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Hata K, Maeno-Hikichi Y, Yumoto N, Burden SJ, Landmesser LT. Distinct Roles of Different Presynaptic and Postsynaptic NCAM Isoforms in Early Motoneuron-Myotube Interactions Required for Functional Synapse Formation. J Neurosci 2018; 38:498-510. [PMID: 29175953 PMCID: PMC5761622 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1014-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is expressed both presynaptically and postsynaptically during neuromuscular junction formation. Genetic deletion in mice of all three isoforms (180, 140, and 120 kDa), or just the 180 isoform, suggested that different isoforms played distinct roles in synaptic maturation. Here we characterized in mice of either sex the earliest adhesive contacts between the growth cones of motoneurons and myotubes and their subsequent maturation into functional synapses in cocultures of motoneurons and myotubes, which expressed their normal complement of NCAM isoforms, or were lacking all isoforms either presynaptically or postsynaptically. Growth cone contact with +/+ mouse myotubes resulted in immediate adhesive contacts and the rapid downregulation of growth cone motility. When contacting NCAM-/- myotubes, growth cones touched and retracted/collapsed multiple times and failed to form stable contacts, even after 10 h. Exogenous expression in myotubes of either the 180 or 140 isoform, but not the 120 kDa isoform, rescued the rapid formation of stable contacts, the accumulation of presynaptic and postsynaptic molecules, and functional transmission. When NCAM was absent only in motoneurons, growth cones did not retract upon myotube contact, but, since their motility was not downregulated, they grew off the ends of the myotubes, failing to form synapses. The agrin receptor Lrp4 was strongly downregulated in NCAM-negative myotubes, and motoneuron growth cones did not make stable contacts with Lrp4-negative myotubes. These studies have identified novel roles for presynaptic and postsynaptic NCAM in mediating early cell-cell interactions required for synapse formation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although many molecular signals needed to form the functionally effective neuromuscular synapses required for normal movement have been described, the earliest signals that let motoneuron growth cones make stable adhesive contacts with myotubes and cease motility are not well understood. Using dynamic imaging of motoneuron-myotube cocultures, we show that NCAM is required on both the growth cone and myotube and that different NCAM isoforms mediate initial adhesion and the downregulation of growth cone motility. The agrin receptor Lrp4 was also essential for initial adhesive contacts and was downregulated on NCAM-/- myotubes. Our identification of novel roles for NCAM and Lrp4 and possible interactions between them in transforming motile growth cones into stable contacts opens interesting new avenues for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsusuke Hata
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4975
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako 351-0198, Japan, and
| | - Yuka Maeno-Hikichi
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4975
| | - Norihiro Yumoto
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Medical School, New York, New York 10016
| | - Steven J Burden
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Medical School, New York, New York 10016
| | - Lynn T Landmesser
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4975,
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Guijarro P, Jiang J, Yuan XB. Culturing of cerebellar granule cells to study neuronal migration: gradient and local perfusion assays. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 3:Unit 3.26. [PMID: 22752893 DOI: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0326s60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cultures of cerebellar granule cells are a suitable model to analyze the mechanisms governing neuronal migration. In this unit, we describe a protocol to obtain cultures of dissociated granule cells at a low density, where individual cells can be easily observed. In addition, we include a protocol for studying neuronal migration in these cultures, using single, actively migrating cerebellar granule cells. Following this protocol, a factor of interest can be applied either in a gradient concentration by means of a micropipet located near the neuron, or in a homogeneous concentration by locally perfusing a certain region of the neuron. Time-lapse images are taken to analyze changes in the speed and/or directionality of the observed neuron. Overall, the two protocols take more or less a day and a half to perform, and are a useful way to evaluate a certain factor/drug for its chemotactic activity or its capacity to alter migration speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Guijarro
- CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Yuan X. Axon guidance and neuronal migration research in China. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2010; 53:304-314. [PMID: 20596924 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-010-0068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Proper migration of neuronal somas and axonal growth cones to designated locations in the developing brain is essential for the assembly of functional neuronal circuits. Rapid progress in research of axon guidance and neuronal migration has been made in the last twenty years. Chinese researchers began their exploration in this field ten years ago and have made significant contributions in clarifying the signal transduction of axon guidance and neuronal migration. Several unique experimental approaches, including the migration assay of single isolated neurons in response to locally delivered guidance cues, have been developed by Chinese neuroscientists to investigate the molecular machinery underlying these guidance events.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoBing Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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Sanford SD, Gatlin JC, Hkfelt T, Pfenninger KH. Growth cone responses to growth and chemotropic factors. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 28:268-78. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06327.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Williams S, Ryan C, Jacobson C. Agrin and neuregulin, expanding roles and implications for therapeutics. Biotechnol Adv 2008; 26:187-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2007.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2007] [Revised: 11/21/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Farrar NR, Spencer GE. Pursuing a 'turning point' in growth cone research. Dev Biol 2008; 318:102-11. [PMID: 18436201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 03/05/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Growth cones are highly motile structures found at the leading edge of developing and regenerating nerve processes. Their role in axonal pathfinding has been well established and many guidance cues that influence growth cone behavior have now been identified. Many studies are now providing insights into the transduction and integration of signals in the growth cone, though a full understanding of growth cone behavior still eludes us. This review focuses on recent studies adding to the growing body of literature on growth cone behavior, focusing particularly on the level of autonomy the growth cone possesses and the role of local protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R Farrar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2S 3A1
