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Papalampropoulou-Tsiridou M, Shiers S, Wang F, Godin AG, Price TJ, De Koninck Y. Distribution of acid-sensing ion channel subunits in human sensory neurons contrasts with that in rodents. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac256. [PMID: 36337346 PMCID: PMC9629378 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) play a critical role in nociception in human sensory neurons. Four genes (ASIC1, ASIC2, ASIC3, and ASIC4) encoding multiple subunits through alternative splicing have been identified in humans. Real time-PCR experiments showed strong expression of three subunits ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 in human dorsal root ganglia; however, their detailed expression pattern in different neuronal populations has not been investigated yet. In the current study, using an in situ hybridization approach (RNAscope), we examined the presence of ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 mRNA in three subpopulations of human dorsal root ganglia neurons. Our results revealed that ASIC1 and ASIC3 were present in the vast majority of dorsal root ganglia neurons, while ASIC2 was only expressed in less than half of dorsal root ganglia neurons. The distribution pattern of the three ASIC subunits was the same across the three populations of dorsal root ganglia neurons examined, including neurons expressing the REarranged during Transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and a subpopulation of nociceptors expressing Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1. These results strongly contrast the expression pattern of Asics in mice since our previous study demonstrated differential distribution of Asics among the various subpopulation of dorsal root ganglia neurons. Given the distinct acid-sensitivity and activity dynamics among different ASIC channels, the expression differences between human and rodents should be taken under consideration when evaluating the translational potential and efficiency of drugs targeting ASICs in rodent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Papalampropoulou-Tsiridou
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Antoine G Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Yves De Koninck
- Correspondence to: Yves De Koninck 2601 Chemin de la Canardière Québec G1J 2G3 Canada. E-mail:
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2
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Russo A, Incorvaia L, Malapelle U, Del Re M, Capoluongo E, Vincenzi B, Chiari R, Cortesi L, Danesi R, Florena AM, Fontanini G, Gori S, Marchetti A, Normanno N, Pinto C, Sangiolo D, Silvestris N, Tagliaferri P, Tallini G, Cinieri S, Beretta GD. The Tumor-Agnostic Treatment For Patients with Solid Tumors: a Position Paper on behalf of the AIOM- SIAPEC/IAP-SIBIOC-SIF Italian Scientific Societies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 165:103436. [PMID: 34371157 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The personalized medicine is in a rapidly evolving scenario. The identification of actionable mutations is revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape of tumors. The morphological and histological tumor features are enriched by the extensive genomic profiling, and the first tumor-agnostic drugs have been approved regardless of tumor histology, guided by predictive and druggable genetic alterations. This new paradigm of "mutational oncology", presents a great potential to change the oncologic therapeutic scenario, but also some critical aspects need to be underlined. A process governance is mandatory to ensure the genomic testing accuracy and homogeneity, the economic sustainability, and the regulatory issues, ultimately granting the possibility of translating this model in the "real world". In this position paper, based on experts' opinion, the AIOM-SIAPEC-IAP-SIBIOC-SIF Italian Scientific Societies revised the new agnostic biomarkers, the diagnostic technologies available, the current availability of agnostic drugs and their present indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Russo
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Lorena Incorvaia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Capoluongo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy; CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore, 486, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Chiari
- Medical Oncology, AULSS 6 Euganea, South Padova Hospital, Monselice, PD, Italy
| | - Laura Cortesi
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ada Maria Florena
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Gori
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Antonio Marchetti
- Center of Predictive Molecular Medicine, University-Foundation, CeSI Biotech Chieti, Italy
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Pinto
- Medical Oncology Unit, Clinical Cancer Centre, IRCCS-AUSL di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Medical and Translational Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna School of Medicine, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Cinieri
- Medical Oncology Division and Breast Unit, Senatore Antonio Perrino Hospital, ASL Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
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3
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Pathak A, Clark S, Bronfman FC, Deppmann CD, Carter BD. Long-distance regressive signaling in neural development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 10:e382. [PMID: 32391977 PMCID: PMC7655682 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nervous system development proceeds via well-orchestrated processes involving a balance between progressive and regressive events including stabilization or elimination of axons, synapses, and even entire neurons. These progressive and regressive events are driven by functionally antagonistic signaling pathways with the dominant pathway eventually determining whether a neural element is retained or removed. Many of these developmental sculpting events are triggered by final target innervation necessitating a long-distance mode of communication. While long-distance progressive signaling has been well characterized, particularly for neurotrophic factors, there remains relatively little known about how regressive events are triggered from a distance. Here we discuss the emergent phenomenon of long-distance regressive signaling pathways. In particular, we will cover (a) progressive and regressive cues known to be employed after target innervation, (b) the mechanisms of long-distance signaling from an endosomal platform, (c) recent evidence that long-distance regressive cues emanate from platforms like death receptors or repulsive axon guidance receptors, and (d) evidence that these pathways are exploited in pathological scenarios. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Signaling Pathways > Global Signaling Mechanisms Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Cytoplasmic Localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry and Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shayla Clark
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Francisca C. Bronfman
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Life Science, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christopher D. Deppmann
- Departments of Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Bruce D. Carter
- Department of Biochemistry and Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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4
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Sellmer A, Pilsl B, Beyer M, Pongratz H, Wirth L, Elz S, Dove S, Henninger SJ, Spiekermann K, Polzer H, Klaeger S, Kuster B, Böhmer FD, Fiebig HH, Krämer OH, Mahboobi S. A series of novel aryl-methanone derivatives as inhibitors of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) in FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 193:112232. [PMID: 32199135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutants of the FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) with duplications in the juxtamembrane domain (FLT3-ITD) act as drivers of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) of FLT3-ITD entered clinical trials and showed a promising, but transient success due to the occurrence of secondary drug-resistant AML clones. A further caveat of drugs targeting FLT3-ITD is the co-targeting of other RTKs which are required for normal hematopoiesis. This is observed quite frequently. Therefore, novel drugs are necessary to treat AML effectively and safely. Recently bis(1H-indol-2-yl)methanones were found to inhibit FLT3 and PDGFR kinases. In order to optimize these agents we synthesized novel derivatives of these methanones with various substituents. Methanone 16 and its carbamate derivative 17b inhibit FLT3-ITD at least as potently as the TKi AC220 (quizartinib). Models indicate corresponding interactions of 16 and quizartinib with FLT3. The activity of 16 is accompanied by a high selectivity for FLT3-ITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Sellmer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernadette Pilsl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mandy Beyer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Herwig Pongratz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Wirth
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sigurd Elz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Dove
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Harald Polzer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Susan Klaeger
- Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Germany
| | - Frank D Böhmer
- Universitätsklinikum Jena - Bachstrasse 18 - D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany.
