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Dong H, Li J, Wu Q, Jin Y. Confluence and convergence of Dscam and Pcdh cell-recognition codes. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:1044-1057. [PMID: 37839971 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.09.001] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of neurites of the same neuron to avoid each other (self-avoidance) is a conserved feature in both invertebrates and vertebrates. The key to self-avoidance is the generation of a unique subset of cell-surface proteins in individual neurons engaging in isoform-specific homophilic interactions that drive neurite repulsion rather than adhesion. Among these cell-surface proteins are fly Dscam1 and vertebrate clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs), as well as the recently characterized shortened Dscam (sDscam) in the Chelicerata. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how cPcdh, Dscam, and sDscam cell-surface recognition codes are expressed and translated into cellular functions essential for neural wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China; MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
| | - Jinhuan Li
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China; MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China.
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2
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Cheng J, Yu Y, Wang X, Zheng X, Liu T, Hu D, Jin Y, Lai Y, Fu TM, Chen Q. Structural basis for the self-recognition of sDSCAM in Chelicerata. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2522. [PMID: 37130844 PMCID: PMC10154414 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To create a functional neural circuit, neurons develop a molecular identity to discriminate self from non-self. The invertebrate Dscam family and vertebrate Pcdh family are implicated in determining synaptic specificity. Recently identified in Chelicerata, a shortened Dscam (sDscam) has been shown to resemble the isoform-generating characters of both Dscam and Pcdh and represent an evolutionary transition. Here we presented the molecular details of sDscam self-recognition via both trans and cis interactions using X-ray crystallographic data and functional assays. Based on our results, we proposed a molecular zipper model for the assemblies of sDscam to mediate cell-cell recognition. In this model, sDscam utilized FNIII domain to form side-by-side interactions with neighboring molecules in the same cell while established hand-in-hand interactions via Ig1 domain with molecules from another cell around. Together, our study provided a framework for understanding the assembly, recognition, and evolution of sDscam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yamei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 611135, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Daojun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Lai
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Tian-Min Fu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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3
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Hou S, Li G, Xu B, Dong H, Zhang S, Fu Y, Shi J, Li L, Fu J, Shi F, Meng Y, Jin Y. Trans-splicing facilitated by RNA pairing greatly expands sDscam isoform diversity but not homophilic binding specificity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn9458. [PMID: 35857463 PMCID: PMC9258826 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule 1 (Dscam1) gene can generate tens of thousands of isoforms via alternative splicing, which is essential for nervous and immune functions. Chelicerates generate approximately 50 to 100 shortened Dscam (sDscam) isoforms by alternative promoters, similar to mammalian protocadherins. Here, we reveal that trans-splicing markedly increases the repository of sDscamβ isoforms in Tetranychus urticae. Unexpectedly, every variable exon cassette engages in trans-splicing with constant exons from another cluster. Moreover, we provide evidence that competing RNA pairing not only governs alternative cis-splicing but also facilitates trans-splicing. Trans-spliced sDscam isoforms mediate cell adhesion ability but exhibit the same homophilic binding specificity as their cis-spliced counterparts. Thus, we reveal a single sDscam locus that generates diverse adhesion molecules through cis- and trans-splicing coupled with alternative promoters. These findings expand understanding of the mechanism underlying molecular diversity and have implications for the molecular control of neuronal and/or immune specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqing Hou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jilong Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Lei Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Jiayan Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310018, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, P. R. China
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4
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Hong W, Zhang J, Dong H, Shi Y, Ma H, Zhou F, Xu B, Fu Y, Zhang S, Hou S, Li G, Wu Y, Chen S, Zhu X, You W, Shi F, Yang X, Gong Z, Huang J, Jin Y. Intron-targeted mutagenesis reveals roles for Dscam1 RNA pairing architecture-driven splicing bias in neuronal wiring. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109373. [PMID: 34260933 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) can generate 38,016 different isoforms through largely stochastic, yet highly biased, alternative splicing. These isoforms are required for nervous functions. However, the functional significance of splicing bias remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that Dscam1 splicing bias is required for mushroom body (MB) axonal wiring. We generate mutant flies with normal overall protein levels and an identical number but global changes in exon 4 and 9 isoform bias (DscamΔ4D-/- and DscamΔ9D-/-), respectively. In contrast to DscamΔ4D-/-, DscamΔ9D-/- exhibits remarkable MB defects, suggesting a variable domain-specific requirement for isoform bias. Importantly, changes in isoform bias cause axonal defects but do not influence the self-avoidance of axonal branches. We conclude that, in contrast to the isoform number that provides the molecular basis for neurite self-avoidance, isoform bias may play a role in MB axonal wiring by influencing non-repulsive signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Hong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yang Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Hongru Ma
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Fengyan Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Ying Fu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shixin Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shouqing Hou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Guo Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Wendong You
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Feng Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Zhefeng Gong
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Jianhua Huang
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China; Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang ZJ310058, China.
