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Dominicci-Cotto C, Vazquez M, Marie B. The Wingless planar cell polarity pathway is essential for optimal activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2024; 16:1322771. [PMID: 38633293 PMCID: PMC11021733 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2024.1322771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
From fly to man, the Wingless (Wg)/Wnt signaling molecule is essential for both the stability and plasticity of the nervous system. The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has proven to be a useful system for deciphering the role of Wg in directing activity-dependent synaptic plasticity (ADSP), which, in the motoneuron, has been shown to be dependent on both the canonical and the noncanonical calcium Wg pathways. Here we show that the noncanonical planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is an essential component of the Wg signaling system controlling plasticity at the motoneuron synapse. We present evidence that disturbing the PCP pathway leads to a perturbation in ADSP. We first show that a PCP-specific allele of disheveled (dsh) affects the de novo synaptic structures produced during ADSP. We then show that the Rho GTPases downstream of Dsh in the PCP pathway are also involved in regulating the morphological changes that take place after repeated stimulation. Finally, we show that Jun kinase is essential for this phenomenon, whereas we found no indication of the involvement of the transcription factor complex AP1 (Jun/Fos). This work shows the involvement of the neuronal PCP signaling pathway in supporting ADSP. Because we find that AP1 mutants can perform ADSP adequately, we hypothesize that, upon Wg activation, the Rho GTPases and Jun kinase are involved locally at the synapse, in instructing cytoskeletal dynamics responsible for the appearance of the morphological changes occurring during ADSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carihann Dominicci-Cotto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Mariam Vazquez
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Bruno Marie
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
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2
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Waller TJ, Collins CA. Opposing roles of Fos, Raw, and SARM1 in the regulation of axonal degeneration and synaptic structure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1283995. [PMID: 38099151 PMCID: PMC10719852 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1283995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The degeneration of injured axons is driven by conserved molecules, including the sterile armadillo TIR domain-containing protein SARM1, the cJun N-terminal kinase JNK, and regulators of these proteins. These molecules are also implicated in the regulation of synapse development though the mechanistic relationship of their functions in degeneration vs. development is poorly understood. Results and discussion Here, we uncover disparate functional relationships between SARM1 and the transmembrane protein Raw in the regulation of Wallerian degeneration and synaptic growth in motoneurons of Drosophila melanogaster. Our genetic data suggest that Raw antagonizes the downstream output MAP kinase signaling mediated by Drosophila SARM1 (dSarm). This relationship is revealed by dramatic synaptic overgrowth phenotypes at the larval neuromuscular junction when motoneurons are depleted for Raw or overexpress dSarm. While Raw antagonizes the downstream output of dSarm to regulate synaptic growth, it shows an opposite functional relationship with dSarm for axonal degeneration. Loss of Raw leads to decreased levels of dSarm in axons and delayed axonal degeneration that is rescued by overexpression of dSarm, supporting a model that Raw promotes the activation of dSarm in axons. However, inhibiting Fos also decreases dSarm levels in axons but has the opposite outcome of enabling Wallerian degeneration. The combined genetic data suggest that Raw, dSarm, and Fos influence each other's functions through multiple points of regulation to control the structure of synaptic terminals and the resilience of axons to degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Waller
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Catherine A. Collins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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3
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Belyaeva V, Wachner S, Gyoergy A, Emtenani S, Gridchyn I, Akhmanova M, Linder M, Roblek M, Sibilia M, Siekhaus D. Fos regulates macrophage infiltration against surrounding tissue resistance by a cortical actin-based mechanism in Drosophila. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001494. [PMID: 34990456 PMCID: PMC8735623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The infiltration of immune cells into tissues underlies the establishment of tissue-resident macrophages and responses to infections and tumors. Yet the mechanisms immune cells utilize to negotiate tissue barriers in living organisms are not well understood, and a role for cortical actin has not been examined. Here, we find that the tissue invasion of Drosophila macrophages, also known as plasmatocytes or hemocytes, utilizes enhanced cortical F-actin levels stimulated by the Drosophila member of the fos proto oncogene transcription factor family (Dfos, Kayak). RNA sequencing analysis and live imaging show that Dfos enhances F-actin levels around the entire macrophage surface by increasing mRNA levels of the membrane spanning molecular scaffold tetraspanin TM4SF, and the actin cross-linking filamin Cheerio, which are themselves required for invasion. Both the filamin and the tetraspanin enhance the cortical activity of Rho1 and the formin Diaphanous and thus the assembly of cortical actin, which is a critical function since expressing a dominant active form of Diaphanous can rescue the Dfos macrophage invasion defect. In vivo imaging shows that Dfos enhances the efficiency of the initial phases of macrophage tissue entry. Genetic evidence argues that this Dfos-induced program in macrophages counteracts the constraint produced by the tension of surrounding tissues and buffers the properties of the macrophage nucleus from affecting tissue entry. We thus identify strengthening the cortical actin cytoskeleton through Dfos as a key process allowing efficient forward movement of an immune cell into surrounding tissues. The infiltration of immune cells into tissue underlies the establishment of tissue-resident macrophages, and responses to infections and tumors, but how do they overcome tissue barriers? This study shows that macrophages upregulate the proto-oncogene Fos, increasing the density and crosslinking of cortical actin, thereby counteracting the tension of surrounding tissues and protecting the macrophage nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Belyaeva
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Stephanie Wachner
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Attila Gyoergy
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Shamsi Emtenani
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Igor Gridchyn
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Maria Akhmanova
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Markus Linder
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko Roblek
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine 1, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daria Siekhaus
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
- * E-mail:
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4
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Hao Y, Waller TJ, Nye DM, Li J, Zhang Y, Hume RI, Rolls MM, Collins CA. Degeneration of Injured Axons and Dendrites Requires Restraint of a Protective JNK Signaling Pathway by the Transmembrane Protein Raw. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8457-8470. [PMID: 31492772 PMCID: PMC6807270 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0016-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of injured axons involves a self-destruction pathway whose components and mechanism are not fully understood. Here, we report a new regulator of axonal resilience. The transmembrane protein Raw is cell autonomously required for the degeneration of injured axons, dendrites, and synapses in Drosophila melanogaster In both male and female raw hypomorphic mutant or knock-down larvae, the degeneration of injured axons, dendrites, and synapses from motoneurons and sensory neurons is strongly inhibited. This protection is insensitive to reduction in the levels of the NAD+ synthesis enzyme Nmnat (nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase), but requires the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and the transcription factors Fos and Jun (AP-1). Although these factors were previously known to function in axonal injury signaling and regeneration, Raw's function can be genetically separated from other axonal injury responses: Raw does not modulate JNK-dependent axonal injury signaling and regenerative responses, but instead restrains a protective pathway that inhibits the degeneration of axons, dendrites, and synapses. Although protection in raw mutants requires JNK, Fos, and Jun, JNK also promotes axonal degeneration. These findings suggest the existence of multiple independent pathways that share modulation by JNK, Fos, and Jun that influence how axons respond to stress and injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Axonal degeneration is a major feature of neuropathies and nerve injuries and occurs via a cell autonomous self-destruction pathway whose mechanism is poorly understood. This study reports the identification of a new regulator of axonal degeneration: the transmembrane protein Raw. Raw regulates a cell autonomous nuclear signaling pathway whose yet unknown downstream effectors protect injured axons, dendrites, and synapses from degenerating. These findings imply that the susceptibility of axons to degeneration is strongly regulated in neurons. Future understanding of the cellular pathway regulated by Raw, which engages the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and Fos and Jun transcription factors, may suggest new strategies to increase the resiliency of axons in debilitating neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Thomas J Waller
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Derek M Nye
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, and
