1
|
Martinez D, Zhu M, Guidry JJ, Majeste N, Mao H, Yanofsky ST, Tian X, Wu C. Mask, the Drosophila ankyrin repeat and KH domain-containing protein, affects microtubule stability. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:272264. [PMID: 34553767 PMCID: PMC8572007 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper regulation of microtubule (MT) stability and dynamics is vital for essential cellular processes, including axonal transportation and synaptic growth and remodeling in neurons. In the present study, we demonstrate that the Drosophila ankyrin repeat and KH domain-containing protein Mask negatively affects MT stability in both larval muscles and motor neurons. In larval muscles, loss-of-function of mask increases MT polymer length, and in motor neurons, loss of mask function results in overexpansion of the presynaptic terminal at the larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). mask genetically interacts with stathmin (stai), a neuronal modulator of MT stability, in the regulation of axon transportation and synaptic terminal stability. Our structure–function analysis of Mask revealed that its ankyrin repeats domain-containing N-terminal portion is sufficient to mediate Mask's impact on MT stability. Furthermore, we discovered that Mask negatively regulates the abundance of the MT-associated protein Jupiter in motor neuron axons, and that neuronal knocking down of Jupiter partially suppresses mask loss-of-function phenotypes at the larval NMJs. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that Mask is a novel regulator for MT stability, and such a role of Mask requires normal function of Jupiter. Summary: Mask is a novel regulator of MT stability in Drosophila. Mask shows prominent interplay with two important modulators of MT, Tau and Stathmin (Stai), whose mutations are related to human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martinez
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mingwei Zhu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jessie J Guidry
- Proteomics Core Facility, and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Niles Majeste
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hui Mao
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sarah T Yanofsky
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xiaolin Tian
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chunlai Wu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Historical perspective and progress on protein ubiquitination at glutamatergic synapses. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108690. [PMID: 34197891 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Transcription-translation coupling leads to the production of proteins that are key for controlling essential neuronal processes that include neuronal development and changes in synaptic strength. Although these events have been a prevailing theme in neuroscience, the regulation of proteins via posttranslational signaling pathways are equally relevant for these neuronal processes. Ubiquitin is one type of posttranslational modification that covalently attaches to its targets/substrates. Ubiquitination of proteins play a key role in multiple signaling pathways, the predominant being removal of its substrates by a large molecular machine called the proteasome. Here, I review 40 years of progress on ubiquitination in the nervous system at glutamatergic synapses focusing on axon pathfinding, synapse formation, presynaptic release, dendritic spine formation, and regulation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Finally, I elucidate emerging themes in ubiquitin biology that may challenge our current understanding of ubiquitin signaling in the nervous system.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kikuma K, Li X, Perry S, Li Q, Goel P, Chen C, Kim D, Stavropoulos N, Dickman D. Cul3 and insomniac are required for rapid ubiquitination of postsynaptic targets and retrograde homeostatic signaling. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2998. [PMID: 31278365 PMCID: PMC6611771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, inhibition of postsynaptic glutamate receptors activates retrograde signaling that precisely increases presynaptic neurotransmitter release to restore baseline synaptic strength. However, the nature of the underlying postsynaptic induction process remains enigmatic. Here, we design a forward genetic screen to discover factors in the postsynaptic compartment necessary to generate retrograde homeostatic signaling. This approach identified insomniac (inc), a putative adaptor for the Cullin-3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase complex, which together with Cul3 is essential for normal sleep regulation. Interestingly, we find that Inc and Cul3 rapidly accumulate at postsynaptic compartments following acute receptor inhibition and are required for a local increase in mono-ubiquitination. Finally, we show that Peflin, a Ca2+-regulated Cul3 co-adaptor, is necessary for homeostatic communication, suggesting a relationship between Ca2+ signaling and control of Cul3/Inc activity in the postsynaptic compartment. Our study suggests that Cul3/Inc-dependent mono-ubiquitination, compartmentalized at postsynaptic densities, gates retrograde signaling and provides an intriguing molecular link between the control of sleep and homeostatic plasticity at synapses. The authors use a forward genetic screen to discover postsynaptic factors required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. They identify insomniac and the ubiquitin ligase Cul3, genes involved in sleep regulation, to be necessary for retrograde homeostatic signalling at this synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koto Kikuma
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Xiling Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sarah Perry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Qiuling Li
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Catherine Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Daniel Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Nicholas Stavropoulos
