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DePew AT, Bruckner JJ, O'Connor-Giles KM, Mosca TJ. Neuronal LRP4 directs the development, maturation and cytoskeletal organization of Drosophila peripheral synapses. Development 2024; 151:dev202517. [PMID: 38738619 PMCID: PMC11190576 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic development requires multiple signaling pathways to ensure successful connections. Transmembrane receptors are optimally positioned to connect the synapse and the rest of the neuron, often acting as synaptic organizers to synchronize downstream events. One such organizer, the LDL receptor-related protein LRP4, is a cell surface receptor that has been most well-studied postsynaptically at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Recent work, however, identified emerging roles, but how LRP4 acts as a presynaptic organizer and the downstream mechanisms of LRP4 are not well understood. Here, we show that LRP4 functions presynaptically at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses, acting in motoneurons to instruct pre- and postsynaptic development. Loss of presynaptic LRP4 results in multiple defects, impairing active zone organization, synapse growth, physiological function, microtubule organization, synaptic ultrastructure and synapse maturation. We further demonstrate that LRP4 promotes most aspects of presynaptic development via a downstream SR-protein kinase, SRPK79D. These data demonstrate a function for presynaptic LRP4 as a peripheral synaptic organizer, highlight a downstream mechanism conserved with its CNS function in Drosophila, and underscore previously unappreciated but important developmental roles for LRP4 in cytoskeletal organization, synapse maturation and active zone organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison T. DePew
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph J. Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kate M. O'Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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2
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DePew AT, Bruckner JJ, O’Connor-Giles KM, Mosca TJ. Neuronal LRP4 directs the development, maturation, and cytoskeletal organization of peripheral synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.564481. [PMID: 37961323 PMCID: PMC10635100 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.564481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synapse development requires multiple signaling pathways to accomplish the myriad of steps needed to ensure a successful connection. Transmembrane receptors on the cell surface are optimally positioned to facilitate communication between the synapse and the rest of the neuron and often function as synaptic organizers to synchronize downstream signaling events. One such organizer, the LDL receptor-related protein LRP4, is a cell surface receptor most well-studied postsynaptically at mammalian neuromuscular junctions. Recent work, however, has identified emerging roles for LRP4 as a presynaptic molecule, but how LRP4 acts as a presynaptic organizer, what roles LRP4 plays in organizing presynaptic biology, and the downstream mechanisms of LRP4 are not well understood. Here we show that LRP4 functions presynaptically at Drosophila neuromuscular synapses, acting in motor neurons to instruct multiple aspects of pre- and postsynaptic development. Loss of presynaptic LRP4 results in a range of developmental defects, impairing active zone organization, synapse growth, physiological function, microtubule organization, synaptic ultrastructure, and synapse maturation. We further demonstrate that LRP4 promotes most aspects of presynaptic development via a downstream SR-protein kinase, SRPK79D. SRPK79D overexpression suppresses synaptic defects associated with loss of lrp4. These data demonstrate a function for LRP4 as a peripheral synaptic organizer acting presynaptically, highlight a downstream mechanism conserved with its CNS function, and indicate previously unappreciated roles for LRP4 in cytoskeletal organization, synapse maturation, and active zone organization, underscoring its developmental importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison T. DePew
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Joseph J. Bruckner
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Kate M. O’Connor-Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
- Lead Contact
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3
