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Essmann CL, Elmi M, Rekatsinas C, Chrysochoidis N, Shaw M, Pawar V, Srinivasan MA, Vavourakis V. The influence of internal pressure and neuromuscular agents on C. elegans biomechanics: an empirical and multi-compartmental in silico modelling study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1335788. [PMID: 38558792 PMCID: PMC10978802 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1335788] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of a specific tissue and its biomechanics are interdependent, with pathologies or ageing often being intertwined with structural decline. The biomechanics of Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism widely used in pharmacological and ageing research, has been established as biomarker for healthy ageing. However, the properties of the constituent tissues, and their contribution to the overall mechanical characteristics of the organism, remain relatively unknown. In this study we investigated the biomechanics of healthy C. elegans cuticle, muscle tissue, and pseudocoelom using a combination of indentation experiments and in silico modelling. We performed stiffness measurements using an atomic force microscope. To approximate the nematode's cylindrical body we used a novel three-compartment nonlinear finite element model, enabling us to analyse of how changes in the elasticity of individual compartments affect the bulk stiffness. We then fine-tuned the parameters of the model to match the simulation force-indentation output to the experimental data. To test the finite element model, we modified distinct compartments experimentally. Our in silico results, in agreement with previous studies, suggest that hyperosmotic shock reduces stiffness by decreasing the internal pressure. Unexpectedly, treatment with the neuromuscular agent aldicarb, traditionally associated with muscle contraction, reduced stiffness by decreasing the internal pressure. Furthermore, our finite element model can offer insights into how drugs, mutations, or processes such as ageing target individual tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara L. Essmann
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muna Elmi
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nikolaos Chrysochoidis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Michael Shaw
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, United Kingdom
| | - Vijay Pawar
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vasileios Vavourakis
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Johnson JR, Barclay JW. C. elegans dkf-1 (Protein Kinase D1) mutants have age-dependent defects in locomotion and neuromuscular transmission. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000800. [PMID: 37090152 PMCID: PMC10113962 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Changes in neuronal function that occur with age are an area of increasing importance. A potential significant contributor to age-dependent decline may be alterations to neurotransmitter release. Protein kinases, such as Protein Kinase C and Protein Kinase A, are well characterised modulators of neuronal function and neurotransmission. Protein Kinase D (PRKD) is a serine/threonine kinase whose role in neurons is less well characterised. Here we report that mutations in the C. elegans PRKD homolog, dkf-1 , show an acceleration in age-dependent decline of locomotion rate and an alteration to age-dependent changes in aldicarb sensitivity. These effects could be explained by a pre- or post-synaptic function of the protein kinase as the animal ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Johnson
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jeff W. Barclay
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
- Correspondence to: Jeff W. Barclay (
)
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3
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Roy C, Molin L, Alcolei A, Solyga M, Bonneau B, Vachon C, Bessereau JL, Solari F. DAF-2/insulin IGF-1 receptor regulates motility during aging by integrating opposite signaling from muscle and neuronal tissues. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13660. [PMID: 35808897 PMCID: PMC9381905 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During aging, preservation of locomotion is generally considered an indicator of sustained good health, in elderlies and in animal models. In Caenorhabditis elegans, mutants of the insulin‐IGF‐1 receptor DAF2/IIRc represent a paradigm of healthy aging, as their increased lifespan is accompanied by a delay in age‐related loss of motility. Here, we investigated the DAF‐2/IIRc‐dependent relationship between longevity and motility using an auxin‐inducible degron to trigger tissue‐specific degradation of endogenous DAF‐2/IIRc. As previously reported, inactivation of DAF‐2/IIRc in neurons or intestine was sufficient to extend the lifespan of worms, whereas depletion in epidermis, germline, or muscle was not. However, neither intestinal nor neuronal depletion of DAF‐2/IIRc prevented the age‐related loss of motility. In 1‐day‐old adults, DAF‐2/IIRc depletion in neurons reduced motility in a DAF‐16/FOXO dependent manner, while muscle depletion had no effect. By contrast, DAF‐2 depletion in the muscle of middle‐age animals improved their motility independently of DAF‐16/FOXO but required UNC‐120/SRF. Yet, neuronal or muscle DAF‐2/IIRc depletion both preserved the mitochondria network in aging muscle. Overall, these results show that the motility pattern of daf‐2 mutants is determined by the sequential and opposing impact of neurons and muscle tissues and can be dissociated from the regulation of the lifespan. This work also provides the characterization of a versatile tool to analyze the tissue‐specific contribution of insulin‐like signaling in integrated phenotypes at the whole organism level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Roy
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Molin
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Allan Alcolei
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Mathilde Solyga
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Bonneau
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Vachon
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Louis Bessereau
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
| | - Florence Solari
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5284, INSERMU1314, Institut NeuroMyoGène, MeLis, Lyon, France
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4
