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Li W, Li HL, Wang JZ, Liu R, Wang X. Abnormal protein post-translational modifications induces aggregation and abnormal deposition of protein, mediating neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:22. [PMID: 38347638 PMCID: PMC10863199 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein post-translational modifications (PPTMs) refer to a series of chemical modifications that occur after the synthesis of protein. Proteins undergo different modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and so on. These modifications can alter the protein's structure, function, and interaction, thereby regulating its biological activity. In neurodegenerative diseases, several proteins undergo abnormal post-translational modifications, which leads to aggregation and abnormal deposition of protein, thus resulting in neuronal death and related diseases. For example, the main pathological features of Alzheimer's disease are the aggregation of beta-amyloid protein and abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein. The abnormal ubiquitination and loss of α-synuclein are related to the onset of Parkinson's disease. Other neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and so on are also connected with abnormal PPTMs. Therefore, studying the abnormal PPTMs in neurodegenerative diseases is critical for understanding the mechanism of these diseases and the development of significant therapeutic strategies. This work reviews the implications of PPTMs in neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the relevant therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hong-Lian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, JS, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, JS, China.
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Wuhan, China.
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2
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Diamanti T, Trobiani L, Mautone L, Serafini F, Gioia R, Ferrucci L, Lauro C, Bianchi S, Perfetto C, Guglielmo S, Sollazzo R, Giorda E, Setini A, Ragozzino D, Miranda E, Comoletti D, Di Angelantonio S, Cacci E, De Jaco A. Glucocorticoids rescue cell surface trafficking of R451C Neuroligin3 and enhance synapse formation. Traffic 2024; 25:e12930. [PMID: 38272450 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12930] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Neuroligins are synaptic cell adhesion proteins with a role in synaptic function, implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. The autism spectrum disorder-associated substitution Arg451Cys (R451C) in NLGN3 promotes a partial misfolding of the extracellular domain of the protein leading to retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The reduced trafficking of R451C NLGN3 to the cell surface leads to altered synaptic function and social behavior. A screening in HEK-293 cells overexpressing NLGN3 of 2662 compounds (FDA-approved small molecule drug library), led to the identification of several glucocorticoids such as alclometasone dipropionate, desonide, prednisolone sodium phosphate, and dexamethasone (DEX), with the ability to favor the exit of full-length R451C NLGN3 from the ER. DEX improved the stability of R451C NLGN3 and trafficking to the cell surface, reduced the activation of the UPR, and increased the formation of artificial synapses between HEK-293 and hippocampal primary neurons. The effect of DEX was validated on a novel model system represented by neural stem progenitor cells and differentiated neurons derived from the R451C NLGN3 knock-in mouse, expressing the endogenous protein. This work shows a potential rescue strategy for an autism-linked mutation affecting cell surface trafficking of a synaptic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Diamanti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Trobiani
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Lorenza Mautone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Serafini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gioia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clotilde Lauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bianchi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Perfetto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Guglielmo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raimondo Sollazzo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Giorda
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Setini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Miranda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Comoletti
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- D-tails s.r.l. Via di Torre Rossa, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella De Jaco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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3
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Zhou S, Zhou Y, Zhong W, Su Z, Qin Z. Involvement of protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases: Possible substrates associated with synaptic function. Neurochem Int 2023; 170:105606. [PMID: 37657764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is a typical pathophysiologic change in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Hintington's disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which involves protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) including L-isoaspartate (L-isoAsp) formed by isomerization of aspartate or deamidation of asparagine. The formation of L-isoAsp could be repaired by protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT). Some synaptic proteins have been identified as PIMT potential substrates and play an essential role in ensuring synaptic function. In this review, we discuss the role of certain synaptic proteins as PIMT substrates in neurodegenerative disease, thus providing therapeutic synapse-centered targets for the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yancheng Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wanyu Zhong
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhonghao Su
- Department of Febrile Disease, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhenxia Qin
- Department of Anatomy, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Engeln M, Fox ME, Chandra R, Choi EY, Nam H, Qadir H, Thomas SS, Rhodes VM, Turner MD, Herman RJ, Calarco CA, Lobo MK. Transcriptome profiling of the ventral pallidum reveals a role for pallido-thalamic neurons in cocaine reward. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3980-3991. [PMID: 35764708 PMCID: PMC9722585 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychostimulant exposure alters the activity of ventral pallidum (VP) projection neurons. However, the molecular underpinnings of these circuit dysfunctions are unclear. We used RNA-sequencing to reveal alterations in the transcriptional landscape of the VP that are induced by cocaine self-administration in mice. We then probed gene expression in select VP neuronal subpopulations to isolate a circuit associated with cocaine intake. Finally, we used both overexpression and CRISPR-mediated knockdown to test the role of a gene target on cocaine-mediated behaviors as well as dendritic spine density. Our results showed that a large proportion (55%) of genes associated with structural plasticity were changed 24 h following cocaine intake. Among them, the transcription factor Nr4a1 (Nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1, or Nur77) showed high expression levels. We found that the VP to mediodorsal thalamus (VP → MDT) projection neurons specifically were recapitulating this increase in Nr4a1 expression. Overexpressing Nr4a1 in VP → MDT neurons enhanced drug-seeking and drug-induced reinstatement, while Nr4a1 knockdown prevented self-administration acquisition and subsequent cocaine-mediated behaviors. Moreover, we showed that Nr4a1 negatively regulated spine dynamics in this specific cell subpopulation. Together, our study identifies for the first time the transcriptional mechanisms occurring in VP in drug exposure. Our study provides further understanding on the role of Nr4a1 in cocaine-related behaviors and identifies the crucial role of the VP → MDT circuit in drug intake and relapse-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Engeln