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Geng S, Paul F, Kowalczyk I, Raimundo S, Sporbert A, Mamo TM, Hammes A. Balancing WNT signalling in early forebrain development: The role of LRP4 as a modulator of LRP6 function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1173688. [PMID: 37091972 PMCID: PMC10119419 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1173688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The specification of the forebrain relies on the precise regulation of WNT/ß-catenin signalling to support neuronal progenitor cell expansion, patterning, and morphogenesis. Imbalances in WNT signalling activity in the early neuroepithelium lead to congenital disorders, such as neural tube defects (NTDs). LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) family members, including the well-studied receptors LRP5 and LRP6, play critical roles in modulating WNT signalling capacity through tightly regulated interactions with their co-receptor Frizzled, WNT ligands, inhibitors and intracellular WNT pathway components. However, little is known about the function of LRP4 as a potential modulator of WNT signalling in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of LRP4 in the regulation of WNT signalling during early mouse forebrain development. Our results demonstrate that LRP4 can modulate LRP5- and LRP6-mediated WNT signalling in the developing forebrain prior to the onset of neurogenesis at embryonic stage 9.5 and is therefore essential for accurate neural tube morphogenesis. Specifically, LRP4 functions as a genetic modifier for impaired mitotic activity and forebrain hypoplasia, but not for NTDs in LRP6-deficient mutants. In vivo and in vitro data provide evidence that LRP4 is a key player in fine-tuning WNT signalling capacity and mitotic activity of mouse neuronal progenitors and of human retinal pigment epithelial (hTERT RPE-1) cells. Our data demonstrate the crucial roles of LRP4 and LRP6 in regulating WNT signalling and forebrain development and highlight the need to consider the interaction between different signalling pathways to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease. The findings have significant implications for our mechanistic understanding of how LRPs participate in controlling WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Geng
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Paul
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Izabela Kowalczyk
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Raimundo
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anje Sporbert
- Advanced Light Microscopy Technology Platform, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tamrat Meshka Mamo
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tamrat Meshka Mamo, ; Annette Hammes,
| | - Annette Hammes
- Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Tamrat Meshka Mamo, ; Annette Hammes,
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4
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Wang K, Wu J, Wang J, Jiang K. miR-485's anti-drug resistant epilepsy effects by regulating SV2A/PSD-95 and targeting ABCC1 and neuronal signaling-transduction proteins in hippocampus of rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2247. [PMID: 34291586 PMCID: PMC8413801 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), most subsequently developing refractory epilepsy, causes a significant burden to the society. microRNAs have been demonstrated as key regulators and therapeutic targets in epilepsy. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to test whether miR-485 could be a potential target for DRE. METHODS AND RESULTS An in vivo DRE model was developed in Sprague-Dawley rats by lithium chloride-pilocarpine and screened by antiepileptic drugs. We found that miR-485-5p in hippocampus was significant downregulated at early stage and recovered to normal level at late stage of DRE. Overexpression of miR-485-5p in dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus in DRE rats could significantly decrease the frequency of seizures and the numbers of epileptiform spikes of hippocampal DG neuron, and could specifically decrease SV2A expression without affecting PSD-95 expression in DG. Furthermore, miR-485-5p overexpression could significantly downregulate the expression of efflux transporter related to multidrug resistance (ABCC1) in hippocampus at late stage of DRE. Finally, a specific expression pattern of neuronal signaling-transduction proteins (LRP4, MDM4, p53, and TMBIM1) for DRE was observed, and miR-485-5p overexpression could modulate these proteins' expression levels toward normal in hippocampus both at early and late stage of DRE. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results suggest that miR-485 was a potential target for anti-DRE, and this effects might be partially via miR-485-5p/homeostatic-synaptic plasticity-molecule axis and/or targeting efflux transporter (ABCC1) and other neuronal signaling-transduction proteins (LRP4, MDM4, p53, and TMBIM1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinhua Central Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Child Psychology, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, The Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangping Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, The Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kewen Jiang