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Wirak GS, Florman J, Alkema MJ, Connor CW, Gabel CV. Age-associated changes to neuronal dynamics involve a disruption of excitatory/inhibitory balance in C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:72135. [PMID: 35703498 PMCID: PMC9273219 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the aging brain, many of the alterations underlying cognitive and behavioral decline remain opaque. C. elegans offers a powerful model for aging research, with a simple, well-studied nervous system to further our understanding of the cellular modifications and functional alterations accompanying senescence. We perform multi-neuronal functional imaging across the aged C. elegans nervous system, measuring an age-associated breakdown in system-wide functional organization. At single-cell resolution, we detect shifts in activity dynamics toward higher frequencies. In addition, we measure a specific loss of inhibitory signaling that occurs early in the aging process and alters the systems critical excitatory/inhibitory balance. These effects are recapitulated with mutation of the calcium channel subunit UNC-2/CaV2a. We find that manipulation of inhibitory GABA signaling can partially ameliorate or accelerate the effects of aging. The effects of aging are also partially mitigated by disruption of the insulin signaling pathway, known to increase longevity, or by a reduction of caspase activation. Data from mammals are consistent with our findings, suggesting a conserved shift in the balance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling with age that leads to breakdown in global neuronal dynamics and functional decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Wirak
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, United States
| | - Jeremy Florman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Mark J Alkema
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Christopher W Connor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Christopher V Gabel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, United States
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5
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Maglioni S, Schiavi A, Melcher M, Brinkmann V, Luo Z, Laromaine A, Raimundo N, Meyer JN, Distelmaier F, Ventura N. Neuroligin-mediated neurodevelopmental defects are induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and prevented by lutein in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2620. [PMID: 35551180 PMCID: PMC9098500 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex-I-deficiency represents the most frequent pathogenetic cause of human mitochondriopathies. Therapeutic options for these neurodevelopmental life-threating disorders do not exist, partly due to the scarcity of appropriate model systems to study them. Caenorhabditis elegans is a genetically tractable model organism widely used to investigate neuronal pathologies. Here, we generate C. elegans models for mitochondriopathies and show that depletion of complex I subunits recapitulates biochemical, cellular and neurodevelopmental aspects of the human diseases. We exploit two models, nuo-5/NDUFS1- and lpd-5/NDUFS4-depleted animals, for a suppressor screening that identifies lutein for its ability to rescue animals’ neurodevelopmental deficits. We uncover overexpression of synaptic neuroligin as an evolutionarily conserved consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction, which we find to mediate an early cholinergic defect in C. elegans. We show lutein exerts its beneficial effects by restoring neuroligin expression independently from its antioxidant activity, thus pointing to a possible novel pathogenetic target for the human disease. Mitochondrial deficiency causes rare incurable disorders. Here, the authors use C. elegans to study these diseases and find that the natural compound lutein prevents neurodevelopmental deficits, thus pointing to a possible therapeutic target for the human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maglioni
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfonso Schiavi
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marlen Melcher
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Vanessa Brinkmann
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhongrui Luo
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC. Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC. Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuno Raimundo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, 17033, USA
| | - Joel N Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708-0328, USA
| | - Felix Distelmaier
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany. .,Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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6
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Sadananda G, Velmurugan JD, Subramaniam JR. DMSO Delays Alzheimer Disease Causing Aβ-induced Paralysis in C. elegans Through Modulation of Glutamate/Acetylcholine Neurotransmission. Ann Neurosci 2021; 28:55-64. [PMID: 34733055 PMCID: PMC8558977 DOI: 10.1177/09727531211046369] [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: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disease with
progressive dementia and neurotransmission (NT)-dysfunction-related
complications in older adults, is known to be caused by abnormal Amyloid-β
(Aβ) peptide and associated amyloid plaques in the brain. Drugs to cure AD
are not in sight. Two major excitatory neurotransmitters, glutamate (Glu)
and acetylcholine (ACh), and their signaling systems are implicated in
AD. Objective: To determine the effect of various NT-altering compounds including fenobam,
quisqualic acid, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the protection against Aβ
toxicity. Further, to identify the potential mechanism through which the
protection happens. Methods: The well-known C. elegans AD model, CL4176, in which human
Aβ expression is turned on upon a temperature shift to 25 °C that leads to
paralysis, was screened for protection/delay in paralysis because of Αβ
toxicity. While screening the compounds, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a
universal solvent used to solubilize compounds, was identified to provide
protection. Aldicarb and levamisole assays were performed to identify the
contribution of ACh neurotransmission in Αβ toxicity protection by DMSO. Results: One percent and two percent DMSO delayed paralysis by 48% and 90%,
respectively. DMSO was dominant over one of the Glu-NT pathway-related
compounds, Fenobam-Group I mGluR antagonist. But DMSO provided only 30% to
50% protection against Quisqualic acid, the Glu-agonist. DMSO (2%) delayed
ACh-NT, both presynaptic acetylcholine esterase inhibitor (AchEi)-aldicarb
and postsynaptic-iAChR-agonst-levamisole induced paralysis, by ∼70% in
CL4176. DMSO seems to be altering Ca2+ ion permeability essential
for NT as EthyleneDiamine Tetra-Acetic acid (EDTA) and DMSO provided similar
aldicarb resistance either combined or alone in wildtype worms. But
postsynaptic Ca2+ depletion by EDTA could reverse DMSO-induced
levamisole hypersensitivity. Surprisingly, the absence of FOrkhead boXO
(FOXO) transcription factor homolog, daf-16
(loss-of-function mutant), a critical transcription factor in the reduced
IIS-mediated longevity in C. elegans, abolished
