1
|
Mahadik SS, Lundquist EA. TOM-1/tomosyn acts with the UNC-6/netrin receptor UNC-5 to inhibit growth cone protrusion in Caenorhabditis elegans. Development 2023; 150:dev201031. [PMID: 37014062 PMCID: PMC10112904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201031] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
In the polarity/protrusion model of growth cone repulsion from UNC-6/netrin, UNC-6 first polarizes the growth cone of the VD motor neuron axon via the UNC-5 receptor, and then regulates protrusion asymmetrically across the growth cone based on this polarity. UNC-6 stimulates protrusion dorsally through the UNC-40/DCC receptor, and inhibits protrusion ventrally through UNC-5, resulting in net dorsal growth. Previous studies showed that UNC-5 inhibits growth cone protrusion via the flavin monooxygenases and potential destabilization of F-actin, and via UNC-33/CRMP and restriction of microtubule plus-end entry into the growth cone. We show that UNC-5 inhibits protrusion through a third mechanism involving TOM-1/tomosyn. A short isoform of TOM-1 inhibited protrusion downstream of UNC-5, and a long isoform had a pro-protrusive role. TOM-1/tomosyn inhibits formation of the SNARE complex. We show that UNC-64/syntaxin is required for growth cone protrusion, consistent with a role of TOM-1 in inhibiting vesicle fusion. Our results are consistent with a model whereby UNC-5 utilizes TOM-1 to inhibit vesicle fusion, resulting in inhibited growth cone protrusion, possibly by preventing the growth cone plasma membrane addition required for protrusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Snehal S. Mahadik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, 5049 Haworth Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Erik A. Lundquist
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, 5049 Haworth Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chow CH, Huang M, Sugita S. The Role of Tomosyn in the Regulation of Neurotransmitter Release. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:233-254. [PMID: 37615869 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins play a central role in synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. These proteins include the vesicle-associated SNARE protein (v-SNARE) synaptobrevin and the target membrane-associated SNARE proteins (t-SNAREs) syntaxin and SNAP-25. Together, these proteins drive membrane fusion between synaptic vesicles (SV) and the presynaptic plasma membrane to generate SV exocytosis. In the presynaptic active zone, various proteins may either enhance or inhibit SV exocytosis by acting on the SNAREs. Among the inhibitory proteins, tomosyn, a syntaxin-binding protein, is of particular importance because it plays a critical and evolutionarily conserved role in controlling synaptic transmission. In this chapter, we describe how tomosyn was discovered, how it interacts with SNAREs and other presynaptic regulatory proteins to regulate SV exocytosis and synaptic plasticity, and how its various domains contribute to its synaptic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hin Chow
- Division of Experimental & Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mengjia Huang
- Division of Experimental & Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shuzo Sugita
- Division of Experimental & Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li L, Liu H, Hall Q, Wang W, Yu Y, Kaplan JM, Hu Z. A Hyperactive Form of unc-13 Enhances Ca 2+ Sensitivity and Synaptic Vesicle Release Probability in C. elegans. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2979-2995.e4. [PMID: 31509756 PMCID: PMC6779330 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Munc13 proteins play several roles in regulating shortterm synaptic plasticity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here we report that C. elegans UNC-13L, a Munc13-1 ortholog, has three domains that inhibit synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. These include the X (sequence between C2A and C1), C1, and C2B domains. Deleting all three inhibitory domains produces a hyperactive UNC-13 (sUNC-13) that exhibits dramatically increased neurotransmitter release, Ca2+ sensitivity of release, and release probability. The vesicular pool in unc-13 mutants rescued by sUNC-13 exhibits a faster synaptic recovery and replenishment rate, demonstrating an important role of sUNC-13 in regulating synaptic plasticity. Analysis of double mutants suggests that sUNC-13 enhances tonic release by increasing the open probability of UNC-64/syntaxin-1A, whereas its effects on evoked release appear to be mediated by additional functions, presumably by further regulating the activity of the assembled soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor activating protein receptor (SNARE) complex. Li et al. identify three domains in UNC-13L that inhibit neurotransmitter release. Removal of the three inhibitory domains produces a hyperactive UNC-13 that dramatically increases Ca2+ sensitivity and release probability of vesicle exocytosis by opening syntaxin in a highly efficient manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Haowen Liu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Qi Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yi Yu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zhitao Hu
- Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Calahorro F, Izquierdo PG. The presynaptic machinery at the synapse of C. elegans. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE : IN 2018; 18:4. [PMID: 29532181 PMCID: PMC5851683 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-018-0207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Synapses are specialized contact sites that mediate information flow between neurons and their targets. Important physical interactions across the synapse are mediated by synaptic adhesion molecules. These adhesions regulate formation of synapses during development and play a role during mature synaptic function. Importantly, genes regulating synaptogenesis and axon regeneration are conserved across the animal phyla. Genetic screens in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have identified a number of molecules required for synapse patterning and assembly. C. elegans is able to survive even with its neuronal function severely compromised. This is in comparison with Drosophila and mice where increased complexity makes them less tolerant to impaired function. Although this fact may reflect differences in the function of the homologous proteins in the synapses between these organisms, the most likely interpretation is that many of these components are equally important, but not absolutely essential, for synaptic transmission to support the relatively undemanding life style of laboratory maintained C. elegans. Here, we review research on the major group of synaptic proteins, involved in the presynaptic machinery in C. elegans, showing a strong conservation between higher organisms and highlight how C. elegans can be used as an informative tool for dissecting synaptic components, based on a simple nervous system organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Calahorro
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Patricia G Izquierdo
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building 85, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Batten SR, Matveeva EA, Whiteheart SW, Vanaman TC, Gerhardt GA, Slevin JT. Linking kindling to increased glutamate release in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus through the STXBP5/tomosyn-1 gene. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00795. [PMID: 28948088 PMCID: PMC5607557 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In kindling, repeated electrical stimulation of certain brain areas causes progressive and permanent intensification of epileptiform activity resulting in generalized seizures. We focused on the role(s) of glutamate and a negative regulator of glutamate release, STXBP5/tomosyn-1, in kindling. METHODS Stimulating electrodes were implanted in the amygdala and progression to two successive Racine stage 5 seizures was measured in wild-type and STXBP5/tomosyn-1-/- (Tom-/-) animals. Glutamate release measurements were performed in distinct brain regions using a glutamate-selective microelectrode array (MEA). RESULTS Naïve Tom-/- mice had significant increases in KCl-evoked glutamate release compared to naïve wild type as measured by MEA of presynaptic release in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Kindling progression was considerably accelerated in Tom-/- mice, requiring fewer stimuli to reach a fully kindled state. Following full kindling, MEA measurements of both kindled Tom+/+ and Tom-/- mice showed significant increases in KCl-evoked and spontaneous glutamate release in the DG, indicating a correlation with the fully kindled state independent of genotype. Resting glutamate levels in all hippocampal subregions were significantly lower in the kindled Tom-/- mice, suggesting possible changes in basal control of glutamate circuitry in the kindled Tom-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that increased glutamate release in the hippocampal DG correlates with acceleration of the kindling process. Although STXBP5/tomosyn-1 loss increased evoked glutamate release in naïve animals contributing to their prokindling phenotype, the kindling process can override any attenuating effect of STXBP5/tomosyn-1. Loss of this "braking" effect of STXBP5/tomosyn-1 on kindling progression may set in motion an alternative but ultimately equally ineffective compensatory response, detected here as reduced basal glutamate release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth R. Batten
