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Li G, Gao Y, Wu H, Zhao T. Gentamicin administration leads to synaptic dysfunction in inner hair cells. Toxicol Lett 2024; 391:86-99. [PMID: 38101494 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Ototoxicity is a major side effect of aminoglycosides, which can cause irreversible hearing loss. Previous studies on aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity have primarily focused on the loss of sensory hair cells. Recent investigations have revealed that aminoglycosides can also lead to the loss of ribbon synapses in inner hair cells (IHCs). However, the functional implications of ribbon synapse loss and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected C57BL/6 J mice with 300 mg/kg gentamicin once daily for 3, 10, and 20 days. Then, we performed immunofluorescence staining, patch-clamp recording, proteomics analysis and western blotting to characterize the changes in ribbon synapses in IHCs and the associated mechanisms. After gentamicin treatment, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold was elevated, and the ABR wave I amplitude was decreased. We also observed loss of ribbon synapses in IHCs. Interestingly, ribbon synapse loss occurred on both the modiolar and pillar sides of IHCs. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in IHCs revealed a reduction in the calcium current amplitude, along with a shifted half-activation voltage and altered calcium voltage dependency. Moreover, exocytosis of IHCs was reduced, consistent with the reduction in the ABR wave I amplitude. Through proteomic analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, we found that gentamicin treatment resulted in downregulation of myosin VI, a protein crucial for synaptic vesicle recycling and replenishment in IHCs. Furthermore, we evaluated the kinetics of endocytosis and found a significant reduction in IHC exocytosis, possibly reflecting the impact of myosin VI downregulation on synaptic vesicle recycling. In summary, our findings demonstrate that gentamicin treatment leads to synaptic dysfunction in IHCs, highlighting the important role of myosin VI downregulation in gentamicin-induced synaptic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunge Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Li Y, Yu H, Zhou X, Jin L, Li W, Li GL, Shen X. Multiple Sevoflurane Exposures During the Neonatal Period Cause Hearing Impairment and Loss of Hair Cell Ribbon Synapses in Adult Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:945277. [PMID: 35911996 PMCID: PMC9329801 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.945277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to investigate the effects of multiple sevoflurane exposures in neonatal mice on hearing function in the later life and explores the underlying mechanisms and protective strategies. Materials and Methods Neonatal Kunming mice were exposed to sevoflurane for 3 days. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests, immunofluorescence, patch-clamp recording, and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to observe hearing function, hair cells, ribbon synapses, nerve fibers, spiral ganglion neurons, and oxidative stress. Results Compared to control group, multiple sevoflurane exposures during the neonatal time significantly elevated ABR thresholds at 8 kHz (35.42 ± 1.57 vs. 41.76 ± 1.97 dB, P = 0.0256), 16 kHz (23.33 ± 1.28 vs. 33.53 ± 2.523 dB, P = 0.0012), 24 kHz (30.00 ± 2.04 vs. 46.76 ± 3.93 dB, P = 0.0024), and 32 kHz (41.25 ± 2.31 vs. 54.41 ± 2.94 dB, P = 0.0028) on P30, caused ribbon synapse loss on P15 (13.10 ± 0.43 vs. 10.78 ± 0.52, P = 0.0039) and P30 (11.24 ± 0.56 vs. 8.50 ± 0.84, P = 0.0141), and degenerated spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) nerve fibers on P30 (110.40 ± 16.23 vs. 55.04 ± 8.13, P = 0.0073). In addition, the Vhalf of calcium current become more negative (−21.99 ± 0.70 vs. −27.17 ± 0.60 mV, P < 0.0001), exocytosis was reduced (105.40 ± 19.97 vs. 59.79 ± 10.60 fF, P < 0.0001), and Lpo was upregulated (P = 0.0219) in sevoflurane group than those in control group. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reversed hearing impairment induced by sevoflurane. Conclusion The findings suggest that multiple sevoflurane exposures during neonatal time may cause hearing impairment in adult mice. The study also demonstrated that elevated oxidative stress led to ribbon synapses impairment and SGN nerve fibers degeneration, and the interventions of antioxidants alleviated the sevoflurane-induced hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiqian Yu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehua Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng-Lin Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Geng-Lin Li,
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Xia Shen,
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3
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Manca M, Yen P, Spaiardi P, Russo G, Giunta R, Johnson SL, Marcotti W, Masetto S. Current Response in Ca V 1.3 -/- Mouse Vestibular and Cochlear Hair Cells. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:749483. [PMID: 34955713 PMCID: PMC8694397 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.749483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transmission by sensory auditory and vestibular hair cells relies upon Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of glutamate. The Ca2+ current in mammalian inner ear hair cells is predominantly carried through CaV1.3 voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Despite this, CaV1.3 deficient mice (CaV1.3–/–) are deaf but do not show any obvious vestibular phenotype. Here, we compared the Ca2+ current (ICa) in auditory and vestibular hair cells from wild-type and CaV1.3–/– mice, to assess whether differences in the size of the residual ICa could explain, at least in part, the two phenotypes. Using 5 mM extracellular Ca2+ and near-body temperature conditions, we investigated the cochlear primary sensory receptors inner hair cells (IHCs) and both type I and type II hair cells of the semicircular canals. We found that the residual ICa in both auditory and vestibular hair cells from CaV1.3–/– mice was less than 20% (12–19%, depending on the hair cell type and age investigated) compared to controls, indicating a comparable expression of CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels in both sensory organs. We also showed that, different from IHCs, type I and type II hair cells from CaV1.3–/– mice were able to acquire the adult-like K+ current profile in their basolateral membrane. Intercellular K+ accumulation was still present in CaV1.3–/– mice during IK,L activation, suggesting that the K+-based, non-exocytotic, afferent transmission is still functional in these mice. This non-vesicular mechanism might contribute to the apparent normal vestibular functions in CaV1.3–/– mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Manca
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Piece Yen
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Russo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Giunta
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Sheffield Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Walter Marcotti
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Sheffield Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Masetto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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4
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Age-related decline in cochlear ribbon synapses and its relation to different metrics of auditory-nerve activity. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 108:133-145. [PMID: 34601244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Loss of inner hair cell-auditory nerve fiber synapses is considered to be an important early stage of neural presbyacusis. Mass potentials, recorded at the cochlear round window, can be used to derive the neural index (NI), a sensitive measure for pharmacologically-induced synapse loss. Here, we investigate the applicability of the NI for measuring age-related auditory synapse loss in young-adult, middle-aged, and old Mongolian gerbils. Synapse loss, which was progressively evident in the 2 aged groups, correlated weakly with NI when measured at a fixed sound level of 60 dB SPL. However, the NI was confounded by decreases in single-unit firing rates at 60 dB SPL. NI at 30 dB above threshold, when firing rates were similar between age groups, did not correlate with synapse loss. Our results show that synapse loss is poorly reflected in the NI of aged gerbils, particularly if further peripheral pathologies are present. The NI may therefore not be a reliable clinical tool to assess synapse loss in aged humans with peripheral hearing loss.