DMSO-mediated AldR. Conclusion: DMSO and Fenobam protect against Aβ toxicity through modulation of NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Sadananda
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Janaki Devi Velmurugan
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jamuna R Subramaniam
- Center for Preclinical and Translational Medicine Research, Central Research Facility, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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7
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Koopman M, Janssen L, Nollen EAA. An economical and highly adaptable optogenetics system for individual and population-level manipulation of Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Biol 2021; 19:170. [PMID: 34429103 PMCID: PMC8386059 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2] [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: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optogenetics allows the experimental manipulation of excitable cells by a light stimulus without the need for technically challenging and invasive procedures. The high degree of spatial, temporal, and intensity control that can be achieved with a light stimulus, combined with cell type-specific expression of light-sensitive ion channels, enables highly specific and precise stimulation of excitable cells. Optogenetic tools have therefore revolutionized the study of neuronal circuits in a number of models, including Caenorhabditis elegans. Despite the existence of several optogenetic systems that allow spatial and temporal photoactivation of light-sensitive actuators in C. elegans, their high costs and low flexibility have limited wide access to optogenetics. Here, we developed an inexpensive, easy-to-build, modular, and adjustable optogenetics device for use on different microscopes and worm trackers, which we called the OptoArm. Results The OptoArm allows for single- and multiple-worm illumination and is adaptable in terms of light intensity, lighting profiles, and light color. We demonstrate OptoArm’s power in a population-based multi-parameter study on the contributions of motor circuit cells to age-related motility decline. We found that individual components of the neuromuscular system display different rates of age-dependent deterioration. The functional decline of cholinergic neurons mirrors motor decline, while GABAergic neurons and muscle cells are relatively age-resilient, suggesting that rate-limiting cells exist and determine neuronal circuit ageing. Conclusion We have assembled an economical, reliable, and highly adaptable optogenetics system which can be deployed to address diverse biological questions. We provide a detailed description of the construction as well as technical and biological validation of our set-up. Importantly, use of the OptoArm is not limited to C. elegans and may benefit studies in multiple model organisms, making optogenetics more accessible to the broader research community. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01085-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Koopman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - L Janssen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E A A Nollen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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8
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Zanier ER, Barzago MM, Vegliante G, Romeo M, Restelli E, Bertani I, Natale C, Colnaghi L, Colombo L, Russo L, Micotti E, Fioriti L, Chiesa R, Diomede L. C. elegans detects toxicity of traumatic brain injury generated tau. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 153:105330. [PMID: 33711491 PMCID: PMC8039186 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with widespread tau pathology in about 30% of patients surviving late after injury. We previously found that TBI in mice induces the formation of an abnormal form of tau (tauTBI) which progressively spreads from the site of injury to remote brain regions. Intracerebral inoculation of TBI brain homogenates into naïve mice induced progressive tau pathology, synaptic loss and late cognitive decline, suggesting a pivotal role of tauTBI in post-TBI neurodegeneration. However, the possibility that tauTBI was a marker of TBI-associated neurodegeneration rather than a toxic driver of functional decline could not be excluded. Here we employed the nematode C. elegans as a biosensor to test the pathogenic role of TBI generated tau. The motility of this nematode depends on efficient neuromuscular transmission and is exceptionally sensitive to the toxicity of amyloidogenic proteins, providing a tractable model for our tests. We found that worms exposed to brain homogenates from chronic but not acute TBI mice, or from mice in which tauTBI had been transmitted by intracerebral inoculation, had impaired motility and neuromuscular synaptic transmission. Results were similar when worms were given brain homogenates from transgenic mice overexpressing tau P301L, a tauopathy mouse model, suggesting that TBI-induced and mutant tau have similar toxic properties. P301L brain homogenate toxicity was similar in wild-type and ptl-1 knock-out worms, indicating that the nematode tau homolog protein PTL-1 was not required to mediate the toxic effect. Harsh protease digestion to eliminate the protein component of the homogenates, pre-incubation with anti-tau antibodies or tau depletion by immunoprecipitation, abolished the toxicity. Homogenates of chronic TBI brains from tau knock-out mice were not toxic to C. elegans, whereas oligomeric recombinant tau was sufficient to impair their motility. This study indicates that tauTBI impairs motor activity and synaptic transmission in C. elegans and supports a pathogenic role of tauTBI in the long-term consequences of TBI. It also sets the groundwork for the development of a C. elegans-based platform for screening anti-tau compounds. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice induces a progressive tau pathology. Brain-injured tissue from chronic but not acute TBI mice impairs C. elegans motility. TBI tissue immunodepleted of tau or from tau knock-out mice has no toxic effect. Brain-injured tissue from TBI mice impairs neuromuscular transmission in worms. C. elegans is a tractable model for investigating tau toxicity generated by TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa R Zanier
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Vegliante
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Romeo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Restelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bertani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmina Natale
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Micotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Fioriti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiesa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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9