| | - Jiaxing Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Yanxiao Zhang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2218
| | - Richard I Hume
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, and
| | - Catherine A Collins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085,
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5
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Zhang SX, Rogulja D, Crickmore MA. Recurrent Circuitry Sustains Drosophila Courtship Drive While Priming Itself for Satiety. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3216-3228.e9. [PMID: 31474539 PMCID: PMC6783369 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Motivations intensify over hours or days, promoting goals that are achieved in minutes or hours, causing satiety that persists for hours or days. Here we develop Drosophila courtship as a system to study these long-timescale motivational dynamics. We identify two neuronal populations engaged in a recurrent excitation loop, the output of which elevates a dopamine signal that increases the propensity to court. Electrical activity within the recurrent loop accrues with abstinence and, through the activity-dependent transcription factor CREB2, drives the production of activity-suppressing potassium channels. Loop activity is decremented by each mating to reduce subsequent courtship drive, and the inhibitory loop environment established by CREB2 during high motivation slows the reaccumulation of activity for days. Computational modeling reproduces these behavioral and physiological dynamics, generating predictions that we validate experimentally and illustrating a causal link between the motivation that drives behavior and the satiety that endures after goal achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen X Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dragana Rogulja
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Michael A Crickmore
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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6
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Peng JJ, Lin SH, Liu YT, Lin HC, Li TN, Yao CK. A circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop mediates glutamate excitotoxicity to sculpt the Drosophila motor system. eLife 2019; 8:47372. [PMID: 31318331 PMCID: PMC6682402 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to mediate glutamate excitotoxicity in neurological diseases. However, how ROS burdens can influence neural circuit integrity remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of excitotoxicity induced by depletion of Drosophila Eaat1, an astrocytic glutamate transporter, on locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) activity, neuromuscular junction architecture, and motor function. We show that glutamate excitotoxicity triggers a circuit-dependent ROS feedback loop to sculpt the motor system. Excitotoxicity initially elevates ROS, thereby inactivating cholinergic interneurons and consequently changing CPG output activity to overexcite motor neurons and muscles. Remarkably, tonic motor neuron stimulation boosts muscular ROS, gradually dampening muscle contractility to feedback-enhance ROS accumulation in the CPG circuit and subsequently exacerbate circuit dysfunction. Ultimately, excess premotor excitation of motor neurons promotes ROS-activated stress signaling that alters neuromuscular junction architecture. Collectively, our results reveal that excitotoxicity-induced ROS can perturb motor system integrity through a circuit-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhan-Jie Peng
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Han Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Tzu Liu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsai-Ning Li
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chi-Kuang Yao
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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7
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Zhu S, Chen R, Soba P, Jan YN. JNK signaling coordinates with ecdysone signaling to promote pruning of Drosophila sensory neuron dendrites. Development 2019; 146:dev.163592. [PMID: 30936183 DOI: 10.1242/dev.163592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Developmental pruning of axons and dendrites is crucial for the formation of precise neuronal connections, but the mechanisms underlying developmental pruning are not fully understood. Here, we have investigated the function of JNK signaling in dendrite pruning using Drosophila class IV dendritic arborization (c4da) neurons as a model. We find that loss of JNK or its canonical downstream effectors Jun or Fos led to dendrite-pruning defects in c4da neurons. Interestingly, our data show that JNK activity in c4da neurons remains constant from larval to pupal stages but the expression of Fos is specifically activated by ecdysone receptor B1 (EcRB1) at early pupal stages, suggesting that ecdysone signaling provides temporal control of the regulation of dendrite pruning by JNK signaling. Thus, our work not only identifies a novel pathway involved in dendrite pruning and a new downstream target of EcRB1 in c4da neurons, but also reveals that JNK and Ecdysone signaling coordinate to promote dendrite pruning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijun Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA .,Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 20251, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Peter Soba
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 20251, USA.,Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yuh-Nung Jan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 20251, USA
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8
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Li J, Zhang YV, Asghari Adib E, Stanchev DT, Xiong X, Klinedinst S, Soppina P, Jahn TR, Hume RI, Rasse TM, Collins CA. Restraint of presynaptic protein levels by Wnd/DLK signaling mediates synaptic defects associated with the kinesin-3 motor Unc-104. eLife 2017; 6:e24271. [PMID: 28925357 PMCID: PMC5605197 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The kinesin-3 family member Unc-104/KIF1A is required for axonal transport of many presynaptic components to synapses, and mutation of this gene results in synaptic dysfunction in mice, flies and worms. Our studies at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction indicate that many synaptic defects in unc-104-null mutants are mediated independently of Unc-104's transport function, via the Wallenda (Wnd)/DLK MAP kinase axonal damage signaling pathway. Wnd signaling becomes activated when Unc-104's function is disrupted, and leads to impairment of synaptic structure and function by restraining the expression level of active zone (AZ) and synaptic vesicle (SV) components. This action concomitantly suppresses the buildup of synaptic proteins in neuronal cell bodies, hence may play an adaptive role to stresses that impair axonal transport. Wnd signaling also becomes activated when pre-synaptic proteins are over-expressed, suggesting the existence of a feedback circuit to match synaptic protein levels to the transport capacity of the axon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Yao V Zhang
- Junior Research Group Synaptic PlasticityHertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular NeuroscienceUniversity of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Elham Asghari Adib
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Doychin T Stanchev
- Junior Research Group Synaptic PlasticityHertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular NeuroscienceUniversity of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Xin Xiong
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Susan Klinedinst
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Pushpanjali Soppina
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Thomas Robert Jahn
- CHS Research Group Proteostasis in Neurodegenerative DiseaseDKFZ Deutsches KrebsforschungszentrumHeidelbergGermany
| | - Richard I Hume
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
| | - Tobias M Rasse
- Junior Research Group Synaptic PlasticityHertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- CHS Research Group Proteostasis in Neurodegenerative DiseaseDKFZ Deutsches KrebsforschungszentrumHeidelbergGermany
| | - Catherine A Collins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborUnited States
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9
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DISCO interacting protein 2 determines direction of axon projection under the regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the Drosophila mushroom body. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 487:116-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Axon Termination, Pruning, and Synaptogenesis in the Giant Fiber System of Drosophila melanogaster Is Promoted by Highwire. Genetics 2017; 205:1229-1245. [PMID: 28100586 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.197343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin ligase Highwire has a conserved role in synapse formation. Here, we show that Highwire coordinates several facets of central synapse formation in the Drosophila melanogaster giant fiber system, including axon termination, axon pruning, and synaptic function. Despite the similarities to the fly neuromuscular junction, the role of Highwire and the underlying signaling pathways are distinct in the fly's giant fiber system. During development, branching of the giant fiber presynaptic terminal occurs and, normally, the transient branches are pruned away. However, in highwire mutants these ectopic branches persist, indicating that Highwire promotes axon pruning. highwire mutants also exhibit defects in synaptic function. Highwire promotes axon pruning and synaptic function cell-autonomously by attenuating a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway including Wallenda, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/Basket, and the transcription factor Jun. We also show a novel role for Highwire in non-cell autonomous promotion of synaptic function from the midline glia. Highwire also regulates axon termination in the giant fibers, as highwire mutant axons exhibit severe overgrowth beyond the pruning defect. This excessive axon growth is increased by manipulating Fos expression in the cells surrounding the giant fiber terminal, suggesting that Fos regulates a trans-synaptic signal that promotes giant fiber axon growth.
