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Stengl M, Schneider AC. Contribution of membrane-associated oscillators to biological timing at different timescales. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1243455. [PMID: 38264332 PMCID: PMC10803594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1243455] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental rhythms such as the daily light-dark cycle selected for endogenous clocks. These clocks predict regular environmental changes and provide the basis for well-timed adaptive homeostasis in physiology and behavior of organisms. Endogenous clocks are oscillators that are based on positive feedforward and negative feedback loops. They generate stable rhythms even under constant conditions. Since even weak interactions between oscillators allow for autonomous synchronization, coupling/synchronization of oscillators provides the basis of self-organized physiological timing. Amongst the most thoroughly researched clocks are the endogenous circadian clock neurons in mammals and insects. They comprise nuclear clockworks of transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFL) that generate ∼24 h rhythms in clock gene expression entrained to the environmental day-night cycle. It is generally assumed that this TTFL clockwork drives all circadian oscillations within and between clock cells, being the basis of any circadian rhythm in physiology and behavior of organisms. Instead of the current gene-based hierarchical clock model we provide here a systems view of timing. We suggest that a coupled system of autonomous TTFL and posttranslational feedback loop (PTFL) oscillators/clocks that run at multiple timescales governs adaptive, dynamic homeostasis of physiology and behavior. We focus on mammalian and insect neurons as endogenous oscillators at multiple timescales. We suggest that neuronal plasma membrane-associated signalosomes constitute specific autonomous PTFL clocks that generate localized but interlinked oscillations of membrane potential and intracellular messengers with specific endogenous frequencies. In each clock neuron multiscale interactions of TTFL and PTFL oscillators/clocks form a temporally structured oscillatory network with a common complex frequency-band comprising superimposed multiscale oscillations. Coupling between oscillator/clock neurons provides the next level of complexity of an oscillatory network. This systemic dynamic network of molecular and cellular oscillators/clocks is suggested to form the basis of any physiological homeostasis that cycles through dynamic homeostatic setpoints with a characteristic frequency-band as hallmark. We propose that mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity maintain the stability of these dynamic setpoints, whereas Hebbian plasticity enables switching between setpoints via coupling factors, like biogenic amines and/or neuropeptides. They reprogram the network to a new common frequency, a new dynamic setpoint. Our novel hypothesis is up for experimental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stengl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neuroethology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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Martin C, Hering L, Metzendorf N, Hormann S, Kasten S, Fuhrmann S, Werckenthin A, Herberg FW, Stengl M, Mayer G. Analysis of Pigment-Dispersing Factor Neuropeptides and Their Receptor in a Velvet Worm. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:273. [PMID: 32477266 PMCID: PMC7235175 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment-dispersing factor neuropeptides (PDFs) occur in a wide range of protostomes including ecdysozoans (= molting animals) and lophotrochozoans (mollusks, annelids, flatworms, and allies). Studies in insects revealed that PDFs play a role as coupling factors of circadian pacemaker cells, thereby controlling rest-activity rhythms. While the last common ancestor of protostomes most likely possessed only one pdf gene, two pdf homologs, pdf-I and pdf-II, might have been present in the last common ancestors of Ecdysozoa and Panarthropoda (Onychophora + Tardigrada + Arthropoda). One of these homologs, however, was subsequently lost in the tardigrade and arthropod lineages followed by independent duplications of pdf-I in tardigrades and decapod crustaceans. Due to the ancestral set of two pdf genes, the study of PDFs and their receptor (PDFR) in Onychophora might reveal the ancient organization and function of the PDF/PDFR system in panarthropods. Therefore, we deorphanized the PDF receptor and generated specific antibodies to localize the two PDF peptides and their receptor in the onychophoran Euperipatoides rowelli. We further conducted bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) experiments on cultured human cells (HEK293T) using an Epac-based sensor (Epac-L) to examine cAMP responses in transfected cells and to reveal potential differences in the interaction of PDF-I and PDF-II with PDFR from E. rowelli. These data show that PDF-II has a tenfold higher potency than PDF-I as an activating ligand. Double immunolabeling revealed that both peptides are co-expressed in E. rowelli but their respective levels of expression differ between specific cells: some neurons express the same amount of both peptides, while others exhibit higher levels of either PDF-I or PDF-II. The detection of the onychophoran PDF receptor in cells that additionally express the two PDF peptides suggests autoreception, whereas spatial separation of PDFR- and PDF-expressing cells supports hormonal release of PDF into the hemolymph. This suggests a dual role of PDF peptides-as hormones and as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators-in Onychophora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Martin
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Lars Hering
