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De O, Rice C, Zulueta-Coarasa T, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Ward RE. Septate junction proteins are required for cell shape changes, actomyosin reorganization and cell adhesion during dorsal closure in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:947444. [PMID: 36238688 PMCID: PMC9553006 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.947444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Septate junctions (SJs) serve as occluding barriers in invertebrate epithelia. In Drosophila, at least 30 genes are required for the formation or maintenance of SJs. Interestingly, loss-of-function mutations in core SJ components are embryonic lethal, with defects in developmental events such as head involution and dorsal closure (DC) that occur prior to the formation of a mature SJ, indicating a role for these proteins in mid-embryogenesis independent of their occluding function. To understand this novel function in development, we examined loss-of-function mutations in three core SJ proteins during the process of DC. DC occurs during mid-embryogenesis to seal a dorsal gap in the epidermis following germ band retraction. Closure is driven by contraction of the extraembryonic amnioserosa cells that temporarily cover the dorsal surface and by cell shape changes (elongation) of lateral epidermal cells that bring the contralateral sheets together at the dorsal midline. Using live imaging and examination of fixed tissues, we show that early events in DC occur normally in SJ mutant embryos, but during later closure, coracle, Macroglobulin complement-related and Neurexin-IV mutant embryos exhibit slower rates of closure and display aberrant cells shapes in the dorsolateral epidermis, including dorsoventral length and apical surface area. SJ mutant embryos also show mild defects in actomyosin structures along the leading edge, but laser cutting experiments suggest similar tension and viscoelastic properties in SJ mutant versus wild type epidermis. In a high percentage of SJ mutant embryos, the epidermis tears free from the amnioserosa near the end of DC and live imaging and immunostaining reveal reduced levels of E-cadherin, suggesting that defective adhesion may be responsible for these tears. Supporting this notion, reducing E-cadherin by half significantly enhances the penetrance of DC defects in coracle mutant embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oindrila De
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Clinton Rice
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States
| | | | | | - Robert E Ward
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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2
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Alhadyian H, Shoaib D, Ward RE. Septate junction proteins are required for egg elongation and border cell migration during oogenesis in Drosophila. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6237887. [PMID: 33871584 PMCID: PMC8495938 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein components of the invertebrate occluding junction—known as the septate junction (SJ)—are required for morphogenetic developmental events during embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. In order to determine whether SJ proteins are similarly required for morphogenesis during other developmental stages, we investigated the localization and requirement of four representative SJ proteins during oogenesis: Contactin, Macroglobulin complement-related, Neurexin IV, and Coracle. A number of morphogenetic processes occur during oogenesis, including egg elongation, formation of dorsal appendages, and border cell (BC) migration. We found that all four SJ proteins are expressed in egg chambers throughout oogenesis, with the highest and the most sustained levels in the follicular epithelium (FE). In the FE, SJ proteins localize along the lateral membrane during early and mid-oogenesis, but become enriched in an apical-lateral domain (the presumptive SJ) by stage 11. SJ protein relocalization requires the expression of other SJ proteins, as well as Rab5 and Rab11 like SJ biogenesis in the embryo. Knocking down the expression of these SJ proteins in follicle cells throughout oogenesis results in egg elongation defects and abnormal dorsal appendages. Similarly, reducing the expression of SJ genes in the BC cluster results in BC migration defects. Together, these results demonstrate an essential requirement for SJ genes in morphogenesis during oogenesis, and suggest that SJ proteins may have conserved functions in epithelial morphogenesis across developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Alhadyian
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
| | - Dania Shoaib
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
| | - Robert E Ward
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
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3
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Rice C, De O, Alhadyian H, Hall S, Ward RE. Expanding the Junction: New Insights into Non-Occluding Roles for Septate Junction Proteins during Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:11. [PMID: 33801162 PMCID: PMC8006247 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The septate junction (SJ) provides an occluding function for epithelial tissues in invertebrate organisms. This ability to seal the paracellular route between cells allows internal tissues to create unique compartments for organ function and endows the epidermis with a barrier function to restrict the passage of pathogens. Over the past twenty-five years, numerous investigators have identified more than 30 proteins that are required for the formation or maintenance of the SJs in Drosophila melanogaster, and have determined many of the steps involved in the biogenesis of the junction. Along the way, it has become clear that SJ proteins are also required for a number of developmental events that occur throughout the life of the organism. Many of these developmental events occur prior to the formation of the occluding junction, suggesting that SJ proteins possess non-occluding functions. In this review, we will describe the composition of SJs, taking note of which proteins are core components of the junction versus resident or accessory proteins, and the steps involved in the biogenesis of the junction. We will then elaborate on the functions that core SJ proteins likely play outside of their role in forming the occluding junction and describe studies that provide some cell biological perspectives that are beginning to provide mechanistic understanding of how these proteins function in developmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Rice
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (C.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Oindrila De
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Haifa Alhadyian
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (C.R.); (H.A.)