- Department of Child Psychology, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, The Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Pagin M, Pernebrink M, Pitasi M, Malighetti F, Ngan CY, Ottolenghi S, Pavesi G, Cantù C, Nicolis SK. FOS Rescues Neuronal Differentiation of Sox2-Deleted Neural Stem Cells by Genome-Wide Regulation of Common SOX2 and AP1(FOS-JUN) Target Genes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071757. [PMID: 34359927 PMCID: PMC8303191 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SOX2 is important for brain development and for neural stem cells (NSC) maintenance. Sox2-deleted (Sox2-del) NSC from neonatal mouse brain are lost after few passages in culture. Two highly expressed genes, Fos and Socs3, are strongly downregulated in Sox2-del NSC; we previously showed that Fos or Socs3 overexpression by lentiviral transduction fully rescues NSC's long-term maintenance in culture. Sox2-del NSC are severely defective in neuronal production when induced to differentiate. NSC rescued by Sox2 reintroduction correctly differentiate into neurons. Similarly, Fos transduction rescues normal or even increased numbers of immature neurons expressing beta-tubulinIII, but not more differentiated markers (MAP2). Additionally, many cells with both beta-tubulinIII and GFAP expression appear, indicating that FOS stimulates the initial differentiation of a "mixed" neuronal/glial progenitor. The unexpected rescue by FOS suggested that FOS, a SOX2 transcriptional target, might act on neuronal genes, together with SOX2. CUT&RUN analysis to detect genome-wide binding of SOX2, FOS, and JUN (the AP1 complex) revealed that a high proportion of genes expressed in NSC are bound by both SOX2 and AP1. Downregulated genes in Sox2-del NSC are highly enriched in genes that are also expressed in neurons, and a high proportion of the "neuronal" genes are bound by both SOX2 and AP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pagin
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Mattias Pernebrink
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mattia Pitasi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Federica Malighetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Chew-Yee Ngan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA;
| | - Sergio Ottolenghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
| | - Giulio Pavesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20134 Milano, Italy;
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (S.K.N.)
| | - Silvia K. Nicolis
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (S.K.N.)
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6
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Rzepiński Ł, Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Newton JL, Zalewski P. Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Myasthenia Gravis and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis-A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2173. [PMID: 34069830 PMCID: PMC8157285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed cardiac autonomic response to head-up tilt test (HUTT) in 23 myasthenia gravis (MG) and 23 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to 30 healthy controls (HC). Task Force® Monitor was used to evaluate cardiac inotropy parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate (HRV), and blood pressure variability (BPV) during HUTT. MG patients were characterized by reduced BRS (p < 0.05), post-HUTT decrease in high-frequency component (p < 0.05) and increase in sympathovagal ratio of HRV (p < 0.05) when compared to controls indicating parasympathetic deficiency with a shift of sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance. Compared to HC, MG patients also showed lower cardiac inotropy parameters, specifically, left ventricular work index (LVWI) during supine rest (p < 0.05) as well as LVWI and cardiac index values in response to orthostatic stress (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Compared to controls, RRMS patients were characterized by lower HRV delta power spectral density (p < 0.05) and delta low-frequency HRV (p < 0.05) in response to HUTT suggesting combined sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction. There were no differences in cardiac autonomic parameters between MG and MS patients (p > 0.05). Our study highlights the possibility of cardiac and autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and RRMS which should be considered in the pharmacological and rehabilitation approach to managing these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Rzepiński
- Department of Neurology, 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, Powstańców Warszawy 5, 85-681 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.Z.-K.); (P.Z.)
| | - Julia L. Newton
- Population Health Science Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Paweł Zalewski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.Z.-K.); (P.Z.)