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of KentuckyCollege of Arts and SciencesLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Elena A. Matveeva
- Department of Molecular & Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Sidney W. Whiteheart
- Department of Molecular & Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Thomas C. Vanaman
- Department of Molecular & Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
| | - Greg A. Gerhardt
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
| | - John T. Slevin
- Neurology ServiceVeterans Affairs Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky Medical CenterLexingtonKYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
UNC-18 and Tomosyn Antagonistically Control Synaptic Vesicle Priming Downstream of UNC-13 in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8797-8815. [PMID: 28821673 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0338-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Munc18-1/UNC-18 is believed to prime SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, yet the underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Here, we examine how potential gain-of-function mutations of Munc18-1/UNC-18 affect locomotory behavior and synaptic transmission, and how Munc18-1-mediated priming is related to Munc13-1/UNC-13 and Tomosyn/TOM-1, positive and negative SNARE regulators, respectively. We show that a Munc18-1(P335A)/UNC-18(P334A) mutation leads to significantly increased locomotory activity and acetylcholine release in Caenorhabditis elegans, as well as enhanced synaptic neurotransmission in cultured mammalian neurons. Importantly, similar to tom-1 null mutants, unc-18(P334A) mutants partially bypass the requirement of UNC-13. Moreover, unc-18(P334A) and tom-1 null mutations confer a strong synergy in suppressing the phenotypes of unc-13 mutants. Through biochemical experiments, we demonstrate that Munc18-1(P335A) exhibits enhanced activity in SNARE complex formation as well as in binding to the preformed SNARE complex, and partially bypasses the Munc13-1 requirement in liposome fusion assays. Our results indicate that Munc18-1/UNC-18 primes vesicle fusion downstream of Munc13-1/UNC-13 by templating SNARE complex assembly and acts antagonistically with Tomosyn/TOM-1.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT At presynaptic sites, SNARE-mediated membrane fusion is tightly regulated by several key proteins including Munc18/UNC-18, Munc13/UNC-13, and Tomosyn/TOM-1. However, how these proteins interact with each other to achieve the precise regulation of neurotransmitter release remains largely unclear. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model, we found that a gain-of-function mutant of UNC-18 increases locomotory activity and synaptic acetylcholine release, that it partially bypasses the requirement of UNC-13 for release, and that this bypass is synergistically augmented by the lack of TOM-1. We also elucidated the biochemical basis for the gain-of-function caused by this mutation. Thus, our study provides novel mechanistic insights into how Munc18/UNC-18 primes synaptic vesicle release and how this protein interacts functionally with Munc13/UNC-13 and Tomosyn/TOM-1.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kautu BB, Phillips J, Steele K, Mengarelli MS, Nord EA. A Behavioral Survey of the Effects of Kavalactones on Caenorhabditis elegans Neuromuscular Transmission. J Exp Neurosci 2017; 11:1179069517705384. [PMID: 28615969 PMCID: PMC5462554 DOI: 10.1177/1179069517705384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kava is a plant root extract that is widely consumed by Pacific Islanders. Kava contains a class of lactone compounds called kavalactones. The sedative and anxiolytic effects of kava are likely attributed to the efficacies of kavalactones on the nervous system. Although some studies have implicated the potencies of certain kavalactone species on γ-aminobutyric acid transmission, evidence supporting the action of kavalactones on the eukaryotic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and acetylcholine (ACh) transmission is scant. Here, we used behavioral assays to demonstrate the effects of kavalactones at the Caenorhabditis elegans NMJ. Our results suggest that kavalactones disrupt the inhibitory-excitatory balance at the NMJ. Such perturbation of NMJ activity is likely due to excess or prolonged ACh transmission. In addition, we found that kavain, a major constituent of kava, induced worm paralysis but not convulsions. Hence, the modulatory action of kavain could be distinct from the other kavalactone species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kellie Steele
- Department of Biology, Greenville College, Greenville, IL, USA
| | | | - Eric A Nord
- Department of Biology, Greenville College, Greenville, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Electrophysiological recordings have enabled identification of physiologically distinct yet behaviorally similar states of mammalian sleep. In contrast, sleep in nonmammals has generally been identified behaviorally and therefore regarded as a physiologically uniform state characterized by quiescence of feeding and locomotion, reduced responsiveness, and rapid reversibility. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans displays sleep-like quiescent behavior under two conditions: developmentally timed quiescence (DTQ) occurs during larval transitions, and stress-induced quiescence (SIQ) occurs in response to exposure to cellular stressors. Behaviorally, DTQ and SIQ appear identical. Here, we use optogenetic manipulations of neuronal and muscular activity, pharmacology, and genetic perturbations to uncover circuit and molecular mechanisms of DTQ and SIQ. We find that locomotion quiescence induced by DTQ- and SIQ-associated neuropeptides occurs via their action on the nervous system, although their neuronal target(s) and/or molecular mechanisms likely differ. Feeding quiescence during DTQ results from a loss of pharyngeal muscle excitability, whereas feeding quiescence during SIQ results from a loss of excitability in the nervous system. Together these results indicate that, as in mammals, quiescence is subserved by different mechanisms during distinct sleep-like states in C. elegans.
Collapse
|
9
|
Nagano K, Takeuchi H, Gao J, Mori Y, Otani T, Wang D, Hirata M. Tomosyn is a novel Akt substrate mediating insulin-dependent GLUT4 exocytosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 62:62-71. [PMID: 25725259 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Insulin triggers glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and adipose tissues by gaining the available number of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) on the cell surface. GLUT4-loaded vesicles are targeted to plasma membrane from the intracellular reservoir through multiple trafficking and fusion processes that are mainly regulated by Akt. However, it is still largely unknown how GLUT4 expression in the cell surface is promoted by insulin. In the present study, we identified tomosyn at Ser-783 as a possible Akt-substrate motif and examined whether the phosphorylation at Ser-783 is involved in the regulation of GLUT4 expression. Both Akt1 and Akt2 phosphorylated the wild-type tomosyn, but not the mutant tomosyn in which Ser-783 was replaced with Ala. Phosphorylation of tomosyn at Ser-783 was also observed in the intact cells by insulin stimulation, which was blocked by PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. In vitro pull-down assay showed that phosphorylation of tomosyn at Ser-783 by Akt inhibited the interaction with syntaxin 4. Insulin stimulation increased GLUT4 in the cell surface of CHO-K1 cells to promote glucose uptake, however exogenous expression of the mutant tomosyn attenuated the increase by insulin. These results suggest that Ser-783 of tomosyn is a target of Akt and is implicated in the interaction with syntaxin 4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Nagano
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeuchi
- Division of Applied Pharmacology, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Japan.