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5
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Tuttle A, Drerup CM, Marra M, McGraw H, Nechiporuk AV. Retrograde Ret signaling controls sensory pioneer axon outgrowth. eLife 2019; 8:46092. [PMID: 31476133 PMCID: PMC6718271 DOI: 10.7554/elife.46092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The trafficking mechanisms and transcriptional targets downstream of long-range neurotrophic factor ligand/receptor signaling that promote axon growth are incompletely understood. Zebrafish carrying a null mutation in a neurotrophic factor receptor, Ret, displayed defects in peripheral sensory axon growth cone morphology and dynamics. Ret receptor was highly enriched in sensory pioneer neurons and Ret51 isoform was required for pioneer axon outgrowth. Loss-of-function of a cargo adaptor, Jip3, partially phenocopied Ret axonal defects, led to accumulation of activated Ret in pioneer growth cones, and reduced retrograde Ret51 transport. Jip3 and Ret51 were also retrogradely co-transported, ultimately suggesting Jip3 is a retrograde adapter of active Ret51. Finally, loss of Ret reduced transcription and growth cone localization of Myosin-X, an initiator of filopodial formation. These results show a specific role for Ret51 in pioneer axon growth, and suggest a critical role for long-range retrograde Ret signaling in regulating growth cone dynamics through downstream transcriptional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Tuttle
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Catherine M Drerup
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Molly Marra
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Hillary McGraw
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Alex V Nechiporuk
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
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6
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Peng C, Furlan A, Zhang MD, Su J, Lübke M, Lönnerberg P, Abdo H, Sontheimer J, Sundström E, Ernfors P. Termination of cell-type specification gene programs by miR-183 cluster determines the population sizes of low threshold mechanosensitive neurons. Development 2018; 145:dev.165613. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.165613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Touch and mechanical sensations require the development of several different kinds of sensory neurons dedicated to respond to certain types of mechanical stimuli. The transcription factor Shox2 (short stature homeobox 2) is involved in the generation of TRKB+ low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), but mechanisms terminating this program and allowing for alternative fates are unknown. Here, we show that the conditional loss of miR-183-96-182 cluster leads to a failure of extinction of Shox2 during development and an increase in the proportion of Aδ LTMRs (TRKB+/NECAB2+) neurons at the expense of Aβ slowly adapting (SA)-LTMRs (TRKC+/Runx3−) neurons. Conversely, overexpression of miR-183 cluster that represses Shox2 expression, or loss of Shox2, both increases the Aβ SA-LTMRs population at expense of Aδ LTMRs. Our results suggest that the miR-183 cluster determines the timing of Shox2 expression by direct targeting during development, and through this determines the population sizes of Aδ LTMRs and Aβ SA-LTMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgeng Peng
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200029 Shanghai, China
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ming-Dong Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moritz Lübke
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Lönnerberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hind Abdo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana Sontheimer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Sundström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society. Karolinska Institutet, 171777 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Abstract
The sensation of touch is mediated by mechanosensory neurons that are embedded in skin and relay signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. During embryogenesis, axons elongate from these neurons to make contact with the developing skin. Concurrently, the epithelium of skin transforms from a homogeneous tissue into a heterogeneous organ that is made up of distinct layers and microdomains. Throughout this process, each neuronal terminal must form connections with an appropriate skin region to serve its function. This Review presents current knowledge of the development of the sensory microdomains in mammalian skin and the mechanosensory neurons that innervate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair A Jenkins
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics and Department of Dermatology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ellen A Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics and Department of Dermatology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY 10032, USA
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8
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Wang F, Wang Q, Li C, Yu P, Qu Y, Zhou L. The role of Celsr3 in the development of central somatosensory projections from dorsal root ganglia. Neuroscience 2017; 359:267-276. [PMID: 28754314 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons receive peripheral somatosensory information and send orderly projections to second-order relay nuclei in the spinal cord and in the brainstem. Atypical cadherin Celsr3 is known to play a critical role in wiring of several central and peripheral axons. Although Celsr3 mRNA is heavily expressed in DRG neurons, its role in the development of somatosensory projections remains unexplored. Here we assessed the role of Celsr3 in DRG using conditional gene inactivation in crosses with Wnt1-Cre mice. Using Celsr3-GFP transgenic mice, we found that Celsr3 was highly expressed in different DRG cells, such as Pavalbumin-, TrkB-, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive neurons. Wnt1-Cre;Celsr3f/- animals survived for a few weeks and looked smaller than littermate controls. DiI tracing showed that early DRG axons entered the spinal cord and reached spinal cord targets similarly in mutant and control mice. CGRP-positive fiber density was significantly decreased in lamina I in the mutant versus control spinal cord at postnatal day (P) 7 and P14. Furthermore, more Pavalbumin-positive fibers invaded the gray matter and made more contacts with spinal motor neurons in mutant than in control samples. Behavioral analysis showed that mutant animals were less sensitive to pain and more sensitive to mechanical stimulation than controls. In conclusion, Celsr3 is dispensable for the patterning of central DRG projections, but it regulates for the fine mapping of sensory fibers in the gray matter, which is important for somatosensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Qianghua Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Panpan Yu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Jiangsu, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China.
