lysosomes to nascent phagosomes in a Ca²⁺-dependent process that facilitates particle uptake. Mutations in Syt VII palmitoylation sites block trafficking of Syt VII, but not CD63, to lysosomes and phagosomes, whereas tyrosine replacement in the lysosomal targeting motif of CD63 causes both proteins to accumulate on the plasma membrane. Complexes of CD63 and Syt VII are detected only when Syt VII palmitoylation sites are intact. These findings identify palmitoylation-dependent association with the tetraspanin CD63 as the mechanism by which Syt VII is targeted to lysosomes.

Distinct roles for two synaptotagmin isoforms in synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release at zebrafish neuromuscular junction

An obligatory role for the calcium sensor synaptotagmins in stimulus-coupled release of neurotransmitter is well established, but a role for synaptotagmin isoform involvement in asynchronous release remains conjecture. We show, at the zebrafish neuromuscular synapse, that two separate synaptotagmins underlie these processes. Specifically, knockdown of synaptotagmin 2 (syt2) reduces synchronous release, whereas knockdown of synaptotagmin 7 (syt7) reduces the asynchronous component of release. The zebrafish neuromuscular junction is unique in having a very small quantal content and a high release probability under conditions of either low-frequency stimulation or high-frequency augmentation. Through these features, we further determined that during the height of shared synchronous and asynchronous transmission these two modes compete for the same release sites.

Regulation of exocytosis and fusion pores by synaptotagmin-effector interactions

Synaptotagmin isoforms and mutants altered fusion event frequency and fusion pore transitions. These effects showed a strong correlation with PS binding, but not with SNARE binding. Synaptotagmin-PS interaction thus function in two distinct kinetic steps in Ca2+ triggered exocytosis, and stabilize open fusion pores.

Synaptotagmin (syt) serves as a Ca²⁺ sensor in the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. This function depends on the ability of syt to interact with other molecules. Syt binds to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing lipid bilayers as well as to soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor receptors (SNAREs) and promotes SNARE assembly. All these interactions are regulated by Ca²⁺, but their specific roles in distinct kinetic steps of exocytosis are not well understood. To explore these questions we used amperometry recording from PC12 cells to investigate the kinetics of exocytosis. Syt isoforms and syt I mutants were overexpressed to perturb syt-PS and syt-SNARE interactions to varying degrees and evaluate the effects on fusion event frequency and the rates of fusion pore transitions. Syt I produced more rapid dilation of fusion pores than syt VII or syt IX, consistent with its role in synchronous synaptic release. Stronger syt-PS interactions were accompanied by a higher frequency of fusion events and more stable fusion pores. By contrast, syt-SNARE interactions and syt-induced SNARE assembly were uncorrelated with rates of exocytosis. This associates the syt-PS interaction with two distinct kinetic steps in Ca²⁺ triggered exocytosis and supports a role for the syt-PS interaction in stabilizing open fusion pores.

Arabidopsis synaptotagmin SYT1, a type I signal-anchor protein, requires tandem C2 domains for delivery to the plasma membrane

The correct localization of integral membrane proteins to subcellular compartments is important for their functions. Synaptotagmin contains a single transmembrane domain that functions as a type I signal-anchor sequence in its N terminus and two calcium-binding domains (C(2)A and C(2)B) in its C terminus. Here, we demonstrate that the localization of an Arabidopsis synaptotagmin homolog, SYT1, to the plasma membrane (PM) is modulated by tandem C2 domains. An analysis of the roots of a transformant-expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged SYT1 driven by native SYT1 promoter suggested that SYT1 is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, and then delivered to the PM via the exocytotic pathway. We transiently expressed a series of truncated proteins in protoplasts, and determined that tandem C(2)A-C(2)B domains were necessary for the localization of SYT1 to the PM. The PM localization of SYT1 was greatly reduced following mutation of the calcium-binding motifs of the C(2)B domain, based on sequence comparisons with other homologs, such as endomembrane-localized SYT5. The localization of SYT1 to the PM may have been required for the functional divergence that occurred in the molecular evolution of plant synaptotagmins.

Do astrocytes really exocytose neurotransmitters?