| | - Jing Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Mori
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takahito Otani
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - DaGuang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masato Hirata
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yu H, Rathore SS, Gulbranson DR, Shen J. The N- and C-terminal domains of tomosyn play distinct roles in soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor binding and fusion regulation. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:25571-80. [PMID: 25063806 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.591487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tomosyn negatively regulates SNARE-dependent exocytic pathways including insulin secretion, GLUT4 exocytosis, and neurotransmitter release. The molecular mechanism of tomosyn, however, has not been fully elucidated. Here, we reconstituted SNARE-dependent fusion reactions in vitro to recapitulate the tomosyn-regulated exocytic pathways. We then expressed and purified active full-length tomosyn and examined how it regulates the reconstituted SNARE-dependent fusion reactions. Using these defined fusion assays, we demonstrated that tomosyn negatively regulates SNARE-mediated membrane fusion by inhibiting the assembly of the ternary SNARE complex. Tomosyn recognizes the t-SNARE complex and prevents its pairing with the v-SNARE, therefore arresting the fusion reaction at a pre-docking stage. The inhibitory function of tomosyn is mediated by its C-terminal domain (CTD) that contains an R-SNARE-like motif, confirming previous studies carried out using truncated tomosyn fragments. Interestingly, the N-terminal domain (NTD) of tomosyn is critical (but not sufficient) to the binding of tomosyn to the syntaxin monomer, indicating that full-length tomosyn possesses unique features not found in the widely studied CTD fragment. Finally, we showed that the inhibitory function of tomosyn is dominant over the stimulatory activity of the Sec1/Munc18 protein in fusion. We suggest that tomosyn uses its CTD to arrest SNARE-dependent fusion reactions, whereas its NTD is required for the recruitment of tomosyn to vesicle fusion sites through syntaxin interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijia Yu
- From the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Shailendra S Rathore
- From the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Daniel R Gulbranson
- From the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Jingshi Shen
- From the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kasai H, Takahashi N, Tokumaru H. Distinct Initial SNARE Configurations Underlying the Diversity of Exocytosis. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:1915-64. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of exocytosis are diverse and have been optimized for the functions of synapses and a wide variety of cell types. For example, the kinetics of exocytosis varies by more than five orders of magnitude between ultrafast exocytosis in synaptic vesicles and slow exocytosis in large dense-core vesicles. However, in all cases, exocytosis is mediated by the same fundamental mechanism, i.e., the assembly of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. It is often assumed that vesicles need to be docked at the plasma membrane and SNARE proteins must be preassembled before exocytosis is triggered. However, this model cannot account for the dynamics of exocytosis recently reported in synapses and other cells. For example, vesicles undergo exocytosis without prestimulus docking during tonic exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in the active zone. In addition, epithelial and hematopoietic cells utilize cAMP and kinases to trigger slow exocytosis of nondocked vesicles. In this review, we summarize the manner in which the diversity of exocytosis reflects the initial configurations of SNARE assembly, including trans-SNARE, binary-SNARE, unitary-SNARE, and cis-SNARE configurations. The initial SNARE configurations depend on the particular SNARE subtype (syntaxin, SNAP25, or VAMP), priming proteins (Munc18, Munc13, CAPS, complexin, or snapin), triggering proteins (synaptotagmins, Doc2, and various protein kinases), and the submembraneous cytomatrix, and they are the key to determining the kinetics of subsequent exocytosis. These distinct initial configurations will help us clarify the common SNARE assembly processes underlying exocytosis and membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruo Kasai
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa, Tokushima Bunri University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa, Tokushima Bunri University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tokumaru
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa, Tokushima Bunri University, Kagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Neurotransmitter release mechanisms studied in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cell Calcium 2012; 52:289-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
13
|
SACY-1 DEAD-Box helicase links the somatic control of oocyte meiotic maturation to the sperm-to-oocyte switch and gamete maintenance in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2012; 192:905-28. [PMID: 22887816 PMCID: PMC3522166 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.112.143271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing animals, oocytes arrest at diplotene or diakinesis and resume meiosis (meiotic maturation) in response to hormones. In Caenorhabditis elegans, major sperm protein triggers meiotic resumption through a mechanism involving somatic Gαs–adenylate cyclase signaling and soma-to-germline gap-junctional communication. Using genetic mosaic analysis, we show that the major effector of Gαs–adenylate cyclase signaling, protein kinase A (PKA), is required in gonadal sheath cells for oocyte meiotic maturation and dispensable in the germ line. This result rules out a model in which cyclic nucleotides must transit through sheath-oocyte gap junctions to activate PKA in the germ line, as proposed in vertebrate systems. We conducted a genetic screen to identify regulators of oocyte meiotic maturation functioning downstream of Gαs–adenylate cyclase–PKA signaling. We molecularly identified 10 regulatory loci, which include essential and nonessential factors. sacy-1, which encodes a highly conserved DEAD-box helicase, is an essential germline factor that negatively regulates meiotic maturation. SACY-1 is a multifunctional protein that establishes a mechanistic link connecting the somatic control of meiotic maturation to germline sex determination and gamete maintenance. Modulatory factors include multiple subunits of a CoREST-like complex and the TWK-1 two-pore potassium channel. These factors are not absolutely required for meiotic maturation or its negative regulation in the absence of sperm, but function cumulatively to enable somatic control of meiotic maturation. This work provides insights into the genetic control of meiotic maturation signaling in C. elegans, and the conserved factors identified here might inform analysis in other systems through either homology or analogy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Burdina AO, Klosterman SM, Shtessel L, Ahmed S, Richmond JE. In vivo analysis of conserved C. elegans tomosyn domains. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26185. [PMID: 22022557 PMCID: PMC3195084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosecretion is critically dependent on the assembly of a macromolecular complex between the SNARE proteins syntaxin, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin. Evidence indicates that the binding of tomosyn to syntaxin and SNAP-25 interferes with this assembly, thereby negatively regulating both synaptic transmission and peptide release. Tomosyn has two conserved domains: an N-terminal encompassing multiple WD40 repeats predicted to form two β-propeller structures and a C-terminal SNARE-binding motif. To assess the function of each domain, we performed an in vivo analysis of the N- and C- terminal domains of C. elegans tomosyn (TOM-1) in a tom-1 mutant background. We verified that both truncated TOM-1 constructs were transcribed at levels comparable to rescuing full-length TOM-1, were of the predicted size, and localized to synapses. Unlike full-length TOM-1, expression of the N- or C-terminal domains alone was unable to restore inhibitory control of synaptic transmission in tom-1 mutants. Similarly, co-expression of both domains failed to restore TOM-1 function. In addition, neither the N- nor C-terminal domain inhibited release when expressed in a wild-type background. Based on these results, we conclude that the ability of tomosyn to regulate neurotransmitter release in vivo depends on the physical integrity of the protein, indicating that both N- and C-terminal domains are necessary but not sufficient for effective inhibition of release in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna O. Burdina
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Susan M. Klosterman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ludmila Shtessel
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shawn Ahmed
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Janet E. Richmond
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Coexpressed D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors antagonistically modulate acetylcholine release in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2011; 188:579-90. [PMID: 21515580 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.111.128512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine acts through two classes of G protein-coupled receptor (D1-like and D2-like) to modulate neuron activity in the brain. While subtypes of D1- and D2-like receptors are coexpressed in many neurons of the mammalian brain, it is unclear how signaling by these coexpressed receptors interacts to modulate the activity of the neuron in which they are expressed. D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors are also coexpressed in the cholinergic ventral-cord motor neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans. To begin to understand how coexpressed dopamine receptors interact to modulate neuron activity, we performed a genetic screen in C. elegans and isolated mutants defective in dopamine response. These mutants were also defective in behaviors mediated by endogenous dopamine signaling, including basal slowing and swimming-induced paralysis. We used transgene rescue experiments to show that defects in these dopamine-specific behaviors were caused by abnormal signaling in the cholinergic motor neurons. To investigate the interaction between the D1- and D2-like receptors specifically in these cholinergic motor neurons, we measured the sensitivity of dopamine-signaling mutants and transgenic animals to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb. We found that D2 signaling inhibited acetylcholine release from the cholinergic motor neurons while D1 signaling stimulated release from these same cells. Thus, coexpressed D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors act antagonistically in vivo to modulate acetylcholine release from the cholinergic motor neurons of C. elegans.