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Hardy K, Amariutei AE, De Faveri F, Hendry A, Marcotti W, Ceriani F. Functional development and regeneration of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line. J Physiol 2021; 599:3913-3936. [PMID: 34143497 PMCID: PMC7612129 DOI: 10.1113/jp281522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells are mechanosensory receptors responsible for transducing auditory and vestibular information into electrical signals, which are then transmitted with remarkable precision to afferent neurons. Different from mammals, the hair cells of lower vertebrates, including those present in the neuromasts of the zebrafish lateral line, regenerate following environmental or chemical insults. Here we investigate the time-course of regeneration of hair cells in vivo using electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging and immunostaining applied to wild-type and genetically-encoded fluorescent indicator zebrafish lines. Functional hair cells drive spontaneous action potentials in the posterior lateral line afferent fibres, the frequency of which progressively increases over the first 10-days post-fertilization (dpf). Higher firing-rate fibres are only observed from ~6 dpf. Following copper treatment, newly formed hair cells become functional and are able to drive APs in the afferent fibres within 48 hours in both early-larval (≤8 dpf) and late-larval (12-17 dpf) zebrafish. However, the complete functional regeneration of the entire neuromast is delayed in late-larval compared to early-larval zebrafish. We propose that while individual regenerating hair cells can rapidly become active, the acquisition of fully functional neuromasts progresses faster at early-larval stages, a time when hair cells are still under development. At both ages, the afferent terminals in the regenerating neuromast appear to make initial contact with supporting cells. The ablation of the lateral line afferent neurons prevents the timely regeneration of supporting cells and hair cells. These findings indicate that the afferent system is likely to facilitate or promote the neuromast regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Hardy
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ana E Amariutei
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Aenea Hendry
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Sheffield Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Federico Ceriani
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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6
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Rutherford MA, von Gersdorff H, Goutman JD. Encoding sound in the cochlea: from receptor potential to afferent discharge. J Physiol 2021; 599:2527-2557. [PMID: 33644871 PMCID: PMC8127127 DOI: 10.1113/jp279189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon-class synapses in the ear achieve analog to digital transformation of a continuously graded membrane potential to all-or-none spikes. In mammals, several auditory nerve fibres (ANFs) carry information from each inner hair cell (IHC) to the brain in parallel. Heterogeneity of transmission among synapses contributes to the diversity of ANF sound-response properties. In addition to the place code for sound frequency and the rate code for sound level, there is also a temporal code. In series with cochlear amplification and frequency tuning, neural representation of temporal cues over a broad range of sound levels enables auditory comprehension in noisy multi-speaker settings. The IHC membrane time constant introduces a low-pass filter that attenuates fluctuations of the receptor potential above 1-2 kHz. The ANF spike generator adds a high-pass filter via its depolarization-rate threshold that rejects slow changes in the postsynaptic potential and its phasic response property that ensures one spike per depolarization. Synaptic transmission involves several stochastic subcellular processes between IHC depolarization and ANF spike generation, introducing delay and jitter that limits the speed and precision of spike timing. ANFs spike at a preferred phase of periodic sounds in a process called phase-locking that is limited to frequencies below a few kilohertz by both the IHC receptor potential and the jitter in synaptic transmission. During phase-locking to periodic sounds of increasing intensity, faster and facilitated activation of synaptic transmission and spike generation may be offset by presynaptic depletion of synaptic vesicles, resulting in relatively small changes in response phase. Here we review encoding of spike-timing at cochlear ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Rutherford
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Henrique von Gersdorff
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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7
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Effertz T, Moser T, Oliver D. Recent advances in cochlear hair cell nanophysiology: subcellular compartmentalization of electrical signaling in compact sensory cells. Fac Rev 2021; 9:24. [PMID: 33659956 PMCID: PMC7886071 DOI: 10.12703/r/9-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, genetics, physiology, and structural biology have advanced into the molecular details of the sensory physiology of auditory hair cells. Inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) mediate two key functions: active amplification and non-linear compression of cochlear vibrations by OHCs and sound encoding by IHCs at their afferent synapses with the spiral ganglion neurons. OHCs and IHCs share some molecular physiology, e.g. mechanotransduction at the apical hair bundles, ribbon-type presynaptic active zones, and ionic conductances in the basolateral membrane. Unique features enabling their specific function include prestin-based electromotility of OHCs and indefatigable transmitter release at the highest known rates by ribbon-type IHC active zones. Despite their compact morphology, the molecular machineries that either generate electrical signals or are driven by these signals are essentially all segregated into local subcellular structures. This review provides a brief account on recent insights into the molecular physiology of cochlear hair cells with a specific focus on organization into membrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Effertz
- InnerEarLab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Oliver
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University, Deutschhausstraße 2, 35037 Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Universities of Marburg and Giessen, Germany
- DFG Research Training Group, Membrane Plasticity in Tissue Development and Remodelling, GRK 2213, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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8
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Jeng JY, Carlton A, Johnson SL, Brown SDM, Holley MC, Bowl MR, Marcotti W. Biophysical and morphological changes in inner hair cells and their efferent innervation in the ageing mouse cochlea. J Physiol 2021; 599:269-287. [PMID: 33179774 PMCID: PMC7612127 DOI: 10.1113/jp280256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Age-related hearing loss is a progressive hearing loss involving environmental and genetic factors, leading to a decrease in hearing sensitivity, threshold and speech discrimination. We compared age-related changes in inner hair cells (IHCs) between four mouse strains with different levels of progressive hearing loss. The surface area of apical coil IHCs (9-12 kHz cochlear region) decreases by about 30-40% with age. The number of BK channels progressively decreases with age in the IHCs from most mouse strains, but the basolateral membrane current profile remains unchanged. The mechanoelectrical transducer current is smaller in mice harbouring the hypomorphic Cdh23 allele Cdh23ahl (C57BL/6J; C57BL/6NTac), but not in Cdh23-repaired mice (C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ ), indicating that it could contribute to the different progression of hearing loss among mouse strains. The degree of efferent rewiring onto aged IHCs, most likely coming from the lateral olivocochlea fibres, was correlated with hearing loss in the different mouse strains. ABSTRACT Inner hair cells (IHCs) are the primary sensory receptors of the mammalian cochlea, transducing acoustic information into electrical signals that are relayed to the afferent neurons. Functional changes in IHCs are a potential cause of age-related hearing loss. Here, we have investigated the functional characteristics of IHCs from early-onset hearing loss mice harbouring the allele Cdh23ahl (C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NTac), from late-onset hearing loss mice (C3H/HeJ), and from mice corrected for the Cdh23ahl mutation (C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ ) with an intermediate hearing phenotype. There was no significant loss of IHCs in the 9-12 kHz cochlear region up to at least 15 months of age, but their surface area decreased progressively by 30-40% starting from ∼6 months of age. Although the size of the BK current decreased with age, IHCs retained a normal KCNQ4 current and resting membrane potential. These basolateral membrane changes were most severe for C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NTac, less so for C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ and minimal or absent in C3H/HeJ mice. We also found that lateral olivocochlear (LOC) efferent fibres re-form functional axon-somatic connections with aged IHCs, but this was seen only sporadically in C3H/HeJ mice. The efferent post-synaptic SK2 channels appear prior to the establishment of the efferent contacts, suggesting that IHCs may play a direct role in re-establishing the LOC-IHC synapses. Finally, we showed that the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) current from IHCs decreased significantly with age in mice harbouring the Cdh23ahl allele but not in C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ mice, indicating that the MET apparatus directly contributes to the progression of age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Jeng
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Adam Carlton
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stuart L. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Steve D. M. Brown
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Matthew C. Holley
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Michael R. Bowl
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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9
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Protection of Cochlear Ribbon Synapses and Prevention of Hidden Hearing Loss. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8815990. [PMID: 33204247 PMCID: PMC7652619 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8815990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the auditory system, ribbon synapses are vesicle-associated structures located between inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons that are implicated in the modulation of trafficking and fusion of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminals. Synapse loss may result in hearing loss and difficulties with understanding speech in a noisy environment. This phenomenon happens without permanent hearing loss; that is, the cochlear synaptopathy is "hidden." Recent studies have reported that synapse loss might be critical in the pathogenesis of hidden hearing loss. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the formation, structure, regeneration, and protection of ribbon synapses will assist in the design of potential therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe and summarize the following aspects of ribbon synapses: (1) functional and structural features, (2) potential mechanisms of damage, (3) therapeutic research on protecting the synapses, and (4) the role of synaptic regeneration in auditory neuropathy and the current options for synapse rehabilitation.