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Russo A, Goel P, Brace EJ, Buser C, Dickman D, DiAntonio A. The E3 ligase Highwire promotes synaptic transmission by targeting the NAD-synthesizing enzyme dNmnat. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e46975. [PMID: 30692130 PMCID: PMC6399608 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin ligase Highwire restrains synaptic growth and promotes evoked neurotransmission at NMJ synapses in Drosophila Highwire regulates synaptic morphology by downregulating the MAP3K Wallenda, but excess Wallenda signaling does not account for the decreased presynaptic release observed in highwire mutants. Hence, Highwire likely has a second substrate that inhibits neurotransmission. Highwire targets the NAD+ biosynthetic and axoprotective enzyme dNmnat to regulate axonal injury responses. dNmnat localizes to synapses and interacts with the active zone protein Bruchpilot, leading us to hypothesize that Highwire promotes evoked release by downregulating dNmnat. Here, we show that excess dNmnat is necessary in highwire mutants and sufficient in wild-type larvae to reduce quantal content, likely via disruption of active zone ultrastructure. Catalytically active dNmnat is required to drive defects in evoked release, and depletion of a second NAD+ synthesizing enzyme is sufficient to suppress these defects in highwire mutants, suggesting that excess NAD+ biosynthesis is the mechanism inhibiting neurotransmission. Thus, Highwire downregulates dNmnat to promote evoked synaptic release, suggesting that Highwire balances the axoprotective and synapse-inhibitory functions of dNmnat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Russo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pragya Goel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E J Brace
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chris Buser
- Oak Crest Institute of Science, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Dion Dickman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron DiAntonio
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Strand NS, Allen JM, Ghulam M, Taylor MR, Munday RK, Carrillo M, Movsesyan A, Zayas RM. Dissecting the function of Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase complex genes in planarian regeneration. Dev Biol 2018; 433:210-217. [PMID: 29291974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin system plays a role in nearly every aspect of eukaryotic cell biology. The enzymes responsible for transferring ubiquitin onto specific substrates are the E3 ubiquitin ligases, a large and diverse family of proteins, for which biological roles and target substrates remain largely undefined. Studies using model organisms indicate that ubiquitin signaling mediates key steps in developmental processes and tissue regeneration. Here, we used the freshwater planarian, Schmidtea mediterranea, to investigate the role of Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL) complexes in stem cell regulation during regeneration. We identified six S. mediterranea cullin genes, and used RNAi to uncover roles for homologs of Cullin-1, -3 and -4 in planarian regeneration. The cullin-1 RNAi phenotype included defects in blastema formation, organ regeneration, lesions, and lysis. To further investigate the function of cullin-1-mediated cellular processes in planarians, we examined genes encoding the adaptor protein Skp1 and F-box substrate-recognition proteins that are predicted to partner with Cullin-1. RNAi against skp1 resulted in phenotypes similar to cullin-1 RNAi, and an RNAi screen of the F-box genes identified 19 genes that recapitulated aspects of cullin-1 RNAi, including ones that in mammals are involved in stem cell regulation and cancer biology. Our data provides evidence that CRLs play discrete roles in regenerative processes and provide a platform to investigate how CRLs regulate stem cells in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Strand
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - John M Allen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Mahjoobah Ghulam
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Matthew R Taylor
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Roma K Munday
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Melissa Carrillo
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Artem Movsesyan
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Ricardo M Zayas
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pinto MJ, Alves PL, Martins L, Pedro JR, Ryu HR, Jeon NL, Taylor AM, Almeida RD. The proteasome controls presynaptic differentiation through modulation of an on-site pool of polyubiquitinated conjugates. J Cell Biol 2016; 212:789-801. [PMID: 27022091 PMCID: PMC4810304 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201509039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The intra-axonal events governing formation of presynaptic terminals are still poorly understood. Pinto et al. reveal a mechanism by which a localized decrease in proteasome degradation and resultant accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins at nascent sites signal assembly of presynaptic terminals. Differentiation of the presynaptic terminal is a complex and rapid event that normally occurs in spatially specific axonal regions distant from the soma; thus, it is believed to be dependent on intra-axonal mechanisms. However, the full nature of the local events governing presynaptic assembly remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the involvement of the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), the major degradative pathway, in the local modulation of presynaptic differentiation. We found that proteasome inhibition has a synaptogenic effect on isolated axons. In addition, formation of a stable cluster of synaptic vesicles onto a postsynaptic partner occurs in parallel to an on-site decrease in proteasome degradation. Accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins at nascent sites is a local trigger for presynaptic clustering. Finally, proteasome-related ubiquitin chains (K11 and K48) function as signals for the assembly of presynaptic terminals. Collectively, we propose a new axon-intrinsic mechanism for presynaptic assembly through local UPS inhibition. Subsequent on-site accumulation of proteins in their polyubiquitinated state triggers formation of presynapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Pinto
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro L Alves