Collapse
|
16
|
Williams AL, Bielopolski N, Meroz D, Lam AD, Passmore DR, Ben-Tal N, Ernst SA, Ashery U, Stuenkel EL. Structural and functional analysis of tomosyn identifies domains important in exocytotic regulation. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:14542-53. [PMID: 21330375 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.215624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tomosyn is a 130-kDa cytosolic R-SNARE protein that associates with Q-SNAREs and reduces exocytotic activity. Two paralogous genes, tomosyn-1 and -2, occur in mammals and produce seven different isoforms via alternative splicing. Here, we map the structural differences between the yeast homologue of m-tomosyn-1, Sro7, and tomosyn genes/isoforms to identify domains critical to the regulation of exocytotic activity to tomosyn that are outside the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive attachment receptor motif. Homology modeling of m-tomosyn-1 based on the known structure of yeast Sro7 revealed a highly conserved functional conformation but with tomosyn containing three additional loop domains that emanate from a β-propeller core. Notably, deletion of loops 1 and 3 eliminates tomosyn inhibitory activity on secretion without altering its soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive attachment receptor pairing with syntaxin1A. By comparison, deletion of loop 2, which contains the hypervariable splice region, did not reduce the ability of tomosyn to inhibit regulated secretion. However, exon variation within the hypervariable splice region resulted in significant differences in protein accumulation of tomosyn-2 isoforms. Functional analysis of s-tomosyn-1, m-tomosyn-1, m-tomosyn-2, and xb-tomosyn-2 demonstrated that they exert similar inhibitory effects on elevated K(+)-induced secretion in PC12 cells, although m-tomosyn-2 was novel in strongly augmenting basal secretion. Finally, we report that m-tomosyn-1 is a target substrate for SUMO 2/3 conjugation and that mutation of this small ubiquitin-related modifier target site (Lys-730) enhances m-tomosyn-1 inhibition of secretion without altering interaction with syntaxin1A. Together these results suggest that multiple domains outside the R-SNARE of tomosyn are critical to the efficacy of inhibition by tomosyn on exocytotic secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antionette L Williams
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Campoli C, Caffarri S, Svensson JT, Bassi R, Stanca AM, Cattivelli L, Crosatti C. Parallel pigment and transcriptomic analysis of four barley albina and xantha mutants reveals the complex network of the chloroplast-dependent metabolism. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 71:173-191. [PMID: 19557521 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-009-9516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the pigment composition and the transcriptome of albina (alb-e ( 16 ) and alb-f ( 17 )) and xantha (xan-s ( 46 ) and xan-b ( 12 )) barley mutants to provide an overall transcriptional picture of genes whose expression is interconnected with chloroplast activities and to search for candidate genes associated with the mutations. Beside those encoding plastid-localized proteins, more than 3,000 genes involved in non-chloroplast localized metabolism were up-/down-regulated in the mutants revealing the network of chloroplast-dependent metabolic pathways. The alb-e ( 16 ) mutant was characterized by overaccumulation of protoporphyrin IX upon ALA (5-amino levulinic acid) feeding and down-regulation of the gene encoding one subunit of Mg-chelatase, suggesting a block of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway before Mg-protoporphyrin IX biosynthesis, while alb-f ( 17 ) overaccumulated Mg-protoporphyrin IX and repressed PorA expression, without alterations in Mg-chelatase mRNA level. The alb-f ( 17 )mutant also showed overexpression of several genes involved in phytochrome and in phytochrome-dependent pathways. The results indicate that the down-regulation of Lhcb genes in alb-e ( 16 ) cannot be mediated by the accumulation of Mg-protoporphyrin IX. After ALA treatment, xan-s ( 46 ) showed overaccumulation of Mg-protoporphyrin IX, while the relative porphyrin composition of xan-b ( 12 ) was similar to wild type. The transcripts encoding the components of several mitochondrial metabolic pathways were up-regulated in albina/xantha leaves to compensate for the absence of active chloroplasts. The mRNAs encoding gun3, gun4, and gun5 barley homologous genes showed significant expression variations and were used to search for co-expressed genes across all samples. These analyses provide additional evidences on a chloroplast-dependent covariation of large sets of nuclear genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Campoli
- CRA Genomic Research Centre, Via S. Protaso 302, Fiorenzuola d'Arda (PC), Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vermeirssen V, Joshi A, Michoel T, Bonnet E, Casneuf T, Van de Peer Y. Transcription regulatory networks in Caenorhabditis elegans inferred through reverse-engineering of gene expression profiles constitute biological hypotheses for metazoan development. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2009; 5:1817-30. [PMID: 19763340 DOI: 10.1039/b908108a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differential gene expression governs the development, function and pathology of multicellular organisms. Transcription regulatory networks study differential gene expression at a systems level by mapping the interactions between regulatory proteins and target genes. While microarray transcription profiles are the most abundant data for gene expression, it remains challenging to correctly infer the underlying transcription regulatory networks. The reverse-engineering algorithm LeMoNe (learning module networks) uses gene expression profiles to extract ensemble transcription regulatory networks of coexpression modules and their prioritized regulators. Here we apply LeMoNe to a compendium of microarray studies of the worm Caenorhabditis elegans. We obtain 248 modules with a regulation program for 5020 genes and 426 regulators and a total of 24 012 predicted transcription regulatory interactions. Through GO enrichment analysis, comparison with the gene-gene association network WormNet and integration of other biological data, we show that LeMoNe identifies functionally coherent coexpression modules and prioritizes regulators that relate to similar biological processes as the module genes. Furthermore, we can predict new functional relationships for uncharacterized genes and regulators. Based on modules involved in molting, meiosis and oogenesis, ciliated sensory neurons and mitochondrial metabolism, we illustrate the value of LeMoNe as a biological hypothesis generator for differential gene expression in greater detail. In conclusion, through reverse-engineering of C. elegans expression data, we obtained transcription regulatory networks that can provide further insight into metazoan development.