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10
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Jeng JY, Ceriani F, Olt J, Brown SDM, Holley MC, Bowl MR, Johnson SL, Marcotti W. Pathophysiological changes in inner hair cell ribbon synapses in the ageing mammalian cochlea. J Physiol 2020; 598:4339-4355. [PMID: 32710572 DOI: 10.1113/jp280018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with the loss of inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses, lower hearing sensitivity and decreased ability to understand speech, especially in a noisy environment. Little is known about the age-related physiological and morphological changes that occur at ribbon synapses. We show that the differing degrees of ARHL in four selected mouse stains is correlated with the loss of ribbon synapses, being most severe for the strains C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J, less so for C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ -Repaired and lowest for C3H/HeJ. Despite the loss of ribbon synapses with age, the volume of the remaining ribbons increased and the size and kinetics of Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis in IHCs was unaffected, indicating the presence of a previously unknown degree of functional compensation at ribbon synapses. Although the age-related morphological changes at IHC ribbon synapses contribute to the different progression of ARHL, without the observed functional compensation hearing loss could be greater. ABSTRACT Mammalian cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are specialized sensory receptors able to provide dynamic coding of sound signals. This ability is largely conferred by their ribbon synapses, which tether a large number of vesicles at the IHC's presynaptic active zones, allowing high rates of sustained synaptic transmission onto the afferent fibres. How the physiological and morphological properties of ribbon synapses change with age remains largely unknown. Here, we have investigated the biophysical and morphological properties of IHC ribbon synapses in the ageing cochlea (9-12 kHz region) of four mouse strains commonly used in hearing research: early-onset progressive hearing loss (C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NTac) and 'good hearing' strains (C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ and C3H/HeJ). We found that with age, both modiolar and pillar sides of the IHC exhibited a loss of ribbons, but there was an increased volume of those that remained. These morphological changes, which only occurred after 6 months of age, were correlated with the level of hearing loss in the different mouse strains, being most severe for C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J, less so for C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ and absent for C3H/HeJ strains. Despite the age-related reduction in ribbon number in three of the four strains, the size and kinetics of Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis, as well as the replenishment of synaptic vesicles, in IHCs was not affected. The degree of vesicle release at the fewer, but larger, individual remaining ribbon synapses colocalized with the post-synaptic afferent terminals is likely to increase, indicating the presence of a previously unknown degree of functional compensation in the ageing mouse cochlea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Jeng
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Federico Ceriani
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jennifer Olt
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Steve D M Brown
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Matthew C Holley
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Michael R Bowl
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.,Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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11
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Moser T, Grabner CP, Schmitz F. Sensory Processing at Ribbon Synapses in the Retina and the Cochlea. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:103-144. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00026.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, sensory neuroscientists have made major efforts to dissect the structure and function of ribbon synapses which process sensory information in the eye and ear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of two key aspects of ribbon synapses: 1) their mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis and 2) their molecular anatomy and physiology. Our comparison of ribbon synapses in the cochlea and the retina reveals convergent signaling mechanisms, as well as divergent strategies in different sensory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Chad P. Grabner
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schmitz
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; and Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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12
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Johnson SL, Safieddine S, Mustapha M, Marcotti W. Hair Cell Afferent Synapses: Function and Dysfunction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:a033175. [PMID: 30617058 PMCID: PMC6886459 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To provide a meaningful representation of the auditory landscape, mammalian cochlear hair cells are optimized to detect sounds over an incredibly broad range of frequencies and intensities with unparalleled accuracy. This ability is largely conferred by specialized ribbon synapses that continuously transmit acoustic information with high fidelity and sub-millisecond precision to the afferent dendrites of the spiral ganglion neurons. To achieve this extraordinary task, ribbon synapses employ a unique combination of molecules and mechanisms that are tailored to sounds of different frequencies. Here we review the current understanding of how the hair cell's presynaptic machinery and its postsynaptic afferent connections are formed, how they mature, and how their function is adapted for an accurate perception of sound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Saaid Safieddine
- UMRS 1120, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Mirna Mustapha
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94035
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
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13
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Lu J, Wang W, Liu H, Liu H, Wu H. Cisplatin induces calcium ion accumulation and hearing loss by causing functional alterations in calcium channels and exocytosis. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:6877-6889. [PMID: 31814894 PMCID: PMC6895503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, molecular biology and biochemistry have been a focus of studies on the ototoxic side effects of cisplatin. In this paper, the application of cisplatin for 4 h and 72 h was studied from the perspective of electrophysiological function. Patch clamp experiments and immunofluorescence staining were performed on inner hair cells of the cochlea. The patch-clamp results showed that the calcium current amplitude decreased significantly at 4 h and 72 h after cisplatin treatment, the reversal potential was negatively polarized, and the activation time decreased. We suspected that intracellular calcium accumulation was responsible for this result and confirmed this hypothesis by using calpain to measure intracellular calcium concentrations. We tested membrane capacitive function, whose levels after cisplatin application were significantly lower than those in the control group, thus indicating dysfunctional cytoplasmic effervescent function. CtBP2 staining was used to verify this result and indicated a decrease in ribbon synapses. Simultaneously, we observed dysfunction of vesicle circulation after cisplatin application. We found that cisplatin induces the accumulation of calcium ions in inner hair cells by calpain staining and fluoresce intensity calculation, thus decreasing calcium current and synaptic vesicle release, and impairing vesicles cycling, all of which are important mechanisms of cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose DiseasesShanghai, China
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose DiseasesShanghai, China
| | - Hongchao Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose DiseasesShanghai, China
| | - Huihui Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose DiseasesShanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Ear Institute, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose DiseasesShanghai, China
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14
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Lundt A, Soós J, Seidel R, Henseler C, Müller R, Raj Ginde V, Imran Arshaad M, Ehninger D, Hescheler J, Sachinidis A, Broich K, Wormuth C, Papazoglou A, Weiergräber M. Functional implications of Ca v 2.3 R-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the murine auditory system - novel vistas from brainstem-evoked response audiometry. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 51:1583-1604. [PMID: 31603587 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) are considered to play a key role in auditory perception and information processing within the murine inner ear and brainstem. In the past, Cav 1.3 L-type VGCCs gathered most attention as their ablation causes congenital deafness. However, isolated patch-clamp investigation and localization studies repetitively suggested that Cav 2.3 R-type VGCCs are also expressed in the cochlea and further components of the ascending auditory tract, pointing to a potential functional role of Cav 2.3 in hearing physiology. Thus, we performed auditory profiling of Cav 2.3+/+ controls, heterozygous Cav 2.3+/- mice and Cav 2.3 null mutants (Cav 2.3-/- ) using brainstem-evoked response audiometry. Interestingly, click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) revealed increased hearing thresholds in Cav 2.3+/- mice from both genders, whereas no alterations were observed in Cav 2.3-/- mice. Similar observations were made for tone burst-related ABRs in both genders. However, Cav 2.3 ablation seemed to prevent mutant mice from total hearing loss particularly in the higher frequency range (36-42 kHz). Amplitude growth function analysis revealed, i.a., significant reduction in ABR wave WI and WIII amplitude in mutant animals. In addition, alterations in WI -WIV interwave interval were observed in female Cav 2.3+/- mice whereas absolute latencies remained unchanged. In summary, our results demonstrate that Cav 2.3 VGCCs are mandatory for physiological auditory information processing in the ascending auditory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lundt
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Julien Soós
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Robin Seidel
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Henseler
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Müller
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Hospital Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Varun Raj Ginde
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Muhammad Imran Arshaad
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dan Ehninger
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, (Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karl Broich
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Carola Wormuth
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Papazoglou
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
| | - Marco Weiergräber