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Megan E Fox
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric Y Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hyungwoo Nam
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Houman Qadir
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shavin S Thomas
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Victoria M Rhodes
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Makeda D Turner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rae J Herman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cali A Calarco
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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5
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Bodin R, Paillé V, Oullier T, Durand T, Aubert P, Le Berre-Scoul C, Hulin P, Neunlist M, Cissé M. The ephrin receptor EphB2 regulates the connectivity and activity of enteric neurons. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101300. [PMID: 34648765 PMCID: PMC8569587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101300] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly organized circuits of enteric neurons are required for the regulation of gastrointestinal functions, such as peristaltism or migrating motor complex. However, the factors and molecular mechanisms that regulate the connectivity of enteric neurons and their assembly into functional neuronal networks are largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which neurotrophic factors regulate this enteric neuron circuitry is paramount to understanding enteric nervous system (ENS) physiology. EphB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is essential for neuronal connectivity and plasticity in the brain, but so far its presence and function in the ENS remain largely unexplored. Here we report that EphB2 is expressed preferentially by enteric neurons relative to glial cells throughout the gut in rats. We show that in primary enteric neurons, activation of EphB2 by its natural ligand ephrinB2 engages ERK signaling pathways. Long-term activation with ephrinB2 decreases EphB2 expression and reduces molecular and functional connectivity in enteric neurons without affecting neuronal density, ganglionic fiber bundles, or overall neuronal morphology. This is highlighted by a loss of neuronal plasticity markers such as synapsin I, PSD95, and synaptophysin, and a decrease of spontaneous miniature synaptic currents. Together, these data identify a critical role for EphB2 in the ENS and reveal a unique EphB2-mediated molecular program of synapse regulation in enteric neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Bodin
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Paillé
- UMR 1280 Physiologie des Adaptations Nutritionnelles, INRA, Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Thibauld Oullier
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Tony Durand
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Aubert
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Catherine Le Berre-Scoul
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Michel Neunlist
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Moustapha Cissé
- Inserm, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
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6
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Longhena F, Faustini G, Brembati V, Pizzi M, Benfenati F, Bellucci A. An updated reappraisal of synapsins: structure, function and role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:33-60. [PMID: 34407457 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Synapsins (Syns) are phosphoproteins strongly involved in neuronal development and neurotransmitter release. Three distinct genes SYN1, SYN2 and SYN3, with elevated evolutionary conservation, have been described to encode for Synapsin I, Synapsin II and Synapsin III, respectively. Syns display a series of common features, but also exhibit distinctive localization, expression pattern, post-translational modifications (PTM). These characteristics enable their interaction with other synaptic proteins, membranes and cytoskeletal components, which is essential for the proper execution of their multiple functions in neuronal cells. These include the control of synapse formation and growth, neuron maturation and renewal, as well as synaptic vesicle mobilization, docking, fusion, recycling. Perturbations in the balanced expression of Syns, alterations of their PTM, mutations and polymorphisms of their encoding genes induce severe dysregulations in brain networks functions leading to the onset of psychiatric or neurological disorders. This review presents what we have learned since the discovery of Syn I in 1977, providing the state of the art on Syns structure, function, physiology and involvement in central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Longhena
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Gaia Faustini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Viviana Brembati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Italian Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, Genova, Italy; IRCSS Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy; Laboratory for Preventive and Personalized Medicine, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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7
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Neuritin-overexpressing transgenic mice demonstrate enhanced neuroregeneration capacity and improved spatial learning and memory recovery after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2681-2699. [PMID: 33323541 PMCID: PMC7880330 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced brain injury is further exacerbated by a series of slower secondary pathogenic events, including delayed apoptosis due to neurotrophic factor deficiency. Neuritin, a neurotrophic factor regulating nervous system development and plasticity, is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of IR injury. In this study, Neuritin-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice were produced by pronuclear injection and offspring with high overexpression used to generate a line with stable inheritance for testing the neuroprotective capacity of Neuritin against transient global ischemia (TGI). Compared to wild-type mice, transgenic mice demonstrated reduced degradation of the DNA repair factor poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP 1) in the hippocampus, indicating decreased hippocampal apoptosis rate, and a greater number of surviving hippocampal neurons during the first week post-TGI. In addition, Tg mice showed increased expression of the regeneration markers NF-200, synaptophysin, and GAP-43, and improved recovery of spatial learning and memory. Our findings exhibited that the window of opportunity of neural recovery in Neuritin transgenic mice group had a tendency to move ahead after TGI, which indicated that Neuritin can be used as a potential new therapeutic strategy for improving the outcome of cerebral ischemia injury.