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen C, Tuck S, Byström AS. Defects in tRNA modification associated with neurological and developmental dysfunctions in Caenorhabditis elegans elongator mutants. PLoS Genet 2009; 5:e1000561. [PMID: 19593383 PMCID: PMC2702823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elongator is a six subunit protein complex, conserved from yeast to humans. Mutations in the human Elongator homologue, hELP1, are associated with the neurological disease familial dysautonomia. However, how Elongator functions in metazoans, and how the human mutations affect neural functions is incompletely understood. Here we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, ELPC-1 and ELPC-3, components of the Elongator complex, are required for the formation of the 5-carbamoylmethyl and 5-methylcarboxymethyl side chains of wobble uridines in tRNA. The lack of these modifications leads to defects in translation in C. elegans. ELPC-1::GFP and ELPC-3::GFP reporters are strongly expressed in a subset of chemosensory neurons required for salt chemotaxis learning. elpc-1 or elpc-3 gene inactivation causes a defect in this process, associated with a posttranscriptional reduction of neuropeptide and a decreased accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. elpc-1 and elpc-3 mutations are synthetic lethal together with those in tuc-1, which is required for thiolation of tRNAs having the 5′methylcarboxymethyl side chain. elpc-1; tuc-1 and elpc-3; tuc-1 double mutants display developmental defects. Our results suggest that, by its effect on tRNA modification, Elongator promotes both neural function and development. The efficiency of protein synthesis can be modulated by alterations of various components of the translation machinery. In translation, transfer RNAs act as adapter molecules that decode mRNA into protein and thereby play a central role in gene expression. In the tRNA maturation process, a subset of the normal nucleosides undergoes modifications. Modified nucleosides in the tRNA anticodon region are important for efficient translation. We found that, in the worm C. elegans, components of the Elongator complex are required for the formation of a certain set of tRNA modifications in the anticodon region. We observed a reduced efficiency of translation as well as a lower production of neurotransmitters in Elongator mutant worms. Elongator is conserved in eukaryotes, and mutations in a subunit of human Elongator cause a severe neurodegenerative disease, familial dysautonomia (FD). It is unclear in humans whether Elongator acts on the translational level through tRNA modification to regulate neuronal processes. Our observations in C. elegans, together with the role of yeast Elongator in translation, show that the function of Elongator in tRNA modification is conserved. Inactivation of Elongator may cause neuronal defects by affecting translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Simon Tuck
- Umeå Centre of Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (ST); (ASB)
| | - Anders S. Byström
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (ST); (ASB)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ashery U, Bielopolski N, Barak B, Yizhar O. Friends and foes in synaptic transmission: the role of tomosyn in vesicle priming. Trends Neurosci 2009; 32:275-82. [PMID: 19307030 PMCID: PMC2713869 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 01/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Priming is the process by which vesicles become available for fusion at nerve terminals and is modulated by numerous proteins and second messengers. One of the prominent members of this diverse family is tomosyn. Tomosyn has been identified as a syntaxin-binding protein; it inhibits vesicle priming, but its mode of action is not fully understood. The inhibitory activity of tomosyn depends on its N-terminal WD40-repeat domain and is regulated by the binding of its SNARE motif to syntaxin. Here, we describe new physiological information on the function of tomosyn and address possible interpretations of these results in the framework of the recently described crystal structure of the yeast tomosyn homolog Sro7. We also present possible molecular scenarios for vesicle priming and the involvement of tomosyn in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uri Ashery
- Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dittman J. Chapter 2 Worm Watching: Imaging Nervous System Structure and Function in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2009; 65:39-78. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(09)65002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
|
22
|
Perez-Mansilla B, Nurrish S. A network of G-protein signaling pathways control neuronal activity in C. elegans. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2009; 65:145-192. [PMID: 19615533 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2660(09)65004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is one of the best studied synapses in any organism. A variety of genetic screens have identified genes required both for the essential steps of neurotransmitter release from motorneurons as well as the signaling pathways that regulate rates of neurotransmitter release. A number of these regulatory genes encode proteins that converge to regulate neurotransmitter release. In other cases genes are known to regulate signaling at the NMJ but how they act remains unknown. Many of the proteins that regulate activity at the NMJ participate in a network of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling pathways controlling the release of synaptic vesicles and/or dense-core vesicles (DCVs). At least four heterotrimeric G-proteins (Galphaq, Galpha12, Galphao, and Galphas) act within the motorneurons to control the activity of the NMJ. The Galphaq, Galpha12, and Galphao pathways converge to control production and destruction of the lipid-bound second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) at sites of neurotransmitter release. DAG acts via at least two effectors, MUNC13 and PKC, to control the release of both neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from motorneurons. The Galphas pathway converges with the other three heterotrimeric G-protein pathways downstream of DAG to regulate neuropeptide release. Released neurotransmitters and neuropeptides then act to control contraction of the body-wall muscles to control locomotion. The lipids and proteins involved in these networks are conserved between C. elegans and mammals. Thus, the C. elegans NMJ acts as a model synapse to understand how neuronal activity in the human brain is regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borja Perez-Mansilla
- MRC Cell Biology Unit, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Nurrish
- MRC Cell Biology Unit, MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ch'ng Q, Sieburth D, Kaplan JM. Profiling synaptic proteins identifies regulators of insulin secretion and lifespan. PLoS Genet 2008; 4:e1000283. [PMID: 19043554 PMCID: PMC2582949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Accepted: 10/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are organized into distinct compartments to perform specific tasks with spatial precision. In neurons, presynaptic specializations are biochemically complex subcellular structures dedicated to neurotransmitter secretion. Activity-dependent changes in the abundance of presynaptic proteins are thought to endow synapses with different functional states; however, relatively little is known about the rules that govern changes in the composition of presynaptic terminals. We describe a genetic strategy to systematically analyze protein localization at Caenorhabditis elegans presynaptic specializations. Nine presynaptic proteins were GFP-tagged, allowing visualization of multiple presynaptic structures. Changes in the distribution and abundance of these proteins were quantified in 25 mutants that alter different aspects of neurotransmission. Global analysis of these data identified novel relationships between particular presynaptic components and provides a new method to compare gene functions by identifying shared protein localization