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9
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A RET-ER81-NRG1 Signaling Pathway Drives the Development of Pacinian Corpuscles. J Neurosci 2017; 36:10337-10355. [PMID: 27707970 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2160-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon-Schwann cell interactions are crucial for the development, function, and repair of the peripheral nervous system, but mechanisms underlying communication between axons and nonmyelinating Schwann cells are unclear. Here, we show that ER81 is functionally required in a subset of mouse RET+ mechanosensory neurons for formation of Pacinian corpuscles, which are composed of a single myelinated axon and multiple layers of nonmyelinating Schwann cells, and Ret is required for the maintenance of Er81 expression. Interestingly, Er81 mutants have normal myelination but exhibit deficient interactions between axons and corpuscle-forming nonmyelinating Schwann cells. Finally, ablating Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) in mechanosensory neurons results in no Pacinian corpuscles, and an Nrg1 isoform not required for communication with myelinating Schwann cells is specifically decreased in Er81-null somatosensory neurons. Collectively, our results suggest that a RET-ER81-NRG1 signaling pathway promotes axon communication with nonmyelinating Schwann cells, and that neurons use distinct mechanisms to interact with different types of Schwann cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Communication between neurons and Schwann cells is critical for development, normal function, and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system. Despite many studies about axonal communication with myelinating Schwann cells, mostly via a specific isoform of Neuregulin1, the molecular nature of axonal communication with nonmyelinating Schwann cells is poorly understood. Here, we described a RET-ER81-Neuregulin1 signaling pathway in neurons innervating Pacinian corpuscle somatosensory end organs, which is essential for communication between the innervating axon and the end organ nonmyelinating Schwann cells. We also showed that this signaling pathway uses isoforms of Neuregulin1 that are not involved in myelination, providing evidence that neurons use different isoforms of Neuregulin1 to interact with different types of Schwann cells.
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10
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Landmann J, Richter F, Oros-Peusquens AM, Shah NJ, Classen J, Neely GG, Richter A, Penninger JM, Bechmann I. Neuroanatomy of pain-deficiency and cross-modal activation in calcium channel subunit (CACN) α2δ3 knockout mice. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 223:111-130. [PMID: 28733833 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1473-4] [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] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The phenotype of calcium channel subunit (CACN) α2δ3 knockout (KO) mice includes sensory cross-activation and deficient pain perception. Sensory cross-activation defines the activation of a sensory cortical region by input from another modality due to reorganization in the brain such as after sensory loss. To obtain mechanistic insight into both phenomena, we employed a comprehensive battery of neuroanatomical techniques. While CACNα2δ3 was ubiquitously expressed in wild-type mice, it was absent in α2δ3 KO animals. Immunostaining of α1A, α1B, and α1E revealed upregulation of N-type and R-type, but not P/Q-type Cav2 channels in cortical neurons of CACNα2δ3 KO mice. Compared to wild-type mice, axonal processes in somatosensory cortex were enhanced, and dendritic processes reduced, in CACNα2δ3 KO mice. Immunohistochemical and MRI analyses, investigating morphology, thalamocortical and intra-/intercortical trajectories, revealed a disparity between projection and commissural fibers with reduction of the number of spatial specificity of thalamocortical projections. L1cam staining revealed wide-ranging projections of thalamocortical fibers reaching both somatosensory/motor and visual cortical areas. Activation (c-fos+) of excitatory and inhibitory neurons suggested that deficient pain perception in α2δ3 KO mice is unlikely to result from cortical disinhibition. Collectively, our data demonstrate that knock out of CACN α2δ3 results in some structural abnormalities whose functional implications converge to dedifferentiation of sensory activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Landmann
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Oststrasse 25, 04317, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Franziska Richter
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 15, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana-Maria Oros-Peusquens
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Research Centre Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - N Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), Research Centre Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, JARA, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joseph Classen
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - G Gregory Neely
- Dr. John and Anne Chong Lab for Functional Genomics, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life & Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, 2006, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Angelika Richter
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 15, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Josef M Penninger
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingo Bechmann
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Oststrasse 25, 04317, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Wang JW, Stifani S. Roles of Runx Genes in Nervous System Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:103-116. [PMID: 28299654 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Runt-related (Runx) transcription factors play essential roles during development and adult tissue homeostasis and are responsible for several human diseases. They regulate a variety of biological mechanisms in numerous cell lineages. Recent years have seen significant progress in our understanding of the functions performed by Runx proteins in the developing and postnatal mammalian nervous system. In both central and peripheral nervous systems, Runx1 and Runx3 display remarkably specific expression in mostly non-overlapping groups of postmitotic neurons. In the central nervous system, Runx1 is involved in the development of selected motor neurons controlling neural circuits mediating vital functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and locomotion. In the peripheral nervous system, Runx1 and Runx3 play essential roles during the development of sensory neurons involved in circuits mediating pain, itch, thermal sensation and sense of relative position. Runx1 and Runx3 orchestrate complex gene expression programs controlling neuronal subtype specification and axonal connectivity. Runx1 is also important in the olfactory system, where it regulates the progenitor-to-neuron transition in undifferentiated neural progenitor cells in the olfactory epithelium as well as the proliferation and developmental maturation of specific glial cells termed olfactory ensheathing cells. Moreover, upregulated Runx expression is associated with brain injury and disease. Increasing knowledge of the functions of Runx proteins in the developing and postnatal nervous system is therefore expected to improve our understanding of nervous system development, homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Woong Wang
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A2B4, Canada.