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11
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Hueston CE, Olsen D, Li Q, Okuwa S, Peng B, Wu J, Volkan PC. Chromatin Modulatory Proteins and Olfactory Receptor Signaling in the Refinement and Maintenance of Fruitless Expression in Olfactory Receptor Neurons. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e1002443. [PMID: 27093619 PMCID: PMC4836687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, sensory neurons must choose identities that allow them to detect specific signals and connect with appropriate target neurons. Ultimately, these sensory neurons will successfully integrate into appropriate neural circuits to generate defined motor outputs, or behavior. This integration requires a developmental coordination between the identity of the neuron and the identity of the circuit. The mechanisms that underlie this coordination are currently unknown. Here, we describe two modes of regulation that coordinate the sensory identities of Drosophila melanogaster olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) involved in sex-specific behaviors with the sex-specific behavioral circuit identity marker fruitless (fru). The first mode involves a developmental program that coordinately restricts to appropriate ORNs the expression of fru and two olfactory receptors (Or47b and Ir84a) involved in sex-specific behaviors. This regulation requires the chromatin modulatory protein Alhambra (Alh). The second mode relies on the signaling from the olfactory receptors through CamK and histone acetyl transferase p300/CBP to maintain ORN-specific fru expression. Our results highlight two feed-forward regulatory mechanisms with both developmentally hardwired and olfactory receptor activity-dependent components that establish and maintain fru expression in ORNs. Such a dual mechanism of fru regulation in ORNs might be a trait of neurons driving plastic aspects of sex-specific behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Hueston
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Douglas Olsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Qingyun Li
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sumie Okuwa
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jianni Wu
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pelin Cayirlioglu Volkan
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Institute for Brain Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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West RJH, Lu Y, Marie B, Gao FB, Sweeney ST. Rab8, POSH, and TAK1 regulate synaptic growth in a Drosophila model of frontotemporal dementia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 208:931-47. [PMID: 25800055 PMCID: PMC4384727 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201404066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in genes essential for protein homeostasis have been identified in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Why mature neurons should be particularly sensitive to such perturbations is unclear. We identified mutations in Rab8 in a genetic screen for enhancement of an FTD phenotype associated with ESCRT-III dysfunction. Examination of Rab8 mutants or motor neurons expressing a mutant ESCRT-III subunit, CHMP2B(Intron5), at the Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction synapse revealed synaptic overgrowth and endosomal dysfunction. Expression of Rab8 rescued overgrowth phenotypes generated by CHMP2B(Intron5). In Rab8 mutant synapses, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein-1 and TGF-β signaling were overactivated and acted synergistically to potentiate synaptic growth. We identify novel roles for endosomal JNK-scaffold POSH (Plenty-of-SH3s) and a JNK kinase kinase, TAK1, in regulating growth activation in Rab8 mutants. Our data uncover Rab8, POSH, and TAK1 as regulators of synaptic growth responses and point to recycling endosome as a key compartment for synaptic growth regulation during neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J H West
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK
| | - Yubing Lu
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Bruno Marie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Sean T Sweeney
- Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, England, UK
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13
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Brace EJ, Wu C, Valakh V, DiAntonio A. SkpA restrains synaptic terminal growth during development and promotes axonal degeneration following injury. J Neurosci 2014; 34:8398-410. [PMID: 24948796 PMCID: PMC4061385 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4715-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wallenda (Wnd)/dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK)-Jnk pathway is an evolutionarily conserved MAPK signaling pathway that functions during neuronal development and following axonal injury. Improper pathway activation causes defects in axonal guidance and synaptic growth, whereas loss-of-function mutations in pathway components impairs axonal regeneration and degeneration after injury. Regulation of this pathway is in part through the E3 ubiquitin ligase Highwire (Hiw), which targets Wnd/DLK for degradation to limit MAPK signaling. To explore mechanisms controlling Wnd/DLK signaling, we performed a large-scale genetic screen in Drosophila to identify negative regulators of the pathway. Here we describe the identification and characterization of SkpA, a core component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases. Mutants in SkpA display synaptic overgrowth and an increase in Jnk signaling, similar to hiw mutants. The combination of hypomorphic alleles of SkpA and hiw leads to enhanced synaptic growth. Mutants in the Wnd-Jnk pathway suppress the overgrowth of SkpA mutants demonstrating that the synaptic overgrowth is due to increased Jnk signaling. These findings support the model that SkpA and the E3 ligase Hiw function as part of an SCF-like complex that attenuates Wnd/DLK signaling. In addition, SkpA, like Hiw, is required for synaptic and axonal responses to injury. Synapses in SkpA mutants are more stable following genetic or traumatic axonal injury, and axon loss is delayed in SkpA mutants after nerve crush. As in highwire mutants, this axonal protection requires Nmnat. Hence, SkpA is a novel negative regulator of the Wnd-Jnk pathway that functions with Hiw to regulate both synaptic development and axonal maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Brace
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, and
| | - Chunlai Wu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Vera Valakh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, and
| | - Aaron DiAntonio
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, and
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14
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Sha K, Choi SH, Im J, Lee GG, Loeffler F, Park JH. Regulation of ethanol-related behavior and ethanol metabolism by the Corazonin neurons and Corazonin receptor in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87062. [PMID: 24489834 PMCID: PMC3904974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired ethanol metabolism can lead to various alcohol-related health problems. Key enzymes in ethanol metabolism are alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH); however, neuroendocrine pathways that regulate the activities of these enzymes are largely unexplored. Here we identified a neuroendocrine system involving Corazonin (Crz) neuropeptide and its receptor (CrzR) as important physiological regulators of ethanol metabolism in Drosophila. Crz-cell deficient (Crz-CD) flies displayed significantly delayed recovery from ethanol-induced sedation that we refer to as hangover-like phenotype. Newly generated mutant lacking Crz Receptor (CrzR(01) ) and CrzR-knockdown flies showed even more severe hangover-like phenotype, which is causally associated with fast accumulation of acetaldehyde in the CrzR(01) mutant following ethanol exposure. Higher levels of acetaldehyde are likely due to 30% reduced ALDH activity in the mutants. Moreover, increased ADH activity was found in the CrzR(01) mutant, but not in the Crz-CD flies. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed transcriptional upregulation of Adh gene in the CrzR(01) . Transgenic inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) also results in significantly increased ADH activity and Adh mRNA levels, indicating PKA-dependent transcriptional regulation of Adh by CrzR. Furthermore, inhibition of PKA or cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in CrzR cells leads to comparable hangover-like phenotype to the CrzR(01) mutant. These findings suggest that CrzR-associated signaling pathway is critical for ethanol detoxification via Crz-dependent regulation of ALDH activity and Crz-independent transcriptional regulation of ADH. Our study provides new insights into the neuroendocrine-associated ethanol-related behavior and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Seung-Hoon Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeongdae Im
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Gyunghee G. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Frank Loeffler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jae H. Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Genome Science Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Loss of the spectraplakin short stop activates the DLK injury response pathway in Drosophila. J Neurosci 2013; 33:17863-73. [PMID: 24198375 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2196-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAPKKK dual leucine zipper-containing kinase (DLK, Wallenda in Drosophila) is an evolutionarily conserved component of the axonal injury response pathway. After nerve injury, DLK promotes degeneration of distal axons and regeneration of proximal axons. This dual role in coordinating degeneration and regeneration suggests that DLK may be a sensor of axon injury, and so understanding how DLK is activated is important. Two mechanisms are known to activate DLK. First, increasing the levels of DLK via overexpression or loss of the PHR ubiquitin ligases that target DLK activate DLK signaling. Second, in Caenorhabditis elegans, a calcium-dependent mechanism, can activate DLK. Here we describe a new mechanism that activates DLK in Drosophila: loss of the spectraplakin short stop (shot). In a genetic screen for mutants with defective neuromuscular junction development, we identify a hypomorphic allele of shot that displays synaptic terminal overgrowth and a precocious regenerative response to nerve injury. We demonstrate that both phenotypes are the result of overactivation of the DLK signaling pathway. We further show that, unlike mutations in the PHR ligase Highwire, loss of function of shot activates DLK without a concomitant increase in the levels of DLK. As a spectraplakin, Shot binds to both actin and microtubules and promotes cytoskeletal stability. The DLK pathway is also activated by downregulation of the TCP1 chaperonin complex, whose normal function is to promote cytoskeletal stability. These findings support the model that DLK is activated by cytoskeletal instability, which is a shared feature of both spectraplakin mutants and injured axons.
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16
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Independent pathways downstream of the Wnd/DLK MAPKKK regulate synaptic structure, axonal transport, and injury signaling. J Neurosci 2013; 33:12764-78. [PMID: 23904612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5160-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling cascades orchestrate diverse cellular activities with common molecular players. To achieve specific cellular outcomes in response to specific signals, scaffolding proteins play an important role. Here we investigate the role of the scaffolding protein JNK interacting protein-1 (JIP1) in neuronal signaling by a conserved axonal MAP kinase kinase kinase, known as Wallenda (Wnd) in Drosophila and dual leucine kinase (DLK) in vertebrates and Caenorhabditis elegans. Recent studies in multiple model organisms suggest that Wnd/DLK regulates both regenerative and degenerative responses to axonal injury. Here we report a new role for Wnd in regulating synaptic structure during development, which implies that Wnd is also active in uninjured neurons. This synaptic role of Wnd can be functionally separated from the role of Wnd in axonal regeneration and injury signaling by the requirement for the JIP1 scaffold and the p38b MAP kinase. JIP1 mediates the synaptic function of Wnd via p38, which is not required for injury signaling or new axonal growth after injury. Our results indicate that Wnd regulates multiple independent pathways in Drosophila motoneurons and that JIP1 scaffolds a specific downstream cascade required for the organization of presynaptic microtubules during synaptic development.