phenotypes. Using this strategy, we identified several genes that regulate secretion of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and influence lifespan in a manner dependent on insulin/IGF signaling. Cells are divided into multiple subcellular compartments that perform diverse functions. In neurons, synapses mediate transmission of information between cells and they comprise hundreds of proteins dedicated for this purpose. Changes in the protein composition of synapses are thought to produce changes in synaptic transmission, such as those that occur during development, learning, and memory. Here, we describe a systematic genetic strategy for analyzing the protein composition of synapses. Using this strategy, we identified sets of genes that alter synapses in similar ways, and identified novel regulatory relationships between particular synaptic proteins. One set of genes regulated secretion of insulin-like hormones from neurons and had corresponding effects on lifespan, which is controlled by insulin signaling. These results illustrate how changes in synaptic composition can be utilized as a probe to explain changes in physiology. Our approach can be expanded to include a larger set of synaptic proteins or to analyze other subcellular compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- QueeLim Ch'ng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QC); (JMK)
| | - Derek Sieburth
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua M. Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (QC); (JMK)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hartong DT, Dange M, McGee TL, Berson EL, Dryja TP, Colman RF. Insights from retinitis pigmentosa into the roles of isocitrate dehydrogenases in the Krebs cycle. Nat Genet 2008; 40:1230-4. [PMID: 18806796 DOI: 10.1038/ng.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Here we describe two families with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary neurodegeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. Affected family members were homozygous for loss-of-function mutations in IDH3B, encoding the beta-subunit of NAD-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-IDH, or IDH3), which is believed to catalyze the oxidation of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate in the citric acid cycle. Cells from affected individuals had a substantial reduction of NAD-IDH activity, with about a 300-fold increase in the K(m) for NAD. NADP-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-IDH, or IDH2), an enzyme that catalyzes the same reaction, was normal in affected individuals, and they had no health problems associated with the enzyme deficiency except for retinitis pigmentosa. These findings support the hypothesis that mitochondrial NADP-IDH, rather than NAD-IDH, serves as the main catalyst for this reaction in the citric acid cycle outside the retina, and that the retina has a particular requirement for NAD-IDH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dyonne T Hartong
- Ocular Molecular Genetics Institute, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Grigsby IF, Finger FP. UNC-85, a C. elegans homolog of the histone chaperone Asf1, functions in post-embryonic neuroblast replication. Dev Biol 2008; 319:100-9. [PMID: 18490010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Normal animal development requires accurate cell divisions, not only in the early stages of rapid embryonic cleavages, but also in later developmental stages. The Caenorhabditis elegans unc-85 gene is implicated only in cell divisions that occur post-embryonically, primarily in terminal neuronal lineages. Variable post-embryonic cell division failures in ventral cord motoneuron precursors result in uncoordinated locomotion of unc-85 mutant larvae by the second larval stage. These neuroblast cell division failures often result in unequally sized daughter nuclei, and sometimes in nuclear fusions. Using a combination of conventional mapping techniques and microarray analysis, we cloned the unc-85 gene, and find that it encodes one of two C. elegans homologs of the yeast Anti-silencing function 1 (Asf1) histone chaperone. The unc-85 gene is expressed in replicating cells throughout development, and the protein is localized in nuclei. Examination of null mutants confirms that embryonic neuroblast cell divisions occur normally, but post-embryonic neuroblast cell divisions fail. Analysis of the DNA content of the mutant neurons indicates that defective replication in post-embryonic neuroblasts gives rise to ventral cord neurons with an average DNA content of approximately 2.5 n. We conclude that UNC-85 functions in post-embryonic DNA replication in ventral cord motor neuron precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwen F Grigsby
- Biology Department and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Biotech-BCHM-2, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
An evolutionarily conserved presynaptic protein is required for isoflurane sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Anesthesiology 2007; 107:971-82. [PMID: 18043066 DOI: 10.1097/01.anes.0000291451.49034.b8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volatile general anesthetics inhibit neurotransmitter release by an unknown mechanism. A mutation in the presynaptic soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin 1A was previously shown to antagonize the anesthetic isoflurane in Caenorhabditis elegans. The mechanism underlying this antagonism may identify presynaptic anesthetic targets relevant to human anesthesia. METHODS Sensitivity to isoflurane concentrations in the human clinical range was measured in locomotion assays on adult C. elegans. Sensitivity to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb was used as an assay for the global level of C. elegans neurotransmitter release. Comparisons of isoflurane sensitivity (measured by the EC50) were made by simultaneous curve fitting and F test as described by Waud. RESULTS Expression of a truncated syntaxin fragment (residues 1-106) antagonized isoflurane sensitivity in C. elegans. This portion of syntaxin interacts with the presynaptic protein UNC-13, suggesting the hypothesis that truncated syntaxin binds to UNC-13 and antagonizes an inhibitory effect of isoflurane on UNC-13 function. Consistent with this hypothesis, overexpression of UNC-13 suppressed the isoflurane resistance of the truncated syntaxins, and unc-13 loss-of-function mutants were highly isoflurane resistant. Normal anesthetic sensitivity was restored by full-length UNC-13, by a shortened form of UNC-13 lacking a C2 domain, but not by a membrane-targeted UNC-13 that might bypass isoflurane inhibition of membrane translocation of UNC-13. Isoflurane was found to inhibit synaptic localization of UNC-13. CONCLUSIONS These data show that UNC-13, an evolutionarily conserved protein that promotes neurotransmitter release, is necessary for isoflurane sensitivity in C. elegans and suggest that its vertebrate homologs may be a component of the general anesthetic mechanism.
Collapse
|
27
|
Mahoney TR, Luo S, Nonet ML. Analysis of synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans using an aldicarb-sensitivity assay. Nat Protoc 2007; 1:1772-7. [PMID: 17487159 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2006.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful model system for studying the biology of the synapse. Here we describe a widely used assay for synaptic transmission at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction. This protocol monitors the sensitivity of C. elegans to the paralyzing affects of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, aldicarb. Briefly, adult worms are incubated in the presence of aldicarb and scored for the time-course of aldicarb-induced paralysis. Animals harboring mutations in genes that affect synaptic transmission generally exhibit a change in their sensitivity to aldicarb (either increased sensitivity for enhancements in synaptic transmission or decreased sensitivity for blockage in synaptic transmission). This technique provides a simple assay for the accurate comparative analysis of synaptic transmission in multiple C. elegans strains. The protocol described can be performed relatively quickly and is a practical alternative to other techniques used to study synaptic transmission. This protocol can also be modified to follow the paralytic effects with other pharmacological reagents. The assay can be performed in about 3-6 hours depending on the severity of synaptic transmission defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Mahoney