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Bonn, Germany
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15
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Dunbar LA, Patni P, Aguilar C, Mburu P, Corns L, Wells HRR, Delmaghani S, Parker A, Johnson S, Williams D, Esapa CT, Simon MM, Chessum L, Newton S, Dorning J, Jeyarajan P, Morse S, Lelli A, Codner GF, Peineau T, Gopal SR, Alagramam KN, Hertzano R, Dulon D, Wells S, Williams FM, Petit C, Dawson SJ, Brown SDM, Marcotti W, El‐Amraoui A, Bowl MR. Clarin-2 is essential for hearing by maintaining stereocilia integrity and function. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e10288. [PMID: 31448880 PMCID: PMC6728604 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing relies on mechanically gated ion channels present in the actin-rich stereocilia bundles at the apical surface of cochlear hair cells. Our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the sound-receptive structure is limited. Utilizing a large-scale forward genetic screen in mice, genome mapping and gene complementation tests, we identified Clrn2 as a new deafness gene. The Clrn2clarinet/clarinet mice (p.Trp4* mutation) exhibit a progressive, early-onset hearing loss, with no overt retinal deficits. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank study, we could show that CLRN2 is involved in human non-syndromic progressive hearing loss. Our in-depth morphological, molecular and functional investigations establish that while it is not required for initial formation of cochlear sensory hair cell stereocilia bundles, clarin-2 is critical for maintaining normal bundle integrity and functioning. In the differentiating hair bundles, lack of clarin-2 leads to loss of mechano-electrical transduction, followed by selective progressive loss of the transducing stereocilia. Together, our findings demonstrate a key role for clarin-2 in mammalian hearing, providing insights into the interplay between mechano-electrical transduction and stereocilia maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Dunbar
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Pranav Patni
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | | | - Laura Corns
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Helena RR Wells
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sedigheh Delmaghani
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | - Andrew Parker
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Stuart Johnson
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan Morse
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Andrea Lelli
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'AuditionInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Collège de FranceSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | - Thibault Peineau
- Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse AuditiveUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Suhasini R Gopal
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
| | - Kumar N Alagramam
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
| | - Ronna Hertzano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Anatomy and Neurobiology and Institute for Genome SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Didier Dulon
- Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse AuditiveUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon CentreMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Frances M Williams
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Christine Petit
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'AuditionInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Collège de FranceSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | | | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Aziz El‐Amraoui
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
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16
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Liu H, Lu J, Wang Z, Song L, Wang X, Li GL, Wu H. Functional alteration of ribbon synapses in inner hair cells by noise exposure causing hidden hearing loss. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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17
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Ca v3.2 T-Type Calcium Channels Are Physiologically Mandatory for the Auditory System. Neuroscience 2019; 409:81-100. [PMID: 31029730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) play key roles in auditory perception and information processing within the inner ear and brainstem. Pharmacological inhibition of low voltage-activated (LVA) T-type Ca2+ channels is related to both age- and noise induced hearing loss in experimental animals and may represent a promising approach to the treatment of auditory impairment of various etiologies. Within the LVA Ca2+ channel subgroup, Cav3.2 is the most prominently expressed T-type channel entity in the cochlea and auditory brainstem. Thus, we performed a complete gender specific click and tone burst based auditory brainstem response (ABR) analysis of Cav3.2+/- and Cav3.2-/- mice, including i.a. temporal progression in hearing loss, amplitude growth function and wave latency analysis as well as a cochlear qPCR based evaluation of other VGCCs transcripts. Our results, based on a self-programmed automated wavelet approach, demonstrate that both heterozygous and Cav3.2 null mutant mice exhibit age-dependent increases in hearing thresholds at 5 months of age. In addition, complex alterations in WI-IV amplitudes and latencies were detected that were not attributable to alterations in the expression of other VGCCs in the auditory tract. Our results clearly demonstrate the important physiological role of Cav3.2 VGCCs in the spatiotemporal organization of auditory processing in young adult mice and suggest potential pharmacological targets for interventions in the future.
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18
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Pangrsic T, Singer JH, Koschak A. Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels: Key Players in Sensory Coding in the Retina and the Inner Ear. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:2063-2096. [PMID: 30067155 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium influx through voltage-gated Ca (CaV) channels is the first step in synaptic transmission. This review concerns CaV channels at ribbon synapses in primary sense organs and their specialization for efficient coding of stimuli in the physical environment. Specifically, we describe molecular, biochemical, and biophysical properties of the CaV channels in sensory receptor cells of the retina, cochlea, and vestibular apparatus, and we consider how such properties might change over the course of development and contribute to synaptic plasticity. We pay particular attention to factors affecting the spatial arrangement of CaV channels at presynaptic, ribbon-type active zones, because the spatial relationship between CaV channels and release sites has been shown to affect synapse function critically in a number of systems. Finally, we review identified synaptopathies affecting sensory systems and arising from dysfunction of L-type, CaV1.3, and CaV1.4 channels or their protein modulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pangrsic
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Joshua H Singer
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
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19
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Pangrsic T, Vogl C. Balancing presynaptic release and endocytic membrane retrieval at hair cell ribbon synapses. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:3633-3650. [PMID: 30251250 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The timely and reliable processing of auditory and vestibular information within the inner ear requires highly sophisticated sensory transduction pathways. On a cellular level, these demands are met by hair cells, which respond to sound waves - or alterations in body positioning - by releasing glutamate-filled synaptic vesicles (SVs) from their presynaptic active zones with unprecedented speed and exquisite temporal fidelity, thereby initiating the auditory and vestibular pathways. In order to achieve this, hair cells have developed anatomical and molecular specializations, such as the characteristic and name-giving 'synaptic ribbons' - presynaptically anchored dense bodies that tether SVs prior to release - as well as other unique or unconventional synaptic proteins. The tightly orchestrated interplay between these molecular components enables not only ultrafast exocytosis, but similarly rapid and efficient compensatory endocytosis. So far, the knowledge of how endocytosis operates at hair cell ribbon synapses is limited. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the SV cycle and molecular anatomy of hair cell ribbon synapses, with a focus on cochlear inner hair cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pangrsic
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Vogl
- Presynaptogenesis and Intracellular Transport in Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Variations in Ca 2+ Influx Can Alter Chelator-Based Estimates of Ca 2+ Channel-Synaptic Vesicle Coupling Distance. J Neurosci 2018; 38:3971-3987. [PMID: 29563180 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2061-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing and probability of synaptic vesicle fusion from presynaptic terminals is governed by the distance between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) and Ca2+ sensors for exocytosis. This VGCC-sensor coupling distance can be determined from the fractional block of vesicular release by exogenous Ca2+ chelators, which depends on biophysical factors that have not been thoroughly explored. Using numerical simulations of Ca2+ reaction and diffusion, as well as vesicular release, we examined the contributions of conductance, density, and open duration of VGCCs, and the influence of endogenous Ca2+ buffers on the inhibition of exocytosis by EGTA. We found that estimates of coupling distance are critically influenced by the duration and amplitude of Ca2+ influx at active zones, but relatively insensitive to variations of mobile endogenous buffer. High concentrations of EGTA strongly inhibit vesicular release in close proximity (20-30 nm) to VGCCs if the flux duration is brief, but have little influence for longer flux durations that saturate the Ca2+ sensor. Therefore, the diversity in presynaptic action potential duration is sufficient to alter EGTA inhibition, resulting in errors potentially as large as 300% if Ca2+ entry durations are not considered when estimating VGCC-sensor coupling distances.SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT The coupling distance between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ sensors for exocytosis critically determines the timing and probability of neurotransmitter release. Perfusion of presynaptic terminals with the exogenous Ca2+ chelator EGTA has been widely used for both qualitative and quantitative estimates of this distance. However, other presynaptic terminal parameters such as the amplitude and duration of Ca2+ entry can also influence EGTA inhibition of exocytosis, thus confounding conclusions based on EGTA alone. Here, we performed reaction-diffusion simulations of Ca2+-driven synaptic vesicle fusion, which delineate the critical parameters influencing an accurate prediction of coupling distance. Our study provides guidelines for characterizing and understanding how variability in coupling distance across chemical synapses could be estimated accurately.