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7
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DePew AT, Mosca TJ. Conservation and Innovation: Versatile Roles for LRP4 in Nervous System Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:9. [PMID: 33799485 PMCID: PMC8006230 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As the nervous system develops, connections between neurons must form to enable efficient communication. This complex process of synaptic development requires the coordination of a series of intricate mechanisms between partner neurons to ensure pre- and postsynaptic differentiation. Many of these mechanisms employ transsynaptic signaling via essential secreted factors and cell surface receptors to promote each step of synaptic development. One such cell surface receptor, LRP4, has emerged as a synaptic organizer, playing a critical role in conveying extracellular signals to initiate diverse intracellular events during development. To date, LRP4 is largely known for its role in development of the mammalian neuromuscular junction, where it functions as a receptor for the synaptogenic signal Agrin to regulate synapse development. Recently however, LRP4 has emerged as a synapse organizer in the brain, where new functions for the protein continue to arise, adding further complexity to its already versatile roles. Additional findings indicate that LRP4 plays a role in disorders of the nervous system, including myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating the need for further study to understand disease etiology. This review will highlight our current knowledge of how LRP4 functions in the nervous system, focusing on the diverse developmental roles and different modes this essential cell surface protein uses to ensure the formation of robust synaptic connections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J. Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
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8
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Yan M, Guo A, Chen P, Jing H, Ren D, Zhong Y, Wu Y, Fei E, Lai X, Zou S, Wang S. LRP4 LDLα repeats of astrocyte enhance dendrite arborization of the neuron. Mol Brain 2020; 13:166. [PMID: 33302985 PMCID: PMC7730773 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) is essential for inducing the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation in muscle fibers, and LRP4 plays a critical role in dendritic development and synaptogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). As a single transmembrane protein, LRP4 contains an enormously sizeable extracellular domain (ECD), containing multiple LDLα repeats in the N-terminal of ECD. LRP4 only with extracellular domain acts as a similar mechanism of full-length LRP4 in muscles to stimulate acetylcholine receptor clustering. In this study, we elucidated that LDLα repeats of LRP4 maintained the body weight and survival rate. Dendritic branches of the pyramidal neurons in Lrp4-null mice with LRP4 LDLα repeats residue were more than in Lrp4-null mice without residual LRP4 domain. Supplement with conditioned medium from LRP4 LDLα overexpression cells, the primary culture pyramidal neurons achieved strong dendritic arborization ability. Besides, astrocytes with LRP4 LDLα repeats residue could promote pyramidal neuronal dendrite arborization in the primary co-cultured system. These observations signify that LRP4 LDLα repeats play a prominent underlying role in dendrite arborization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Amin Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongyang Jing
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dongyan Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yanzi Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yongqiang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Erkang Fei
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinsheng Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Suqi Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shunqi Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China. .,Institute of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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9
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Ji X, Zhang H, Cui Q. A Panel of Synapse-Related Genes as a Biomarker for Gliomas. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:822. [PMID: 32848578 PMCID: PMC7431624 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain cancers. In recent years, IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion have been suggested as biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of gliomas. However, these biomarkers are only effective for a part of glioma patients, and thus more biomarkers are still emergently needed. Recently, an electrochemical communication between normal neurons and glioma cells by neuro-glioma synapse has been reported. Moreover, it was discovered that breast-to-brain metastasis tumor cells have pseudo synapses with neurons, and these synapses were indicated to promote tumor progression and metastasis. Based on the above observations, we first curated a panel of 17 synapse-related genes and then proposed a metric, synapse score to quantify the "stemness" for each sample of 12 glioma gene expression datasets from TCGA, CGGA, and GEO. Strikingly, synapse score showed excellent predictive ability for the prognosis, diagnosis, and grading of gliomas. Moreover, being compared with the two established biomarkers, IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, synapse score demonstrated independent and better predictive performance. In conclusion, this study proposed a quantitative method, synapse score, as an efficient biomarker for monitoring gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwen Ji
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Non-coding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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10