In the past 20 years, an extra layer of information processing, in addition to that provided by neurons, has been proposed for the CNS. Neuronally evoked increases of the intracellular calcium concentration in astrocytes have been suggested to trigger exocytotic release of the 'gliotransmitters' glutamate, ATP and D-serine. These are proposed to modulate neuronal excitability and transmitter release, and to have a role in diseases as diverse as stroke, epilepsy, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease and HIV infection. However, there is intense controversy about whether astrocytes can exocytose transmitters in vivo. Resolving this issue would considerably advance our understanding of brain function.

Synaptotagmins in neurodegeneration

Synaptotagmins (Syts) are transmembrane proteins involved in the regulation of membrane trafficking. Here, we summarize literature data that provide growing evidence that several Syts are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of temporal lobe epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, as well as few reports related to brain ischemia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We also report new data from our laboratories, showing changes of the expression of several Syts in Tg2576 mouse model of AD that may be related to neuroinflammation surrounding the beta-amyloid plaques. Furthermore, we demonstrate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated upregulation of Syt 4 mRNA in a model of excitotoxic striatal lesion induced by unilateral striatal injection of quinolinic acid, associating the upregulation of Syt 4 with mechanisms of excitotoxicity. We propose that pharmacological manipulation of Syt expression in animal models of neurodegeneration should be further explored, as it may help to clarify the role of individual Syt isoforms in the regulation of membrane trafficking in neurodegeneration.

Silence of Synaptotagmin VII inhibits release of dense core vesicles in PC12 cells

Synaptotagmin VII (Syt VII), which has a higher Ca(2+) affinity and slower disassembly kinetics with lipid than Syt I and Syt IX, was regarded as being uninvolved in synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis but instead possibly as a calcium sensor for the slower kinetic phase of dense core vesicles (DCVs) release. By using high temporal resolution capacitance and amperometry measurements, it was demonstrated that the knockdown of endogenous Syt VII attenuated the fusion of DCV with the plasma membrane, reduced the amplitude of the exocytotic burst of the Ca(2+)-triggered DCV release without affecting the slope of the sustained component, and blocked the fusion pore expansion. This suggests that Syt VII is the Ca(2+) sensor of DCV fusion machinery and is an essential factor for the establishment and maintenance of the pool size of releasable DCVs in PC12 cells.

Calcium-dependent freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis involves membrane resealing via synaptotagmin SYT1

Plant freezing tolerance involves the prevention of lethal freeze-induced damage to the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that plant freezing tolerance involves membrane resealing, which, in animal cells, is accomplished by calcium-dependent exocytosis following mechanical disruption of the plasma membrane. In Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts, extracellular calcium enhanced not only freezing tolerance but also tolerance to electroporation, which typically punctures the plasma membrane. However, calcium did not enhance survival when protoplasts were exposed to osmotic stress that mimicked freeze-induced dehydration. Calcium-dependent freezing tolerance was also detected with leaf sections in which ice crystals intruded into tissues. Interestingly, calcium-dependent freezing tolerance was inhibited by extracellular addition of an antibody against the cytosolic region of SYT1, a homolog of synaptotagmin known to be a calcium sensor that initiates exocytosis. This inhibition indicates that the puncture allowing the antibody to flow into the cytoplasm occurs during freeze/thawing. Thus, we propose that calcium-dependent freezing tolerance results from resealing of the punctured site. Protoplasts or leaf sections isolated from Arabidopsis SYT1-RNA interference (RNAi) plants lost calcium-dependent freezing tolerance, and intact SYT1-RNAi plants had lower freezing tolerance than control plants. Taken together, these findings suggest that calcium-dependent freezing tolerance results from membrane resealing and that this mechanism involves SYT1 function.

Synaptotagmins bind calcium to release insulin

Plasma insulin levels are determined mainly by the rate of exocytosis of the insulin-containing large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) of pancreatic islet beta-cells. This process involves the recruitment of LDCVs to the plasma membrane, where they are docked by the assembly of multiprotein SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes. However, fusion of the two membranes will proceed only in the presence of Ca(2+) ions, implicating a Ca(2+) sensor protein. The synaptotagmin gene family, comprising 15 members, was proposed to act as such Ca(2+) sensor in regulated exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine and endocrine cells. Herein, we review the physiological function of the various synaptotagmins with reference to their impact on insulin exocytosis. Cumulating evidence emphasizes the crucial role of synaptotagmin VII and IX as mediators of glucose-induced insulin secretion.