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Izquierdo PG, O'Connor V, Green AC, Holden-Dye L, Tattersall JEH. C. elegans pharyngeal pumping provides a whole organism bio-assay to investigate anti-cholinesterase intoxication and antidotes. Neurotoxicology 2020; 82:50-62. [PMID: 33176172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by either organophosphates or carbamates causes anti-cholinesterase poisoning. This arises through a wide range of neurotoxic effects triggered by the overstimulation of the cholinergic receptors at synapses and neuromuscular junctions. Without intervention, this poisoning can lead to profound toxic effects, including death, and the incomplete efficacy of the current treatments, particularly for oxime-insensitive agents, provokes the need to find better antidotes. Here we show how the non-parasitic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans offers an excellent tool for investigating the acetylcholinesterase intoxication. The C. elegans neuromuscular junctions show a high degree of molecular and functional conservation with the cholinergic transmission that operates in the autonomic, central and neuromuscular synapses in mammals. In fact, the anti-cholinesterase intoxication of the worm's body wall neuromuscular junction has been unprecedented in understanding molecular determinants of cholinergic function in nematodes and other organisms. We extend the use of the model organism's feeding behaviour as a tool to investigate carbamate and organophosphate mode of action. We show that inhibition of the cholinergic-dependent rhythmic pumping of the pharyngeal muscle correlates with the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase activity caused by aldicarb, paraoxons and DFP exposure. Further, this bio-assay allows one to address oxime dependent reversal of cholinesterase inhibition in the context of whole organism recovery. Interestingly, the recovery of the pharyngeal function after such anti-cholinesterase poisoning represents a sensitive and easily quantifiable phenotype that is indicative of the spontaneous recovery or irreversible modification of the worm acetylcholinesterase after inhibition. These observations highlight the pharynx of C. elegans as a new tractable approach to explore anti-cholinesterase intoxication and recovery with the potential to resolve critical genetic determinants of these neurotoxins' mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G Izquierdo
- Biological Sciences, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- Biological Sciences, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - A Christopher Green
- Dstl, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- Biological Sciences, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - John E H Tattersall
- Dstl, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ, United Kingdom
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10
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Schuch KN, Govindarajan LN, Guo Y, Baskoylu SN, Kim S, Kimia B, Serre T, Hart AC. Discriminating between sleep and exercise-induced fatigue using computer vision and behavioral genetics. J Neurogenet 2020; 34:453-465. [PMID: 32811254 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1804565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Following prolonged swimming, Caenorhabditis elegans cycle between active swimming bouts and inactive quiescent bouts. Swimming is exercise for C. elegans and here we suggest that inactive bouts are a recovery state akin to fatigue. It is known that cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) activity plays a conserved role in sleep, rest, and arousal. Using C. elegans EGL-4 PKG, we first validate a novel learning-based computer vision approach to automatically analyze C. elegans locomotory behavior and an edge detection program that is able to distinguish between activity and inactivity during swimming for long periods of time. We find that C. elegans EGL-4 PKG function impacts timing of exercise-induced quiescent (EIQ) bout onset, fractional quiescence, bout number, and bout duration, suggesting that previously described pathways are engaged during EIQ bouts. However, EIQ bouts are likely not sleep as animals are feeding during the majority of EIQ bouts. We find that genetic perturbation of neurons required for other C. elegans sleep states also does not alter EIQ dynamics. Additionally, we find that EIQ onset is sensitive to age and DAF-16 FOXO function. In summary, we have validated behavioral analysis software that enables a quantitative and detailed assessment of swimming behavior, including EIQ. We found novel EIQ defects in aged animals and animals with mutations in a gene involved in stress tolerance. We anticipate that further use of this software will facilitate the analysis of genes and pathways critical for fatigue and other C. elegans behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Schuch
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lakshmi Narasimhan Govindarajan
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yuliang Guo
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Saba N Baskoylu
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Benjamin Kimia
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Thomas Serre
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anne C Hart
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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A high throughput drug screening paradigm using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE OF AGING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tma.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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12
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Sammi SR, Foguth RM, Nieves CS, De Perre C, Wipf P, McMurray CT, Lee LS, Cannon JR. Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Produces Dopaminergic Neuropathology in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Sci 2019; 172:417-434. [PMID: 31428778 PMCID: PMC6876260 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been widely utilized in numerous industries. Due to long environmental and biological half-lives, PFOS is a major public health concern. Although the literature suggests that PFOS may induce neurotoxicity, neurotoxic mechanisms, and neuropathology are poorly understood. Thus, the primary goal of this study was to determine if PFOS is selectively neurotoxic and potentially relevant to specific neurological diseases. Nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) were exposed to PFOS or related per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for 72 h and tested for evidence of neuropathology through examination of cholinergic, dopaminergic, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)ergic, and serotoninergic neuronal morphologies. Dopaminergic and cholinergic functional analyses were assessed through 1-nonanol and Aldicarb assay. Mechanistic