| | | | - Robert E. Ward
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
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4
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Rouka E, Gourgoulianni N, Lüpold S, Hatzoglou C, Gourgoulianis K, Blanckenhorn WU, Zarogiannis SG. The Drosophila septate junctions beyond barrier function: Review of the literature, prediction of human orthologs of the SJ-related proteins and identification of protein domain families. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13527. [PMID: 32603029 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of Septate Junctions (SJs) in critical cellular functions that extend beyond their role as diffusion barriers in the epithelia and the nervous system has made the fruit fly an ideal model for the study of human diseases associated with impaired Tight Junction (TJ) function. In this study, we summarized current knowledge of the Drosophila melanogaster SJ-related proteins, focusing on their unconventional functions. Additionally, we sought to identify human orthologs of the corresponding genes as well as protein domain families. The systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Scopus databases using relevant key terms. Orthologs were predicted using the DIOPT tool and aligned protein regions were determined from the Pfam database. 3-D models of the smooth SJ proteins were built on the Phyre2 and DMPFold protein structure prediction servers. A total of 30 proteins were identified as relatives to the SJ cellular structure. Key roles of these proteins, mainly in the regulation of morphogenetic events and cellular signalling, were highlighted. The investigation of protein domain families revealed that the SJ-related proteins contain conserved domains that are required not only for cell-cell interactions and cell polarity but also for cellular signalling and immunity. DIOPT analysis of orthologs identified novel human genes as putative functional homologs of the fruit fly SJ genes. A gap in our knowledge was identified regarding the domains that occur in the proteins encoded by eight SJ-associated genes. Future investigation of these domains is needed to provide functional information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erasmia Rouka
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
| | - Natalia Gourgoulianni
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Chrissi Hatzoglou
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
| | - Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
| | - Wolf U. Blanckenhorn
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Sotirios G. Zarogiannis
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of ThessalyBIOPOLIS Larissa Greece
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5
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Finegan TM, Bergstralh DT. Neuronal immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules in epithelial morphogenesis: insights from Drosophila. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190553. [PMID: 32829687 PMCID: PMC7482216 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we address the function of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs) in epithelia. Work in the Drosophila model system in particular has revealed novel roles for calcium-independent adhesion molecules in the morphogenesis of epithelial tissues. We review the molecular composition of lateral junctions with a focus on their IgCAM components and reconsider the functional roles of epithelial lateral junctions. The epithelial IgCAMs discussed in this review have well-defined roles in the nervous system, particularly in the process of axon guidance, suggesting functional overlap and conservation in mechanism between that process and epithelial remodelling. We expand on the hypothesis that epithelial occluding junctions and synaptic junctions are compositionally equivalent and present a novel hypothesis that the mechanism of epithelial cell (re)integration and synaptic junction formation are shared. We highlight the importance of considering non-cadherin-based adhesion in our understanding of the mechanics of epithelial tissues and raise questions to direct future work. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Contemporary morphogenesis'.