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12
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Jankowski MP, Baumbauer KM, Wang T, Albers KM, Davis BM, Koerber HR. Cutaneous neurturin overexpression alters mechanical, thermal, and cold responsiveness in physiologically identified primary afferents. J Neurophysiol 2016; 117:1258-1265. [PMID: 28031403 PMCID: PMC5349329 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00731.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors play an important role in the regulation of functional properties of sensory neurons under normal and pathological conditions. The GDNF family member neurturin is one such factor that has been linked to modulating responsiveness to peripheral stimuli. Neurturin binds to the GFRα2 receptor, a receptor found primarily in isolectin B4-expressing polymodal cutaneous nociceptors. Previous work has shown that knockout of GFRα2 alters heat, but not mechanical, responses in dissociated sensory neurons and reduces pain-related behaviors during the second phase of the formalin test. Research has also shown that overexpression of neurturin in basal keratinocytes increases behavioral responsiveness to mechanical stimulation and innocuous cooling of the skin without affecting noxious heat responses. Here we directly examined the impact of neurturin overexpression on cutaneous afferent function. We compared physiological responses of individual sensory neurons to mechanical and thermal stimulation of the skin, using an ex vivo skin-nerve-dorsal root ganglion-spinal cord preparation produced from neurturin-overexpressing (NRTN/OE) mice and wild-type littermate controls. We found that neurturin overexpression increases responsiveness to innocuous mechanical stimuli in A-fiber nociceptors, alters thermal responses in the polymodal subpopulation of C-fiber sensory neurons, and changes the relative numbers of mechanically sensitive but thermally insensitive C-fiber afferents. These results demonstrate the potential roles of different functional groups of sensory neurons in the behavioral changes observed in mice overexpressing cutaneous neurturin and highlight the importance of neurturin in regulating cutaneous afferent response properties.NEW & NOTEWORTHY GDNF family neurotrophic factors regulate the development and function of primary sensory neurons. Of these, neurturin has been shown to modulate mechanical and cooling sensitivity behaviorally. Here we show that overexpression of neurturin in basal keratinocytes regulates mechanical responsiveness in A-fiber primary sensory neurons while increasing the overall numbers of cold-sensing units. Results demonstrate a crucial role for cutaneous neurturin in modulating responsiveness to peripheral stimuli at the level of the primary afferent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Jankowski
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle M Baumbauer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - H Richard Koerber
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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13
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Olson W, Dong P, Fleming M, Luo W. The specification and wiring of mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 5:389-404. [PMID: 26992078 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) are a diverse set of primary somatosensory neurons that function to sense external mechanical force. Generally, LTMRs are composed of Aβ-LTMRs, Aδ-LTMRs, and C-LTMRs, which have distinct molecular, physiological, anatomical, and functional features. The specification and wiring of each type of mammalian cutaneous LTMRs is established during development by the interplay of transcription factors with trophic factor signalling. In this review, we summarize the cohort of extrinsic and intrinsic factors generating the complex mammalian cutaneous LTMR circuits that mediate our tactile sensations and behaviors. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Fleming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Stantcheva KK, Iovino L, Dhandapani R, Martinez C, Castaldi L, Nocchi L, Perlas E, Portulano C, Pesaresi M, Shirlekar KS, de Castro Reis F, Paparountas T, Bilbao D, Heppenstall PA. A subpopulation of itch-sensing neurons marked by Ret and somatostatin expression. EMBO Rep 2016; 17:585-600. [PMID: 26929027 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201540983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch, the unpleasant sensation that elicits a desire to scratch, is mediated by specific subtypes of cutaneous sensory neuron. Here, we identify a subpopulation of itch-sensing neurons based on their expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Ret. We apply flow cytometry to isolate Ret-positive neurons from dorsal root ganglia and detected a distinct population marked by low levels of Ret and absence of isolectin B4 binding. We determine the transcriptional profile of these neurons and demonstrate that they express neuropeptides such as somatostatin (Sst), the NGF receptor TrkA, and multiple transcripts associated with itch. We validate the selective expression of Sst using an Sst-Cre driver line and ablated these neurons by generating mice in which the diphtheria toxin receptor is conditionally expressed from the sensory neuron-specific Avil locus. Sst-Cre::Avil(iDTR) mice display normal nociceptive responses to thermal and mechanical stimuli. However, scratching behavior evoked by interleukin-31 (IL-31) or agonist at the 5HT1F receptor is significantly reduced. Our data provide a molecular signature for a subpopulation of neurons activated by multiple pruritogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Loredana Iovino
- EMBL Mouse Biology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul A Heppenstall
- EMBL Mouse Biology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Ogihara Y, Masuda T, Ozaki S, Yoshikawa M, Shiga T. Runx3-regulated expression of two Ntrk3 transcript variants in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:313-22. [PMID: 26061886 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Somatosensation is divided into proprioception and cutaneous sensation. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons project their fibers toward peripheral targets including muscles and skin, and centrally to the spinal cord. Proprioceptive DRG neurons transmit information from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs to the spinal cord. We previously showed that Runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3) is expressed in these neurons and their projections to the ventral spinal cord and muscle spindles are lost in Runx3-deficient (Runx3(-/-) ) mouse embryos. Although Runx3 is likely to contribute to the fate decision and projection of proprioceptive DRG neurons, the precise roles for Runx3 in these phenomena are unknown. To identify genes regulated by Runx3 in embryonic DRGs, we performed microarray analyses using cDNAs isolated from wild-type and Runx3(-/-) DRGs of embryonic day (E) 12.5 and selected two transcript variants of the tyrosine kinase receptor C (TrkC) gene. These variants, Ntrk3 variant 1 (Ntrk3-v1) and variant 2 (Ntrk3-v2), encode full-length and truncated receptors of neurotrophin-3, respectively. Using double in situ hybridization, we found that most of Ntrk3-v1 mRNA expression in E14.5 DRGs depended on Runx3 but that more than half of Ntrk3-v2 mRNA one were expressed in a Runx3-independent manner. Furthermore, our data revealed that the rate of Ntrk3-v1 and Ntrk3-v2 colocalization in DRGs changed from E14.5 to E18.5. Together, our data suggest that Runx3 may play a crucial role in the development of DRGs by regulating the expression of Ntrk3 variants and that DRG neurons expressing Ntrk3-v1 but not Ntrk3-v2 may differentiate into proprioceptive ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ogihara
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Masuda
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeru Ozaki
- Doctoral Program in Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yoshikawa
- Division of Anatomical Science, Department of Functional Morphology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Shiga
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Kansei, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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16
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Kisucká A, Hricová Ľ, Pavel J, Strosznajder JB, Chalimoniuk M, Langfort J, Gálik J, Maršala M, Radoňak J, Lukáčová N. Baclofen or nNOS inhibitor affect molecular and behavioral alterations evoked by traumatic spinal cord injury in rat spinal cord. Spine J 2015; 15:1366-78. [PMID: 25151131 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT The loss of descending control after spinal cord injury (SCI) and incessant stimulation of Ia monosynaptic pathway, carrying proprioceptive impulses from the muscles and tendons into the spinal cord, evoke exaggerated α-motoneuron activity leading to increased reflex response. Previous results from our laboratory have shown that Ia monosynaptic pathway is nitrergic. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to find out whether nitric oxide produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) plays a role in setting the excitability of α-motoneurons after thoracic spinal cord transection. STUDY DESIGN We tested the hypothesis that the inhibition of nNOS in α-motoneurons after SCI could have a neuroprotective effect on reflex response. METHODS Rats underwent spinal cord transection at Th10 level followed by 7, 10, and 14 days of survival. The animals were treated with Baclofen (a gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor agonist, 3 μg/two times per day/intrathecally) applied for 3 days from the seventh day after transection; N-nitro-l-arginine (NNLA) (nNOS blocator) applied for the first 3 days after injury (20 mg/kg per day, intramuscularly); NNLA and Baclofen; or NNLA (60 mg/kg/day, single dose) applied on the 10th day after transection. We detected the changes in the level of nNOS protein, nNOS messenger RNA, and nNOS immunoreactivity. To investigate the reflex response to heat-induced stimulus, tail-flick test was monitored in treated animals up to 16 days after SCI. RESULTS Our data indicate that Baclofen therapy is more effective than the combined treatment with NNLA and Baclofen therapy. The single dose of NNLA (60 mg/kg) applied on the 10th day after SCI or Baclofen therapy reduced nNOS expression in α-motoneurons and suppressed symptoms of increased reflex activity. CONCLUSIONS The results clearly show that increased nNOS expression in α-motoneurons after SCI may be pharmacologically modifiable with Baclofen or bolus dose of nNOS blocker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kisucká
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Ľudmila Hricová
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Pavel
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Joanna B Strosznajder
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Chalimoniuk
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jozef Langfort
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ján Gálik
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia
| | - Martin Maršala
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia; Anesthesiology Research Laboratory, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jozef Radoňak
- First Department of Surgery, University Hospital and Safarik University, SNP Street 1, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Nadežda Lukáčová
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Plasticity and Repair, Institute of Neurobiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice 040 01, Slovakia.