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21
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Neef J, Urban NT, Ohn TL, Frank T, Jean P, Hell SW, Willig KI, Moser T. Quantitative optical nanophysiology of Ca 2+ signaling at inner hair cell active zones. Nat Commun 2018; 9:290. [PMID: 29348575 PMCID: PMC5773603 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ influx triggers the release of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic active zone (AZ). A quantitative characterization of presynaptic Ca2+ signaling is critical for understanding synaptic transmission. However, this has remained challenging to establish at the required resolution. Here, we employ confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to quantify the number (20-330) and arrangement (mostly linear 70 nm × 100-600 nm clusters) of Ca2+ channels at AZs of mouse cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs). Establishing STED Ca2+ imaging, we analyze presynaptic Ca2+ signals at the nanometer scale and find confined elongated Ca2+ domains at normal IHC AZs, whereas Ca2+ domains are spatially spread out at the AZs of bassoon-deficient IHCs. Performing 2D-STED fluorescence lifetime analysis, we arrive at estimates of the Ca2+ concentrations at stimulated IHC AZs of on average 25 µM. We propose that IHCs form bassoon-dependent presynaptic Ca2+-channel clusters of similar density but scalable length, thereby varying the number of Ca2+ channels amongst individual AZs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Neef
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicolai T Urban
- Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Tzu-Lun Ohn
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Frank
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Jean
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan W Hell
- Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katrin I Willig
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Nanobiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany. .,Optical Nanoscopy in Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany. .,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. .,Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. .,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099 Göttingen, Germany. .,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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22
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Krinner S, Butola T, Jung S, Wichmann C, Moser T. RIM-Binding Protein 2 Promotes a Large Number of Ca V1.3 Ca 2+-Channels and Contributes to Fast Synaptic Vesicle Replenishment at Hair Cell Active Zones. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:334. [PMID: 29163046 PMCID: PMC5673845 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon synapses of inner hair cells (IHCs) mediate high rates of synchronous exocytosis to indefatigably track the stimulating sound with sub-millisecond precision. The sophisticated molecular machinery of the inner hair cell active zone realizes this impressive performance by enabling a large number of synaptic voltage-gated CaV1.3 Ca2+-channels, their tight coupling to synaptic vesicles (SVs) and fast replenishment of fusion competent SVs. Here we studied the role of RIM-binding protein 2 (RIM-BP2)—a multidomain cytomatrix protein known to directly interact with Rab3 interacting molecules (RIMs), bassoon and CaV1.3—that is present at the inner hair cell active zones. We combined confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) immunofluorescence microscopy, electron tomography, patch-clamp and confocal Ca2+-imaging, as well as auditory systems physiology to explore the morphological and functional effects of genetic RIM-BP2 disruption in constitutive RIM-BP2 knockout mice. We found that RIM-BP2 (1) positively regulates the number of synaptic CaV1.3 channels and thereby facilitates synaptic vesicle release and (2) supports fast synaptic vesicle recruitment after readily releasable pool (RRP) depletion. However, Ca2+-influx—exocytosis coupling seemed unaltered for readily releasable SVs. Recordings of auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and of single auditory nerve fiber firing showed that RIM-BP2 disruption results in a mild deficit of synaptic sound encoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Krinner
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,IMPRS Molecular Biology, Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanvi Butola
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,IMPRS Neuroscience, Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - SangYong Jung
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,DFG-Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Neuromodulation and Neurocircuitry Group, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium (SBIC), Biomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,IMPRS Molecular Biology, Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,DFG-Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Input timing for spatial processing is precisely tuned via constant synaptic delays and myelination patterns in the auditory brainstem. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4851-E4858. [PMID: 28559325 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702290114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise timing of synaptic inputs is a fundamental principle of neural circuit processing. The temporal precision of postsynaptic input integration is known to vary with the computational requirements of a circuit, yet how the timing of action potentials is tuned presynaptically to match these processing demands is not well understood. In particular, action potential timing is shaped by the axonal conduction velocity and the duration of synaptic transmission delays within a pathway. However, it is not known to what extent these factors are adapted to the functional constraints of the respective circuit. Here, we report the finding of activity-invariant synaptic transmission delays as a functional adaptation for input timing adjustment in a brainstem sound localization circuit. We compared axonal and synaptic properties of the same pathway between two species with dissimilar timing requirements (gerbil and mouse): In gerbils (like humans), neuronal processing of sound source location requires exceptionally high input precision in the range of microseconds, but not in mice. Activity-invariant synaptic transmission and conduction delays were present exclusively in fast conducting axons of gerbils that also exhibited unusual structural adaptations in axon myelination for increased conduction velocity. In contrast, synaptic transmission delays in mice varied depending on activity levels, and axonal myelination and conduction velocity exhibited no adaptations. Thus, the specializations in gerbils and their absence in mice suggest an optimization of axonal and synaptic properties to the specific demands of sound localization. These findings significantly advance our understanding of structural and functional adaptations for circuit processing.