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6
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Scholl A, O'Brien MJ, Chandran RR, Jiang L. The novel gene
apnoia
regulates
Drosophila
tracheal tube size. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:477-487. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Scholl
- Department of Biological SciencesOakland University Rochester Michigan
| | | | | | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Biological SciencesOakland University Rochester Michigan
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7
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Chandran RR, Scholl A, Yang Y, Jiang L. rebuff regulates apical luminal matrix to control tube size in Drosophila trachea. Biol Open 2018; 7:7/9/bio036848. [PMID: 30185423 PMCID: PMC6176944 DOI: 10.1242/bio.036848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila embryonic tracheal network is an excellent model to study tube size. The chitin-based apical luminal matrix and cell polarity are well known to regulate tube size in Drosophila trachea. Defects in luminal matrix and cell polarity lead to tube overexpansion. Here, we address the novel function of the rebuff (reb) gene, which encodes an evolutionarily conserved Smad-like protein. In reb mutants, tracheal tubes are moderately over-elongated. Despite the establishment of normal cell polarity, we observed significantly reduced apical luminal matrix in reb mutants. Among various luminal components, luminal Obstructor-A (ObstA) is drastically reduced. Interestingly, ObstA is localized in vesicle-like structures that are apically concentrated in reb mutants. To investigate the possibility that reb is involved in the endocytosis of ObstA, we analyzed the co-localization of ObstA and endocytic markers in reb mutants. We observed that ObstA is localized in late endosomes and recycling endosomes. This suggests that in reb mutant trachea, endocytosed ObstA is degraded or recycled back to the apical region. However, ObstA vesicles are retained in the apical region and are failed to be secreted to the lumen. Taken together, these results suggest one function of reb is regulating the endocytosis of luminal matrix components. Summary: Novel function of Smad-like protein Rebuff in regulating tube size of Drosophila trachea through endocytosis of luminal matrix components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachana R Chandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Aaron Scholl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Yuyang Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
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8
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Saito Y, Desai RR, Muthuswamy SK. Reinterpreting polarity and cancer: The changing landscape from tumor suppression to tumor promotion. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:103-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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9
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Scholl A, Yang Y, McBride P, Irwin K, Jiang L. Tracheal expression of Osiris gene family in Drosophila. Gene Expr Patterns 2018; 28:87-94. [PMID: 29548969 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila trachea is a premier genetic system to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of tubular organ formation. Development of the trachea consists of the well understood early branch specification and migration processes, and the less clear later branch maturation process including the apical membrane expansion, cytoskeleton rearrangement, luminal matrix clearance, and air-filling. We identified seven members of the Osiris (Osi) gene family with obvious tracheal expression in Drosophila. In addition, HA-tagged Osi proteins are highly concentrated in vesicle-like structures at and near the apical membrane. Osi proteins are predicted to contain endocytic signals and transmembrane domains. The localization of Osi proteins is consistent with these predictions. Interestingly, the Drosophila tracheal tube maturation process also occurs at the apical membrane. Taken together, the localization of Osi proteins suggest that these proteins are likely involved in tube maturation through vesicular trafficking or interacting with other apical membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Scholl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, USA
| | - Yuyang Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, USA
| | | | - Kelly Irwin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, USA.
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10
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Varicose and cheerio collaborate with pebble to mediate semaphorin-1a reverse signaling in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8254-E8263. [PMID: 28894005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane semaphorin Sema-1a acts as both a ligand and a receptor to regulate axon-axon repulsion during neural development. Pebble (Pbl), a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, mediates Sema-1a reverse signaling through association with the N-terminal region of the Sema-1a intracellular domain (ICD), resulting in cytoskeletal reorganization. Here, we uncover two additional Sema-1a interacting proteins, varicose (Vari) and cheerio (Cher), each with neuronal functions required for motor axon pathfinding. Vari is a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of proteins, members of which can serve as scaffolds to organize signaling complexes. Cher is related to actin filament cross-linking proteins that regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. The PDZ domain binding motif found in the most C-terminal region of the Sema-1a ICD is necessary for interaction with Vari, but not Cher, indicative of distinct binding modalities. Pbl/Sema-1a-mediated repulsive guidance is potentiated by both vari and cher Genetic analyses further suggest that scaffolding functions of Vari and Cher play an important role in Pbl-mediated Sema-1a reverse signaling. These results define intracellular components critical for signal transduction from the Sema-1a receptor to the cytoskeleton and provide insight into mechanisms underlying semaphorin-induced localized changes in cytoskeletal organization.