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Wong YW, Schulze C, Streichert T, Gronostajski RM, Schachner M, Tilling T. Gene expression analysis of nuclear factor I-A deficient mice indicates delayed brain maturation. Genome Biol 2007; 8:R72. [PMID: 17475010 PMCID: PMC1929142 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2007-8-5-r72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 05/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analysis of brains from mice deficient in nuclear factor I-A (Nfia-/- mice) and from Nfia+/+ mice suggests that Nfia-/- mice are delayed in early postnatal development, especially oligodendrocyte maturation. Background Nuclear factor I-A (NFI-A), a phylogenetically conserved transcription/replication protein, plays a crucial role in mouse brain development. Previous studies have shown that disruption of the Nfia gene in mice leads to perinatal lethality, corpus callosum agenesis, and hydrocephalus. Results To identify potential NFI-A target genes involved in the observed tissue malformations, we analyzed gene expression in brains from Nfia-/- and Nfia+/+ littermate mice at the mRNA level using oligonucleotide microarrays. In young postnatal animals (postnatal day 16), 356 genes were identified as being differentially regulated, whereas at the late embryonic stage (embryonic day 18) only five dysregulated genes were found. An in silico analysis identified phylogenetically conserved NFI binding sites in at least 70 of the differentially regulated genes. Moreover, assignment of gene function showed that marker genes for immature neural cells and neural precursors were expressed at elevated levels in young postnatal Nfia-/- mice. In contrast, marker genes for differentiated neural cells were downregulated at this stage. In particular, genes relevant for oligodendrocyte differentiation were affected. Conclusion Our findings suggest that brain development, especially oligodendrocyte maturation, is delayed in Nfia-/- mice during the early postnatal period, which at least partly accounts for their phenotype. The identification of potential NFI-A target genes in our study should help to elucidate NFI-A dependent transcriptional pathways and contribute to enhanced understanding of this period of brain formation, especially with regard to the function of NFI-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wee Wong
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Schulze
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Streichert
- Institut für Klinische Chemie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Richard M Gronostajski
- Department of Biochemistry and Program in Neuroscience, State University of New York at Buffalo, 140 Farber Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, D-251, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Thomas Tilling
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Bergstrom RA, Sinjoanu RC, Ferreira A. Agrin induced morphological and structural changes in growth cones of cultured hippocampal neurons. Neuroscience 2007; 149:527-36. [PMID: 17870250 PMCID: PMC2675609 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of agrin in synaptogenesis has been extensively studied. On the other hand, little is known about the function of this extracellular matrix protein during developmental processes that precede the formation of synapses. Recently, agrin was shown to regulate the rate of neurite elongation and the behavior of growth cones in hippocampal and spinal neurons, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we analyzed the morphological and molecular changes induced by agrin in growth cones of hippocampal neurons that developed in culture. Morphometric analysis showed a significant enlargement of growth cones of hippocampal neurons cultured in the presence of agrin. These agrin-induced growth cone changes were accompanied by the formation of loops of microtubules highly enriched in acetylated tubulin and an increase in the content of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP)1B. Together, these data provide further insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of agrin on neurite outgrowth in rat central neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adriana Ferreira
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Adriana Ferreira, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Feinberg Medical School Northwestern University Searle Building Room 5-474 320 East Superior Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone (312) 503 0597; Fax (312) 503 7345 E-mail:
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Barabote RD, Tamang DG, Abeywardena SN, Fallah NS, Fu JYC, Lio JK, Mirhosseini P, Pezeshk R, Podell S, Salampessy ML, Thever MD, Saier MH. Extra domains in secondary transport carriers and channel proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:1557-79. [PMID: 16905115 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/20/2006] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
"Extra" domains in members of the families of secondary transport carrier and channel proteins provide secondary functions that expand, amplify or restrict the functional nature of these proteins. Domains in secondary carriers include TrkA and SPX domains in DASS family members, DedA domains in TRAP-T family members (both of the IT superfamily), Kazal-2 and PDZ domains in OAT family members (of the MF superfamily), USP, IIA(Fru) and TrkA domains in ABT family members (of the APC superfamily), ricin domains in OST family members, and TrkA domains in AAE family members. Some transporters contain highly hydrophilic domains consisting of multiple repeat units that can also be found in proteins of dissimilar function. Similarly, transmembrane alpha-helical channel-forming proteins contain unique, conserved, hydrophilic domains, most of which are not found in carriers. In some cases the functions of these domains are known. They may be ligand binding domains, phosphorylation domains, signal transduction domains, protein/protein interaction domains or complex carbohydrate-binding domains. These domains mediate regulation, subunit interactions, or subcellular targeting. Phylogenetic analyses show that while some of these domains are restricted to closely related proteins derived from specific organismal types, others are nearly ubiquitous within a particular family of transporters and occur in a tremendous diversity of organisms. The former probably became associated with the transporters late in the evolutionary process; the latter probably became associated with the carriers much earlier. These domains can be located at either end of the transporter or in a central region, depending on the domain and transporter family. These studies provide useful information about the evolution of extra domains in channels and secondary carriers and provide novel clues concerning function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi D Barabote
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA
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