Synaptotagmin-1 utilizes membrane bending and SNARE binding to drive fusion pore expansion

In regulated vesicle exocytosis, SNARE protein complexes drive membrane fusion to connect the vesicle lumen with the extracellular space. The triggering of fusion pore formation by Ca(2+) is mediated by specific isoforms of synaptotagmin (Syt), which employ both SNARE complex and membrane binding. Ca(2+) also promotes fusion pore expansion and Syts have been implicated in this process but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We determined the role of Ca(2+)-dependent Syt-effector interactions in fusion pore expansion by expressing Syt-1 mutants selectively altered in Ca(2+)-dependent SNARE binding or in Ca(2+)-dependent membrane insertion in PC12 cells that lack vesicle Syts. The release of different-sized fluorescent peptide-EGFP vesicle cargo or the vesicle capture of different-sized external fluorescent probes was used to assess the extent of fusion pore dilation. We found that PC12 cells expressing partial loss-of-function Syt-1 mutants impaired in Ca(2+)-dependent SNARE binding exhibited reduced fusion pore opening probabilities and reduced fusion pore expansion. Cells with gain-of-function Syt-1 mutants for Ca(2+)-dependent membrane insertion exhibited normal fusion pore opening probabilities but the fusion pores dilated extensively. The results indicate that Syt-1 uses both Ca(2+)-dependent membrane insertion and SNARE binding to drive fusion pore expansion.

Functional significance of repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor (REST) target genes in pancreatic beta cells

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The expression of several neuronal genes in pancreatic beta cells is due to the absence of the transcription factor repressor element 1 (RE-1) silencing transcription factor (REST). The identification of these traits and their functional significance in beta cells has only been partly elucidated. Herein, we investigated the biological consequences of a repression of REST target genes by expressing REST in beta cells.

METHODS

The effect of REST expression on glucose homeostasis, insulin content and release, and beta cell mass was analysed in transgenic mice selectively expressing REST in beta cells. Relevant target genes were identified in INS-1E and primary beta cells expressing REST.

RESULTS

Transgenic mice featuring a beta cell-targeted expression of REST exhibited glucose intolerance and reduced beta cell mass. In primary beta cells, REST repressed several proteins of the exocytotic machinery, including synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP) 25, synaptotagmin (SYT) IV, SYT VII, SYT IX and complexin II; it impaired first and second phases of insulin secretion. Using RNA interference in INS-1E cells, we showed that SYT IV and SYT VII were implicated in the control of insulin release.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The data document the critical role of REST target genes in pancreatic beta cells. Specifically, we provide evidence that the downregulation of these genes is detrimental for the exocytosis of large dense core vesicles, thus contributing to beta cell dysfunction and impaired glucose homeostasis.

Increased plasma membrane localization of O-glycosylation-deficient mutant of synaptotagmin I in PC12 cells

Synaptotagmin I (Syt I) is a Ca2+-binding protein on synaptic vesicles and presumably functions as a Ca2+ sensor for neurotransmitter release. Native Syt I protein in neuroendocrine PC12 cells undergoes several posttranslational modifications, such as O-glycosylation, N-glycosylation, and fatty acylation, and the latter two modifications have been shown to be required for the proper function of murine Syt I in PC12 cells. However, nothing is known about the physiological significance of the O-glycosylation of Syt I in dense-core vesicle exocytosis in PC12 cells. In this study, we created an O-glycosylation-deficient mutant (named TA = T15A/T16A) and an N-glycosylation-deficient mutant of Syt I (named T26A) and investigated their subcellular distribution in Syt I-deficient PC12 cells, where other Syt isoforms (e.g., IV and IX) and other membrane trafficking proteins (e.g., Rab27A, SNAP-25, syntaxin-1, and VAMP-2) are normally expressed. We found that some cells expressing high level of recombinant wild-type (WT) Syt I protein show mistargeting of Syt I(WT) protein to the plasma membrane, whereas most of the cells show normal dense-core vesicle localization of Syt I(WT) protein. Similar mistargeting was also observed in cells expressing high levels of the Syt I(T26A) and Syt I(TA) mutants, but the mistargeting of the Syt I(TA) mutant to the plasma membrane was much more evident than with the Syt I(WT) or (T26A) mutant. The results indicate that O-glycosylation, not N-glycosylation, is partially involved in efficient targeting of Syt I protein to dense-core vesicles in PC12 cells.