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Pazini FL, Rosa JM, Camargo A, Fraga DB, Moretti M, Siteneski A, Rodrigues ALS. mTORC1-dependent signaling pathway underlies the rapid effect of creatine and ketamine in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 332:109281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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9
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Rocchi A, Sacchetti S, De Fusco A, Giovedi S, Parisi B, Cesca F, Höltje M, Ruprecht K, Ahnert-Hilger G, Benfenati F. Autoantibodies to synapsin I sequestrate synapsin I and alter synaptic function. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:864. [PMID: 31727880 PMCID: PMC6856194 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synapsin I is a phosphoprotein that coats the cytoplasmic side of synaptic vesicles and regulates their trafficking within nerve terminals. Autoantibodies against Syn I have been described in sera and cerebrospinal fluids of patients with numerous neurological diseases, including limbic encephalitis and clinically isolated syndrome; however, the effects and fate of autoantibodies in neurons are still unexplored. We found that in vitro exposure of primary hippocampal neurons to patient's autoantibodies to SynI decreased the density of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and impaired both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. These effects were reproduced with a purified SynI antibody and completely absent in SynI knockout neurons. Autoantibodies to SynI are internalized by FcγII/III-mediated endocytosis, interact with endogenous SynI, and promote its sequestration and intracellular aggregation. Neurons exposed to human autoantibodies to SynI display a reduced density of SVs, mimicking the SynI loss-of-function phenotype. Our data indicate that autoantibodies to intracellular antigens such as SynI can reach and inactivate their targets and suggest that an antibody-mediated synaptic dysfunction may contribute to the evolution and progression of autoimmune-mediated neurological diseases positive for SynI autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvio Sacchetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovedi
- IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Parisi
- IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri, 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Markus Höltje
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Ruprecht
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Ahnert-Hilger
- Institute of Integrative Neuroanatomy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- IRCSS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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10
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Yang G, Shcheglovitov A. Probing disrupted neurodevelopment in autism using human stem cell-derived neurons and organoids: An outlook into future diagnostics and drug development. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:6-33. [PMID: 31398277 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and problems with speech. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children in the US is diagnosed with ASDs. Although ASD-related diagnostics and the knowledge of ASD-associated genetic abnormalities have improved in recent years, our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways disrupted in ASD remains very limited. As a result, no specific therapies or medications are available for individuals with ASDs. In this review, we describe the neurodevelopmental processes that are likely affected in the brains of individuals with ASDs and discuss how patient-specific stem cell-derived neurons and organoids can be used for investigating these processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Finally, we propose a discovery pipeline to be used in the future for identifying the cellular and molecular deficits and developing novel personalized therapies for individuals with idiopathic ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alex Shcheglovitov
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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11
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Lugarà E, De Fusco A, Lignani G, Benfenati F, Humeau Y. Synapsin I Controls Synaptic Maturation of Long-Range Projections in the Lateral Amygdala in a Targeted Selective Fashion. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:220. [PMID: 31164805 PMCID: PMC6536628 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The amygdala, and more precisely its lateral nucleus, is thought to attribute emotional valence to external stimuli by generating long-term plasticity changes at long-range projections to principal cells. Aversive experience has also been shown to modify pre- and post-synaptic markers in the amygdala, suggesting their possible role in the structural organization of adult amygdala networks. Here, we focused on how the maturation of cortical and thalamic long-range projections occurs on principal neurons and interneurons in the lateral amygdala (LA). We performed dual electrophysiological recordings of identified cells in juvenile and adult GAD67-GFP mice after independent stimulation of cortical and thalamic afferent systems. The results demonstrate that synaptic strengthening occurs during development at synapses projecting to LA principal neurons, but not interneurons. As synaptic strengthening underlies fear conditioning which depends, in turn, on presence and increasing expression of synapsin I, we tested if synapsin I contributes to synaptic strengthening during development. Interestingly, the physiological synaptic strengthening of cortical and thalamic synapses projecting to LA principal neurons was virtually abolished in synapsin I knockout mice, but not differences were observed in the excitatory projections to interneurons. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the presence of synapsin I is restricted to excitatory contacts projecting to principal neurons in LA of adult mice. These results indicate that synapsin I is a key regulator of the maturation of synaptic connectivity in this brain region and that is expression is dependent on postsynaptic identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lugarà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Yann Humeau