- Instituto de Educação e Cidadania, 3770-033 Mamarrosa, Portugal
| | - Luís Martins
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana R Pedro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hyun R Ryu
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-744, Korea
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-744, Korea Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-744, Korea
| | - Anne M Taylor
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Ramiro D Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal School of Allied Health Technologies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4400-330 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ivanova D, Dirks A, Fejtova A. Bassoon and piccolo regulate ubiquitination and link presynaptic molecular dynamics with activity-regulated gene expression. J Physiol 2016; 594:5441-8. [PMID: 26915533 DOI: 10.1113/jp271826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Release of neurotransmitter is executed by complex multiprotein machinery, which is assembled around the presynaptic cytomatrix at the active zone. One well-established function of this proteinaceous scaffold is the spatial organization of synaptic vesicle cluster, the protein complexes that execute membrane fusion and compensatory endocytosis, and the transmembrane molecules important for alignment of pre- and postsynaptic structures. The presynaptic cytomatrix proteins function also in processes other than the formation of a static frame for assembly of the release apparatus and synaptic vesicle cycling. They actively contribute to the regulation of multiple steps in this process and are themselves an important subject of regulation during neuronal plasticity. We are only beginning to understand the mechanisms and signalling pathways controlling these regulations. They are mainly dependent on posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation and small-molecules conjugation, such as ubiquitination. Ubiquitination of presynaptic proteins might lead to their degradation by proteasomes, but evidence is growing that this modification also affects their function independently of their degradation. Signalling from presynapse to nucleus, which works on a much slower time scale and more globally, emerged as an important mechanism for persistent usage-dependent and homeostatic neuronal plasticity. Recently, two new functions for the largest presynaptic scaffolding proteins bassoon and piccolo emerged. They were implied (1) in the regulation of specific protein ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated proteolysis that potentially contributes to short-term plasticity at the presynapse and (2) in the coupling of activity-induced molecular rearrangements at the presynapse with reprogramming of expression of neuronal activity-regulated genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ivanova
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anika Dirks
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtova
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Injury to the nervous system: A look into the ER. Brain Res 2016; 1648:617-625. [PMID: 27117870 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Injury to the central or peripheral nervous systems leads to the loss of cognitive and/or sensorimotor capabilities that still lack an effective treatment. Although injury to the nervous system involves multiple and complex molecular factors, alteration to protein homeostasis is emerging as a relevant pathological mechanism. In particular, chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is proposed as a possible driver of neuronal dysfunction in conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke and damage to peripheral nerves. Importantly, manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a homeostatic pathway engaged by ER stress, has proved effective in improving cognitive and motor recovery after nervous system injury. Here we provide an overview on recent findings depicting a functional role of the UPR to the functional recovery after injury in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.
Collapse
|
9
|
Grill B, Murphey RK, Borgen MA. The PHR proteins: intracellular signaling hubs in neuronal development and axon degeneration. Neural Dev 2016; 11:8. [PMID: 27008623 PMCID: PMC4806438 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, a coordinated and integrated series of events must be accomplished in order to generate functional neural circuits. Axons must navigate toward target cells, build synaptic connections, and terminate outgrowth. The PHR proteins (consisting of mammalian Phr1/MYCBP2, Drosophila Highwire and C. elegans RPM-1) function in each of these events in development. Here, we review PHR function across species, as well as the myriad of signaling pathways PHR proteins regulate. These findings collectively suggest that the PHR proteins are intracellular signaling hubs, a concept we explore in depth. Consistent with prominent developmental functions, genetic links have begun to emerge between PHR signaling networks and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and intellectual disability. Finally, we discuss the recent and important finding that PHR proteins regulate axon degeneration, which has further heightened interest in this fascinating group of molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
| | - Rodney K Murphey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Melissa A Borgen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Safi F, Shteiman-Kotler A, Zhong Y, Iliadi KG, Boulianne GL, Rotin D. Drosophila Nedd4-long reduces Amphiphysin levels in muscles and leads to impaired T-tubule formation. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:907-18. [PMID: 26823013 PMCID: PMC4791135 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-06-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