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11
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Immunohistochemical study of the membrane skeletal protein, membrane protein palmitoylated 6 (MPP6), in the mouse small intestine. Histochem Cell Biol 2015; 145:81-92. [PMID: 26496923 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-015-1374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The membrane protein palmitoylated (MPP) family belongs to the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family. MPP1 interacts with the protein 4.1 family member, 4.1R, as a membrane skeletal protein complex in erythrocytes. We previously described the interaction of another MPP family, MPP6, with 4.1G in the mouse peripheral nervous system. In the present study, the immunolocalization of MPP6 in the mouse small intestine was examined and compared with that of E-cadherin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and 4.1B, which we previously investigated in intestinal epithelial cells. The immunolocalization of MPP6 was also assessed in the small intestines of 4.1B-deficient (-/-) mice. In the small intestine, Western blotting revealed that the molecular weight of MPP6 was approximately 55-kDa, and MPP6 was immunostained under the cell membranes in the basolateral portions of almost all epithelial cells from the crypts to the villi. The immunostaining pattern of MPP6 in epithelial cells was similar to that of E-cadherin, but differed from that of ZO-1. In intestinal epithelial cells, the immunostained area of MPP6 was slightly different from that of 4.1B, which was restricted to the intestinal villi. The immunolocalization of MPP6 in small intestinal epithelial cells was similar between 4.1B(-/-) mice and 4.1B(+/+) mice. In the immunoprecipitation study, another MAGUK family protein, calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK), was shown to molecularly interact with MPP6. Thus, we herein showed the immunolocalization and interaction proteins of MPP6 in the mouse small intestine, and also that 4.1B in epithelial cells was not essential for the sorting of MPP6.
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12
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Ganot P, Zoccola D, Tambutté E, Voolstra CR, Aranda M, Allemand D, Tambutté S. Structural molecular components of septate junctions in cnidarians point to the origin of epithelial junctions in eukaryotes. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 32:44-62. [PMID: 25246700 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Septate junctions (SJs) insure barrier properties and control paracellular diffusion of solutes across epithelia in invertebrates. However, the origin and evolution of their molecular constituents in Metazoa have not been firmly established. Here, we investigated the genomes of early branching metazoan representatives to reconstruct the phylogeny of the molecular components of SJs. Although Claudins and SJ cytoplasmic adaptor components appeared successively throughout metazoan evolution, the structural components of SJs arose at the time of Placozoa/Cnidaria/Bilateria radiation. We also show that in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata, the structural SJ component Neurexin IV colocalizes with the cortical actin network at the apical border of the cells, at the place of SJs. We propose a model for SJ components in Cnidaria. Moreover, our study reveals an unanticipated diversity of SJ structural component variants in cnidarians. This diversity correlates with gene-specific expression in calcifying and noncalcifying tissues, suggesting specific paracellular pathways across the cell layers of these diploblastic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Ganot
- Marine Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Quai Antoine Premier, Monaco
| | - Didier Zoccola
- Marine Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Quai Antoine Premier, Monaco
| | - Eric Tambutté
- Marine Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Quai Antoine Premier, Monaco
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manuel Aranda
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Denis Allemand
- Marine Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Quai Antoine Premier, Monaco
| | - Sylvie Tambutté
- Marine Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Quai Antoine Premier, Monaco
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13
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Izumi Y, Furuse M. Molecular organization and function of invertebrate occluding junctions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 36:186-93. [PMID: 25239398 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Septate junctions (SJs) are specialized intercellular junctions that function as permeability barriers to restrict the free diffusion of solutes through the paracellular routes in invertebrate epithelia. SJs are subdivided into several morphological types that vary among different animal phyla. In several phyla, different types of SJ have been described in different epithelia within an individual. Arthropods have two types of SJs: pleated SJs (pSJs) and smooth SJs (sSJs), found in ectodermally and endodermally derived epithelia, respectively. Several lines of Drosophila research have identified and characterized a large number of pSJ-associated proteins. Two sSJ-specific proteins have been recently reported. Molecular dissection of SJs in Drosophila and animals in other phyla will lead to a better understanding of the functional differences among SJ types and of evolutionary aspects of these permeability barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Izumi
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Mikio Furuse