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Niklas Metzendorf
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Sarah Hormann
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Sonja Kasten
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Sonja Fuhrmann
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Achim Werckenthin
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Monika Stengl
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
- *Correspondence: Georg Mayer
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Giese M, Wei H, Stengl M. Circadian pacemaker neurons of the Madeira cockroach are inhibited and activated by GABA
A
and GABA
B
receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 51:282-299. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giese
- FB10, Biology, Animal PhysiologyUniversity of Kassel Kassel Germany
| | - HongYing Wei
- FB10, Biology, Animal PhysiologyUniversity of Kassel Kassel Germany
| | - Monika Stengl
- FB10, Biology, Animal PhysiologyUniversity of Kassel Kassel Germany
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Giese M, Gestrich J, Massah A, Peterle J, Wei H, Stengl M. GABA- and serotonin-expressing neurons take part in inhibitory as well as excitatory input pathways to the circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach Rhyparobia maderae. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:1067-1080. [PMID: 29430734 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In the Madeira cockroach, pigment-dispersing factor-immunoreactive (PDF-ir) neurons innervating the circadian clock, the accessory medulla (AME) in the brain's optic lobes, control circadian behaviour. Circadian activity rhythms are entrained to daily light-dark cycles only by compound eye photoreceptors terminating in the lamina and medulla. Still, it is unknown which neurons connect the photoreceptors to the clock to allow for light entrainment. Here, we characterized by multiple-label immunocytochemistry the serotonin (5-HT)-ir anterior fibre fan and GABA-ir pathways connecting the AME- and optic lobe neuropils. Colocalization of 5-HT with PDF was confirmed in PDF-ir lamina neurons (PDFLAs). Double-labelled fibres were traced to the AME originating from colabelled PDFLAs branching in accessory laminae and proximal lamina. The newly discovered GABA-ir medial layer fibre tract connected the AME to the medulla's medial layer fibre system, and the distal tract fibres connected the AME to the medulla. With Ca2+ imaging on primary cell cultures of the AME and with loose-patch-clamp recordings in vivo, we showed that both neurotransmitters either excite or inhibit AME clock neurons. Because we found no colocalization of GABA and 5-HT in any optic lobe neuron, GABA- and 5-HT neurons form separate clock input circuits. Among others, both pathways converged also on AME neurons that coexpressed mostly inhibitory GABA- and excitatory 5-HT receptors. Our physiological and immunocytochemical studies demonstrate that GABA- and 5-HT-immunoreactive neurons constitute parallel excitatory or inhibitory pathways connecting the circadian clock either to the lamina or medulla where photic information from the compound eye is processed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giese
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Julia Gestrich
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Azar Massah
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Jonas Peterle
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - HongYing Wei
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Monika Stengl
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Biology, FB10, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
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Gestrich J, Giese M, Shen W, Zhang Y, Voss A, Popov C, Stengl M, Wei H. Sensitivity to Pigment-Dispersing Factor (PDF) Is Cell-Type Specific among PDF-Expressing Circadian Clock Neurons in the Madeira Cockroach. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 33:35-51. [PMID: 29179611 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417739471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation studies have pinpointed the circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach to the accessory medulla (AME) of the brain's optic lobes. The AME is innervated by approximately 240 adjacent neuropeptidergic neurons, including 12 pigment-dispersing factor (PDF)-expressing neurons anterior to the AME (aPDFMEs). Four of the aPDFMEs project contralaterally, controlling locomotor activity rhythms of the night-active cockroach. The present in vitro Ca2+ imaging analysis focuses on contralaterally projecting AME neurons and their responses to PDF, GABA, and acetylcholine (ACh). First, rhodamine-dextran backfills from the contralateral optic stalk identified contralaterally projecting AME neurons, which were then dispersed in primary cell cultures. After characterization of PDF, GABA, and ACh responses, PDF immunocytochemistry identified ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting PDFMEs. All PDF-sensitive clock neurons, PDF-immunoreactive clock neurons, and the majority of ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting cells were excited by ACh. GABA inhibited all PDF-expressing clock neurons, and about half of other ipsilaterally projecting and most contralaterally projecting clock neurons. For the first time, we identified PDF autoreceptors in PDF-secreting cockroach circadian pacemakers. The medium-sized aPDFMEs and all other contralaterally projecting PDF-sensitive clock cells were inhibited by PDF. The ipsilaterally remaining small PDF-sensitive clock cells were activated by PDF. Only the largest aPDFME did not express PDF autoreceptors. We hypothesize that opposing PDF signaling generates 2 different ensembles of clock cells with antiphasic activity, regulating and maintaining a constant phase relationship between rest and activity cycles of the night-active cockroach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gestrich