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gracheva EO, Burdina AO, Touroutine D, Berthelot-Grosjean M, Parekh H, Richmond JE. Tomosyn negatively regulates CAPS-dependent peptide release at Caenorhabditis elegans synapses. J Neurosci 2007; 27:10176-84. [PMID: 17881523 PMCID: PMC3874420 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2339-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The syntaxin-interacting protein tomosyn is thought to be a key regulator of exocytosis, although its precise mechanism of action has yet to be elucidated. Here we examined the role of tomosyn in peptide secretion in Caenorhabditis elegans tomosyn (tom-1) mutants. Ultrastructural analysis of tom-1 mutants revealed a 50% reduction in presynaptic dense-core vesicles (DCVs) corresponding to enhanced neuropeptide release. Conversely, overexpression of TOM-1 led to an accumulation of DCVs. Together, these data provide the first in vivo evidence that TOM-1 negatively regulates DCV exocytosis. In C. elegans, neuropeptide release is promoted by the calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) homolog UNC-31. To test for a genetic interaction between tomosyn and CAPS, we generated tom-1;unc-31 double mutants. Loss of TOM-1 suppressed the behavioral, electrophysiological, and DCV ultrastructural phenotypes of unc-31 mutants, indicating that TOM-1 antagonizes UNC-31-dependent DCV release. Because unc-31 mutants exhibit synaptic transmission defects, we postulated that loss of DCV release in these mutants and the subsequent suppression by tom-1 mutants could simply reflect alterations in synaptic activity, rather than direct regulation of DCV release. To distinguish between these two possibilities, we analyzed C. elegans Rim mutants (unc-10), which have a comparable reduction in synaptic transmission to unc-31 mutants, specifically attributed to defects in synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the changes in DCV release in tom-1 and unc-31 mutants reflect direct effects of TOM-1 and UNC-31 on DCV exocytosis, rather than altered SV release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena O Gracheva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering Labs, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gracheva EO, Burdina AO, Touroutine D, Berthelot-Grosjean M, Parekh H, Richmond JE. Tomosyn negatively regulates both synaptic transmitter and neuropeptide release at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction. J Physiol 2007; 585:705-9. [PMID: 17627987 PMCID: PMC2375516 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.138321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The SNARE proteins, syntaxin, SNAP-25 and synaptobrevin form a tertiary complex essential for vesicle fusion. Proteins that influence SNARE complex assembly are therefore likely to be important regulators of fusion events. In this study we have focused on tomosyn, a highly conserved, neuronally enriched, syntaxin-binding protein that has been implicated in the regulation of vesicle exocytosis. To directly test the role of tomosyn in neurosecretion we analysed loss-of-function mutants in the single Caenorhabditis elegans tomosyn gene, tom-1. These mutants exhibit enhanced synaptic transmission based on electrophysiological analysis of neuromuscular junction activity. This phenotype is the result of increased synaptic vesicle priming. In addition, we present evidence that tom-1 mutants also exhibit enhanced peptide release from dense core vesicles. These results indicate that tomosyn negatively regulates secretion for both vesicle types, possibly through a common mechanism, interfering with SNARE complex formation, thereby inhibiting vesicle fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena O Gracheva
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gladycheva SE, Lam AD, Liu J, D'Andrea-Merrins M, Yizhar O, Lentz SI, Ashery U, Ernst SA, Stuenkel EL. Receptor-mediated regulation of tomosyn-syntaxin 1A interactions in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:22887-99. [PMID: 17545156 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m701787200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tomosyn, a soluble R-SNARE protein identified as a binding partner of the Q-SNARE syntaxin 1A, is thought to be critical in setting the level of fusion-competent SNARE complexes for neurosecretion. To date, there has been no direct evaluation of the dynamics in which tomosyn transits through tomosyn-SNARE complexes or of the extent to which tomosyn-SNARE complexes are regulated by secretory demand. Here, we employed biochemical and optical approaches to characterize the dynamic properties of tomosyn-syntaxin 1A complexes in live adrenal chromaffin cells. We demonstrate that secretagogue stimulation results in the rapid translocation of tomosyn from the cytosol to plasma membrane regions and that this translocation is associated with an increase in the tomosyn-syntaxin 1A interaction, including increased cycling of tomosyn into tomosyn-SNARE complexes. The secretagogue-induced interaction was strongly reduced by pharmacological inhibition of the Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase, a result consistent with findings demonstrating secretagogue-induced activation of RhoA. Stimulation of chromaffin cells with lysophosphatidic acid, a nonsecretory stimulus that strongly activates RhoA, resulted in effects on tomosyn similar to that of application of the secretagogue. In PC-12 cells overexpressing tomosyn, secretagogue stimulation in the presence of lysophosphatidic acid resulted in reduced evoked secretory responses, an effect that was eliminated upon inhibition of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase. Moreover, this effect required an intact interaction between tomosyn and syntaxin 1A. Thus, modulation of the tomosyn-syntaxin 1A interaction in response to secretagogue activation is an important mechanism allowing for dynamic regulation of the secretory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana E Gladycheva
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gracheva EO, Burdina AO, Holgado AM, Berthelot-Grosjean M, Ackley BD, Hadwiger G, Nonet ML, Weimer RM, Richmond JE. Tomosyn inhibits synaptic vesicle priming in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Biol 2006; 4:e261. [PMID: 16895441 PMCID: PMC1514790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0040261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans TOM-1 is orthologous to vertebrate tomosyn, a cytosolic syntaxin-binding protein implicated in the modulation of both constitutive and regulated exocytosis. To investigate how TOM-1 regulates exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in vivo, we analyzed
C. elegans tom-1 mutants. Our electrophysiological analysis indicates that evoked postsynaptic responses at
tom-1 mutant synapses are prolonged leading to a two-fold increase in total charge transfer. The enhanced response in
tom-1 mutants is not associated with any detectable changes in postsynaptic response kinetics, neuronal outgrowth, or synaptogenesis. However, at the ultrastructural level, we observe a concomitant increase in the number of plasma membrane-contacting vesicles in
tom-1 mutant synapses, a phenotype reversed by neuronal expression of TOM-1. Priming defective
unc-13 mutants show a dramatic reduction in plasma membrane-contacting vesicles, suggesting these vesicles largely represent the primed vesicle pool at the
C. elegans neuromuscular junction. Consistent with this conclusion, hyperosmotic responses in
tom-1 mutants are enhanced, indicating the primed vesicle pool is enhanced. Furthermore, the synaptic defects of
unc-13 mutants are partially suppressed in
tom-1 unc-13 double mutants. These data indicate that in the intact nervous system, TOM-1 negatively regulates synaptic vesicle priming.