Synaptotagmin-1 and -7 are functionally overlapping Ca2+ sensors for exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Synaptotagmin-1, the canonical isoform of the synaptotagmin family, is a Ca(2+) sensor for fast synchronous neurotransmitter release in forebrain neurons and chromaffin cells. Even though deletion of synaptotagmin-1 abolishes fast exocytosis in chromaffin cells, it reduces overall secretion by only 20% because of the persistence of slow exocytosis. Therefore, another Ca(2+) sensor dominates release in these cells. Synaptotagmin-7 has a higher Ca(2+) affinity and slower binding kinetics than synaptotagmin-1, matching the proposed properties for the second, slower Ca(2+) sensor. Here, we examined Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis in chromaffin cells from KO mice lacking synaptotagmin-7, and from knockin mice containing normal levels of a mutant synaptotagmin-7 whose C(2)B domain does not bind Ca(2+). In both types of mutant chromaffin cells, Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis was decreased dramatically. Moreover, in chromaffin cells lacking both synaptotagmin-1 and -7, only a very slow release component, accounting for approximately 30% of WT exocytosis, persisted. These data establish synaptotagmin-7 as a major Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis in chromaffin cells, which, together with synaptotagmin-1, mediates almost all of the Ca(2+) triggering of exocytosis in these cells, a surprising result, considering the lack of a role of synaptotagmin-7 in synaptic vesicle exocytosis.

Genetic analysis of synaptotagmin-7 function in synaptic vesicle exocytosis

Synaptotagmin-7 is a candidate Ca(2+) sensor for exocytosis that is at least partly localized to synapses. Similar to synaptotagmin-1, which functions as a Ca(2+) sensor for fast synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis, synaptotagmin-7 contains C(2)A and C(2)B domains that exhibit Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding. However, synaptotagmin-7 cannot replace synaptotagmin-1 as a Ca(2+) sensor for fast SV exocytosis, raising questions about the physiological significance of its Ca(2+)-binding properties. Here, we examine how synaptotagmin-7 binds Ca(2+) and test whether this Ca(2+) binding regulates Ca(2+)-triggered SV exocytosis. We show that the synaptotagmin-7 C(2)A domain exhibits a Ca(2+)-binding mode similar to that of the synaptotagmin-1 C(2)A domain, suggesting that the synaptotagmin-1 and -7 C(2) domains generally employ comparable Ca(2+)-binding mechanisms. We then generated mutant mice that lack synaptotagmin-7 or contain point mutations inactivating Ca(2+) binding either to both C(2) domains of synaptotagmin-7 or only to its C(2)B domain. Synaptotagmin-7-mutant mice were viable and fertile. Inactivation of Ca(2+) binding to both C(2) domains caused an approximately 70% reduction in synaptotagmin-7 levels, whereas inactivation of Ca(2+) binding to only the C(2)B domain did not alter synaptotagmin-7 levels. The synaptotagmin-7 deletion did not change fast synchronous release, slow asynchronous release, or short-term synaptic plasticity of release of neurotransmitters. Thus, our results show that Ca(2+) binding to the synaptotagmin-7 C(2) domains is physiologically important for stabilizing synaptotagmin-7, but that Ca(2+) binding by synaptotagmin-7 likely does not regulate SV exocytosis, consistent with a role for synaptotagmin-7 in other forms of Ca(2+)-dependent synaptic exocytosis.

Stable RNA interference of synaptotagmin I in PC12 cells results in differential regulation of transmitter release

In sympathetic neurons, it is well-established that the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and ATP are differentially coreleased from the same neurons. In this study, we determined whether synaptotagmin (syt) I, the primary Ca(2+) sensor for regulated release, could function as the protein that differentially regulates release of these neurotransmitters. Plasmid-based RNA interference was used to specifically and stably silence expression of syt I in a model secretory cell line. Whereas stimulated release of NPY and purines was abolished, stimulated catecholamine (CA) release was only reduced by approximately 50%. Although expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the dopamine synthesis pathway, was unaffected, expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter 1 was reduced by 50%. To evaluate whether NPY and CAs are found within the same vesicles and whether syt I is found localized to each of these NPY- and CA-containing vesicles, we used immunocytochemistry to determine that syt I colocalized with large dense core vesicles, with NPY, and with CAs. Furthermore, both CAs and NPY colocalized with one another and with large dense core vesicles. Electron micrographs show that large dense core vesicles are synthesized and available for release in cells that lack syt I. These results are consistent with syt I regulating differential release of transmitters.