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17
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Fleming MS, Vysochan A, Paixão S, Niu J, Klein R, Savitt JM, Luo W. Cis and trans RET signaling control the survival and central projection growth of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors. eLife 2015; 4:e06828. [PMID: 25838128 PMCID: PMC4408446 DOI: 10.7554/elife.06828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
RET can be activated in cis or trans by its co-receptors and ligands in vitro, but the physiological roles of trans signaling are unclear. Rapidly adapting (RA) mechanoreceptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) express Ret and the co-receptor Gfrα2 and depend on Ret for survival and central projection growth. Here, we show that Ret and Gfrα2 null mice display comparable early central projection deficits, but Gfrα2 null RA mechanoreceptors recover later. Loss of Gfrα1, the co-receptor implicated in activating RET in trans, causes no significant central projection or cell survival deficit, but Gfrα1;Gfrα2 double nulls phenocopy Ret nulls. Finally, we demonstrate that GFRα1 produced by neighboring DRG neurons activates RET in RA mechanoreceptors. Taken together, our results suggest that trans and cis RET signaling could function in the same developmental process and that the availability of both forms of activation likely enhances but not diversifies outcomes of RET signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Fleming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Anna Vysochan
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Sόnia Paixão
- Molecules - Signals - Development, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Rüdiger Klein
- Molecules - Signals - Development, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Joseph M Savitt
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center of Maryland, Elkridge, United States
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
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18
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Taylor-Clark TE, Wu KY, Thompson JA, Yang K, Bahia PK, Ajmo JM. Thy1.2 YFP-16 transgenic mouse labels a subset of large-diameter sensory neurons that lack TRPV1 expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119538. [PMID: 25746468 PMCID: PMC4351979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Thy1.2 YFP-16 mouse expresses yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in specific subsets of peripheral and central neurons. The original characterization of this model suggested that YFP was expressed in all sensory neurons, and this model has been subsequently used to study sensory nerve structure and function. Here, we have characterized the expression of YFP in the sensory ganglia (DRG, trigeminal and vagal) of the Thy1.2 YFP-16 mouse, using biochemical, functional and anatomical analyses. Despite previous reports, we found that YFP was only expressed in approximately half of DRG and trigeminal neurons and less than 10% of vagal neurons. YFP-expression was only found in medium and large-diameter neurons that expressed neurofilament but not TRPV1. YFP-expressing neurons failed to respond to selective agonists for TRPV1, P2X(2/3 and TRPM8 channels in Ca2+ imaging assays. Confocal analysis of glabrous skin, hairy skin of the back and ear and skeletal muscle indicated that YFP was expressed in some peripheral terminals with structures consistent with their presumed non-nociceptive nature. In summary, the Thy1.2 YFP-16 mouse expresses robust YFP expression in only a subset of sensory neurons. But this mouse model is not suitable for the study of nociceptive nerves or the function of such nerves in pain and neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Taylor-Clark
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kevin Y. Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Julie-Ann Thompson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kiseok Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Parmvir K. Bahia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Joanne M. Ajmo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
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19
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Kupari J, Airaksinen MS. Different requirements for GFRα2-signaling in three populations of cutaneous sensory neurons. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104764. [PMID: 25111710 PMCID: PMC4128720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Many primary sensory neurons in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) express one or several GFRα’s, the ligand-binding receptors of the GDNF family, and their common signaling receptor Ret. GFRα2, the principal receptor for neurturin, is expressed in most of the small nonpeptidergic DRG neurons, but also in some large DRG neurons that start to express Ret earlier. Previously, GFRα2 has been shown to be crucial for the soma size of small nonpeptidergic nociceptors and for their target innervation of glabrous epidermis. However, little is known about this receptor in other Ret-expressing DRG neuron populations. Here we have investigated two populations of Ret-positive low-threshold mechanoreceptors that innervate different types of hair follicles on mouse back skin: the small C-LTMRs and the large Aβ-LTMRs. Using GFRα2-KO mice and immunohistochemistry we found that, similar to the nonpeptidergic nociceptors, GFRα2 controls the cell size but not the survival of both C-LTMRs and Aβ-LTMRs. In contrast to the nonpeptidergic neurons, GFRα2 is not required for the target innervation of C-LTMRs and Aβ-LTMRs in the back skin. These results suggest that different factors drive target innervation in these three populations of neurons. In addition, the observation that the large Ret-positive DRG neurons lack GFRα2 immunoreactivity in mature animals suggests that these neurons switch their GFRα signaling pathways during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Kupari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti S. Airaksinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
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20
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Jackson MZ, Gruner KA, Qin C, Tourtellotte WG. A neuron autonomous role for the familial dysautonomia gene ELP1 in sympathetic and sensory target tissue innervation. Development 2014; 141:2452-61. [PMID: 24917501 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Familial dysautonomia (FD) is characterized by severe and progressive sympathetic and sensory neuron loss caused by a highly conserved germline point mutation of the human ELP1/IKBKAP gene. Elp1 is a subunit of the hetero-hexameric transcriptional elongator complex, but how it functions in disease-vulnerable neurons is unknown. Conditional knockout mice were generated to characterize the role of Elp1 in migration, differentiation and survival of migratory neural crest (NC) progenitors that give rise to sympathetic and sensory neurons. Loss of Elp1 in NC progenitors did not impair their migration, proliferation or survival, but there was a significant impact on post-migratory sensory and sympathetic neuron survival and target tissue innervation. Ablation of Elp1 in post-migratory sympathetic neurons caused highly abnormal target tissue innervation that was correlated with abnormal neurite outgrowth/branching and abnormal cellular distribution of soluble tyrosinated α-tubulin in Elp1-deficient primary sympathetic and sensory neurons. These results indicate that neuron loss and physiologic impairment in FD is not a consequence of abnormal neuron progenitor migration, differentiation or survival. Rather, loss of Elp1 leads to neuron death as a consequence of failed target tissue innervation associated with impairments in cytoskeletal regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Z Jackson