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17
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Vonhoff F, Kuehn C, Blumenstock S, Sanyal S, Duch C. Temporal coherency between receptor expression, neural activity and AP-1-dependent transcription regulates Drosophila motoneuron dendrite development. Development 2013; 140:606-16. [PMID: 23293292 DOI: 10.1242/dev.089235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neural activity has profound effects on the development of dendritic structure. Mechanisms that link neural activity to nuclear gene expression include activity-regulated factors, such as CREB, Crest or Mef2, as well as activity-regulated immediate-early genes, such as fos and jun. This study investigates the role of the transcriptional regulator AP-1, a Fos-Jun heterodimer, in activity-dependent dendritic structure development. We combine genetic manipulation, imaging and quantitative dendritic architecture analysis in a Drosophila single neuron model, the individually identified motoneuron MN5. First, Dα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and AP-1 are required for normal MN5 dendritic growth. Second, AP-1 functions downstream of activity during MN5 dendritic growth. Third, using a newly engineered AP-1 reporter we demonstrate that AP-1 transcriptional activity is downstream of Dα7 nAChRs and Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling. Fourth, AP-1 can have opposite effects on dendritic development, depending on the timing of activation. Enhancing excitability or AP-1 activity after MN5 cholinergic synapses and primary dendrites have formed causes dendritic branching, whereas premature AP-1 expression or induced activity prior to excitatory synapse formation disrupts dendritic growth. Finally, AP-1 transcriptional activity and dendritic growth are affected by MN5 firing only during development but not in the adult. Our results highlight the importance of timing in the growth and plasticity of neuronal dendrites by defining a developmental period of activity-dependent AP-1 induction that is temporally locked to cholinergic synapse formation and dendritic refinement, thus significantly refining prior models derived from chronic expression studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Vonhoff
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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18
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A conditioning lesion protects axons from degeneration via the Wallenda/DLK MAP kinase signaling cascade. J Neurosci 2012; 32:610-5. [PMID: 22238096 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3586-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Axons are vulnerable components of neuronal circuitry, and neurons are equipped with mechanisms for responding to axonal injury. A highly studied example of this is the conditioning lesion, in which neurons that have been previously injured have an increased ability to initiate new axonal growth (Hoffman, 2010). Here we investigate the effect of a conditioning lesion on axonal degeneration, which occurs in the distal stump after injury, and also occurs in neuropathies and neurodegenerative disorders (Coleman, 2005). We found that Drosophila motoneuron axons that had been previously injured had an increased resiliency to degeneration. This requires the function of a conserved axonal kinase, Wallenda (Wnd)/DLK, and a downstream transcription factor. Because axonal injury leads to acute activation of Wnd (Xiong et al., 2010), and overexpression studies indicate that increased Wnd function is sufficient to promote protection from degeneration, we propose that Wnd regulates an adaptive response to injury that allows neurons to cope with axonal stress.
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19
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Yuan Q, Xiang Y, Yan Z, Han C, Jan LY, Jan YN. Light-induced structural and functional plasticity in Drosophila larval visual system. Science 2011; 333:1458-62. [PMID: 21903815 DOI: 10.1126/science.1207121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
How to build and maintain a reliable yet flexible circuit is a fundamental question in neurobiology. The nervous system has the capacity for undergoing modifications to adapt to the changing environment while maintaining its stability through compensatory mechanisms, such as synaptic homeostasis. Here, we describe our findings in the Drosophila larval visual system, where the variation of sensory inputs induced substantial structural plasticity in dendritic arbors of the postsynaptic neuron and concomitant changes to its physiological output. Furthermore, our genetic analyses have identified the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway and a previously uncharacterized cell surface molecule as critical components in regulating experience-dependent modification of the postsynaptic dendrite morphology in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Yuan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, 1550 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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20
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Chandramouli A, Mercado-Pimentel ME, Hutchinson A, Gibadulinová A, Olson ER, Dickinson S, Shañas R, Davenport J, Owens J, Bhattacharyya AK, Regan JW, Pastorekova S, Arumugam T, Logsdon CD, Nelson MA. The induction of S100p expression by the Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)/EP4 receptor signaling pathway in colon cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2010; 10:1056-66. [PMID: 20890108 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.10.10.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels are frequently elevated in colorectal carcinomas. PGE₂ is perceived via four transmembrane G protein coupled receptors (EP1-4), among which the EP4 receptor is most relevant. PGE₂/EP4-receptor interaction activates CREB via the ERK/MEK pathway. However, the downstream target genes activated by this pathway remained to be investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINICIPAL FINDINGS Here, we have identified S100P (an EF-hand calcium binding protein) as a novel downstream target. We show by realtime RT-PCR that S100P mRNA levels are elevated in 14/17 (82%) colon tumor tissues as compared to paired adjacent normal colonic tissues. S100P expression is stimulated in the presence of PGE₂ in a time dependent manner at mRNA and protein levels in colon, breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Pharmacological and RNAi-mediated inhibition of the EP4 receptor attenuates PGE₂-dependent S100P mRNA induction. RNA(i)-mediated knockdown of CREB inhibits endogenous S100P expression. Furthermore, using luciferase reporter analysis and EMSA we show that mutation and/or deletion of the CRE sequence within the S100P promoter abolished PGE₂-mediated transcriptional induction. Finally, we demonstrate that RNA(i)-mediated knockdown of S100P compromised invadopodia formation, colony growth and motility of colon cancer cells. Interestingly, endogenous knock down of S100P decreases ERK expression levels, suggesting a role for ERK in regulating S100P mediated cell growth and motility. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Together, our findings show for the first time that S100P expression is regulated by PGE₂/EP4-receptor signaling and may participate in a feedback signaling that perpetuates tumor cell growth and migration. Therefore, our data suggest that dysregulated S100P expression resulting from aberrant PGE₂/EP4 receptor signaling may have important consequences relevant to colon cancer pathogenesis.
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21
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Xiong X, Wang X, Ewanek R, Bhat P, Diantonio A, Collins CA. Protein turnover of the Wallenda/DLK kinase regulates a retrograde response to axonal injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 191:211-23. [PMID: 20921142 PMCID: PMC2953441 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201006039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative responses to axonal injury involve changes in gene expression; however, little is known about how such changes can be induced from a distant site of injury. In this study, we describe a nerve crush assay in Drosophila melanogaster to study injury signaling and regeneration mechanisms. We find that Wallenda (Wnd), a conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase homologous to dual leucine zipper kinase, functions as an upstream mediator of a cell-autonomous injury signaling cascade that involves the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase MAPK and Fos transcription factor. Wnd is physically transported in axons, and axonal transport is required for the injury signaling mechanism. Wnd is regulated by a conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase, named Highwire (Hiw) in Drosophila. Injury induces a rapid increase in Wnd protein concomitantly with a decrease in Hiw protein. In hiw mutants, injury signaling is constitutively active, and neurons initiate a faster regenerative response. Our data suggest that the regulation of Wnd protein turnover by Hiw can function as a damage surveillance mechanism for responding to axonal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiong
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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22
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Freeman A, Bowers M, Mortimer AV, Timmerman C, Roux S, Ramaswami M, Sanyal S. A new genetic model of activity-induced Ras signaling dependent pre-synaptic plasticity in Drosophila. Brain Res 2010; 1326:15-29. [PMID: 20193670 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Techniques to induce activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in vivo allow the underlying signaling pathways to be studied in their biological context. Here, we demonstrate activity-induced plasticity at neuromuscular synapses of Drosophila double mutant for comatose (an NSF mutant) and Kum (a SERCA mutant), and present an analysis of the underlying signaling pathways. comt; Kum (CK) double mutants exhibit increased locomotor activity under normal culture conditions, concomitant with a larger neuromuscular junction synapse and stably elevated evoked transmitter release. The observed enhancements of synaptic size and transmitter release in CK mutants are completely abrogated by: a) reduced activity of motor neurons; b) attenuation of the Ras/ERK signaling cascade; or c) inhibition of the transcription factors Fos and CREB. All of which restrict synaptic properties to near wild type levels. Together, these results document neural activity-dependent plasticity of motor synapses in CK animals that requires Ras/ERK signaling and normal transcriptional activity of Fos and CREB. Further, novel in vivo reporters of neuronal Ras activation and Fos transcription also confirm increased signaling through a Ras/AP-1 pathway in motor neurons of CK animals, consistent with results from our genetic experiments. Thus, this study: a) provides a robust system in which to study activity-induced synaptic plasticity in vivo; b) establishes a causal link between neural activity, Ras signaling, transcriptional regulation and pre-synaptic plasticity in glutamatergic motor neurons of Drosophila larvae; and c) presents novel, genetically encoded reporters for Ras and AP-1 dependent signaling pathways in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Freeman
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30022, USA
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23
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Sekyrova P, Bohmann D, Jindra M, Uhlirova M. Interaction between Drosophila bZIP proteins Atf3 and Jun prevents replacement of epithelial cells during metamorphosis. Development 2010; 137:141-50. [PMID: 20023169 DOI: 10.1242/dev.037861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial sheet spreading and fusion underlie important developmental processes. Well-characterized examples of such epithelial morphogenetic events have been provided by studies in Drosophila, and include embryonic dorsal closure, formation of the adult thorax and wound healing. All of these processes require the basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors Jun and Fos. Much less is known about morphogenesis of the fly abdomen, which involves replacement of larval epidermal cells (LECs) with adult histoblasts that divide, migrate and finally fuse to form the adult epidermis during metamorphosis. Here, we implicate Drosophila Activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3), the single ortholog of human ATF3 and JDP2 bZIP proteins, in abdominal morphogenesis. During the process of the epithelial cell replacement, transcription of the atf3 gene declines. When this downregulation is experimentally prevented, the affected LECs accumulate cell-adhesion proteins and their extrusion and replacement with histoblasts are blocked. The abnormally adhering LECs consequently obstruct the closure of the adult abdominal epithelium. This closure defect can be either mimicked and further enhanced by knockdown of the small GTPase Rho1 or, conversely, alleviated by stimulating ecdysone steroid hormone signaling. Both Rho and ecdysone pathways have been previously identified as effectors of the LEC replacement. To elicit the gain-of-function effect, Atf3 specifically requires its binding partner Jun. Our data thus identify Atf3 as a new functional partner of Drosophila Jun during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sekyrova
- Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
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24