- Team Synapse in Cognition, Institut Interdisciplinaire de Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS UMR5297, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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12
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Lin X, Liu T, Li P, He Z, Zhong Y, Cui H, Luo J, Wang Y, Tang T. iTRAQ-Based Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Effect of Rhubarb in Rats with Ischemic Stroke. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6920213. [PMID: 30112417 PMCID: PMC6077657 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6920213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background. Rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine, promotes viscera and remove blood stasis. Rhubarb is skilled in smoothening meridians, improving blood circulation which exhibits better efficacy on cerebral ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to analyze the underlying mechanisms of rhubarb which treated rats of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model according to an iTRAQ-based proteomics and bioinformatics analysis. 30 rats were randomly allocated into three groups including sham group (SG), model group (MG), and rhubarb group (RG). Rhubarb group was given a gavage of rhubarb decoction at dose of 3 g/kg and the remaining groups were prepared with normal saline by gavage. Rats from MG and RG were induced into MCAO model. The effects of rhubarb were estimated by Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) and cerebral infarct volume. The brain tissues were measured via the quantitative proteomic approach of iTRAQ coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis of overlapping differentially expression proteins (DEPs) was conducted by DAVID, KEGG, and Cytoscape. Specific selective DEPs were validated by Western blotting. Rats treated with rhubarb after MCAO showed a significant reduction on mNSS and cerebral infarct volume compared with MG. In MG versus SG and RG versus MG, we identified a total of 4578 proteins, of which 287 were DEPs. There were 76 overlapping DEPs between MG versus SG and RG versus MG. Through bioinformatics analysis, 14 associated pathways were searched including cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, tuberculosis, synaptic vesicle cycle, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, long-term potentiation, and so on. 76 overlapping DEPs mainly involved synaptic vesicle cycling biological processes based on GO annotation. Further, the selective overlapping DEPs were verified at the protein level by using Western blotting. Our present study reveals that rhubarb highlights promising neuroprotective effect. Rhubarb exerts novel therapeutic action via modulating multiple proteins, targets, and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangping Lin
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
- Department of Gerontology, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, 830000 Urumqi, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Zehui He
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhong
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Hanjin Cui
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Jiekun Luo
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008 Changsha, China
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13
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Hu Y, Pan S, Zhang HT. Interaction of Cdk5 and cAMP/PKA Signaling in the Mediation of Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 17:45-61. [PMID: 28956329 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58811-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Both cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) regulate fundamental central nervous system (CNS) functions including neuronal survival, neurite and axonal outgrowth, neuron development and cognition. Cdk5, a serine/threonine kinase, is activated by p35 or p39 and phosphorylates multiple signaling components of various pathways, including cAMP/PKA signaling. Here, we review the recent literature on the interaction between Cdk5 and cAMP/PKA signaling and their role in the mediation of CNS functions and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Hu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Suyue Pan
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Taian, 271016, China
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14
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Marte A, Messa M, Benfenati F, Onofri F. Synapsins Are Downstream Players of the BDNF-Mediated Axonal Growth. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:484-494. [PMID: 26742525 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Synapsins (Syns) are synaptic vesicle-associated phosphoproteins involved in neuronal development and neurotransmitter release. While Syns are implicated in the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-induced neurotransmitter release, their role in the BDNF developmental effects has not been fully elucidated. By using primary cortical neurons from Syn I knockout (KO) and Syn I/II/III KO mice, we studied the effects of BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) on axonal growth. While NGF had similar effects in all genotypes, BDNF induced significant differences in Syn KO axonal outgrowth compared to wild type (WT), an effect that was rescued by the re-expression of Syn I. Moreover, the significant increase of axonal branching induced by BDNF in WT neurons was not detectable in Syn KO neurons. The expression analysis of BDNF receptors in Syn KO neurons revealed a significant decrease of the full length TrkB receptor and an increase in the levels of the truncated TrkB.t1 isoform and p75NTR associated with a marked reduction of the BDNF-induced MAPK/Erk activation. By using the Trk inhibitor K252a, we demonstrated that these differences in BDNF effects were dependent on a TrkB/p75NTR imbalance. The data indicate that Syn I plays a pivotal role in the BDNF signal transduction during axonal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Marte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Mirko Messa
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genova, Italy