studies assessed total reactive oxygen species, superoxide ions, and mitochondrial content. Finally, therapeutic approaches were utilized to further examine pathogenic mechanisms. Dopaminergic neuropathology occurred at lower exposure levels (25 ppm, approximately 50 µM) than required to produce neuropathology in GABAergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurons (100 ppm, approximately 200 µM). Further, PFOS exposure led to dopamine-dependent functional deficits, without altering acetylcholine-dependent paralysis. Mitochondrial content was affected by PFOS at far lower exposure level than required to induce pathology (≥1 ppm, approximately 2 µM). Perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure also enhanced oxidative stress. Further, mutation in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase rendered animals more vulnerable. Neuroprotective approaches such as antioxidants, PFAS-protein dissociation, and targeted (mitochondrial) radical and electron scavenging were neuroprotective, suggesting specific mechanisms of action. In general, other tested PFAS were less neurotoxic. The primary impact is to prompt research into potential adverse outcomes related to PFAS-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreesh Raj Sammi
- School of Health Sciences
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neurosciences
| | - Rachel M Foguth
- School of Health Sciences
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neurosciences
| | | | - Chloe De Perre
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
| | - Peter Wipf
- Departments of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Cynthia T McMurray
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
| | - Jason R Cannon
- School of Health Sciences
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neurosciences
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13
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Mulcahy B, Ibbett P, Holden-Dye L, O'Connor V. The Caenorhabditis elegans cysteine-string protein homologue DNJ-14 is dispensable for neuromuscular junction maintenance across ageing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.205450. [PMID: 31624097 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.205450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of synaptic function across ageing is vital in sustaining cognitive function. Synaptic dysfunction is a key part of the pathophysiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. The synaptic co-chaperone, cysteine-string protein (CSP), is important for synaptic maintenance and function in Drosophila, mice and humans, and disruption of CSP results in synaptic degeneration. We sought to characterise synaptic ageing in Caenorhabditis elegans upon genetic disruption of CSP. To do this, we focused on the worms' neuromuscular junctions, which are the best characterised synapse. CSP mutant worms did not display reduced lifespan or any neuromuscular-dependent behavioural deficits across ageing. Pharmacological interrogation of the neuromuscular synapse of CSP mutant animals showed no sign of synaptic dysfunction even at advanced age. Lastly, patch clamp analysis of neuromuscular transmission across ageing in wild-type and CSP mutant animals revealed no obvious CSP-dependent deficits. Electrophysiological spontaneous postsynaptic current analysis reinforced pharmacological observations that the C. elegans neuromuscular synapse increases in strength during early ageing and remains relatively intact in old, immotile worms. Taken together, this study shows that surprisingly, despite disruption of CSP in other animals having severe synaptic phenotypes, CSP does not seem to be important for maintenance of the neuromuscular junction across ageing in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mulcahy
- Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Paul Ibbett
- Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- Centre for Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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14
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A unifying hypothesis for delirium and hospital-acquired weakness as synaptic dysfunctions. Med Hypotheses 2019; 124:105-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Caenorhabditis elegans susceptibility to Daldinia cf. concentrica bioactive volatiles is coupled with expression activation of the stress-response transcription factor daf-16, a part of distinct nematicidal action. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196870. [PMID: 29723292 PMCID: PMC5933902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The bionematicidal effect of a synthetic volatile mixture (SVM) of four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the endophytic fungus Daldinia cf. concentrica against the devastating plant-parasitic root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica has been recently demonstrated in both in vitro and greenhouse experiments. However, the mode of action governing the observed irreversible paralysis of J2 larvae upon exposure to SVM is unknown. To unravel the mechanism underlying the anthelmintic and nematicidal activities, we used the tractable model worm Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans was also susceptible to both the fungal VOCs and SVM. Among compounds comprising SVM, 3-methyl-1-butanol, (±)-2-methyl-1-butanol, and 4-heptanone showed significant nematicidal activity toward L1, L4 and young adult stages. Egg hatching was only negatively affected by 4-heptanone. To determine the mechanism underlying this activity, we examined the response of C. elegans mutants for glutamate-gated chloride channel and acetylcholine transporter, targets of the nematicidal drugs ivermectin and aldicarb, respectively, to 4-heptanone and SVM. These aldicarb- and ivermectin-resistant mutants retained susceptibility upon exposure to 4-heptanone and SVM. Next, we used C. elegans TJ356 strain zIs356 (daf-16::GFP+rol-6), LD1 ldIs7 [skn-1B/C::GFP + pRF4(rol-6(su1006))], LD1171 ldIs3 [gcs-1p::gfp; rol-6(su1006))], CL2166 dvIs19 (gst-4p::GFP) and CF1553 muIs84 (sod-3p::GFP+rol-6), which have mutations in genes regulating multiple stress responses. Following exposure of L4 larvae to 4-heptanone or SVM, there was clear nuclear translocation of DAF-16::GFP, and SKN-1::GFP indicating that their susceptibility involves DAF-16 and SKN1 regulation. Application of 4-heptanone, but not SVM, induced increased expression of, gcs-1::GFP and gst-4::GFP compared to controls. In contrast, application of 4-heptanone or SVM to the sod-3::GFP line elicited a significant decline in overall fluorescence intensity compared to controls, indicating SOD-3 downregulation and therefore overall reduction in cellular redox machinery. Our data indicate that the mode of action of SVM and 4-heptanone from D. cf. concentrica differs from that of currently available nematicides, potentially offering new solutions for nematode management.