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; Division of Cerebral Structure, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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14
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Iordanou E, Chandran RR, Yang Y, Essak M, Blackstone N, Jiang L. The novel Smad protein Expansion regulates the receptor tyrosine kinase pathway to control Drosophila tracheal tube size. Dev Biol 2014; 393:93-108. [PMID: 24973580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Tubes with distinct shapes and sizes are critical for the proper function of many tubular organs. Here we describe a unique phenotype caused by the loss of a novel, evolutionarily-conserved, Drosophila Smad-like protein, Expansion. In expansion mutants, unicellular and intracellular tracheal branches develop bubble-like cysts with enlarged apical membranes. Cysts in unicellular tubes are enlargements of the apical lumen, whereas cysts in intracellular tubes are cytoplasmic vacuole-like compartments. The cyst phenotype in expansion mutants is similar to, but weaker than, that observed in double mutants of Drosophila type III receptor tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs), Ptp4E and Ptp10D. Ptp4E and Ptp10D negatively regulate the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways, especially epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor/breathless (FGFR, Btl) signaling to maintain the proper size of unicellular and intracellular tubes. We show Exp genetically interacts with RTK signaling, the downstream targets of RPTPs. Cyst size and number in expansion mutants is enhanced by increased RTK signaling and suppressed by reduced RTK signaling. Genetic interaction studies strongly suggest that Exp negatively regulates RTK (EGFR, Btl) signaling to ensure proper tube sizes. Smad proteins generally function as intermediate components of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β, DPP) signaling pathway. However, no obvious genetic interaction between expansion and TGF-β (DPP) signaling was observed. Therefore, Expansion does not function as a typical Smad protein. The expansion phenotype demonstrates a novel role for Smad-like proteins in epithelial tube formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterini Iordanou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Rachana R Chandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Yonghua Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Mina Essak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Nicholas Blackstone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
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15
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Song Y, Eng M, Ghabrial AS. Focal defects in single-celled tubes mutant for Cerebral cavernous malformation 3, GCKIII, or NSF2. Dev Cell 2013; 25:507-19. [PMID: 23763949 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Tubes of differing cellular architecture connect into networks. In the Drosophila tracheal system, two tube types connect within single cells (terminal cells); however, the genes that mediate this interconnection are unknown. Here we characterize two genes that are essential for this process: lotus, required for maintaining a connection between the tubes, and wheezy, required to prevent local tube dilation. We find that lotus encodes N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor 2 (NSF2), whereas wheezy encodes Germinal center kinase III (GCKIII). GCKIIIs are effectors of Cerebral cavernous malformation 3 (CCM3), a protein mutated in vascular disease. Depletion of Ccm3 by RNA interference phenocopies wheezy; thus, CCM3 and GCKIII, which prevent capillary dilation in humans, prevent tube dilation in Drosophila trachea. Ectopic junctional and apical proteins are present in wheezy terminal cells, and we show that tube dilation is suppressed by reduction of NSF2, of the apical determinant Crumbs, or of septate junction protein Varicose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Song
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, BRBII/III Room 1214, 421 Curie Boulevard, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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16
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Wells RE, Barry JD, Warrington SJ, Cuhlmann S, Evans P, Huber W, Strutt D, Zeidler MP. Control of tissue morphology by Fasciclin III-mediated intercellular adhesion. Development 2013; 140:3858-68. [PMID: 23946443 PMCID: PMC3915571 DOI: 10.1242/dev.096214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Morphogenesis is dependent on the orchestration of multiple developmental processes to generate mature functional organs. However, the signalling pathways that coordinate morphogenesis and the mechanisms that translate these signals into tissue shape changes are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that changes in intercellular adhesion mediated by the transmembrane protein Fasciclin III (FasIII) represent a key mediator of morphogenesis. Using the embryonic Drosophila hindgut as an in vivo model for organogenesis, we show that the tightening of hindgut curvature that normally occurs between embryonic stage 12 and 15 to generate the characteristic shepherd’s crook shape is dependent on localised JAK/STAT pathway activation. This localised pathway activity drives the expression of FasIII leading to its subcellular lateralisation at a stage before formation of septate junctions. Additionally, we show that JAK/STAT- and FasIII-dependent morphogenesis also regulates folds within the third instar wing imaginal disc. We show that FasIII forms homophilic intercellular interactions that promote intercellular adhesion in vivo and in cultured cells. To explore these findings, we have developed a mathematical model of the developing hindgut, based on the differential interfacial tension hypothesis (DITH) linking intercellular adhesion and localised surface tension. Our model suggests that increased intercellular adhesion provided by FasIII can be sufficient to drive the tightening of tube curvature observed. Taken together, these results identify a conserved molecular mechanism that directly links JAK/STAT pathway signalling to intercellular adhesion and that sculpts both tubular and planar epithelial shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Wells