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The Coupling between Ca 2+ Channels and the Exocytotic Ca 2+ Sensor at Hair Cell Ribbon Synapses Varies Tonotopically along the Mature Cochlea. J Neurosci 2017; 37:2471-2484. [PMID: 28154149 PMCID: PMC5354352 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2867-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochlea processes auditory signals over a wide range of frequencies and intensities. However, the transfer characteristics at hair cell ribbon synapses are still poorly understood at different frequency locations along the cochlea. Using recordings from mature gerbils, we report here a surprisingly strong block of exocytosis by the slow Ca2+ buffer EGTA (10 mM) in basal hair cells tuned to high frequencies (∼30 kHz). In addition, using recordings from gerbil, mouse, and bullfrog auditory organs, we find that the spatial coupling between Ca2+ influx and exocytosis changes from nanodomain in low-frequency tuned hair cells (∼<2 kHz) to progressively more microdomain in high-frequency cells (∼>2 kHz). Hair cell synapses have thus developed remarkable frequency-dependent tuning of exocytosis: accurate low-latency encoding of onset and offset of sound intensity in the cochlea's base and submillisecond encoding of membrane receptor potential fluctuations in the apex for precise phase-locking to sound signals. We also found that synaptic vesicle pool recovery from depletion was sensitive to high concentrations of EGTA, suggesting that intracellular Ca2+ buffers play an important role in vesicle recruitment in both low- and high-frequency hair cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that microdomain coupling is important for exocytosis in high-frequency hair cells, suggesting a novel hypothesis for why these cells are more susceptible to sound-induced damage than low-frequency cells; high-frequency inner hair cells must have a low Ca2+ buffer capacity to sustain exocytosis, thus making them more prone to Ca2+-induced cytotoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the inner ear, sensory hair cells signal reception of sound. They do this by converting the sound-induced movement of their hair bundles present at the top of these cells, into an electrical current. This current depolarizes the hair cell and triggers the calcium-induced release of the neurotransmitter glutamate that activates the postsynaptic auditory fibers. The speed and precision of this process enables the brain to perceive the vital components of sound, such as frequency and intensity. We show that the coupling strength between calcium channels and the exocytosis calcium sensor at inner hair cell synapses changes along the mammalian cochlea such that the timing and/or intensity of sound is encoded with high precision.
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Abstract
The inner ear uses specialized synapses to indefatigably transmit sound information from hair cells to spiral ganglion neurons at high rates with submillisecond precision. The emerging view is that hair cell synapses achieve their demanding function by employing an unconventional presynaptic molecular composition. Hair cell active zones hold the synaptic ribbon, an electron-dense projection made primarily of RIBEYE, which tethers a halo of synaptic vesicles and is thought to enable a large readily releasable pool of vesicles and to contribute to its rapid replenishment. Another important presynaptic player is otoferlin, coded by a deafness gene, which assumes a multi-faceted role in vesicular exocytosis and, when disrupted, causes auditory synaptopathy. A functional peculiarity of hair cell synapses is the massive heterogeneity in the sizes and shapes of excitatory postsynaptic currents. Currently, there is controversy as to whether this reflects multiquantal release with a variable extent of synchronization or uniquantal release through a dynamic fusion pore. Another important question in the field has been the precise mechanisms of coupling presynaptic Ca
2+ channels and vesicular Ca
2+ sensors. This commentary provides an update on the current understanding of sound encoding in the cochlea with a focus on presynaptic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany; Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Group, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Vogl
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
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Gleich O, Semmler P, Strutz J. Behavioral auditory thresholds and loss of ribbon synapses at inner hair cells in aged gerbils. Exp Gerontol 2016; 84:61-70. [PMID: 27569111 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The potential contribution of auditory synaptopathy to age dependent hearing loss was studied in groups of young and old gerbils. The analysis of the number of inner hair cell ribbon synapses in aged gerbils (37.9±3.3months of age) revealed only a relatively small (11-17%) loss in the basal two thirds of the cochlea, while a more pronounced reduction was identified towards the apex (almost 40%) when compared to a group of young gerbils (9.5±3.2months of age). Mean threshold elevation in the old gerbils was around 25dB at 2 and 10kHz. Frequency-specific behavioral thresholds and ribbon synapse counts were not significantly correlated for the middle and basal regions of the cochlea, despite thresholds varying over a 45dB SPL range. This suggests that besides a small age-dependent loss of ribbon synapses, additional cochlear pathologies, most likely a decreased endocochlear potential, contribute to peripheral hearing loss in old gerbils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Gleich
- ENT-Department University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Philipp Semmler
- ENT-Department University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Strutz
- ENT-Department University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Moezzi B, Iannella N, McDonnell MD. Ion channel noise can explain firing correlation in auditory nerves. J Comput Neurosci 2016; 41:193-206. [DOI: 10.1007/s10827-016-0613-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Absence of Neuroplastin-65 Affects Synaptogenesis in Mouse Inner Hair Cells and Causes Profound Hearing Loss. J Neurosci 2016; 36:222-34. [PMID: 26740663 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1808-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Neuroplastin gene encodes two synapse-enriched protein isoforms, Np55 and Np65, which are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate several cellular processes, including the genesis, maintenance, and plasticity of synapses. We found that an absence of Np65 causes early-onset sensorineural hearing loss and prevented the normal synaptogenesis in inner hair cells (IHCs) in the newly identified mouse mutant pitch. In wild-type mice, Np65 is strongly upregulated in the cochlea from around postnatal day 12 (P12), which corresponds to the onset of hearing. Np65 was specifically localized at the presynaptic region of IHCs. We found that the colocalization of presynaptic IHC ribbons and postsynaptic afferent terminals is greatly reduced in pitch mutants. Moreover, IHC exocytosis is also reduced with mutant mice showing lower rates of vesicle release. Np65 appears to have a nonessential role in vision. We propose that Np65, by regulating IHC synaptogenesis, is critical for auditory function in mammals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the mammalian cochlea, the sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) encode auditory information. They do this by converting sound wave-induced mechanical motion of their hair bundles into an electrical current. This current generates a receptor potential that controls release of glutamate neurotransmitter from their ribbon synapses onto the auditory afferent fiber. We show that the synapse-enriched protein Np65, encoded by the Neuroplastin gene, is localized at the IHC presynaptic region. In mutant mice, absence of Np65 causes early-onset sensorineural hearing loss and prevents normal neurotransmitter release in IHCs and colocalization of presynaptic ribbons with postsynaptic afferents. We identified Neuroplastin as a novel deafness gene required for ribbon synapse formation and function, which is critical for sound perception in mammals.
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Wichmann C, Moser T. Relating structure and function of inner hair cell ribbon synapses. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 361:95-114. [PMID: 25874597 PMCID: PMC4487357 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian cochlea, sound is encoded at synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Each SGN receives input from a single IHC ribbon-type active zone (AZ) and yet SGNs indefatigably spike up to hundreds of Hz to encode acoustic stimuli with submillisecond precision. Accumulating evidence indicates a highly specialized molecular composition and structure of the presynapse, adapted to suit these high functional demands. However, we are only beginning to understand key features such as stimulus-secretion coupling, exocytosis mechanisms, exo-endocytosis coupling, modes of endocytosis and vesicle reformation, as well as replenishment of the readily releasable pool. Relating structure and function has become an important avenue in addressing these points and has been applied to normal and genetically manipulated hair cell synapses. Here, we review some of the exciting new insights gained from recent studies of the molecular anatomy and physiology of IHC ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - T. Moser
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
Models are valuable tools to assess how deeply we understand complex systems: only if we are able to replicate the output of a system based on the function of its subcomponents can we assume that we have probably grasped its principles of operation. On the other hand, discrepancies between model results and measurements reveal gaps in our current knowledge, which can in turn be targeted by matched experiments. Models of the auditory periphery have improved greatly during the last decades, and account for many phenomena observed in experiments. While the cochlea is only partly accessible in experiments, models can extrapolate its behavior without gap from base to apex and with arbitrary input signals. With models we can for example evaluate speech coding with large speech databases, which is not possible experimentally, and models have been tuned to replicate features of the human hearing organ, for which practically no invasive electrophysiological measurements are available. Auditory models have become instrumental in evaluating models of neuronal sound processing in the auditory brainstem and even at higher levels, where they are used to provide realistic input, and finally, models can be used to illustrate how such a complicated system as the inner ear works by visualizing its responses. The big advantage there is that intermediate steps in various domains (mechanical, electrical, and chemical) are available, such that a consistent picture of the evolvement of its output can be drawn. However, it must be kept in mind that no model is able to replicate all physiological characteristics (yet) and therefore it is critical to choose the most appropriate model—or models—for every research question. To facilitate this task, this paper not only reviews three recent auditory models, it also introduces a framework that allows researchers to easily switch between models. It also provides uniform evaluation and visualization scripts, which allow for direct comparisons between models.