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Maria Giese
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Yi Zhang
- Institute of Nanostructure Technologies and Analytics, Center of Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology (CINSaT), University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Alexandra Voss
- Institute of Nanostructure Technologies and Analytics, Center of Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology (CINSaT), University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Cyril Popov
- Institute of Nanostructure Technologies and Analytics, Center of Interdisciplinary Nanostructure Science and Technology (CINSaT), University of Kassel, Germany
| | - Monika Stengl
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Kassel, Germany
| | - HongYing Wei
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Kassel, Germany
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Strong attachment of circadian pacemaker neurons on modified ultrananocrystalline diamond surfaces. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 64:278-285. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Wei H, Yasar H, Funk NW, Giese M, Baz ES, Stengl M. Signaling of pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) in the Madeira cockroach Rhyparobia maderae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108757. [PMID: 25269074 PMCID: PMC4182629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a functional ortholog of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, the coupling factor of the mammalian circadian pacemaker. Despite of PDF's importance for synchronized circadian locomotor activity rhythms its signaling is not well understood. We studied PDF signaling in primary cell cultures of the accessory medulla, the circadian pacemaker of the Madeira cockroach. In Ca²⁺ imaging studies four types of PDF-responses were distinguished. In regularly bursting type 1 pacemakers PDF application resulted in dose-dependent long-lasting increases in Ca²⁺ baseline concentration and frequency of oscillating Ca²⁺ transients. Adenylyl cyclase antagonists prevented PDF-responses in type 1 cells, indicating that PDF signaled via elevation of intracellular cAMP levels. In contrast, in type 2 pacemakers PDF transiently raised intracellular Ca²⁺ levels even after blocking adenylyl cyclase activity. In patch clamp experiments the previously characterized types 1-4 could not be identified. Instead, PDF-responses were categorized according to ion channels affected. Application of PDF inhibited outward potassium or inward sodium currents, sometimes in the same neuron. In a comparison of Ca²⁺ imaging and patch clamp experiments we hypothesized that in type 1 cells PDF-dependent rises in cAMP concentrations block primarily outward K⁺ currents. Possibly, this PDF-dependent depolarization underlies PDF-dependent phase advances of pacemakers. Finally, we propose that PDF-dependent concomitant modulation of K⁺ and Na⁺ channels in coupled pacemakers causes ultradian membrane potential oscillations as prerequisite to efficient synchronization via resonance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Wei
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
| | - Hanzey Yasar
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
| | - Nico W. Funk
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
| | - Maria Giese
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
| | - El-Sayed Baz
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
| | - Monika Stengl
- University of Kassel, FB 10, Biology, Animal Physiology, Kassel, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Baz ES, Wei H, Grosshans J, Stengl M. Calcium responses of circadian pacemaker neurons of the cockroach Rhyparobia maderae to acetylcholine and histamine. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2013; 199:365-74. [PMID: 23456090 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-013-0800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The accessory medulla (aMe) is the pacemaker that controls circadian activity rhythms in the cockroach Rhyparobia maderae. Not much is known about the classical neurotransmitters of input pathways to the cockroach circadian system. The circadian pacemaker center receives photic input from the compound eye, via unknown excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory entrainment pathways. In addition, neuropeptidergic inputs couple both pacemaker centers. A histamine-immunoreactive centrifugal neuron connects the ventral aMe with projection areas in the lateral protocerebrum and may provide non-photic inputs. To identify neurotransmitters of input pathways to the circadian clock with Fura-2-dependent Ca(2+) imaging, primary cell cultures of the adult aMe were stimulated with acetylcholine (ACh), as the most prominent excitatory, and histamine, as common inhibitory neurotransmitter. In most of aMe neurons, ACh application caused dose-dependent increases in intracellular Ca(2+) levels via ionotropic nicotinic ACh receptors. These ACh-dependent rises in Ca(2+) were mediated by mibefradil-sensitive voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels. In contrast, histamine application decreased intracellular Ca(2+) levels in only a subpopulation of aMe cells via H2-type histamine receptor chloride channels. Thus, our data suggest that ACh is part of the light entrainment pathway while histamine is involved in a non-photic input pathway to the ventral circadian clock of the Madeira cockroach.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Sayed Baz
- Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FB 10), University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
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