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16
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Mergoud dit Lamarche A, Molin L, Pierson L, Mariol M, Bessereau J, Gieseler K, Solari F. UNC-120/SRF independently controls muscle aging and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12713. [PMID: 29314608 PMCID: PMC5847867 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is commonly defined as the loss of global homeostasis, which results from progressive alteration of all organs function. This model is currently challenged by recent data showing that interventions that extend lifespan do not always increase the overall fitness of the organism. These data suggest the existence of tissue-specific factors that regulate the pace of aging in a cell-autonomous manner. Here, we investigated aging of Caenorhabditis elegans striated muscles at the subcellular and the physiological level. Our data show that muscle aging is characterized by a dramatic decrease in the expression of genes encoding proteins required for muscle contraction, followed by a change in mitochondria morphology, and an increase in autophagosome number. Myofilaments, however, remain unaffected during aging. We demonstrated that the conserved transcription factor UNC-120/SRF regulates muscle aging biomarkers. Interestingly, the role of UNC-120/SRF in the control of muscle aging can be dissociated from its broader effect on lifespan. In daf-2/insulin/IGF1 receptor mutants, which exhibit a delayed appearance of muscle aging biomarkers and are long-lived, disruption of unc-120 accelerates muscle aging but does not suppress the lifespan phenotype of daf-2 mutant. Conversely, unc-120 overexpression delays muscle aging but does not increase lifespan. Overall, we demonstrate that UNC-120/SRF controls the pace of muscle aging in a cell-autonomous manner downstream of the insulin/IGF1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Mergoud dit Lamarche
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
| | - Laurent Molin
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
| | - Laura Pierson
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
| | - Marie‐Christine Mariol
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
| | - Jean‐Louis Bessereau
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
- Hospices Civils de LyonFaculté de Médecine Lyon EstLyonFrance
| | - Kathrin Gieseler
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
| | - Florence Solari
- University of LyonUniversity of Lyon1 Claude Bernard Lyon1NeuroMyoGene InstituteCNRS UMR5310INSERM U1217LyonFrance
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17
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Kearn J, Lilley C, Urwin P, O'Connor V, Holden-Dye L. Progressive metabolic impairment underlies the novel nematicidal action of fluensulfone on the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 142:83-90. [PMID: 29107251 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluensulfone is a new nematicide with an excellent profile of selective toxicity against plant parasitic nematodes. Here, its effects on the physiology and biochemistry of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida have been investigated and comparisons made with its effect on the life-span of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to provide insight into its mode of action and its selective toxicity. RESULTS Fluensulfone exerts acute effects (≤1h; ≥100μM) on stylet thrusting and motility of hatched second stage G. pallida juveniles (J2s). Chronic exposure to lower concentrations of fluensulfone (≥3days; ≤30μM), reveals a slowly developing metabolic insult in which G. pallida J2s sequentially exhibit a reduction in motility, loss of a metabolic marker for cell viability, high lipid content and tissue degeneration prior to death. These effects are absent in adults and dauers of the model genetic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. CONCLUSION The nematicidal action of fluensulfone follows a time-course which progresses from an early impact on motility through to an accumulating metabolic impairment, an inability to access lipid stores and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kearn
- Biological Sciences, Building 85, University Road, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Catherine Lilley
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Peter Urwin
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- Biological Sciences, Building 85, University Road, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- Biological Sciences, Building 85, University Road, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
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18
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Chan JP, Brown J, Hark B, Nolan A, Servello D, Hrobuchak H, Staab TA. Loss of Sphingosine Kinase Alters Life History Traits and Locomotor Function in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Genet 2017; 8:132. [PMID: 28983319 PMCID: PMC5613162 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism is important to balance the abundance of bioactive lipid molecules involved in cell signaling, neuronal function, and survival. Specifically, the sphingolipid sphingosine mediates cell death signaling, whereas its phosphorylated form, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), mediates cell survival signaling. The enzyme sphingosine kinase produces S1P, and the activity of sphingosine kinase impacts the ability of cells to survive under stress and challenges. To examine the influence of sphingolipid metabolism, particularly enzymes regulating sphingosine and S1P, in mediating aging, neuronal function and stress response, we examined life history traits, locomotor capacities and heat stress responses of young and old animals using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that C. elegans sphk-1 mutants, which lack sphingosine kinase, had shorter lifespans, reduced brood sizes, and smaller body sizes compared to wild type animals. By analyzing a panel of young and old animals with genetic mutations in the sphingolipid signaling pathway, we showed that aged sphk-1 mutants exhibited a greater decline in neuromuscular function and locomotor behavior. In addition, aged animals lacking sphk-1 were more susceptible to death induced by acute and prolonged heat exposure. On the other hand, older animals with loss of function mutations in ceramide synthase (hyl-1), which converts sphingosine to ceramide, showed improved neuromuscular function and stress response with age. This phenotype was dependent on sphk-1. Together, our data show that loss of sphingosine kinase contributes to poor animal health span, suggesting that sphingolipid signaling may be important for healthy neuronal function and animal stress response during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Chan
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Jaylene Brown
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Brandon Hark
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Abby Nolan
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Dustin Servello
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Hannah Hrobuchak
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
| | - Trisha A Staab
- Department of Biology, Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA, United States
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Cheng L, Xu S, Xu C, Lu H, Zhang Z, Zhang D, Mu W, Liu F. Effects of trans-2-hexenal on reproduction, growth and behaviour and efficacy against the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:888-895. [PMID: 27414986 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a serious quarantined pest that causes severe damage and major economic losses to pine forests. Because of the adverse effects of some traditional nematicides on humans and the environment, the search for new plant toxicants against these nematodes has intensified. Nematicidal activity of trans-2-hexenal, which is a six-carbon aldehyde present in many plants, was tested against the nematode. RESULTS trans-2-Hexenal showed significant efficacy against B. xylophilus in a dose range of 349.5-699 g m-3 by fumigation of pinewood logs. Additionally, it had significant nematicidal activity against different life stages of B. xylophilus in an in vitro test, with second-stage larvae (L2s) being the most sensitive, with an LC50 value of 9.87 µg mL-1 at 48 h. Egg hatch was also significantly inhibited. Further studies revealed that trans-2-hexenal inhibited the reproductive activity of B. xylophilus, with negative effects on reproduction rate and egg numbers. Moreover, trans-2-hexenal reduced the body length of B. xylophilus. Respiratory rate and thrashing behaviour of B. xylophilus also decreased following treatment with this compound. CONCLUSION trans-2-Hexenal had significant nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus, providing a basis for elucidation of the mode of action of trans-2-hexenal against plant-parasitic nematodes in future studies. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Cheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Shuangyu Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Chunmei Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Hongbao Lu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengqun Zhang