This paper examines the in vivo role of the syntaxin binding protein tomosyn in synaptic transmission at the
C. elegans neuromuscular junction. Tomosyn inhibits vesicle priming by regulating the size of the readily releasable vesicle pool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena O Gracheva
- 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Anna O Burdina
- 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andrea M Holgado
- 2Biology Department, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Martine Berthelot-Grosjean
- 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Brian D Ackley
- 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gayla Hadwiger
- 3Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michael L Nonet
- 3Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robby M Weimer
- 4Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States of America
| | - Janet E Richmond
- 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Besteiro S, Coombs GH, Mottram JC. The SNARE protein family of Leishmania major. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:250. [PMID: 17026746 PMCID: PMC1626469 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2006] [Accepted: 10/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania major is a protozoan parasite with a highly polarised cell shape that depends upon endocytosis and exocytosis from a single area of the plasma membrane, the flagellar pocket. SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor adaptor proteins receptors) are key components of the intracellular vesicle-mediated transports that take place in all eukaryotic cells. They are membrane-bound proteins that facilitate the docking and fusion of vesicles with organelles. The recent availability of the genome sequence of L. major has allowed us to assess the complement of SNAREs in the parasite and to investigate their location in comparison with metazoans. Results Bioinformatic searches of the L. major genome revealed a total of 27 SNARE domain-containing proteins that could be classified in structural groups by phylogenetic analysis. 25 of these possessed the expected features of functional SNAREs, whereas the other two could represent kinetoplastid-specific proteins that might act as regulators of the SNARE complexes. Other differences of Leishmania SNAREs were the absence of double SNARE domain-containing and of the brevin classes of these proteins. Members of the Qa group of Leishmania SNAREs showed differential expressions profiles in the two main parasite forms whereas their GFP-tagging and in vivo expression revealed localisations in the Golgi, late endosome/lysosome and near the flagellar pocket. Conclusion The early-branching eukaryote L. major apparently possess a SNARE repertoire that equals in number the one of metazoans such as Drosophila, showing that the machinery for vesicle fusion is well conserved throughout the eukaryotes. However, the analysis revealed the absence of certain types of SNAREs found in metazoans and yeast, while suggesting the presence of original SNAREs as well as others with unusual localisation. This study also presented the intracellular localisation of the L. major SNAREs from the Qa group and reveals that these proteins could be useful as organelle markers in this parasitic protozoon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Besteiro
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Graham H Coombs
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Jeremy C Mottram
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology and Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
McEwen JM, Madison JM, Dybbs M, Kaplan JM. Antagonistic Regulation of Synaptic Vesicle Priming by Tomosyn and UNC-13. Neuron 2006; 51:303-15. [PMID: 16880125 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Priming of synaptic vesicles (SVs) is essential for synaptic transmission. UNC-13 proteins are required for priming. Current models propose that UNC-13 stabilizes the open conformation of Syntaxin, in which the SNARE helix is available for interactions with Synaptobrevin and SNAP-25. Here we show that Tomosyn inhibits SV priming. Tomosyn contains a SNARE motif, which forms an inhibitory SNARE complex with Syntaxin and SNAP-25. Mutants lacking Tomosyn have increased synaptic transmission, an increased pool of primed vesicles, and increased abundance of UNC-13 at synapses. Behavioral, imaging, and electrophysiological studies suggest that SV priming was reconstituted in unc-13 mutants by expressing a constitutively open mutant Syntaxin, or by mutations eliminating Tomosyn. Thus, priming is modulated by the balance between Tomosyn and UNC-13, perhaps by regulating the availability of open-Syntaxin. Even when priming was restored, synaptic transmission remained defective in unc-13 mutants, suggesting that UNC-13 is also required for other aspects of secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M McEwen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Building, Seventh Floor, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dittman JS, Kaplan JM. Factors regulating the abundance and localization of synaptobrevin in the plasma membrane. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:11399-404. [PMID: 16844789 PMCID: PMC1544097 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0600784103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After synaptic vesicle fusion, vesicle proteins must be segregated from plasma membrane proteins and recycled to maintain a functional vesicle pool. We monitored the distribution of synaptobrevin, a vesicle protein required for exocytosis, in Caenorhabditis elegans motor neurons by using a pH-sensitive synaptobrevin GFP fusion protein, synaptopHluorin. We estimated that 30% of synaptobrevin was present in the plasma membrane. By using a panel of endocytosis and exocytosis mutants, we found that the majority of surface synaptobrevin derives from fusion of synaptic vesicles and that, in steady state, synaptobrevin equilibrates throughout the axon. The surface synaptobrevin was enriched near active zones, and its spatial extent was regulated by the clathrin adaptin AP180. These results suggest that there is a plasma membrane reservoir of synaptobrevin that is supplied by the synaptic vesicle cycle and available for retrieval throughout the axon. The size of the reservoir is set by the relative rates of exo- and endocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S. Dittman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Joshua M. Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed at:
Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Building, Seventh Floor, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Balasubramanian S, Sureshkumar S, Agrawal M, Michael TP, Wessinger C, Maloof JN, Clark R, Warthmann N, Chory J, Weigel D. The PHYTOCHROME C photoreceptor gene mediates natural variation in flowering and growth responses of Arabidopsis thaliana. Nat Genet 2006; 38:711-5. [PMID: 16732287 PMCID: PMC1592229 DOI: 10.1038/ng1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Light has an important role in modulating seedling growth and flowering time. We show that allelic variation at the PHYTOCHROME C (PHYC) photoreceptor locus affects both traits in natural populations of A. thaliana. Two functionally distinct PHYC haplotype groups are distributed in a latitudinal cline dependent on FRIGIDA, a locus that together with FLOWERING LOCUS C explains a large portion of the variation in A. thaliana flowering time. In a genome-wide scan for association of 65 loci with latitude, there was an excess of significant P values, indicative of population structure. Nevertheless, PHYC was the most strongly associated locus across 163 strains, suggesting that PHYC alleles are under diversifying selection in A. thaliana. Our work, together with previous findings, suggests that photoreceptor genes are major agents of natural variation in plant flowering and growth response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sridevi Sureshkumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mitesh Agrawal
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Todd P. Michael
- Plant Biology Laboratory, and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Carrie Wessinger
- Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Julin N. Maloof
- Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Richard Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Norman Warthmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joanne Chory
- Plant Biology Laboratory, and
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Detlef Weigel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Plant Biology Laboratory, and
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lauer JM, Dalal S, Marz KE, Nonet ML, Hanson PI. SNARE complex zero layer residues are not critical for N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-mediated disassembly. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:14823-32. [PMID: 16522630 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m512706200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-anchored SNAREs assemble into SNARE complexes that bring membranes together to promote fusion. SNARE complexes are parallel four-helix bundles stabilized in part by hydrophobic interactions within their core. At the center of SNARE complexes is a distinctive zero layer that consists of one arginine and three glutamines. This zero layer is thought to play a special role in the biology of the SNARE complex. One proposal is that the polar residues of the zero layer enable N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF)-mediated SNARE complex disassembly. Here, we studied the effects of manipulating the zero layer of the well studied synaptic SNARE complex in vitro and in vivo. Using a fluorescence-based assay to follow SNARE complex disassembly in real time, we found that the maximal rate at which NSF disassembles complexes was unaffected by mutations in the zero layer, including single replacement of the syntaxin glutamine with arginine as well as multiple replacement of all four layer residues with non-polar amino acids. To determine whether syntaxin with arginine instead of glutamine in its zero layer can support SNARE function in vivo, we introduced it as a transgene into a Caenorhabditis elegans syntaxin-null strain. Mutant syntaxin rescued viability and locomotory defects similarly to wild-type syntaxin, demonstrating that SNARE complexes with two glutamines and two arginines in the zero layer can support neurotransmission. These findings show that residues of the zero layer do not play an essential role in NSF-mediated disassembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Lauer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang W, Lilja L, Mandic SA, Gromada J, Smidt K, Janson J, Takai Y, Bark C, Berggren PO, Meister B. Tomosyn is expressed in beta-cells and negatively regulates insulin exocytosis. Diabetes 2006; 55:574-81. [PMID: 16505218 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.55.03.06.db05-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tomosyn, a syntaxin-binding protein, is capable of dissociating mammalian homolog of the Caenorhabditis elegans unc-18 gene from syntaxin and is involved in the regulation of exocytosis. We have investigated the expression, cellular localization, and functional role of tomosyn in pancreatic beta-cells. Western blotting revealed a 130-kDa protein corresponding to tomosyn in insulin-secreting beta-cell lines. RT-PCR amplification showed that b-, m-, and s-tomosyn isoform mRNAs are expressed in beta-cell lines and rat pancreatic islets. Immunohistochemistry revealed punctate tomosyn immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of insulin-, glucagon-, pancreatic polypeptide-, and somatostatin-containing islet cells. Syntaxin 1 coimmunoprecipitated with tomosyn in extracts of insulin-secreting cells. Overexpression of m-tomosyn in mouse beta-cells significantly decreased exocytosis, whereas inhibition of tomosyn expression by small interfering RNA increased exocytosis. Hence, in the pancreatic beta-cell, tomosyn negatively regulates insulin exocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|