| | - Franco Onofri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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Piccini A, Perlini LE, Cancedda L, Benfenati F, Giovedì S. Phosphorylation by PKA and Cdk5 Mediates the Early Effects of Synapsin III in Neuronal Morphological Maturation. J Neurosci 2015; 35:13148-59. [PMID: 26400944 PMCID: PMC6605445 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1379-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapsin III (SynIII) is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein that plays a unique role in neuronal development. SynIII is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) at a highly conserved phosphorylation site and by cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) at a newly described site. Although SynIII is known to be involved in axon elongation in vitro, the role of its phosphorylation by PKA and Cdk5 in the modulation of this process is unknown. We expressed either wild-type (WT) or phosphorylation-site mutants of SynIII in primary SynIII knock-out (KO) mouse neurons at early stages of in vitro development. Whereas the neurite elongation phenotype of SynIII KO neurons was fully rescued by the expression of WT SynIII, the expression of nonphosphorylatable and pseudo-phosphorylated PKA mutants was ineffective. Also, the nonphosphorylatable Cdk5 mutant was unable to rescue the neurite elongation phenotype of SynIII KO neurons. By contrast, the pseudo-phosphorylated mutant rescued the delay in neuronal maturation and axonal elongation, revealing a Cdk5-dependent regulation of SynIII function. Interestingly, SynIII KO neurons also exhibited decreased survival that was fully rescued by the expression of WT SynIII, but not by its phosphorylation mutants, and was associated with increased activated caspase3 and altered tropomyosin receptor kinase B isoform expression. These results indicate that PKA and Cdk5 phosphorylation is required for the physiological action of SynIII on axon specification and neurite outgrowth and that the expression of a functional SynIII is crucial for cell survival. Significance statement: Synapsin III is an atypical member of the synapsin family of synaptic vesicle-associated phosphoproteins that is precociously expressed in neurons and is downregulated afterward. Although experimental evidence suggests a specific role for Synapsin III in neuronal development, the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. We found that Synapsin III plays a central role in early stages of neuronal development involving neuronal survival, polarization, and neuritic growth and that these effects are dependent on phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cyclin-dependent protein kinase-5. These results explain the recently described neurodevelopmental defects in the migration and orientation of Synapsin III-depleted cortical neurons and support the potential association of Synapsin III with neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piccini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy, and
| | - Laura E Perlini
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy, and Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovedì
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy, and
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16
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Biological processes and pathway changes in isoflurane-induced anesthesia revealed by bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profiles. J Anesth 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00540-015-2049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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17
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Brenes O, Giachello CNG, Corradi AM, Ghirardi M, Montarolo PG. Synapsin knockdown is associated with decreased neurite outgrowth, functional synaptogenesis impairment, and fast high-frequency neurotransmitter release. J Neurosci Res 2015. [PMID: 26213348 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Synapsins (Syns) are an evolutionarily conserved family of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins related to fine tuning of synaptic transmission. Studies with mammals have partially clarified the different roles of Syns; however, the presence of different genes and isoforms and the development of compensatory mechanisms hinder accurate data interpretation. Here, we use a simple in vitro monosynaptic Helix neuron connection, reproducing an in vivo physiological connection as a reliable experimental model to investigate the effects of Syn knockdown. Cells overexpressing an antisense construct against Helix Syn showed a time-dependent decrease of Syn immunostaining, confirming protein loss. At the morphological level, Syn-silenced cells showed a reduction in neurite linear outgrowth and branching and in the size and number of synaptic varicosities. Functionally, Syn-silenced cells presented a reduced ability to form synaptic connections; however, functional chemical synapses showed similar basal excitatory postsynaptic potentials and similar short-term plasticity paradigms. In addition, Syn-silenced cells presented faster neurotransmitter release and decreased postsynaptic response toward the end of long tetanic presynaptic stimulations, probably related to an impairment of the synaptic vesicle trafficking resulting from a different vesicle handling, with an increased readily releasable pool and a compromised reserve pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Brenes
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Physiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Mirella Ghirardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Physiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience, Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Montarolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Physiology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience, Turin, Italy
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18