- MRC Centre for Developmental and Biomedical Genetics, The University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Zuo L, Iordanou E, Chandran RR, Jiang L. Novel mechanisms of tube-size regulation revealed by the Drosophila trachea. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:343-54. [PMID: 23824100 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The size of various tubes within tubular organs such as the lung, vascular system and kidney must be finely tuned for the optimal delivery of gases, nutrients, waste and cells within the entire organism. Aberrant tube sizes lead to devastating human illnesses, such as polycystic kidney disease, fibrocystic breast disease, pancreatic cystic neoplasm and thyroid nodules. However, the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for tube-size regulation have yet to be fully understood. Therefore, no effective treatments are available for disorders caused by tube-size defects. Recently, the Drosophila tracheal system has emerged as an excellent in vivo model to explore the fundamental mechanisms of tube-size regulation. Here, we discuss the role of the apical luminal matrix, cell polarity and signaling pathways in regulating tube size in Drosophila trachea. Previous studies of the Drosophila tracheal system have provided general insights into epithelial tube morphogenesis. Mechanisms that regulate tube size in Drosophila trachea could be well conserved in mammalian tubular organs. This knowledge should greatly aid our understanding of tubular organogenesis in vertebrates and potentially lead to new avenues for the treatment of human disease caused by tube-size defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zuo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ekaterini Iordanou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Rachana R Chandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA; Dodge Hall of Engineering 322, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
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Adler PN, Sobala LF, Thom D, Nagaraj R. dusky-like is required to maintain the integrity and planar cell polarity of hairs during the development of the Drosophila wing. Dev Biol 2013; 379:76-91. [PMID: 23623898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cuticular hairs and sensory bristles that decorate the adult Drosophila epidermis and the denticles found on the embryo have been used in studies on planar cell polarity and as models for the cytoskeletal mediated morphogenesis of cellular extensions. ZP domain proteins have recently been found to be important for the morphogenesis of both denticles and bristles. Here we show that the ZP domain protein Dusky-like is a key player in hair morphogenesis. As is the case in bristles, in hairs dyl mutants display a dramatic phenotype that is the consequence of a failure to maintain the integrity of the extension after outgrowth. Hairs lacking dyl function are split, thinned, multipled and often very short. dyl is required for normal chitin deposition in hairs, but chitin is not required for the normal accumulation of Dyl, hence dyl acts upstream of chitin. A lack of chitin however, does not mimic the dyl hair phenotype, thus Dyl must have other targets in hair morphogenesis. One of these appears to be the actin cytoskeleton. Interestingly, dyl mutants also display a unique planar cell polarity phenotype that is distinct from that seen with mutations in the frizzled/starry night or dachsous/fat pathway genes. Rab11 was previously found to be essential for Dyl plasma membrane localization in bristles. Here we found that the expression of a dominant negative Rab11 can mimic the dyl hair morphology phenotype consistent with Rab11 also being required for Dyl function in hairs. We carried out a small directed screen to identify genes that might function with dyl and identified Chitinase 6 (Cht6) as a strong candidate, as knocking down Cht6 function led to weak versions of all of the dyl hair phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Adler
- Biology Department, Institute for Morphogenesis and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
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Tardi NJ, Cook ME, Edwards KA. Rapid phenotypic analysis of uncoated Drosophila samples with low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. Fly (Austin) 2012; 6:184-92. [PMID: 22722327 DOI: 10.4161/fly.20525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Research projects featuring repetitive phenotypic analysis of insects, such as taxonomic studies, quantitative genetics, and mutant screens, could be greatly facilitated by a simpler approach to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Here, we have applied low-vacuum SEM to wild type and mutant Drosophila and demonstrate that high quality ultrastructure data can be obtained quickly using minimal preparation. Adult flies, frozen live for storage, were mounted on aluminum stubs with carbon cement and directly imaged, with no chemical treatment or sputter coating. The key imaging parameters were identified and optimized, including chamber pressure, beam size, accelerating voltage, working distance and beam exposure. Different optimal conditions were found for eyes, wings, and bristles; in particular, surface features of bristles were obscured at higher accelerating voltages. The chief difficulties were charging, beam damage, and sample movement. We conclude that our optimized protocol is well suited to large-scale ultrastructural phenotypic analysis in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Tardi