An isoform of the fly ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 binds and degrades Amphiphysin, a postsynaptic and transverse tubule (T-tubule) protein in flies, thus impairing T-tubule formation and muscle function. Drosophila Nedd4 (dNedd4) is a HECT ubiquitin ligase with two main splice isoforms: dNedd4-short (dNedd4S) and -long (dNedd4Lo). DNedd4Lo has a unique N-terminus containing a Pro-rich region. We previously showed that whereas dNedd4S promotes neuromuscular synaptogenesis, dNedd4Lo inhibits it and impairs larval locomotion. To delineate the cause of the impaired locomotion, we searched for binding partners to the N-terminal unique region of dNedd4Lo in larval lysates using mass spectrometry and identified Amphiphysin (dAmph). dAmph is a postsynaptic protein containing SH3-BAR domains and regulates muscle transverse tubule (T-tubule) formation in flies. We validated the interaction by coimmunoprecipitation and showed direct binding between dAmph-SH3 domain and dNedd4Lo N-terminus. Accordingly, dNedd4Lo was colocalized with dAmph postsynaptically and at muscle T-tubules. Moreover, expression of dNedd4Lo in muscle during embryonic development led to disappearance of dAmph and impaired T-tubule formation, phenocopying amph-null mutants. This effect was not seen in muscles expressing dNedd4S or a catalytically-inactive dNedd4Lo(C→A). We propose that dNedd4Lo destabilizes dAmph in muscles, leading to impaired T-tubule formation and muscle function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frozan Safi
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Alina Shteiman-Kotler
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Yunan Zhong
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | | | - Gabrielle L Boulianne
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada Molecular Genetics Department, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Daniela Rotin
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto, Toronto ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Harris KP, Littleton JT. Transmission, Development, and Plasticity of Synapses. Genetics 2015; 201:345-75. [PMID: 26447126 PMCID: PMC4596655 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.176529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are sites of contact and information transfer between a neuron and its partner cell. Each synapse is a specialized junction, where the presynaptic cell assembles machinery for the release of neurotransmitter, and the postsynaptic cell assembles components to receive and integrate this signal. Synapses also exhibit plasticity, during which synaptic function and/or structure are modified in response to activity. With a robust panel of genetic, imaging, and electrophysiology approaches, and strong evolutionary conservation of molecular components, Drosophila has emerged as an essential model system for investigating the mechanisms underlying synaptic assembly, function, and plasticity. We will discuss techniques for studying synapses in Drosophila, with a focus on the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a well-established model glutamatergic synapse. Vesicle fusion, which underlies synaptic release of neurotransmitters, has been well characterized at this synapse. In addition, studies of synaptic assembly and organization of active zones and postsynaptic densities have revealed pathways that coordinate those events across the synaptic cleft. We will also review modes of synaptic growth and plasticity at the fly NMJ, and discuss how pre- and postsynaptic cells communicate to regulate plasticity in response to activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Harris
- Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - J Troy Littleton
- Department of Biology and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cherra SJ, Jin Y. Advances in synapse formation: forging connections in the worm. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:85-97. [PMID: 25472860 PMCID: PMC4339659 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Synapse formation is the quintessential process by which neurons form specific connections with their targets to enable the development of functional circuits. Over the past few decades, intense research efforts have identified thousands of proteins that localize to the pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Genetic dissection has provided important insights into the nexus of the molecular and cellular network, and has greatly advanced our knowledge about how synapses form and function physiologically. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the complex regulation of synapse formation with the identification of novel mechanisms involving cell interactions from non-neuronal sources. In this review, we cover the conserved pathways required for synaptogenesis and place specific focus on new themes of synapse modulation arising from studies in Caenorhabditis elegans. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego
| | - Yishi Jin
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
|
14
|
Tian X, Zhu M, Li L, Wu C. Identifying protein-protein interaction in Drosophila adult heads by Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP). J Vis Exp 2013:50968. [PMID: 24335807 DOI: 10.3791/50968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screens conducted using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) have made numerous milestone discoveries in the advance of biological sciences. However, the use of biochemical screens aimed at extending the knowledge gained from genetic analysis was explored only recently. Here we describe a method to purify the protein complex that associates with any protein of interest from adult fly heads. This method takes advantage of the Drosophila GAL4/UAS system to express a bait protein fused with a Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) tag in fly neurons in vivo, and then implements two rounds of purification using a TAP procedure similar to the one originally established in yeast(1) to purify the interacting protein complex. At the end of this procedure, a mixture of multiple protein complexes is obtained whose molecular identities can be determined by mass spectrometry. Validation of the candidate proteins will benefit from the resource and ease of performing loss-of-function studies in flies. Similar approaches can be applied to other fly tissues. We believe that the combination of genetic manipulations and this proteomic approach in the fly model system holds tremendous potential for tackling fundamental problems in the field of neurobiology and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Tian
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|