- Department of Pathology (Division of Neuropathology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Northwestern University Integrated Neuroscience (NUIN) Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Katherine A Gruner
- Department of Pathology (Division of Neuropathology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Charles Qin
- Department of Pathology (Division of Neuropathology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Warren G Tourtellotte
- Department of Pathology (Division of Neuropathology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Northwestern University Integrated Neuroscience (NUIN) Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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21
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Elzière L, Sar C, Ventéo S, Bourane S, Puech S, Sonrier C, Boukhadaoui H, Fichard A, Pattyn A, Valmier J, Carroll P, Méchaly I. CaMKK-CaMK1a, a new post-traumatic signalling pathway induced in mouse somatosensory neurons. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97736. [PMID: 24840036 PMCID: PMC4026325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons innervating peripheral tissues display complex responses to peripheral nerve injury. These include the activation and suppression of a variety of signalling pathways that together influence regenerative growth and result in more or less successful functional recovery. However, these responses can be offset by pathological consequences including neuropathic pain. Calcium signalling plays a major role in the different steps occurring after nerve damage. As part of our studies to unravel the roles of injury-induced molecular changes in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons during their regeneration, we show that the calcium calmodulin kinase CaMK1a is markedly induced in mouse DRG neurons in several models of mechanical peripheral nerve injury, but not by inflammation. Intrathecal injection of NRTN or GDNF significantly prevents the post-traumatic induction of CaMK1a suggesting that interruption of target derived factors might be a starter signal in this de novo induction. Inhibition of CaMK signalling in injured DRG neurons by pharmacological means or treatment with CaMK1a siRNA resulted in decreased velocity of neurite growth in vitro. Altogether, the results suggest that CaMK1a induction is part of the intrinsic regenerative response of DRG neurons to peripheral nerve injury, and is thus a potential target for therapeutic intervention to improve peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Elzière
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Chamroeun Sar
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphanie Ventéo
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Steeve Bourane
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sylvie Puech
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Corinne Sonrier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Hassan Boukhadaoui
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Agnès Fichard
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
- Department BioMV, University of Montpellier II, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Pattyn
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean Valmier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
- Department BioMV, University of Montpellier II, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Carroll
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Ilana Méchaly
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, I.N.S.E.R.M. U1051, Montpellier, France
- Department BioMV, University of Montpellier II, Montpellier, France
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22
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Richner M, Ulrichsen M, Elmegaard SL, Dieu R, Pallesen LT, Vaegter CB. Peripheral nerve injury modulates neurotrophin signaling in the peripheral and central nervous system. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:945-70. [PMID: 24752592 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8706-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury disrupts the normal functions of sensory and motor neurons by damaging the integrity of axons and Schwann cells. In contrast to the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system possesses a considerable capacity for regrowth, but regeneration is far from complete and functional recovery rarely returns to pre-injury levels. During development, the peripheral nervous system strongly depends upon trophic stimulation for neuronal differentiation, growth and maturation. The perhaps most important group of trophic substances in this context is the neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4/5), which signal in a complex spatial and timely manner via the two structurally unrelated p75(NTR) and tropomyosin receptor kinase (TrkA, Trk-B and Trk-C) receptors. Damage to the adult peripheral nerves induces cellular mechanisms resembling those active during development, resulting in a rapid and robust increase in the synthesis of neurotrophins in neurons and Schwann cells, guiding and supporting regeneration. Furthermore, the injury induces neurotrophin-mediated changes in the dorsal root ganglia and in the spinal cord, which affect the modulation of afferent sensory signaling and eventually may contribute to the development of neuropathic pain. The focus of this review is on the expression patterns of neurotrophins and their receptors in neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord. Furthermore, injury-induced changes of expression patterns and the functional consequences in relation to axonal growth and remyelination as well as to neuropathic pain development will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Richner
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience DANDRITE, Nordic EMBL Partnership, and Lundbeck Foundation Research Center MIND, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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23
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Paixão S, Balijepalli A, Serradj N, Niu J, Luo W, Martin JH, Klein R. EphrinB3/EphA4-mediated guidance of ascending and descending spinal tracts. Neuron 2014; 80:1407-20. [PMID: 24360544 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The spinal cord contains many descending and ascending longitudinal tracts whose development appears to be controlled by distinct guidance systems. We identified a population of dorsal spinal neurons marked by coexpression of the transcription factor Zic2 and the guidance receptor EphA4. Zic2+;EphA4+ neurons are surrounded by mechanosensory terminals, suggesting innervation by mechanoreceptor afferents. Their axons form an ipsilateral ascending pathway that develops during embryogenesis and projects within the ventral aspect of the dorsal funiculus, the same location as the descending corticospinal tract (CST), which develops postnatally. Interestingly, the same guidance mechanism, namely, ephrinB3-induced EphA4 forward signaling, is required for the guidance of both ascending and descending axon tracts. Our analysis of conditional EphA4 mutant mice also revealed that the development of the dorsal funiculus occurs independently of EphA4 expression in descending CST axons and is linked to the distribution of Zic2+;EphA4+ spinal neurons and the formation of the ascending pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Paixão
- Department 'Molecules - Signals - Development,' Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Aarathi Balijepalli
- Department 'Molecules - Signals - Development,' Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Najet Serradj
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John H Martin
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Rüdiger Klein
- Department 'Molecules - Signals - Development,' Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (Synergy), 80336 Munich, Germany.