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Rab3-interacting molecules 2α and 2β promote the abundance of voltage-gated CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels at hair cell active zones. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E3141-9. [PMID: 26034270 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1417207112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca(2+) influx triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic active zone (AZ). Here we demonstrate a role of Ras-related in brain 3 (Rab3)-interacting molecules 2α and β (RIM2α and RIM2β) in clustering voltage-gated CaV1.3 Ca(2+) channels at the AZs of sensory inner hair cells (IHCs). We show that IHCs of hearing mice express mainly RIM2α, but also RIM2β and RIM3γ, which all localize to the AZs, as shown by immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunohistochemistry, patch-clamp, fluctuation analysis, and confocal Ca(2+) imaging demonstrate that AZs of RIM2α-deficient IHCs cluster fewer synaptic CaV1.3 Ca(2+) channels, resulting in reduced synaptic Ca(2+) influx. Using superresolution microscopy, we found that Ca(2+) channels remained clustered in stripes underneath anchored ribbons. Electron tomography of high-pressure frozen synapses revealed a reduced fraction of membrane-tethered vesicles, whereas the total number of membrane-proximal vesicles was unaltered. Membrane capacitance measurements revealed a reduction of exocytosis largely in proportion with the Ca(2+) current, whereas the apparent Ca(2+) dependence of exocytosis was unchanged. Hair cell-specific deletion of all RIM2 isoforms caused a stronger reduction of Ca(2+) influx and exocytosis and significantly impaired the encoding of sound onset in the postsynaptic spiral ganglion neurons. Auditory brainstem responses indicated a mild hearing impairment on hair cell-specific deletion of all RIM2 isoforms or global inactivation of RIM2α. We conclude that RIM2α and RIM2β promote a large complement of synaptic Ca(2+) channels at IHC AZs and are required for normal hearing.
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Magistretti J, Spaiardi P, Johnson SL, Masetto S. Elementary properties of Ca(2+) channels and their influence on multivesicular release and phase-locking at auditory hair cell ribbon synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:123. [PMID: 25904847 PMCID: PMC4389406 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium (Cav1.3) channels in mammalian inner hair cells (IHCs) open in response to sound and the resulting Ca2+ entry triggers the release of the neurotransmitter glutamate onto afferent terminals. At low to mid sound frequencies cell depolarization follows the sound sinusoid and pulses of transmitter release from the hair cell generate excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the afferent fiber that translate into a phase-locked pattern of action potential activity. The present article summarizes our current understanding on the elementary properties of single IHC Ca2+ channels, and how these could have functional implications for certain, poorly understood, features of synaptic transmission at auditory hair cell ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Magistretti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK
| | - Sergio Masetto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
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EF-hand protein Ca2+ buffers regulate Ca2+ influx and exocytosis in sensory hair cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1028-37. [PMID: 25691754 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1416424112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding proteins are thought to shape the spatiotemporal properties of cellular Ca(2+) signaling and are prominently expressed in sensory hair cells in the ear. Here, we combined genetic disruption of parvalbumin-α, calbindin-D28k, and calretinin in mice with patch-clamp recording, in vivo physiology, and mathematical modeling to study their role in Ca(2+) signaling, exocytosis, and sound encoding at the synapses of inner hair cells (IHCs). IHCs lacking all three proteins showed excessive exocytosis during prolonged depolarizations, despite enhanced Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of their Ca(2+) current. Exocytosis of readily releasable vesicles remained unchanged, in accordance with the estimated tight spatial coupling of Ca(2+) channels and release sites (effective "coupling distance" of 17 nm). Substitution experiments with synthetic Ca(2+) chelators indicated the presence of endogenous Ca(2+) buffers equivalent to 1 mM synthetic Ca(2+)-binding sites, approximately half of them with kinetics as fast as 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). Synaptic sound encoding was largely unaltered, suggesting that excess exocytosis occurs extrasynaptically. We conclude that EF-hand Ca(2+) buffers regulate presynaptic IHC function for metabolically efficient sound coding.
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Quantitative analysis linking inner hair cell voltage changes and postsynaptic conductance change: a modelling study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:626971. [PMID: 25654117 PMCID: PMC4299359 DOI: 10.1155/2015/626971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a computational model which estimates the postsynaptic conductance change of mammalian Type I afferent peripheral process when airborne acoustic waves impact on the tympanic membrane. A model of the human auditory periphery is used to estimate the inner hair cell potential change in response to airborne sound. A generic and tunable topology of the mammalian synaptic ribbon is generated and the voltage dependence of its substructures is used to calculate discrete and probabilistic neurotransmitter vesicle release. Results suggest an almost linear relationship between increasing sound level (in dB SPL) and the postsynaptic conductance for frequencies considered too high for neurons to phase lock with (i.e., a few kHz). Furthermore coordinated vesicle release is shown for up to 300–400 Hz and a mechanism of phase shifting the subharmonic content of a stimulating signal is suggested. Model outputs suggest that strong onset response and highly synchronised multivesicular release rely on compound fusion of ribbon tethered vesicles.