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Bedogni F, Cobolli Gigli C, Pozzi D, Rossi RL, Scaramuzza L, Rossetti G, Pagani M, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Matteoli M, Landsberger N. Defects During Mecp2 Null Embryonic Cortex Development Precede the Onset of Overt Neurological Symptoms. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:2517-2529. [PMID: 25979088 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 is associated with several neurological disorders; of which, Rett syndrome undoubtedly represents the most frequent. Its molecular roles, however, are still unclear, and data from animal models often describe adult, symptomatic stages, while MeCP2 functions during embryonic development remain elusive. We describe the pattern and timing of Mecp2 expression in the embryonic neocortex highlighting its low but consistent expression in virtually all cells and show the unexpected occurrence of transcriptional defects in the Mecp2 null samples at a stage largely preceding the onset of overt symptoms. Through the deregulated expression of ionic channels and glutamatergic receptors, the lack of Mecp2 during early neuronal maturation leads to the reduction in the neuronal responsiveness to stimuli. We suggest that such features concur to morphological alterations that begin affecting Mecp2 null neurons around the perinatal age and become evident later in adulthood. We indicate MeCP2 as a key modulator of the transcriptional mechanisms regulating cerebral cortex development. Neurological phenotypes of MECP2 patients could thus be the cumulative result of different adverse events that are already present at stages when no obvious signs of the pathology are evident and are worsened by later impairments affecting the central nervous system during maturation and maintenance of its functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bedogni
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Clementina Cobolli Gigli
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lorenzo Rossi
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Scaramuzza
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Grazisa Rossetti
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pagani
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy.,Dip di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Division of Biomedical Research, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, 21052 Varese, Italy
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Monocular deprivation delays the dynamic changes of phosphorylated synapsin Ia/b at site-1 in contralateral visual cortex of juvenile mice. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:524-30. [PMID: 25576091 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synapsins as a family of presynaptic terminal phosphoprotein participates in neuronal development, but their role in the synaptic plasticity of visual cortex is unclear. In this study, the impact of monocular deprivation (MD) on dynamic changes of isoform-specific protein expression and site 1 phosphorylation of synapsins in visual cortex of the postnatal mice were observed by using the technique of Western blot analysis. The results showed that the total (T-) protein levels of synapsins including the isoform of Ia/b, IIa/b and IIIa were about 21-26% of adult level in visual cortex of mice at postnatal 7 days (P7), and then the T-synapsin Ia/b and IIb could quickly reach adult level at P35. However, the T-synapsin IIa and IIIa increased more slowly (71-74% at P35), and then kept increasing in the visual cortex of mice at P60. Unlike to the changes of T-synapsins, the level of phosphorylated (P-) synapsin Ia/b (not IIa/b and IIIa) at site 1 increased with development to the highest level at P21, and then decreased rapidly to a low level in visual cortex of mice at P35-60. In addition, we found that the levels of P-synapsin Ia/b increased significantly in left visual cortex of P28 and P35 (not P21 and P42) mice with 1-week MD of right eye; and no significant changes of T-synapsins were observed in both left and right sides of visual cortex in P21-42 mice with MD treatment. These results suggested that the isoform-specific protein expression and site-1 phosphorylation of synapsins might play a different role in the synaptic plasticity of visual cortex, and MD delays the dynamic changes of phosphorylated synapsin Ia/b at site-1 in contralateral visual cortex of juvenile mice.
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Synapsin regulates activity-dependent outgrowth of synaptic boutons at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. J Neurosci 2014; 34:10554-63. [PMID: 25100589 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5074-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterned depolarization of Drosophila motor neurons can rapidly induce the outgrowth of new synaptic boutons at the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), providing a model system to investigate mechanisms underlying acute structural plasticity. Correlative light and electron microscopy analysis revealed that new boutons typically form near the edge of postsynaptic reticulums of presynaptic boutons. Unlike mature boutons, new varicosities have synaptic vesicles which are distributed uniformly throughout the bouton and undeveloped postsynaptic specializations. To characterize the presynaptic mechanisms mediating new synaptic growth induced by patterned activity, we investigated the formation of new boutons in NMJs lacking synapsin [Syn(-)], a synaptic protein important for vesicle clustering, neurodevelopment, and plasticity. We found that budding of new boutons at Syn(-) NMJs was significantly diminished, and that new boutons in Syn(-) preparations were smaller and had reduced synaptic vesicle density. Since synapsin is a target of protein kinase A (PKA), we assayed whether activity-dependent synaptic growth is regulated via a cAMP/PKA/synapsin pathway. We pretreated preparations with forskolin to raise cAMP levels and found this manipulation significantly enhanced activity-dependent synaptic growth in control but not Syn(-) preparations. To examine the trafficking of synapsin during synaptic growth, we generated transgenic animals expressing fluorescently tagged synapsin. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis revealed that patterned depolarization promoted synapsin movement between boutons. During new synaptic bouton formation, synapsin redistributed upon stimulation toward the sites of varicosity outgrowth. These findings support a model whereby synapsin accumulates at sites of synaptic growth and facilitates budding of new boutons via a cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway.