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24
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Fleming MS, Luo W. The anatomy, function, and development of mammalian Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 8. [PMID: 24376457 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-013-1271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Touch sensation is critical for our social and environmental interactions. In mammals, most discriminative light touch sensation is mediated by the Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Cell bodies of Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors are located in the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia, which extend a central projection innervating the spinal cord and brain stem and a peripheral projection innervating the specialized mechanosensory end organs. These specialized mechanosensory end organs include Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, lanceolate endings, Merkel cells, and Ruffini corpuscles. The morphologies and physiological properties of these mechanosensory end organs and their innervating neurons have been investigated for over a century. In addition, recent advances in mouse genetics have enabled the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying the development of Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptors, which highlight the crucial roles of neurotrophic factor signaling and transcription factor activity in this process. Here, we will review the anatomy, physiological properties, and development of mammalian low-threshold Aβ mechanoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Fleming
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
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25
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A sympathetic neuron autonomous role for Egr3-mediated gene regulation in dendrite morphogenesis and target tissue innervation. J Neurosci 2013; 33:4570-83. [PMID: 23467373 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5481-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Egr3 is a nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced transcriptional regulator that is essential for normal sympathetic nervous system development. Mice lacking Egr3 in the germline have sympathetic target tissue innervation abnormalities and physiologic sympathetic dysfunction similar to humans with dysautonomia. However, since Egr3 is widely expressed and has pleiotropic function, it has not been clear whether it has a role within sympathetic neurons and if so, what target genes it regulates to facilitate target tissue innervation. Here, we show that Egr3 expression within sympathetic neurons is required for their normal innervation since isolated sympathetic neurons lacking Egr3 have neurite outgrowth abnormalities when treated with NGF and mice with sympathetic neuron-restricted Egr3 ablation have target tissue innervation abnormalities similar to mice lacking Egr3 in all tissues. Microarray analysis performed on sympathetic neurons identified many target genes deregulated in the absence of Egr3, with some of the most significantly deregulated genes having roles in axonogenesis, dendritogenesis, and axon guidance. Using a novel genetic technique to visualize axons and dendrites in a subpopulation of randomly labeled sympathetic neurons, we found that Egr3 has an essential role in regulating sympathetic neuron dendrite morphology and terminal axon branching, but not in regulating sympathetic axon guidance to their targets. Together, these results indicate that Egr3 has a sympathetic neuron autonomous role in sympathetic nervous system development that involves modulating downstream target genes affecting the outgrowth and branching of sympathetic neuron dendrites and axons.
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26
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c-Maf is required for the development of dorsal horn laminae III/IV neurons and mechanoreceptive DRG axon projections. J Neurosci 2012; 32:5362-73. [PMID: 22514301 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6239-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of proper connectivity between peripheral sensory neurons and their central targets is required for an animal to sense and respond to various external stimuli. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons convey sensory signals of different modalities via their axon projections to distinct laminae in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In this study, we found that c-Maf was expressed predominantly in the interneurons of laminae III/IV, which primarily receive inputs from mechanoreceptive DRG neurons. In the DRG, c-Maf⁺ neurons also coexpressed neurofilament-200, a marker for the medium- and large-diameter myelinated afferents that transmit non-noxious information. Furthermore, mouse embryos deficient in c-Maf displayed abnormal development of dorsal horn laminae III/IV neurons, as revealed by the marked reduction in the expression of several marker genes for these neurons, including those for transcription factors MafA and Rora, GABA(A) receptor subunit α5, and neuropeptide cholecystokinin. In addition, among the four major subpopulations of DRG neurons marked by expression of TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and MafA/GFRα2/Ret, c-Maf was required selectively for the proper differentiation of MafA⁺/Ret⁺/GFRα2⁺ low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMs). Last, we found that the central and peripheral projections of mechanoreceptive DRG neurons were compromised in c-Maf deletion mice. Together, our results indicate that c-Maf is required for the proper development of MafA⁺/Ret⁺/GFRα2⁺ LTMs in the DRG, their afferent projections in the dorsal horn and Pacinian corpuscles, as well as neurons in laminae III/IV of the spinal cord.
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27
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Del Valle ME, Cobo T, Cobo JL, Vega JA. Mechanosensory neurons, cutaneous mechanoreceptors, and putative mechanoproteins. Microsc Res Tech 2012; 75:1033-43. [PMID: 22461425 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian skin has developed sensory structures (mechanoreceptors) that are responsible for different modalities of mechanosensitivity like touch, vibration, and pressure sensation. These specialized sensory organs are anatomically and functionally connected to a special subset of sensory neurons called mechanosensory neurons, which electrophysiologically correspond with Aβ fibers. Although mechanosensory neurons and cutaneous mechanoreceptors are rather well known, the biology of the sense of touch still remains poorly understood. Basically, the process of mechanosensitivity requires the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into an electrical signal through the activation of ion channels that gate in response to mechanical stimuli. These ion channels belong primarily to the family of the degenerin/epithelium sodium channels, especially the subfamily acid-sensing ion channels, and to the family of transient receptor potential channels. This review compiles the current knowledge on the occurrence of putative mechanoproteins in mechanosensory neurons and mechanoreceptors, as well as the involvement of these proteins on the biology of touch. Furthermore, we include a section about what the knock-out mice for mechanoproteins are teaching us. Finally, the possibilities for mechanotransduction in mechanoreceptors, and the common involvement of the ion channels, extracellular membrane, and cytoskeleton, are revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Del Valle
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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28
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Wende H, Lechner SG, Cheret C, Bourane S, Kolanczyk ME, Pattyn A, Reuter K, Munier FL, Carroll P, Lewin GR, Birchmeier C. The transcription factor c-Maf controls touch receptor development and function. Science 2012; 335:1373-6. [PMID: 22345400 DOI: 10.1126/science.1214314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The sense of touch relies on detection of mechanical stimuli by specialized mechanosensory neurons. The scarcity of molecular data has made it difficult to analyze development of mechanoreceptors and to define the basis of their diversity and function. We show that the transcription factor c-Maf/c-MAF is crucial for mechanosensory function in mice and humans. The development and function of several rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor types are disrupted in c-Maf mutant mice. In particular, Pacinian corpuscles, a type of mechanoreceptor specialized to detect high-frequency vibrations, are severely atrophied. In line with this, sensitivity to high-frequency vibration is reduced in humans carrying a dominant mutation in the c-MAF gene. Thus, our work identifies a key transcription factor specifying development and function of mechanoreceptors and their end organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Wende