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Rushton E, Kopke DL, Broadie K. Extracellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans and glycan-binding lectins orchestrate trans-synaptic signaling. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/15/jcs244186. [PMID: 32788209 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.244186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The exceedingly narrow synaptic cleft (<20 nm) and adjacent perisynaptic extracellular space contain an astonishing array of secreted and membrane-anchored glycoproteins. A number of these extracellular molecules regulate intercellular trans-synaptic signaling by binding to ligands, acting as co-receptors or modulating ligand-receptor interactions. Recent work has greatly expanded our understanding of extracellular proteoglycan and glycan-binding lectin families as key regulators of intercellular signaling at the synapse. These secreted proteins act to regulate the compartmentalization of glycoprotein ligands and receptors, crosslink dynamic extracellular and cell surface lattices, modulate both exocytosis and endocytosis vesicle cycling, and control postsynaptic receptor trafficking. Here, we focus closely on the Drosophila glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a model synapse for understanding extracellular roles of the many heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) and lectin proteins that help determine synaptic architecture and neurotransmission strength. We particularly concentrate on the roles of extracellular HSPGs and lectins in controlling trans-synaptic signaling, especially that mediated by the Wnt and BMP pathways. These signaling mechanisms are causally linked to a wide spectrum of neurological disease states that impair coordinated movement and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rushton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Institute, and Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Danielle L Kopke
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Institute, and Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Institute, and Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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11
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Oentaryo MJ, Tse ACK, Lee CW. Neuronal MT1-MMP mediates ECM clearance and Lrp4 cleavage for agrin deposition and signaling in presynaptic development. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs246710. [PMID: 32591486 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.246710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Agrin is a crucial factor that induces postsynaptic differentiation at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), but how secreted agrin is locally deposited in the context of extracellular matrix (ECM) environment and its function in presynaptic differentiation remain largely unclear. Here, we report that the proteolytic activity of neuronal membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP; also known as MMP14) facilitates agrin deposition and signaling during presynaptic development at NMJs. Firstly, agrin deposition along axons exhibits a time-dependent increase in cultured neurons that requires MMP-mediated focal ECM degradation. Next, local agrin stimulation induces the clustering of mitochondria and synaptic vesicles, two well-known presynaptic markers, and regulates vesicular trafficking and surface insertion of MT1-MMP. MMP inhibitor or MT1-MMP knockdown suppresses agrin-induced presynaptic differentiation, which can be rescued by treatment with the ectodomain of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4). Finally, neuronal MT1-MMP knockdown inhibits agrin deposition and nerve-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering in nerve-muscle co-cultures and affects synaptic structures at Xenopus NMJs in vivo Collectively, our results demonstrate a previously unappreciated role of agrin, as well as dual functions of neuronal MT1-MMP proteolytic activity in orchestrating agrin deposition and signaling, in presynaptic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Janice Oentaryo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Anna Chung-Kwan Tse
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Wai Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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12
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Wang L, Zhang L. Emerging Roles of Dysregulated MicroRNAs in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:507. [PMID: 32508584 PMCID: PMC7253668 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare acquired autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Autoantibodies, cellular immunity, complement, and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of MG. It is characterized by the dysfunction of neuromuscular junction transmission and skeletal muscle weakness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding small molecule ribonucleic acids that regulate various biological processes (e.g., development, differentiation, and immunity) at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels of gene expression. miRNAs play an important regulatory role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including MG. In recent studies, the functional mechanisms underlying the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG have received increasing attention. miRNAs are highly stable and have high specificity in peripheral body fluids. Therefore, the miRNAs in body fluids may represent promising biomarkers for determining the prognosis of MG and the efficacy of treatment. This article reviews the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of MG, highlights the potential of miRNAs as new biomarkers for the diagnosis of MG, and deepens our understanding of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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13
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Handara G, Kröger S. Alternative Splicing and the Intracellular Domain Mediate TM-agrin's Ability to Differentially Regulate the Density of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapse-like Specializations in Developing CNS Neurons. Neuroscience 2019; 419:60-71. [PMID: 31672640 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Agrin is a multi-domain protein best known for its essential function during formation of the neuromuscular junction. Alternative mRNA splicing at sites named y and z in the C-terminal part of agrin regulates its interaction with a receptor complex consisting of the agrin-binding low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4) and the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). Isoforms with inserts at both splice sites bind to Lrp4, activate MuSK and are synaptogenic at the neuromuscular junction. Agrin is also expressed as a transmembrane protein in the central nervous system (CNS) but its function during interneuronal synapse formation is unclear. Recently we demonstrated that transfection of a full-length cDNA coding for transmembrane agrin (TM-agrin) in cultured embryonic cortical neurons induced an Lrp4-dependent but MuSK-independent increase in dendritic glutamatergic synapses and an Lrp4- and MuSK-independent reduction of inhibitory synapses. Here we show that presynaptic specializations were similarly affected by TM-agrin overexpression. In addition, we mapped the regions within TM-agrin responsible for TM-agrin's effects on dendritic aggregates of synapse-associated proteins. We show that the presence of a four amino acid insert at splice site y is essential for the increase in the density of puncta containing the postsynaptic density protein 95 kDa. This effect was independent of splice site z. The reduction of the gephyrin puncta density was independent of the entire extracellular part of TM-agrin but required a highly conserved serine residue in the intracellular domain of TM-agrin. These results provide further evidence for a function of TM-agrin during CNS synaptogenesis and demonstrate that different domains and alternative splicing of TM-agrin differentially affect excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation in cultured embryonic CNS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Handara