- School of Biological Sciences; Illinois State University; Normal, IL USA
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20
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Abstract
Drosophila has been the key model system for studies on planar cell polarity (PCP). The rich morphology of the insect exoskeleton contains many structures that display PCP. Among these are the trichomes (cuticular hairs) that cover much of the exoskeleton, sensory bristles, and ommatidia. Many genes have been identified that must function for the development of normal PCP. Among these are the genes that comprise the frizzled/starry night (fz/stan) and dachsous/fat pathways. The mechanisms that underlie the function of the fz/stan pathway are best understood. All of the protein products of these genes accumulate asymmetrically in wing cells and there is good evidence that this involves local intercellular signaling between protein complexes on the distal edge of one cell and the juxtaposed proximal edge of its neighbor. It is thought that a feedback system, directed transport, and stabilizing protein-protein interactions mediate the formation of distal and proximal protein complexes. These complexes appear to recruit downstream proteins that function to spatially restrict the activation of the cytoskeleton in wing cells. This leads to the formation of the array of distally pointing hairs found on wings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Adler
- Biology Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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Duox, Flotillin-2, and Src42A are required to activate or delimit the spread of the transcriptional response to epidermal wounds in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002424. [PMID: 22242003 PMCID: PMC3248467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermis is the largest organ of the body for most animals, and the first line of defense against invading pathogens. A breach in the epidermal cell layer triggers a variety of localized responses that in favorable circumstances result in the repair of the wound. Many cellular and genetic responses must be limited to epidermal cells that are close to wounds, but how this is regulated is still poorly understood. The order and hierarchy of epidermal wound signaling factors are also still obscure. The Drosophila embryonic epidermis provides an excellent system to study genes that regulate wound healing processes. We have developed a variety of fluorescent reporters that provide a visible readout of wound-dependent transcriptional activation near epidermal wound sites. A large screen for mutants that alter the activity of these wound reporters has identified seven new genes required to activate or delimit wound-induced transcriptional responses to a narrow zone of cells surrounding wound sites. Among the genes required to delimit the spread of wound responses are Drosophila Flotillin-2 and Src42A, both of which are transcriptionally activated around wound sites. Flotillin-2 and constitutively active Src42A are also sufficient, when overexpressed at high levels, to inhibit wound-induced transcription in epidermal cells. One gene required to activate epidermal wound reporters encodes Dual oxidase, an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide. We also find that four biochemical treatments (a serine protease, a Src kinase inhibitor, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and hydrogen peroxide) are sufficient to globally activate epidermal wound response genes in Drosophila embryos. We explore the epistatic relationships among the factors that induce or delimit the spread of epidermal wound signals. Our results define new genetic functions that interact to instruct only a limited number of cells around puncture wounds to mount a transcriptional response, mediating local repair and regeneration. An epidermal wound provides signals that initiate a variety of localized responses, some of which act to regenerate and repair the breach in the epidermal barrier. The Drosophila melanogaster embryonic epidermis provides an excellent system to discover new genes that regulate wound-healing processes. Using fluorescent epidermal “wound” reporters that are locally activated around wound sites, we have screened almost 5,000 Drosophila mutants for functions required to activate or delimit wound-induced transcriptional responses to a local zone of epidermal cells. Among the seven new genes required to delimit the spread of wound responses are Flotillin-2 and Src42A. These two genes are also sufficient, when overexpressed at high levels, to inhibit wound-induced transcription in epidermal cells. One new gene required to activate epidermal wound reporters encodes Dual oxidase, an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide. We also find that four biochemical treatments (a serine protease, a Src kinase inhibitor, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and hydrogen peroxide) are sufficient to globally activate epidermal wound response genes in Drosophila embryos. Our results define new genetic functions, and the interactions among them, which regulate the local transcriptional response to puncture wounds.