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Moezzi B, Iannella N, McDonnell MD. Modeling the influence of short term depression in vesicle release and stochastic calcium channel gating on auditory nerve spontaneous firing statistics. Front Comput Neurosci 2014; 8:163. [PMID: 25566047 PMCID: PMC4274967 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2014.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose several modifications to an existing computational model of stochastic vesicle release in inner hair cell ribbon synapses, with the aim of producing simulated auditory nerve fiber spiking data that more closely matches empirical data. Specifically, we studied the inter-spike-interval (ISI) distribution, and long and short term ISI correlations in spontaneous spiking in post-synaptic auditory nerve fibers. We introduced short term plasticity to the pre-synaptic release probability, in a manner analogous to standard stochastic models of cortical short term synaptic depression. This modification resulted in a similar distribution of vesicle release intervals to that estimated from empirical data. We also introduced a biophysical stochastic model of calcium channel opening and closing, but showed that this model is insufficient for generating a match with empirically observed spike correlations. However, by combining a phenomenological model of channel noise and our short term depression model, we generated short and long term correlations in auditory nerve spontaneous activity that qualitatively match empirical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Moezzi
- Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Nicolangelo Iannella
- Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Mark D McDonnell
- Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Telecommunications Research, University of South Australia Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
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Zampini V, Johnson SL, Franz C, Knipper M, Holley MC, Magistretti J, Russo G, Marcotti W, Masetto S. Fine Tuning of CaV1.3 Ca2+ channel properties in adult inner hair cells positioned in the most sensitive region of the Gerbil Cochlea. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113750. [PMID: 25409445 PMCID: PMC4237458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing relies on faithful signal transmission by cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) onto auditory fibres over a wide frequency and intensity range. Exocytosis at IHC ribbon synapses is triggered by Ca2+ inflow through CaV1.3 (L-type) Ca2+ channels. We investigated the macroscopic (whole-cell) and elementary (cell-attached) properties of Ca2+ currents in IHCs positioned at the middle turn (frequency ∼2 kHz) of the adult gerbil cochlea, which is their most sensitive hearing region. Using near physiological recordings conditions (body temperature and a Na+ based extracellular solution), we found that the macroscopic Ca2+ current activates and deactivates very rapidly (time constant below 1 ms) and inactivates slowly and only partially. Single-channel recordings showed an elementary conductance of 15 pS, a sub-ms latency to first opening, and a very low steady-state open probability (Po: 0.024 in response to 500-ms depolarizing steps at ∼−18 mV). The value of Po was significantly larger (0.06) in the first 40 ms of membrane depolarization, which corresponds to the time when most Ca2+ channel openings occurred clustered in bursts (mean burst duration: 19 ms). Both the Po and the mean burst duration were smaller than those previously reported in high-frequency basal IHCs. Finally, we found that middle turn IHCs are likely to express about 4 times more Ca2+ channels per ribbon than basal cells. We propose that middle-turn IHCs finely-tune CaV1.3 Ca2+ channel gating in order to provide reliable information upon timing and intensity of lower-frequency sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Zampini
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stuart L. Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Franz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marlies Knipper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthew C. Holley
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jacopo Magistretti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Russo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio Masetto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Calcium entry into stereocilia drives adaptation of the mechanoelectrical transducer current of mammalian cochlear hair cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:14918-23. [PMID: 25228765 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1409920111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction in the auditory and vestibular systems depends on mechanosensitive ion channels in the stereociliary bundles that project from the apical surface of the sensory hair cells. In lower vertebrates, when the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels are opened by movement of the bundle in the excitatory direction, Ca(2+) entry through the open MET channels causes adaptation, rapidly reducing their open probability and resetting their operating range. It remains uncertain whether such Ca(2+)-dependent adaptation is also present in mammalian hair cells. Hair bundles of both outer and inner hair cells from mice were deflected by using sinewave or step mechanical stimuli applied using a piezo-driven fluid jet. We found that when cochlear hair cells were depolarized near the Ca(2+) reversal potential or their hair bundles were exposed to the in vivo endolymphatic Ca(2+) concentration (40 µM), all manifestations of adaptation, including the rapid decline of the MET current and the reduction of the available resting MET current, were abolished. MET channel adaptation was also reduced or removed when the intracellular Ca(2+) buffer 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) was increased from a concentration of 0.1 to 10 mM. The findings show that MET current adaptation in mouse auditory hair cells is modulated similarly by extracellular Ca(2+), intracellular Ca(2+) buffering, and membrane potential, by their common effect on intracellular free Ca(2+).
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Chapochnikov N, Takago H, Huang CH, Pangršič T, Khimich D, Neef J, Auge E, Göttfert F, Hell S, Wichmann C, Wolf F, Moser T. Uniquantal Release through a Dynamic Fusion Pore Is a Candidate Mechanism of Hair Cell Exocytosis. Neuron 2014; 83:1389-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Olt J, Johnson SL, Marcotti W. In vivo and in vitro biophysical properties of hair cells from the lateral line and inner ear of developing and adult zebrafish. J Physiol 2014; 592:2041-58. [PMID: 24566541 PMCID: PMC4027864 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.265108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells detect and process sound and movement information, and transmit this with remarkable precision and efficiency to afferent neurons via specialized ribbon synapses. The zebrafish is emerging as a powerful model for genetic analysis of hair cell development and function both in vitro and in vivo. However, the full exploitation of the zebrafish is currently limited by the difficulty in obtaining systematic electrophysiological recordings from hair cells under physiological recording conditions. Thus, the biophysical properties of developing and adult zebrafish hair cells are largely unknown. We investigated potassium and calcium currents, voltage responses and synaptic activity in hair cells from the lateral line and inner ear in vivo and using near-physiological in vitro recordings. We found that the basolateral current profile of hair cells from the lateral line becomes more segregated with age, and that cells positioned in the centre of the neuromast show more mature characteristics and those towards the edge retain a more immature phenotype. The proportion of mature-like hair cells within a given neuromast increased with zebrafish development. Hair cells from the inner ear showed a developmental change in current profile between the juvenile and adult stages. In lateral line hair cells from juvenile zebrafish, exocytosis also became more efficient and required less calcium for vesicle fusion. In hair cells from mature zebrafish, the biophysical characteristics of ion channels and exocytosis resembled those of hair cells from other lower vertebrates and, to some extent, those in the immature mammalian vestibular and auditory systems. We show that although the zebrafish provides a suitable animal model for studies on hair cell physiology, it is advisable to consider that the age at which the majority of hair cells acquire a mature-type configuration is reached only in the juvenile lateral line and in the inner ear from >2 months after hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Olt
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Wong AB, Rutherford MA, Gabrielaitis M, Pangrsic T, Göttfert F, Frank T, Michanski S, Hell S, Wolf F, Wichmann C, Moser T. Developmental refinement of hair cell synapses tightens the coupling of Ca2+ influx to exocytosis. EMBO J 2014; 33:247-64. [PMID: 24442635 DOI: 10.1002/embj.201387110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) develop from pre-sensory pacemaker to sound transducer. Here, we report that this involves changes in structure and function of the ribbon synapses between IHCs and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) around hearing onset in mice. As synapses matured they changed from holding several small presynaptic active zones (AZs) and apposed postsynaptic densities (PSDs) to one large AZ/PSD complex per SGN bouton. After the onset of hearing (i) IHCs had fewer and larger ribbons; (ii) CaV1.3 channels formed stripe-like clusters rather than the smaller and round clusters at immature AZs; (iii) extrasynaptic CaV1.3-channels were selectively reduced, (iv) the intrinsic Ca(2)(+) dependence of fast exocytosis probed by Ca(2)(+) uncaging remained unchanged but (v) the apparent Ca(2)(+) dependence of exocytosis linearized, when assessed by progressive dihydropyridine block of Ca(2)(+) influx. Biophysical modeling of exocytosis at mature and immature AZ topographies suggests that Ca(2)(+) influx through an individual channel dominates the [Ca(2)(+)] driving exocytosis at each mature release site. We conclude that IHC synapses undergo major developmental refinements, resulting in tighter spatial coupling between Ca(2)(+) influx and exocytosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcium/metabolism
- Calcium Channels/metabolism
- Calcium Signaling
- Electrophysiology
- Exocytosis/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/cytology
- Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Models, Neurological
- Mutation
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Presynaptic Terminals/ultrastructure
- Spiral Ganglion/cytology
- Spiral Ganglion/physiology
- Synapses/physiology
- Synapses/ultrastructure
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Wong
- InnerEarLab Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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