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute for Stem Cell Research, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Kröger
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Großhaderner Str. 9, D-82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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14
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The role of agrin, Lrp4 and MuSK during dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis in cultured embryonic CNS neurons. Dev Biol 2019; 445:54-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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15
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Zhou X, Xia E, Bhandari A, Zheng C, Xiang J, Guan Y, Zhang X. LRP4 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion in papillary thyroid cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:257-263. [PMID: 29885843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of cell proliferation and death is considered the foundation of the malignant biological characteristics of cancer. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of a massively parallel whole transcriptome resequencing of paired papillary thyroid cancer and normal thyroid tissues from 19 patients. In addition, we found that LRP4, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein family, is significantly overexpressed in thyroid carcinoma. We demonstrated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) that LRP4 is upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) tissues. This observation was also consistent with data analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Thus, the biological role of LRP4 in the thyroid cancer in the present study was investigated using the PTC cell lines TPC1, BCPAP and KTC-1. In these cell lines, the mRNA level of LRP4 was higher than normal thyroid cancer cell named HTORI3. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LRP4 downregulation significantly inhibited the colony formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion of the three PTC cell lines. Knockdown of LRP4 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in those cell lines decreased the protein expression of N-cadherin, Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and Zinc finger E-box-binding home-box 1 (ZEB1). Furthermore, LRP4 knockdown significantly reduced the levels of phosphorylated PI3K in the PTC cell lines. In conclusion, the present study indicated that LRP4 is a gene associated with PTC and might become a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Zhou
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Erjie Xia
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Adheesh Bhandari
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Chen Zheng
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jingjing Xiang
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Guan
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
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Muralidharan B, D'Souza L, Tole S. An Efficient System for Gene Perturbation in Embryonic Hippocampal Progenitors Using Ex Vivo Electroporation Followed by In Vitro Dissociated Cell Culture. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518767404. [PMID: 29760561 PMCID: PMC5946340 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518767404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We established an efficient cell culture assay that permits combinatorial genetic perturbations in hippocampal progenitors to examine cell-autonomous mechanisms of fate specification. The procedure begins with ex vivo electroporation of isolated, intact embryonic brains, in a manner similar to in utero electroporation but with greatly improved access and targeting. The electroporated region is then dissected and transiently maintained in organotypic explant culture, followed by dissociation and plating of cells on coverslips for in vitro culture. This assay recapitulates data obtained in vivo with respect to the neuron-glia cell fate switch and can be effectively used to test intrinsic or extrinsic factors that regulate this process. The advantages of this ex vivo procedure over in utero electroporation include the fact that distinct combinations of perturbative reagents can be introduced in different embryos from a single litter, and issues related to embryonic lethality of transgenic animals can be circumvented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Muralidharan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Leora D'Souza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
| | - Shubha Tole
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India
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Fundamental Molecules and Mechanisms for Forming and Maintaining Neuromuscular Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020490. [PMID: 29415504 PMCID: PMC5855712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular synapse is a relatively large synapse with hundreds of active zones in presynaptic motor nerve terminals and more than ten million acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the postsynaptic membrane. The enrichment of proteins in presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes ensures a rapid, robust, and reliable synaptic transmission. Over fifty years ago, classic studies of the neuromuscular synapse led to a comprehensive understanding of how a synapse looks and works, but these landmark studies did not reveal the molecular mechanisms responsible for building and maintaining a synapse. During the past two-dozen years, the critical molecular players, responsible for assembling the specialized postsynaptic membrane and regulating nerve terminal differentiation, have begun to be identified and their mechanism of action better understood. Here, we describe and discuss five of these key molecular players, paying heed to their discovery as well as describing their currently understood mechanisms of action. In addition, we discuss the important gaps that remain to better understand how these proteins act to control synaptic differentiation and maintenance.
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