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21
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Huang Y, Lu M, Guo W, Zeng R, Wang B, Wang H. Thrombospondin 1 promotes synaptic formation in bone marrow-derived neuron-like cells. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:869-81. [PMID: 25206378 PMCID: PMC4145928 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a combination of growth factors was used to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into neuron-like cells, in a broader attempt to observe the role of thrombospondin 1 in synapse formation. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the differentiation rate of neuron-like cells between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with thrombospondin induction and those without. However, the cell shape was more complex and the neurites were dendritic, with unipolar, bipolar or multipolar morphologies, after induction with thrombospondin 1. The induced cells were similar in morphology to normal neurites. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of positive cells for postsynaptic density protein 95 and synaptophysin 1 protein was significantly increased after induction with thrombospondin 1. These findings indicate that thrombospondin 1 promotes synapse formation in neuron-like cells that are differentiated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingnan Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weitao Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huaibo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
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22
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Chau LS, Prakapenka AV, Zendeli L, Davis AS, Galvez R. Training-dependent associative learning induced neocortical structural plasticity: a trace eyeblink conditioning analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95317. [PMID: 24760074 PMCID: PMC3997347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies utilizing general learning and memory tasks have suggested the importance of neocortical structural plasticity for memory consolidation. However, these learning tasks typically result in learning of multiple different tasks over several days of training, making it difficult to determine the synaptic time course mediating each learning event. The current study used trace-eyeblink conditioning to determine the time course for neocortical spine modification during learning. With eyeblink conditioning, subjects are presented with a neutral, conditioned stimulus (CS) paired with a salient, unconditioned stimulus (US) to elicit an unconditioned response (UR). With multiple CS-US pairings, subjects learn to associate the CS with the US and exhibit a conditioned response (CR) when presented with the CS. Trace conditioning is when there is a stimulus free interval between the CS and the US. Utilizing trace-eyeblink conditioning with whisker stimulation as the CS (whisker-trace-eyeblink: WTEB), previous findings have shown that primary somatosensory (barrel) cortex is required for both acquisition and retention of the trace-association. Additionally, prior findings demonstrated that WTEB acquisition results in an expansion of the cytochrome oxidase whisker representation and synaptic modification in layer IV of barrel cortex. To further explore these findings and determine the time course for neocortical learning-induced spine modification, the present study utilized WTEB conditioning to examine Golgi-Cox stained neurons in layer IV of barrel cortex. Findings from this study demonstrated a training-dependent spine proliferation in layer IV of barrel cortex during trace associative learning. Furthermore, findings from this study showing that filopodia-like spines exhibited a similar pattern to the overall spine density further suggests that reorganization of synaptic contacts set the foundation for learning-induced neocortical modifications through the different neocortical layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily S. Chau
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alesia V. Prakapenka
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Liridon Zendeli
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ashley S. Davis
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Roberto Galvez
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
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Distribution of SNAP25, VAMP1 and VAMP2 in mature and developing deep cerebellar nuclei after estrogen administration. Neuroscience 2014; 266:102-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sun WL, Coleman NT, Zelek-Molik A, Barry SM, Whitfield TW, McGinty JF. Relapse to cocaine-seeking after abstinence is regulated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in the prefrontal cortex. Addict Biol 2014; 19:77-86. [PMID: 23461423 PMCID: PMC4110897 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstinence from cocaine self-administration (SA) is associated with neuroadaptations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) that are implicated in cocaine-induced neuronal plasticity and relapse to drug-seeking. Alterations in cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling are prominent in medium spiny neurons in the NAc after repeated cocaine exposure but it is unknown whether similar changes occur in the PFC. Because cocaine SA induces disturbances in glutamatergic transmission in the PFC-NAc pathway, we examined whether dysregulation of PKA-mediated molecular targets in PFC-NAc neurons occurs during abstinence and, if so, whether it contributes to cocaine-seeking. We measured the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (Ser133) and GluA1 (Ser845) in the dorsomedial (dm) PFC and the presynaptic marker, synapsin I (Ser9, Ser62/67, Ser603), in the NAc after 7 days of abstinence from cocaine SA with or without cue-induced cocaine-seeking. We also evaluated whether infusion of the PKA inhibitor, 8-bromo-Rp-cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPs), into the dmPFC after abstinence would affect cue-induced cocaine-seeking and PKA-regulated phosphoprotein levels. Seven days of forced abstinence increased the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein and GluA1 in the dmPFC and synapsin I (Ser9) in the NAc. Induction of these phosphoproteins was reversed by a cue-induced relapse test of cocaine-seeking. Bilateral intra-dmPFC Rp-cAMPs rescued abstinence-elevated PKA-mediated phosphoprotein levels in the dmPFC and NAc and suppressed cue-induced relapse. Thus, by inhibiting abstinence-induced PKA molecular targets, relapse reverses abstinence-induced neuroadaptations in the dmPFC that are responsible, in part, for the expression of cue-induced cocaine-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | | | | | - Sarah M. Barry