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Rallis A, Moore C, Ng J. Signal strength and signal duration define two distinct aspects of JNK-regulated axon stability. Dev Biol 2009; 339:65-77. [PMID: 20035736 PMCID: PMC2845820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Signaling proteins often control multiple aspects of cell morphogenesis. Yet the mechanisms that govern their pleiotropic behavior are often unclear. Here we show activity levels and timing mechanisms determine distinct aspects of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway dependent axonal morphogenesis in Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons. In the complete absence of Drosophila JNK (Basket), MB axons fail to stabilize, leading to their subsequent degeneration. However, with a partial loss of Basket (Bsk), or of one of the upstream JNK kinases, Hemipterous or Mkk4, these axons overextend. This suggests that Bsk activity prevents axons from destabilizing, resulting in degeneration and overextension beyond their terminal targets. These distinct phenotypes require different threshold activities involving the convergent action of two distinct JNK kinases. We show that sustained Bsk signals are essential throughout development and act additively but are dispensable at adulthood. We also suggest that graded Bsk inputs are translated into AP-1 transcriptional outputs consisting of Fos and Jun proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Rallis
- MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, King's College, London SE1 1UL, UK
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25
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Targeted gain-of-function screening in Drosophila using GAL4-UAS and random transposon insertions. Genet Res (Camb) 2009; 91:243-58. [PMID: 19640320 DOI: 10.1017/s0016672309990152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the activity level or temporal expression of key signalling genes elicit profound patterning effects during development. Consequently, gain-of-function genetic schemes that overexpress or misexpress such loci can identify novel candidates for functions essential for a developmental process. GAL4-Upstream Activating Sequence (UAS)-targeted regulation of gene expression in Drosophila has allowed rapid analyses of coding sequences for potential roles in specific tissues at particular developmental stages. GAL4 has also been combined with randomly mobilized transposons capable of UAS-directed misexpression or overexpression of flanking sequences. This combination has produced a genetic screening system that can uncover novel loci refractory to standard loss of function genetic approaches, such as redundant genes. Available libraries of strains with sequenced insertion sites can allow direct correlation of phenotypes to genetic function. These techniques have also been applied to genetic interaction screening, where a GAL4 driver and UAS-regulated insertion collection are combined with an extant mutant genotype. In this article, we summarize studies that have utilized GAL4-UAS overexpression or misexpression of random loci to screen for candidates involved in specific developmental processes.
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26
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Massaro CM, Pielage J, Davis GW. Molecular mechanisms that enhance synapse stability despite persistent disruption of the spectrin/ankyrin/microtubule cytoskeleton. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 187:101-17. [PMID: 19805631 PMCID: PMC2762090 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200903166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular junctions crippled by a disrupted microtubule cytoskeleton are rescued by stress-induced activation of MAPK-JNK-Fos signaling. Loss of spectrin or ankyrin in the presynaptic motoneuron disrupts the synaptic microtubule cytoskeleton and leads to disassembly of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here, we demonstrate that NMJ disassembly after loss of α-spectrin can be suppressed by expression of a WldS transgene, providing evidence for a Wallerian-type degenerative mechanism. We then identify a second signaling system. Enhanced MAPK-JNK-Fos signaling suppresses NMJ disassembly despite loss of presynaptic α-spectrin or ankyrin2-L. This signaling system is activated after an acute cytoskeletal disruption, suggesting an endogenous role during neurological stress. This signaling system also includes delayed, negative feedback via the JNK phosphatase puckered, which inhibits JNK-Fos to allow NMJ disassembly in the presence of persistent cytoskeletal stress. Finally, the MAPK-JNK pathway is not required for baseline NMJ stabilization during normal NMJ growth. We present a model in which signaling via JNK-Fos functions as a stress response system that is transiently activated after cytoskeletal disruption to enhance NMJ stability, and is then shut off allowing NMJ disassembly during persistent cytoskeletal disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Massaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Program in Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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27
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Walkiewicz MA, Stern M. Increased insulin/insulin growth factor signaling advances the onset of metamorphosis in Drosophila. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5072. [PMID: 19352497 PMCID: PMC2662422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms by which attainment of specific body sizes trigger developmental transitions to adulthood (e.g. puberty or metamorphosis) are incompletely understood. In Drosophila, metamorphosis is triggered by ecdysone synthesis from the prothoracic gland (PG), whereas growth rate is increased by insulin/insulin growth factor signalling (IIS). Transgene-induced activation of PI3K, the major effector of IIS, within the PG advances the onset of metamorphosis via precocious ecdysone synthesis, raising the possibility that IIS triggers metamorphosis via PI3K activation in the PG. Here we show that blocking the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in the insulin producing cells (IPCs) increases IIS. This increased IIS increases larval growth rate and also advances the onset of metamorphosis, which is accompanied by precocious ecdysone synthesis and increased transcription of at least one ecdysone biosynthetic gene. Our observations suggest that IIS is regulated by PKA pathway activity in the IPCs. In addition, taken together with previous findings, our observations are consistent with the possibility that, in Drosophila, attainment of a specific body size triggers metamorphosis via the IIS-mediated activation of PI3K and hence ecdysone synthesis in the PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena A Walkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
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28
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Chapter 3 Mapping and Manipulating Neural Circuits in the Fly Brain. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2009; 65:79-143. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(09)65003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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29
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Zeng YA, Rahnama M, Wang S, Lee W, Verheyen EM. Inhibition of Drosophila Wg signaling involves competition between Mad and Armadillo/beta-catenin for dTcf binding. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3893. [PMID: 19065265 PMCID: PMC2587708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Precisely regulated signal transduction pathways are crucial for the regulation of developmental events and prevention of tumorigenesis. Both the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ)/Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt/Wingless (Wg) pathways play essential roles in organismal patterning and growth, and their deregulation can lead to cancers. We describe a mechanism of interaction between Drosophila Wg and BMP signaling in which Wg target gene expression is antagonized by BMP signaling. In vivo, high levels of both an activated BMP receptor and the BMP effector Mad can inhibit the expression of Wg target genes. Conversely, loss of mad can induce Wg target gene expression. In addition, we find that ectopic expression in vivo of the Wg transcription factor dTcf is able to suppress the inhibitory effect caused by ectopic Mad. In vitro binding studies revealed competition for dTcf binding between Mad and the Wnt effector β-catenin/Armadillo (Arm). Our in vivo genetic analyses and target gene studies support a mechanism consistent with the in vitro binding and competition studies, namely that BMP pathway components can repress Wg target gene expression by influencing the binding of Arm and dTcf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Arial Zeng
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maryam Rahnama
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Simon Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esther M. Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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30
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Hartwig CL, Worrell J, Levine RB, Ramaswami M, Sanyal S. Normal dendrite growth in Drosophila motor neurons requires the AP-1 transcription factor. Dev Neurobiol 2008; 68:1225-42. [PMID: 18548486 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
During learning and memory formation, information flow through networks is regulated significantly through structural alterations in neurons. Dendrites, sites of signal integration, are key targets of activity-mediated modifications. Although local mechanisms of dendritic growth ensure synapse-specific changes, global mechanisms linking neural activity to nuclear gene expression may have profound influences on neural function. Fos, being an immediate-early gene, is ideally suited to be an initial transducer of neural activity, but a precise role for the AP-1 transcription factor in dendrite growth remains to be elucidated. Here we measure changes in the dendritic fields of identified Drosophila motor neurons in vivo and in primary culture to investigate the role of the immediate-early transcription factor AP-1 in regulating endogenous and activity-induced dendrite growth. Our data indicate that (a) increased neural excitability or depolarization stimulates dendrite growth, (b) AP-1 (a Fos, Jun hetero-dimer) is required for normal motor neuron dendritic growth during development and in response to activity induction, and (c) neuronal Fos protein levels are rapidly but transiently induced in motor neurons following neural activity. Taken together, these results show that AP-1 mediated transcription is important for dendrite growth, and that neural activity influences global dendritic growth through a gene-expression dependent mechanism gated by AP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cortnie L Hartwig
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
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31
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Pierre W, Morra R, Lucchesi J, Yedvobnick B. A male-specific effect of dominant-negative Fos. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:3361-72. [PMID: 18924113 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Fos contains a basic DNA binding domain combined with a leucine zipper (bZip). Expression of a truncated form of Fos in Drosophila that contains only the bZip region (Fos bZip) elicits phenotypes resembling fos mutations. These effects presumably derive from competition between wild-type and truncated forms for dimerization partners, with the truncation acting in a dominant-negative manner. We found that expression of Fos bZip elicits male-specific phenotypes. Moreover, genetic interactions occur between Fos bZip and mutations in loci encoding the X chromosome dosage compensation complex. Fos bZip effects are correlated with aberrant male X chromosome structure and depressed signaling through the X-linked Notch locus. Unexpectedly, the male-specific effects are not reproduced with Fos RNAi, suggesting that Fos bZip can be neomorphic in nature. These results provide insight into how mutations in bZip proteins can exhibit gain of function activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wooly Pierre
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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32
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Overexpression screen in Drosophila identifies neuronal roles of GSK-3 beta/shaggy as a regulator of AP-1-dependent developmental plasticity. Genetics 2008; 180:2057-71. [PMID: 18832361 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.107.085555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AP-1, an immediate-early transcription factor comprising heterodimers of the Fos and Jun proteins, has been shown in several animal models, including Drosophila, to control neuronal development and plasticity. In spite of this important role, very little is known about additional proteins that regulate, cooperate with, or are downstream targets of AP-1 in neurons. Here, we outline results from an overexpression/misexpression screen in Drosophila to identify potential regulators of AP-1 function at third instar larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapses. First, we utilize >4000 enhancer and promoter (EP) and EPgy2 lines to screen a large subset of Drosophila genes for their ability to modify an AP-1-dependent eye-growth phenotype. Of 303 initially identified genes, we use a set of selection criteria to arrive at 25 prioritized genes from the resulting collection of putative interactors. Of these, perturbations in 13 genes result in synaptic phenotypes. Finally, we show that one candidate, the GSK-3beta-kinase homolog, shaggy, negatively influences AP-1-dependent synaptic growth, by modulating the Jun-N-terminal kinase pathway, and also regulates presynaptic neurotransmitter release at the larval neuromuscular junction. Other candidates identified in this screen provide a useful starting point to investigate genes that interact with AP-1 in vivo to regulate neuronal development and plasticity.