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5
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Chelicerata sDscam isoforms combine homophilic specificities to define unique cell recognition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:24813-24824. [PMID: 32963097 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1921983117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) isoforms and ∼60 clustered protocadhrein (cPcdh) proteins are required for establishing neural circuits in insects and vertebrates, respectively. The strict homophilic specificity exhibited by these proteins has been extensively studied and is thought to be critical for their function in neuronal self-avoidance. In contrast, significantly less is known about the Dscam1-related family of ∼100 shortened Dscam (sDscam) proteins in Chelicerata. We report that Chelicerata sDscamα and some sDscamβ protein trans interactions are strictly homophilic, and that the trans interaction is meditated via the first Ig domain through an antiparallel interface. Additionally, different sDscam isoforms interact promiscuously in cis via membrane proximate fibronectin-type III domains. We report that cell-cell interactions depend on the combined identity of all sDscam isoforms expressed. A single mismatched sDscam isoform can interfere with the interactions of cells that otherwise express an identical set of isoforms. Thus, our data support a model by which sDscam association in cis and trans generates a vast repertoire of combinatorial homophilic recognition specificities. We propose that in Chelicerata, sDscam combinatorial specificity is sufficient to provide each neuron with a unique identity for self-nonself discrimination. Surprisingly, while sDscams are related to Drosophila Dscam1, our results mirror the findings reported for the structurally unrelated vertebrate cPcdh. Thus, our findings suggest a remarkable example of convergent evolution for the process of neuronal self-avoidance and provide insight into the basic principles and evolution of metazoan self-avoidance and self-nonself discrimination.
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6
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Xu B, Shi Y, Wu Y, Meng Y, Jin Y. Role of RNA secondary structures in regulating Dscam alternative splicing. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:194381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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7
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Wan ZC, Li D, Li XJ, Zhu YT, Gao TH, Li WW, Wang Q. B52 promotes alternative splicing of Dscam in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 87:460-469. [PMID: 30685464 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
B52 is a member of the classical serine/arginine (SR)-rich proteins, which are phylogenetically conserved and play significant roles in mRNA maturation, including alternative splicing. In the present study, the docking site, selector sequences and locus control region of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (EsDscam) were identified. Alternative splicing of Dscam is essential to generate different isoforms. We also isolated and characterised the B52 gene from E. sinensis (EsB52). The 876 bp open reading frame of EsB52 encodes a 291 amino acid residue polypeptide, and EsB52 has two RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) at the N-terminus and an arginine/serine-rich domain at the C-terminus. Each RRM contains two degenerate short submotifs, RNP-1 and RNP2. Analysis of tissue distribution revealed that EsB52 mRNA expression was widespread in all tested tissues, and especially high in brain and hemocytes. In hemocytes, EsB52 was upregulated significantly after stimulation with pathogen-associated molecular patterns and bacteria. Furthermore, EsB52 RNAi decreased the number of Ig7 inclusion in mRNA rather than Ig2 or Ig3. Taken together, these findings suggest that EsB52 acts as an alternative splicing activator of EsDscam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Cheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Ting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Heng Gao
- Institute of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei-Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Laboratory of Invertebrate Immunological Defense and Reproductive Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Jin Y, Li H. Revisiting Dscam diversity: lessons from clustered protocadherins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:667-680. [PMID: 30343321 PMCID: PMC11105660 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of neuronal wiring relies on the extraordinary recognition diversity of cell surface molecules. Drosophila Dscam1 and vertebrate clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are two classic examples of the striking diversity from a complex genomic locus, wherein the former encodes more than 10,000 distinct isoforms via alternative splicing, while the latter employs alternative promoters to attain isoform diversity. These structurally unrelated families show remarkably striking molecular parallels and even similar functions. Recent studies revealed a novel Dscam gene family with tandemly arrayed 5' cassettes in Chelicerata (e.g., the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and the tick Ixodes scapularis), similar to vertebrate clustered Pcdhs. Likewise, octopus shows a more remarkable expansion of the Pcdh isoform repertoire than human. These discoveries of Dscam and Pcdh diversification reshape the evolutionary landscape of recognition molecule diversity and provide a greater understanding of convergent molecular strategies for isoform diversity. This article reviews new insights into the evolution, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of Dscam and Pcdh isoform diversity. In particular, the convergence of clustered Dscams and Pcdhs is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Jin
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang (ZJ), People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang (ZJ), People's Republic of China
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9
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Styfhals R, Seuntjens E, Simakov O, Sanges R, Fiorito G. In silico Identification and Expression of Protocadherin Gene Family in Octopus vulgaris. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1905. [PMID: 30692932 PMCID: PMC6339937 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connecting millions of neurons to create a functional neural circuit is a daunting challenge. Vertebrates developed a molecular system at the cell membrane to allow neurons to recognize each other by distinguishing self from non-self through homophilic protocadherin interactions. In mammals, the protocadherin gene family counts about 50 different genes. By hetero-multimerization, protocadherins are capable of generating an impressive number of molecular interfaces. Surprisingly, in the California two-spot octopus, Octopus bimaculoides, an invertebrate belonging to the Phylum Mollusca, over 160 protocadherins (PCDHs) have been identified. Here we briefly discuss the role of PCDHs in neural wiring and conduct a comparative study of the protocadherin gene family in two closely related octopus species, Octopus vulgaris and O. bimaculoides. A first glance at the expression patterns of protocadherins in O. vulgaris is also provided. Finally, we comment on PCDH evolution in the light of invertebrate nervous system plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Styfhals
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oleg Simakov
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Development, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Remo Sanges
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Computational Genomics Laboratory, Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Graziano Fiorito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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