- College of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Daxia Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Mu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology of Vegetable Diseases and Insect Pests, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
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20
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Zeng R, Yu X, Tan X, Ye S, Ding Z. Deltamethrin affects the expression of voltage-gated calcium channel α1 subunits and the locomotion, egg-laying, foraging behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 138:84-90. [PMID: 28456310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Deltamethrin belongs to the class of synthetic pyrethroids, which are being widely used as insecticides in agricultural practices. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are the primary targets of these chemicals for toxicity to insects. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) does not have VGSCs but is susceptible to deltamethrin. Recent findings have suggested that pyrethroids can affect voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). However, it remains elusive whether deltamethrin induces toxicity to C. elegans via modulating the activity of VGCCs. To identify the potential target of deltamethrin, we exposed C. elegans to different concentrations of deltamethrin and Ca2+ channel blockers for different times, characterized the behavioral toxicity of deltamethrin on C. elegans, and determined the expression of egl-19, unc-2, and cca-1, which encode the α1-subunit of the L-, R/N/P/Q-, and T-type VGCC, respectively. We found that deltamethrin inhibited the locomotion, egg-laying and foraging ability of C. elegans in a concentration dependent manner. We also showed that body length of worms on agar plates containing 200mgL-1 deltamethrin for 12h was not significantly different from controls, whereas the cholinesterase inhibitor carbofuran caused hypercontraction which is a characteristic of organophosphates and carbamates, suggesting that deltamethrin's mode of action is distinct from those nematicides. In addition, unc-2 was significantly up-regulated following 0.05mgL-1 deltamethrin exposure for 24h; while egl-19 and cca-1 were significantly up-regulated following 5 and 50mgL-1 deltamethrin exposure for 24h. Further tests of worms' sensitivity and expression of three α1-subunits of VGCC to Ca2+ channel blockers indicate that deltamethrin may induce toxic behavior C. elegans via modulation of the expression of the α1-subunits of VGCC. This study provides insights into the linkage between deltamethrin-induced toxic behavior and the regulation of α1-subunits of VGCC in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Zeng
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xing Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xing Tan
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shan Ye
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhong Ding
- College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Changsha 410128, China.
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21
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Herndon LA, Wolkow CA, Driscoll M, Hall DH. Effects of Ageing on the Basic Biology and Anatomy of C. elegans. HEALTHY AGEING AND LONGEVITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44703-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Short term memory of Caenorhabditis elegans against bacterial pathogens involves CREB transcription factor. Immunobiology 2016; 222:684-692. [PMID: 28069295 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the key issues pertaining to the control of memory is to respond to a consistently changing environment or microbial niche present in it. Human cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) transcription factor which plays a crucial role in memory has a homolog in C. elegans, crh-1. crh-1 appears to influence memory processes to certain extent by habituation of the host to a particular environment. The discrimination between the pathogen and a non-pathogen is essential for C. elegans in a microbial niche which determines its survival. Training the nematodes in the presence of a virulent pathogen (S. aureus) and an opportunistic pathogen (P. mirabilis) separately exhibits a different behavioural paradigm. This appears to be dependent on the CREB transcription factor. Here we show that C. elegans homolog crh-1 helps in memory response for a short term against the interacting pathogens. Following conditioning of the nematodes to S. aureus and P. mirabilis, the wild type nematodes exhibited a positive response towards the respective pathogens which diminished slowly after 2h. By contrast, the crh-1 deficient nematodes had a defective memory post conditioning. The molecular data reinforces the importance of crh-1 gene in retaining the memory of nematode. Our results also suggest that involvement of neurotransmitters play a crucial role in modulating the memory of the nematode with the assistance of CREB. Therefore, we elucidate that CREB is responsible for the short term memory response in C. elegans against bacterial pathogens.
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23
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Dong L, Cornaglia M, Lehnert T, Gijs MAM. On-chip microfluidic biocommunication assay for studying male-induced demise in C. elegans hermaphrodites. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:4534-4545. [PMID: 27735953 DOI: 10.1039/c6lc01005a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Like other animals, C. elegans nematodes have the ability to socially interact and to communicate through exchange and sensing of small soluble signaling compounds that help them cope with complex environmental conditions. For the time being, worm biocommunication assays are being performed mainly on agar plates; however, microfluidic assays may provide significant advantages compared to traditional methods, such as control of signaling molecule concentrations and gradients or confinement of distinct worm populations in different microcompartments. Here, we propose a microfluidic device for studying signaling via diffusive secreted compounds between two specific C. elegans populations over prolonged durations. In particular, we designed a microfluidic assay to investigate the biological process of male-induced demise, i.e. lifespan shortening and accelerated age-related phenotype alterations, in C. elegans hermaphrodites in the presence of a physically separated male population. For this purpose, male and hermaphrodite worm populations were confined in adjacent microchambers on the chip, whereas molecules secreted by males could be exchanged between both populations by periodically activating the controlled fluidic transfer of μl-volume aliquots of male-conditioned medium. For male-conditioned hermaphrodites, we observed a reduction of 4 days in mean lifespan compared to the non-conditioned on-chip culture. We also observed an enhanced muscle decline, as expressed by a faster decrease in the thrashing frequency and the appearance of vacuolar-like structures indicative of accelerated aging. The chip was placed in an incubator at 20 °C for accurate control of the lifespan assay conditions. An on-demand bacteria feeding protocol was applied, and the worms were observed during long-term on-chip culture over the whole worm lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dong
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Matteo Cornaglia
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Lehnert
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Martin A M Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Arey RN, Murphy CT. Conserved regulators of cognitive aging: From worms to humans. Behav Brain Res 2016; 322:299-310. [PMID: 27329151 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a major deficit that arises with age in humans. While some research on the underlying causes of these problems can be done in humans, harnessing the strengths of small model systems, particularly those with well-studied longevity mutants, such as the nematode C. elegans, will accelerate progress. Here we review the approaches being used to study cognitive decline in model organisms and show how simple model systems allow the rapid discovery of conserved molecular mechanisms, which will eventually enable the development of therapeutics to slow cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Arey
- Department of Molecular Biology & LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology & LSI Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States.