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33
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Haussmann IU, White K, Soller M. Erect wing regulates synaptic growth in Drosophila by integration of multiple signaling pathways. Genome Biol 2008; 9:R73. [PMID: 18419806 PMCID: PMC2643944 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2008-9-4-r73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Formation of synaptic connections is a dynamic and highly regulated process. Little is known about the gene networks that regulate synaptic growth and how they balance stimulatory and restrictive signals. Results Here we show that the neuronally expressed transcription factor gene erect wing (ewg) is a major target of the RNA binding protein ELAV and that EWG restricts synaptic growth at neuromuscular junctions. Using a functional genomics approach we demonstrate that EWG acts primarily through increasing mRNA levels of genes involved in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, while genes at the end of the regulatory expression hierarchy (effector genes) represent only a minor portion, indicating an extensive regulatory network. Among EWG-regulated genes are components of Wingless and Notch signaling pathways. In a clonal analysis we demonstrate that EWG genetically interacts with Wingless and Notch, and also with TGF-β and AP-1 pathways in the regulation of synaptic growth. Conclusion Our results show that EWG restricts synaptic growth by integrating multiple cellular signaling pathways into an extensive regulatory gene expression network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmgard U Haussmann
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Weber U, Pataki C, Mihaly J, Mlodzik M. Combinatorial signaling by the Frizzled/PCP and Egfr pathways during planar cell polarity establishment in the Drosophila eye. Dev Biol 2008; 316:110-23. [PMID: 18291359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 01/09/2008] [Accepted: 01/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Frizzled (Fz)/PCP signaling regulates planar, vectorial orientation of cells or groups of cells within whole tissues. Although Fz/PCP signaling has been analyzed in several contexts, little is known about nuclear events acting downstream of Fz/PCP signaling in the R3/R4 cell fate decision in the Drosophila eye or in other contexts. Here we demonstrate a specific requirement for Egfr-signaling and the transcription factors Fos (AP-1), Yan and Pnt in PCP dependent R3/R4 specification. Loss and gain-of-function assays suggest that the transcription factors integrate input from Fz/PCP and Egfr-signaling and that the ETS factors Pnt and Yan cooperate with Fos (and Jun) in the PCP-specific R3/R4 determination. Our data indicate that Fos (either downstream of Fz/PCP signaling or parallel to it) and Yan are required in R3 to specify its fate (Fos) or inhibit R4 fate (Yan) and that Egfr-signaling is required in R4 via Pnt for its fate specification. Taken together with previous work establishing a Notch-dependent Su(H) function in R4, we conclude that Fos, Yan, Pnt, and Su(H) integrate Egfr, Fz, and Notch signaling input in R3 or R4 to establish cell fate and ommatidial polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Weber
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, Annenberg Bldg. 18-92, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
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35
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Buff H, Smith AC, Korey CA. Genetic modifiers of Drosophila palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1-induced degeneration. Genetics 2007; 176:209-20. [PMID: 17409080 PMCID: PMC1893024 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.106.067983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL) is a pediatric neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the human CLN1 gene. CLN1 encodes palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), suggesting an important role for the regulation of palmitoylation in normal neuronal function. To further elucidate Ppt1 function, we performed a gain-of-function modifier screen in Drosophila using a collection of enhancer-promoter transgenic lines to suppress or enhance the degeneration produced by overexpression of Ppt1 in the adult visual system. Modifier genes identified in our screen connect Ppt1 function to synaptic vesicle cycling, endo-lysosomal trafficking, synaptic development, and activity-dependent remodeling of the synapse. Furthermore, several homologs of the modifying genes are known to be regulated by palmitoylation in other systems and may be in vivo substrates for Ppt1. Our results complement recent work on mouse Ppt1(-/-) cells that shows a reduction in synaptic vesicle pools in primary neuronal cultures and defects in endosomal trafficking in human fibroblasts. The pathways and processes implicated by our modifier loci shed light on the normal cellular function of Ppt1. A greater understanding of Ppt1 function in these cellular processes will provide valuable insight into the molecular etiology of the neuronal dysfunction underlying the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Buff
- Department of Biology, The College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina 29424, USA
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36
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Collins CA, Wairkar YP, Johnson SL, DiAntonio A. Highwire restrains synaptic growth by attenuating a MAP kinase signal. Neuron 2006; 51:57-69. [PMID: 16815332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2006] [Revised: 04/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Highwire is an extremely large, evolutionarily conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates synaptic growth at the Drosophila NMJ. Highwire has been proposed to restrain synaptic growth by downregulating a synaptogenic signal. Here we identify such a downstream signaling pathway. A screen for suppressors of the highwire synaptic overgrowth phenotype yielded mutations in wallenda, a MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) homologous to vertebrate DLK and LZK. wallenda is both necessary for highwire synaptic overgrowth and sufficient to promote synaptic overgrowth, and synaptic levels of Wallenda protein are controlled by Highwire and ubiquitin hydrolases. highwire synaptic overgrowth requires the MAP kinase JNK and the transcription factor Fos. These results suggest that Highwire controls structural plasticity of the synapse by regulating gene expression through a MAP kinase signaling pathway. In addition to controlling synaptic growth, Highwire promotes synaptic function through a separate pathway that does not require wallenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Collins
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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37
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Kiger JA, Natzle JE, Kimbrell DA, Paddy MR, Kleinhesselink K, Green MM. Tissue remodeling during maturation of the Drosophila wing. Dev Biol 2006; 301:178-91. [PMID: 16962574 PMCID: PMC1828914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The final step in morphogenesis of the adult fly is wing maturation, a process not well understood at the cellular level due to the impermeable and refractive nature of cuticle synthesized some 30 h prior to eclosion from the pupal case. Advances in GFP technology now make it possible to visualize cells using fluorescence after cuticle synthesis is complete. We find that, between eclosion and wing expansion, the epithelia within the folded wing begin to delaminate from the cuticle and that delamination is complete when the wing has fully expanded. After expansion, epithelial cells lose contact with each other, adherens junctions are disrupted, and nuclei become pycnotic. The cells then change shape, elongate, and migrate from the wing into the thorax. During wing maturation, the Timp gene product, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, and probably other components of an extracellular matrix are expressed that bond the dorsal and ventral cuticular surfaces of the wing following migration of the cells. These steps are dissected using the batone and Timp genes and ectopic expression of alphaPS integrin, inhibitors of Armadillo/beta-catenin nuclear activity and baculovirus caspase inhibitor p35. We conclude that an epithelial-mesenchymal transition is responsible for epithelial delamination and dissolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kiger
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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38
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Jindra M, Gaziova I, Uhlirova M, Okabe M, Hiromi Y, Hirose S. Coactivator MBF1 preserves the redox-dependent AP-1 activity during oxidative stress in Drosophila. EMBO J 2004; 23:3538-47. [PMID: 15306851 PMCID: PMC516628 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2004] [Accepted: 07/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic leucine zipper proteins Jun and Fos form the dimeric transcription factor AP-1, essential for cell differentiation and immune and antioxidant defenses. AP-1 activity is controlled, in part, by the redox state of critical cysteine residues within the basic regions of Jun and Fos. Mutation of these cysteines contributes to oncogenic potential of Jun and Fos. How cells maintain the redox-dependent AP-1 activity at favorable levels is not known. We show that the conserved coactivator MBF1 is a positive modulator of AP-1. Via a direct interaction with the basic region of Drosophila Jun (D-Jun), MBF1 prevents an oxidative modification (S-cystenyl cystenylation) of the critical cysteine and stimulates AP-1 binding to DNA. Cytoplasmic MBF1 translocates to the nucleus together with a transfected D-Jun protein, suggesting that MBF1 protects nascent D-Jun also in Drosophila cells. mbf1-null mutants live shorter than mbf1+ controls in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). An AP-1-dependent epithelial closure becomes sensitive to H2O2 in flies lacking MBF1. We conclude that by preserving the redox-sensitive AP-1 activity, MBF1 provides an advantage during oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jindra
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Entomology ASCR, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Ivana Gaziova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Entomology ASCR, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mirka Uhlirova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Entomology ASCR, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Masataka Okabe
- Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hiromi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Japan
| | - Susumu Hirose
- Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, 1111, Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka-ken 411-8540, Japan. Tel.: +81 559 816771; Fax: +81 559 816776; E-mail:
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39
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Kwon C, Hays R, Fetting J, Orenic TV. Opposing inputs by Hedgehog and Brinker define a stripe of hairy expression in the Drosophila leg imaginal disc. Development 2004; 131:2681-92. [PMID: 15128656 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The sensory organs of the Drosophila adult leg provide a simple model system with which to investigate pattern-forming mechanisms. In the leg, a group of small mechanosensory bristles is organized into a series of longitudinal rows, a pattern that depends on periodic expression of the hairy gene (h) and the proneural genes achaete (ac) and scute (sc). Expression of ac in longitudinal stripes in prepupal leg discs defines the positions of the mechanosensory bristle rows. The ac/sc expression domains are delimited by the Hairy repressor, which is itself periodically expressed. In order to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in leg sensory organ patterning, we have analyzed a Hedgehog (Hh)- and Decapentaplegic (Dpp)-responsive enhancer of the h gene, which directs expression of h in a narrow stripe in the dorsal leg imaginal disc (the D-h stripe). Our studies suggest that the domain of D-h expression is defined by the overlap of Hh and high-level Dpp signaling. We find that the D-h enhancer consists of a Hh-responsive activation element (HHRE) and a repression element (REPE), which responds to the transcriptional repressor Brinker (Brk). The HHRE directs expression of h in a broad stripe along the anteroposterior (AP) compartment boundary. HHRE-directed expression is refined along the AP and dorsoventral axes by Brk1, acting through the REPE. In D-h-expressing cells, Dpp signaling is required to block Brk-mediated repression. This study elucidates a molecular mechanism for integration of the Hh and Dpp signals, and identifies a novel function for Brk as a repressor of Hh-target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulan Kwon
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Biological Sciences, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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40
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Ionescu AM, Drissi H, Schwarz EM, Kato M, Puzas JE, McCance DJ, Rosier RN, Zuscik MJ, O'Keefe RJ. CREB Cooperates with BMP-stimulated Smad signaling to enhance transcription of the Smad6 promoter. J Cell Physiol 2004; 198:428-40. [PMID: 14755548 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Growth plate chondrocytes integrate a multitude of growth factor signals during maturation. PTHrP inhibits maturation through stimulation of PKA/CREB signaling while the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) stimulate maturation through Smad mediated signaling. In this manuscript, we show that interactions between CREB and the BMP associated Smads are promoter specific, and demonstrate for the first time the requirement of CREB signaling for Smad mediated activation of a BMP responsive region of the Smad6 promoter. The 28 base pairs (bp) BMP responsive element of the Smad6 promoter contains an 11 bp Smad binding region and an adjacent 17 bp region in which we characterize a putative CRE site. PKA/CREB gain of function enhanced BMP stimulation of this reporter, while loss of CREB function diminished transcriptional activity. In contrast, ATF-2 and AP-1 transcription factors had minimal effects. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed CREB binding to the Smad6 promoter element. Mutations eliminating binding resulted in loss of transcriptional activity, while mutations that maintained CREB binding had continued reporter activation by CREB and BMP-2. The Smad6 gene was similarly regulated by CREB. Dominant negative CREB reduced BMP-2 stimulated Smad6 gene transcription by 50%, but markedly increased BMP-2 mediated stimulation of colX and Ihh expression. In contrast, PTHrP which activates CREB signaling, blocked the stimulatory effect of BMP-2 on colX and Ihh, but minimally inhibited the stimulatory effect of BMP on Smad6. These findings are the first to demonstrate a cooperative association between CREB and BMP regulated Smads in cells from vertebrates and demonstrate that promoter-specific rather than generalized interactions between PKA/CREB and BMP signaling regulate gene expression in chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia M Ionescu
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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41
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Poels J, Vanden Broeck J. Insect basic leucine zipper proteins and their role in cyclic AMP-dependent regulation of gene expression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 241:277-309. [PMID: 15548422 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)41005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is an important intracellular signal transduction cascade that can be activated by a large variety of stimuli. Activation or inhibition of this pathway will ultimately affect the transcriptional regulation of various genes through distinct responsive sites. In vertebrates, the best- characterized nuclear targets of PKA are the cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) proteins. It is now well established that CREB is not only regulated by PKA, but many other kinases can exert an effect as well. Since CREB-like proteins were also discovered in invertebrates, several studies unraveling their physiological functions in this category of metazoans have been performed. This review will mainly focus on the presence and regulation of CREB proteins in insects. Differences in transcriptional responses to the PKA pathway and other CREB-regulating stimuli between cells, tissues, and even organisms can be partially attributed to the presence of different CREB isoforms. In addition, the regulation of CREB appears to show some important differences between insects and vertebrates. Since CREB is a basic leucine zipper (bZip) protein, other insect members of this important family of transcriptional regulators will be briefly discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Poels
- Laboratory for Developmental Physiology, Genomics and Proteomics, Catholic University Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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42
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Grienenberger A, Merabet S, Manak J, Iltis I, Fabre A, Bérenger H, Scott MP, Pradel J, Graba Y. Tgfβ signaling acts on a Hox response element to confer specificity and diversity to Hox protein function. Development 2003; 130:5445-55. [PMID: 14507783 DOI: 10.1242/dev.00760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hox proteins play fundamental roles in generating pattern diversity during development and evolution, acting in broad domains but controlling localized cell diversification and pattern. Much remains to be learned about how Hox selector proteins generate cell-type diversity. In this study, regulatory specificity was investigated by dissecting the genetic and molecular requirements that allow the Hox protein Abdominal A to activate wingless in only a few cells of its broad expression domain in the Drosophila visceral mesoderm. We show that the Dpp/Tgfβ signal controls Abdominal A function, and that Hox protein and signal-activated regulators converge on a wingless enhancer. The signal, acting through Mad and Creb, provides spatial information that subdivides the domain of Abdominal A function through direct combinatorial action, conferring specificity and diversity upon Abdominal A activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Grienenberger
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie du Développement, IBDM, CNRS, Université de la méditerranée, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
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43
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Abstract
In Xenopus embryos, body patterning and cell specification are initiated by transcription factors, which are themselves transcribed during oogenesis, and their mRNAs are stored for use after fertilization. We have previously shown that the T-box transcription factor VegT is both necessary and sufficient to initiate transcription of all endoderm, and most mesoderm genes. In the absence of maternal VegT, no mesodermal organs (including the heart) or endodermal organs form. A second maternal transcription factor XTcf3 acts as a global repressor of transcription of dorsal genes, whose repression is inactivated on the dorsal side by a maternally encoded Wnt signaling pathway. In the absence of beta-catenin, no mesodermal or endodermal organs form. We show here that the maternally encoded transcription factor CREB is also essential for development. It is required for the initiation of expression of several mesodermal genes, including Xbra, Xcad2, and -3 and also regulates the cardiogenic gene Nkx 2-5. We show that maternal CREB-depleted embryos develop gastrulation defects that are rescued by the reintroduction of activated CREB mRNA. We conclude that maternal CREB must be added to the list of essential maternal transcription factors regulating cell specification in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nambirajan Sundaram
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
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44