Effect of apomorphine on striatal synaptotagmin 7 mRNA levels in reserpinized rats

Synaptotagmin 7 (Syt 7) is a Ca2+ sensor implicated in the regulation of membrane fusion in vesicular transport, but its precise role in neurons is still a matter of controversy. Dopaminergic drugs have been shown to modulate its expression in the striatum. Here we investigate whether dopamine receptor agonist-up-regulation of Syt 7 mRNA is specifically involved in the pathophysiological adaptations of hypersensitive striatum by analyzing other dopaminergic neurons containing brain regions. We treated rats with systemic reserpine injections that rapidly depletes dopamine throughout the brain, but leaves dopaminergic neurons spared from destruction. We analyzed the effects of apomorphine, a D1 and D2 receptor agonist on Syt 7 mRNA expression in caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, cingulate cortex, substantia nigra compacta, ventral tegmental area and hippocampus. The treatment with reserpine resulted in akinesia, catalepsy and rigidity and up-regulation of proenkephalin and down-regulation of preprotachykinin mRNA in caudate putamen, indicating a severe depletion. By acute treatment with apomorphine proenkephalin mRNA was down-regulated and preprotachykinin mRNA up-regulated in the caudate putamen of reserpinized rats. Apomorphine increased Syt 7 mRNA levels only in striatum (caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens) of reserpinized rats, while in other brain regions it did not have such effect. The reserpinization and/or apomorphine treatment had no effect on Syt 1 mRNA expression in caudate putamen. It may be concluded, that in the striatum depleted of biogene amines, such as occurs after reserpine treatment, the up-regulation of Syt 7 could play a specific role as part of hypersensitive response to dopaminergic agonists.

Synaptotagmin VII splice variants alpha, beta, and delta are expressed in pancreatic beta-cells and regulate insulin exocytosis

Synaptotagmins (SYT) are calcium-binding proteins that participate in regulated exocytosis. Although SYTI to IX isoforms are expressed in insulin-producing cell lines, hitherto only SYTIX has been associated with native beta-cell insulin granules and implicated in exocytosis. SYTVII was also proposed to regulate insulin exocytosis, but its subcellular location and number of alternative splice variants produced remain controversial. Only transcripts of SYTVII alpha, beta, and a novel splice variant delta are expressed in beta-cells and INS-1E cells. Western blotting revealed that INS-1E cells predominantly produced SYTVII alpha and low levels of SYTVII beta, whereas SYTVII delta was undetectable. The protein colocalized with insulin granules but not with synaptic-like microvesicles. Overexpression of SYTVII alpha resulted in decreased insulin granule content with a concomitant translocation of the variant to the plasma membrane, while SYTVII beta retained largely a granular pattern. Overexpressed SYTVII delta exhibited a distribution different to that of insulin granules and inhibited exocytosis when assessed by whole cell patch clamp capacitance recording. Silencing of SYTVII alpha by targeted RNA interference suppressed secretion, while repression of beta slightly increased release. Our results demonstrate that SYTVII is expressed on insulin granules and that only SYTVII alpha is implicated in exocytosis under physiological conditions.

Regulation of insulin secretion and GLUT4 trafficking by the calcium sensor synaptotagmin VII

Insulin regulates blood glucose by promoting uptake by fat and muscle, and inhibiting production by liver. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is mediated by GLUT4, which translocates from an intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. GLUT4 traffic and insulin secretion both rely on calcium-dependent, regulated exocytosis. Deletion of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 results in constitutive expression of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane. Inhibition of channel activity stimulated GLUT4 translocation through a calcium dependent mechanism. The synaptotagmins (Syt) are calcium sensors for vesicular traffic, and Syt VII mediates lysosomal and secretory granule exocytosis. We asked if Syt VII regulates insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells, and GLUT4 translocation in insulin-sensitive tissues mouse model. Syt VII deletion (Syt VII -/-) results in glucose intolerance and a marked decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo. Pancreatic islet cells isolated from Syt VII -/- cells secreted significantly less insulin than islets of littermate controls. Syt VII deletion disrupted GLUT4 traffic as evidenced by constitutive expression of GLUT4 present at the plasma membrane of fat and skeletal muscle cells and unresponsiveness to insulin. These data document a key role for Syt VII in peripheral glucose homeostasis through its action on both insulin secretion and GLUT4 traffic.