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25
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C. elegans maximum velocity correlates with healthspan and is maintained in worms with an insulin receptor mutation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8919. [PMID: 26586186 PMCID: PMC4656132 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is marked by physical decline. Caenorhabditis elegans is a valuable model for identifying genetic regulatory mechanisms of ageing and longevity. Here we report a simple method to assess C. elegans' maximum physical ability based on the worms' maximum movement velocity. We show maximum velocity declines with age, correlates well with longevity, accurately reports movement ability and, if measured in mid-adulthood, is predictive of maximal lifespan. Contrary to recent findings, we observe that maximum velocity of worm with mutations in daf-2(e1370) insulin/IGF-1 signalling scales with lifespan. Because of increased odorant receptor expression, daf-2(e1370) mutants prefer food over exploration, causing previous on-food motility assays to underestimate movement ability and, thus, worm health. Finally, a disease-burden analysis of published data reveals that the daf-2(e1370) mutation improves quality of life, and therefore combines lifespan extension with various signs of an increased healthspan. Increases in lifespan do not necessarily translate into prolonged healthspan. Here, the authors devise a simple metric, maximum velocity, to study ageing in C. elegans and, using this metric, show that reduced insulin signalling improves physical healthspan as well as worm lifespan.
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26
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Guo X, García LR. SIR-2.1 integrates metabolic homeostasis with the reproductive neuromuscular excitability in early aging male Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2014; 3:e01730. [PMID: 24755287 PMCID: PMC3989601 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline of aging C. elegans male's mating behavior is correlated with the increased excitability of the cholinergic circuitry that executes copulation. In this study, we show that the mating circuits' functional durability depends on the metabolic regulator SIR-2.1, a NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase. Aging sir-2.1(0) males display accelerated mating behavior decline due to premature hyperexcitability of cholinergic circuits used for intromission and ejaculation. In sir-2.1(0) males, the hypercontraction of the spicule-associated muscles pinch the vas deferens opening, thus blocking sperm release. The hyperexcitability is aggravated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our genetic, pharmacological, and behavioral analyses suggest that in sir-2.1(0) and older wild-type males, enhanced catabolic enzymes expression, coupled with the reduced expression of ROS-scavengers contribute to the behavioral decline. However, as a compensatory response to reduce altered catabolism/ROS production, anabolic enzymes expression levels are also increased, resulting in higher gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01730.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Guo
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
| | - L René García
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Texas A&M University, Texas, United States
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27
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Kearn J, Ludlow E, Dillon J, O'Connor V, Holden-Dye L. Fluensulfone is a nematicide with a mode of action distinct from anticholinesterases and macrocyclic lactones. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 109:44-57. [PMID: 24581383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes infest crops and present a threat to food security worldwide. Currently available chemical controls e.g. methyl bromide, organophosphates and carbamates have an unacceptable level of toxicity to non-target organisms and are being withdrawn from use. Fluensulfone is a new nematicide of the fluoroalkenyl thioether group that has significantly reduced environmental impact with low toxicity to non-target insects and mammals. Here, we show that the model genetic organism Caenorhabditis elegans is susceptible to the irreversible nematicidal effects of fluensulfone. Whilst the dose required is higher than that which has nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne spp. the profile of effects on motility, egg-hatching and survival is similar to that reported for plant parasitic nematodes. C. elegans thus provides a tractable experimental paradigm to analyse the effects of fluensulfone on nematode behaviour. We find that fluensulfone has pleiotropic actions and inhibits development, egg-laying, egg-hatching, feeding and locomotion. In the case of feeding and locomotion, an early excitation precedes the gross inhibition. The profile of these effects is notably distinct from other classes of anthelmintic and nematicide: the inhibition of motility caused by fluensulfone is not accompanied by the hypercontraction which is characteristic of organophosphates and carbamates and C. elegans mutants that are resistant to the carbamate aldicarb and the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin retain susceptibility to fluensulfone. These data indicate fluensulfone's mode of action is distinct from currently available nematicides and it therefore presents a promising new chemical entity for crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kearn
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Ludlow
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - James Dillon
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent O'Connor
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
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28
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Stein GM, Murphy CT. The Intersection of Aging, Longevity Pathways, and Learning and Memory in C. elegans. Front Genet 2012; 3:259. [PMID: 23226155 PMCID: PMC3509946 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the molecular and genetic regulation of aging and longevity has been greatly augmented through studies using the small model system, C. elegans. It is important to test whether mutations that result in a longer life span also extend the health span of the organism, rather than simply prolonging an aged state. C. elegans can learn and remember both associated and non-associated stimuli, and many of these learning and memory paradigms are subject to regulation by longevity pathways. One of the more distressing results of aging is cognitive decline, and while no gross physical defects in C. elegans sensory neurons have been identified, the organism does lose the ability to perform both simple and complex learned behaviors with age. Here we review what is known about the effects of longevity pathways and the decline of these complex learned behaviors with age, and we highlight outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva M. Stein
- Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ, USA
| | - Coleen T. Murphy
- Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ, USA
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