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Warner DR, Pisano MM, Greene RM. Nuclear convergence of the TGFbeta and cAMP signal transduction pathways in murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells. Cell Signal 2003; 15:235-42. [PMID: 12464395 DOI: 10.1016/s0898-6568(02)00082-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factors beta (TGFbeta) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) both participate in growth and differentiation of the developing mammalian secondary palate and elicit similar biological responses. Cross-talk between these two signal transduction pathways in cells derived from the embryonic palate has been demonstrated previously. In the present study, we have examined nuclear convergence of these signalling pathways at the level of transcriptional complex formation. Biotinylated oligonucleotides encoding a consensus Smad binding element (SBE), or a cyclic AMP response element (CRE), were mixed with cell extracts from murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) cells that were treated with either TGFbeta or forskolin. Protein-oligonucleotide complexes were precipitated with streptavidin-agarose, and analysed by Western blotting to identify proteins in the complex bound to each consensus oligonucleotide. TGFbeta treatment of MEPM cells increased the levels of phosphorylated Smad2, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and the coactivator, CREB binding protein (CBP), that were part of a complex bound to the SBE. Treatment of cells with forskolin, a stimulator of adenylate cyclase, increased the amount of phosphorylated CREB and CBP, but not the amount of phosphorylated Smad2 bound in a complex to the SBE. Additionally, the presence of the co-repressors, c-Ski and SnoN, was demonstrated as part of a complex bound to the SBE (but not the CRE). Amounts of c-Ski and SnoN found in the SBE-containing complex increased in response to either TGFbeta or forskolin. These results demonstrate that phosphorylated CREB forms a complex with the co-activator CBP, phosphorylated Smad2 and the co-repressors c-Ski and SnoN on a consensus SBE. This suggests cooperative regulation of genes with SBE-containing promoters by the cAMP and TGFbeta signalling pathways in the developing palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Warner
- University of Louisville Birth Defects Center, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Craniofacial Biology, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, 501 South Preston Street, Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signals through a heteromeric complex of serine/threonine kinase receptors. The type I receptor phosphorylates and activates the receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads), Smad2 and Smad3, which form hetero-oligomeric complexes with the co-Smad, Smad4, and translocate to the nucleus. Smad3 and Smad4 can bind directly to consensus DNA-binding elements in the promoters of target genes, whereas Smad2/Smad4 complexes are targeted to DNA by interacting with sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors that contain a well-defined Smad interaction motif (SIM). The exact stoichiometry of Smad homo- and hetero-oligomers both before and after ligand stimulation is controversial. Here we determine the stoichiometry of TGF-beta-induced Smad-transcription factor complexes on DNA. We show that complexes of Smad2/Smad4 with the transcription factors Fast-1 or Fast-3 contain one Fast, two Smad2s, and one Smad4. In contrast, Smad3/Smad4 complexes that bind the Smad-binding element from the c-jun promoter, are heterodimers. Furthermore, these Smad3/Smad4 complexes contain at least two additional components essential for complex formation, one of which contains a SIM. Our data suggest that the R-Smads can form heterodimers or heterotrimers with Smad4, and we propose that the exact stoichiometries of active Smad complexes on DNA may be determined by the transcription factors with which they associate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth J Inman
- Laboratory of Developmental Signalling, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, United Kingdom
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Tang Q, Staub CM, Gao G, Jin Q, Wang Z, Ding W, Aurigemma RE, Mulder KM. A novel transforming growth factor-beta receptor-interacting protein that is also a light chain of the motor protein dynein. Mol Biol Cell 2002; 13:4484-96. [PMID: 12475967 PMCID: PMC138648 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e02-05-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphorylated, activated cytoplasmic domains of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) receptors were used as probes to screen an expression library that was prepared from a highly TGFbeta-responsive intestinal epithelial cell line. One of the TGFbeta receptor-interacting proteins isolated was identified to be the mammalian homologue of the LC7 family (mLC7) of dynein light chains (DLCs). This 11-kDa cytoplasmic protein interacts with the TGFbeta receptor complex intracellularly and is phosphorylated on serine residues after ligand-receptor engagement. Forced expression of mLC7-1 induces specific TGFbeta responses, including an activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a phosphorylation of c-Jun, and an inhibition of cell growth. Furthermore, TGFbeta induces the recruitment of mLC7-1 to the intermediate chain of dynein. A kinase-deficient form of TGFbeta RII prevents both mLC7-1 phosphorylation and interaction with the dynein intermediate chain (DIC). This is the first demonstration of a link between cytoplasmic dynein and a natural growth inhibitory cytokine. Furthermore, our results suggest that TGFbeta pathway components may use a motor protein light chain as a receptor for the recruitment and transport of specific cargo along microtublules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
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47
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Barolo S, Posakony JW. Three habits of highly effective signaling pathways: principles of transcriptional control by developmental cell signaling. Genes Dev 2002; 16:1167-81. [PMID: 12023297 DOI: 10.1101/gad.976502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Barolo
- Division of Biology/CDB, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0349, USA
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48
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Lehmann M, Jiang C, Ip YT, Thummel CS. AP-1, but not NF-kappa B, is required for efficient steroid-triggered cell death in Drosophila. Cell Death Differ 2002; 9:581-90. [PMID: 11973616 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2001] [Revised: 10/10/2001] [Accepted: 11/13/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies in vertebrate cells have assigned a central role to Rel/NF-kappa B and AP-1 family members in the control of apoptosis. We ask here whether parallel pathways might function in Drosophila by determining if Rel/NF-kappa B or AP-1 family members contribute to the steroid-triggered death of larval salivary glands during Drosophila metamorphosis. We show that two of the three Drosophila Rel/NF-kappa B genes are expressed in doomed salivary glands and that one family member, Dif, is induced in a stage-specific manner immediately before the onset of programmed cell death. Similarly, Djun is expressed for many hours before salivary gland cell death while Dfos is induced in a stage-specific manner, immediately before this tissue is destroyed. We show that null mutations in the three Drosophila Rel/NF-kappa B family members, either alone or in combination, have no apparent effect on this death response. In contrast, Dfos is required for the proper timing of larval salivary gland cell death as well as the proper induction of key death genes. This study demonstrates a role for AP-1 in the stage-specific steroid-triggered programmed cell death of larval tissues during Drosophila metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lehmann
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Human Genetics, 15 North 2030 East Room 5100, University of Utah, Utah, UT 84112-5331, USA
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Sanyal S, Sandstrom DJ, Hoeffer CA, Ramaswami M. AP-1 functions upstream of CREB to control synaptic plasticity in Drosophila. Nature 2002; 416:870-4. [PMID: 11976688 DOI: 10.1038/416870a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Activity-regulated gene expression mediates many aspects of neural plasticity, including long-term memory. In the prevailing view, patterned synaptic activity causes kinase-mediated activation of the transcription factor cyclic AMP response-element-binding protein, CREB. Together with appropriate cofactors, CREB then transcriptionally induces a group of 'immediate early' transcription factors and, eventually, effector proteins that establish or consolidate synaptic change. Here, using a Drosophila model synapse, we analyse cellular functions and regulation of the best known immediate early transcription factor, AP-1; a heterodimer of the basic leucine zipper proteins Fos and Jun. We observe that AP-1 positively regulates both synaptic strength and synapse number, thus showing a greater range of influence than CREB. Observations from genetic epistasis and RNA quantification experiments indicate that AP-1 acts upstream of CREB, regulates levels of CREB messenger RNA, and functions at the top of the hierarchy of transcription factors known to regulate long-term plasticity. A Jun-kinase signalling module provides a CREB-independent route for neuronal AP-1 activation; thus, CREB regulation of AP-1 expression may, in some neurons, constitute a positive feedback loop rather than the primary step in AP-1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhabrata Sanyal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA
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Awatramani R, Shumas S, Kamholz J, Scherer SS. TGFbeta1 modulates the phenotype of Schwann cells at the transcriptional level. Mol Cell Neurosci 2002; 19:307-19. [PMID: 11906205 DOI: 10.1006/mcne.2001.1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We have examined the effects of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) on gene expression in cultured rat Schwann cells (SCs). TGFbeta1 decreased the steady-state mRNA levels of several genes that are expressed by myelinating SCs but had varied effects on the mRNA levels of NCAM, L1, GAP-43, and p75-genes that are expressed by denervated and nonmyelinating SCs. TGFbeta1 antagonized the effects of forskolin on the mRNA levels of the transcription factors Oct-6/tst-1/SCIP and Krox20. Transcriptional run-off analysis demonstrated that the effects of TGFbeta1 on gene expression occur at least in part at the level of transcription. Thus, TGFbeta1 suppresses the expression of genes that characterize the different phenotypes of SCs, and these changes occur at least in part at a transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwar Awatramani
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Elliman Building 3206, 421 East Canfield, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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