- Developmental Biology, Max Delbrück Center (MDC) for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Hancock ML, Nowakowski DW, Role LW, Talmage DA, Flanagan JG. Type III neuregulin 1 regulates pathfinding of sensory axons in the developing spinal cord and periphery. Development 2011; 138:4887-98. [PMID: 22028026 DOI: 10.1242/dev.072306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sensory axons must develop appropriate connections with both central and peripheral targets. Whereas the peripheral cues have provided a classic model for neuron survival and guidance, less is known about the central cues or the coordination of central and peripheral connectivity. Here we find that type III Nrg1, in addition to its known effect on neuron survival, regulates axon pathfinding. In type III Nrg1(-/-) mice, death of TrkA(+) nociceptive/thermoreceptive neurons was increased, and could be rescued by Bax elimination. In the Bax and type III Nrg1 double mutants, axon pathfinding abnormalities were seen for TrkA(+) neurons both in cutaneous peripheral targets and in spinal cord central targets. Axon guidance phenotypes in the spinal cord included penetration of axons into ventral regions from which they would normally be repelled by Sema3A. Accordingly, sensory neurons from type III Nrg1(-/-) mice were unresponsive to the repellent effects of Sema3A in vitro, which might account, at least in part, for the central projection phenotype, and demonstrates an effect of type III Nrg1 on guidance cue responsiveness in neurons. Moreover, stimulation of type III Nrg1 back-signaling in cultured sensory neurons was found to regulate axonal levels of the Sema3A receptor neuropilin 1. These results reveal a molecular mechanism whereby type III Nrg1 signaling can regulate the responsiveness of neurons to a guidance cue, and show that type III Nrg1 is required for normal sensory neuron survival and axon pathfinding in both central and peripheral targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Hancock
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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30
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Li XZ, Yan J, Huang SH, Zhao L, Wang J, Chen ZY. Identification of a key motif that determines the differential surface levels of RET and TrkB tyrosine kinase receptors and controls depolarization enhanced RET surface insertion. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:1932-45. [PMID: 22128160 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.283457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The RET tyrosine kinase receptor plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. Although the ligand-induced RET signaling pathway has been well described, little is known about the regulation of RET surface expression, which is integral to the cell ability to control the response to ligand stimuli. We found that in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which co-express RET and TrkB, the receptor surface levels of RET are significantly higher than that of TrkB. Using a sequence substitution strategy, we identified a key motif (Box1), which is necessary and sufficient for the differential RET and TrkB surface levels. Furthermore, pharmacological and mutagenesis assays revealed that protein kinase C (PKC) and high K(+) depolarization increase RET surface levels through phosphorylation of the Thr(675) residue in the Box1 motif. Finally, we found that the phosphorylation status of the Thr(675) residue influences RET mediated response to GDNF stimulation. In all, these findings provide a novel mechanism for the modulation of RET surface expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Zhi Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
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31
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Reed-Geaghan EG, Maricich SM. Peripheral somatosensation: a touch of genetics. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2011; 21:240-8. [PMID: 21277195 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The somatosensory system processes information that organisms 'feel': joint position, muscle stretch, pain, pressure, temperature, and touch. The system is composed of a diverse array of peripheral nerve endings specialized to detect these sensory modalities. Several recent discoveries have shed light on the genetic pathways that control specification and differentiation of these neurons, how they accurately innervate their central and peripheral targets, and the molecules that enable them to detect mechanical stimuli. Here, we review the cadre of genes that control these processes, focusing on mechanosensitive neurons and support cells of the skin that mediate different aspects of the sense of touch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Reed-Geaghan
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
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32
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Moore SW, Tshifularo N. Hirschsprung's disease in the neurologically challenged child. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2011; 23:223-227. [PMID: 22191188 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2011.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) and central nervous system (CNS) anomalies and syndromes is interesting because of similar developmental pathways. In addition to associated syndromes (e.g., Trisomy 21), these include brain anomalies, mental retardation and growth, ear and hearing deformities, eye hypoplasia, and craniofacial abnormalities, suggesting an neurocristopathy. This group of patients present with neurological challenges and have special challenges in management especially in the older child and adolescent. METHODS We retrospectively investigated 32 patients with significant HSCR-associated neurological challenges out of a local database of 555 HSCRs (6%). Data were analyzed with details of neurological problem, treatment, complications, and mortality. Long-term outcome was assessed clinically. RESULTS A total of 32 neurologically challenged children were studied. The male/female ratio was 1.7:1 and all ethnic groups were affected. Abnormalities and syndromes included Down (n = 16) and probable Mowat-Wilson (n = 2) syndromes. Other abnormalities included ophthalmic problems (n = 8), CNS and brain abnormalities (n = 8). Mortality (22%) was mostly related to enterocolitis, particularly in Trisomy 21, ophthalmic problems (n = 8), CNS and brain abnormalities (n = 8). Follow-up age range was 1-34 years (8 years, adolescence and beyond). The outcome was variable, concomitant medical problems were common. Several patients failed to achieve satisfactory continence. CONCLUSION The association of neurological difficulties in patients with HSCR presents many challenges. Management could involve the exploration and evaluation of alternative treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam W Moore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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33
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Liu Y, Ma Q. Generation of somatic sensory neuron diversity and implications on sensory coding. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2010; 21:52-60. [PMID: 20888752 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are composed of a variety of sensory modalities, three of which are pain-sensing nociceptors, temperature-sensing thermoceptors, and itch-sensing pruriceptors. All these neurons are emerged from a common pool of embryonic DRG neurons that are marked by the expression of the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. Here we discuss how intrinsic transcription factors interface with target-derived signals to specify these functionally distinct sensory neurons. We will also discuss how this control mechanism provides a developmental perspective for the coding of somatic sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 1 Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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