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Essential function of protein 4.1G in targeting of membrane protein palmitoylated 6 into Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in myelinated nerves. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 32:199-205. [PMID: 22025680 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.05945-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein 4.1G is a membrane skeletal protein found in specific subcellular structures in myelinated Schwann cells and seminiferous tubules. Here, we show that in the mouse sciatic nerve, protein 4.1G colocalized at Schmidt-Lanterman incisures (SLI) and the paranodes with a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family, membrane protein palmitoylated 6 (MPP6). Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that MPP6 was interacting with protein 4.1G. In contrast to wild-type nerves, in 4.1G knockout mice, MPP6 was found largely in the cytoplasm near Schwann cell nuclei, indicating an abnormal protein transport. Although the SLI remained in the 4.1G knockout sciatic nerves, as confirmed by E-cadherin immunostaining, their shape was altered in aged 4.1G knockout nerves compared to their shape in wild-type nerves. In the seminiferous tubules, MPP6 was localized similarly to protein 4.1G along cell membranes of the spermatogonium and early spermatocytes. However, in contrast to myelinated peripheral nerves, the specific localization of MPP6 in the seminiferous tubules was unaltered in the absence of protein 4.1G. These results indicate that 4.1G has a specific role in the targeting of MPP6 to the SLI and the assembly of these subcellular structures.
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A perisynaptic ménage à trois between Dlg, DLin-7, and Metro controls proper organization of Drosophila synaptic junctions. J Neurosci 2010; 30:5811-24. [PMID: 20427642 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0778-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural plasticity of synaptic junctions is a prerequisite to achieve and modulate connectivity within nervous systems, e.g., during learning and memory formation. It demands adequate backup systems that allow remodeling while retaining sufficient stability to prevent unwanted synaptic disintegration. The strength of submembranous scaffold complexes, which are fundamental to the architecture of synaptic junctions, likely constitutes a crucial determinant of synaptic stability. Postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95)/ Discs-large (Dlg)-like membrane-associated guanylate kinases (DLG-MAGUKs) are principal scaffold proteins at both vertebrate and invertebrate synapses. At Drosophila larval glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) DlgA and DlgS97 exert pleiotropic functions, probably reflecting a few known and a number of yet-unknown binding partners. In this study we have identified Metro, a novel p55/MPP-like Drosophila MAGUK as a major binding partner of perisynaptic DlgS97 at larval NMJs. Based on homotypic LIN-2,-7 (L27) domain interactions, Metro stabilizes junctional DlgS97 in a complex with the highly conserved adaptor protein DLin-7. In a remarkably interdependent manner, Metro and DLin-7 act downstream of DlgS97 to control NMJ expansion and proper establishment of synaptic boutons. Using quantitative 3D-imaging we further demonstrate that the complex controls the size of postsynaptic glutamate receptor fields. Our findings accentuate the importance of perisynaptic scaffold complexes for synaptic stabilization and organization.
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Edwards TN, Meinertzhagen IA. The functional organisation of glia in the adult brain of Drosophila and other insects. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 90:471-97. [PMID: 20109517 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Revised: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This review annotates and categorises the glia of adult Drosophila and other model insects and analyses the developmental origins of these in the Drosophila optic lobe. The functions of glia in the adult vary depending upon their sub-type and location in the brain. The task of annotating glia is essentially complete only for the glia of the fly's lamina, which comprise: two types of surface glia-the pseudocartridge and fenestrated glia; two types of cortex glia-the distal and proximal satellite glia; and two types of neuropile glia-the epithelial and marginal glia. We advocate that the term subretinal glia, as used to refer to both pseudocartridge and fenestrated glia, be abandoned. Other neuropiles contain similar glial subtypes, but other than the antennal lobes these have not been described in detail. Surface glia form the blood brain barrier, regulating the flow of substances into and out of the nervous system, both for the brain as a whole and the optic neuropiles in particular. Cortex glia provide a second level of barrier, wrapping axon fascicles and isolating neuronal cell bodies both from neighbouring brain regions and from their underlying neuropiles. Neuropile glia can be generated in the adult and a subtype, ensheathing glia, are responsible for cleaning up cellular debris during Wallerian degeneration. Both the neuropile ensheathing and astrocyte-like glia may be involved in clearing neurotransmitters from the extracellular space, thus modifying the levels of histamine, glutamate and possibly dopamine at the synapse to ultimately affect behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara N Edwards
- Department of Biology, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 4J1.
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