- Dept. of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Timothy W. Whitfield
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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Skorobogatko Y, Landicho A, Chalkley RJ, Kossenkov AV, Gallo G, Vosseller K. O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) site thr-87 regulates synapsin I localization to synapses and size of the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:3602-12. [PMID: 24280219 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.512814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAc is a carbohydrate modification found on cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Our previous findings implicated O-GlcNAc in hippocampal presynaptic plasticity. An important mechanism in presynaptic plasticity is the establishment of the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles (RPSV). Dynamic association of synapsin I with synaptic vesicles (SVs) regulates the size and release of RPSV. Disruption of synapsin I function results in reduced size of the RPSV, increased synaptic depression, memory deficits, and epilepsy. Here, we investigate whether O-GlcNAc directly regulates synapsin I function in presynaptic plasticity. We found that synapsin I is modified by O-GlcNAc during hippocampal synaptogenesis in the rat. We identified three novel O-GlcNAc sites on synapsin I, two of which are known Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation sites. All O-GlcNAc sites mapped within the regulatory regions on synapsin I. Expression of synapsin I where a single O-GlcNAc site Thr-87 was mutated to alanine in primary hippocampal neurons dramatically increased localization of synapsin I to synapses, increased density of SV clusters along axons, and the size of the RPSV, suggesting that O-GlcNAcylation of synapsin I at Thr-87 may be a mechanism to modulate presynaptic plasticity. Thr-87 is located within an amphipathic lipid-packing sensor (ALPS) motif, which participates in targeting of synapsin I to synapses by contributing to the binding of synapsin I to SVs. We discuss the possibility that O-GlcNAcylation of Thr-87 interferes with folding of the ALPS motif, providing a means for regulating the association of synapsin I with SVs as a mechanism contributing to synapsin I localization and RPSV generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Skorobogatko
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
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Chau LS, Akhtar O, Mohan V, Kondilis A, Galvez R. Rapid adult experience-dependent anatomical plasticity in layer IV of primary somatosensory cortex. Brain Res 2013; 1543:93-100. [PMID: 24183785 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sensory deprivation, such as whisker deprivation, is one of the most common paradigms used to examine experience-dependent plasticity. Many of these studies conducted during development have demonstrated anatomical and synaptic neocortical plasticity with varying lengths of deprivation (for review, see Holtmaat and Svoboda, 2009). However, to date, there have been few studies exploring brief periods of experience-dependent neocortical plasticity in adulthood, similar to that observed from learning and memory paradigms (Siucinska and Kossut, 1996, 2004; Galvez et al., 2006; Chau et al., 2013). Examining both synapsin I and Golgi-Cox stained neurons in primary somatosensory cortex of unilaterally whisker-deprived adult mice, the current study demonstrates that 5 days of whisker deprivation results in more synapses in spared barrels and reduced synapses in deprived barrels. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize anatomical changes in layer IV of primary somatosensory cortex after a brief period of sensory deprivation in adulthood. Furthermore, findings from the present study suggest that analyses from prolonged periods of either sensory deprivation or stimulation during adulthood are missing forms of plasticity that could provide better insight into various cognitive processes, such as learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily S Chau
- Psychology Department University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
| | - Omar Akhtar
- Psychology Department University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Vijay Mohan
- Psychology Department University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | | | - Roberto Galvez
- Psychology Department University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Neuroscience Program University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
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Synaptic functions of invertebrate varicosities: what molecular mechanisms lie beneath. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:670821. [PMID: 22655209 PMCID: PMC3359714 DOI: 10.1155/2012/670821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian brain, the cellular and molecular events occurring in both synapse formation and plasticity are difficult to study due to the large number of factors involved in these processes and because the contribution of each component is not well defined. Invertebrates, such as Drosophila, Aplysia, Helix, Lymnaea, and Helisoma, have proven to be useful models for studying synaptic assembly and elementary forms of learning. Simple nervous system, cellular accessibility, and genetic simplicity are some examples of the invertebrate advantages that allowed to improve our knowledge about evolutionary neuronal conserved mechanisms. In this paper, we present an overview of progresses that elucidates cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis and synapse plasticity in invertebrate varicosities and their validation in vertebrates. In particular, the role of invertebrate synapsin in the formation of presynaptic terminals and the cell-to-cell interactions that induce specific structural and functional changes in their respective targets will be analyzed.
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Gelsomino G, Menna E, Antonucci F, Rodighiero S, Riganti L, Mulle C, Benfenati F, Valtorta F, Verderio C, Matteoli M. Kainate Induces Mobilization of Synaptic Vesicles at the Growth Cone through the Activation of Protein Kinase A. Cereb Cortex 2012; 23:531-41. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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