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Zhang MG, Seyedolmohadesin M, Mercado SH, Tauffenberger A, Park H, Finnen N, Schroeder FC, Venkatachalam V, Sternberg PW. Sensory integration of food and population density during the diapause exit decision involves insulin-like signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405391121. [PMID: 39316052 PMCID: PMC11459166 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405391121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Decisions made over long time scales, such as life cycle decisions, require coordinated interplay between sensory perception and sustained gene expression. The Caenorhabditis elegans dauer (or diapause) exit developmental decision requires sensory integration of population density and food availability to induce an all-or-nothing organismal-wide response, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate how the Amphid Single Cilium J (ASJ) chemosensory neurons, known to be critical for dauer exit, perform sensory integration at both the levels of gene expression and calcium activity. In response to favorable conditions, dauers rapidly produce and secrete the dauer exit-promoting insulin-like peptide INS-6. Expression of ins-6 in the ASJ neurons integrates population density and food level and can reflect decision commitment since dauers committed to exiting have higher ins-6 expression levels than those of noncommitted dauers. Calcium imaging in dauers reveals that the ASJ neurons are activated by food, and this activity is suppressed by pheromone, indicating that sensory integration also occurs at the level of calcium transients. We find that ins-6 expression in the ASJ neurons depends on neuronal activity in the ASJs, cGMP signaling, and the pheromone components ascr#8 and ascr#2. We propose a model in which decision commitment to exit the dauer state involves an autoregulatory feedback loop in the ASJ neurons that promotes high INS-6 production and secretion. These results collectively demonstrate how insulin-like peptide signaling helps animals compute long-term decisions by bridging sensory perception to decision execution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark G. Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | | | - Soraya Hawk Mercado
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Arnaud Tauffenberger
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Heenam Park
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Nerissa Finnen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Frank C. Schroeder
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | | | - Paul W. Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
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2
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Park J, Meisel JD, Kim DH. Immediate activation of chemosensory neuron gene expression by bacterial metabolites is selectively induced by distinct cyclic GMP-dependent pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008505. [PMID: 32776934 PMCID: PMC7416920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic gene expression in neurons shapes fundamental processes in the nervous systems of animals. However, how neuronal activation by different stimuli can lead to distinct transcriptional responses is not well understood. We have been studying how microbial metabolites modulate gene expression in chemosensory neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans. Considering the diverse environmental stimuli that can activate chemosensory neurons of C. elegans, we sought to understand how specific transcriptional responses can be generated in these neurons in response to distinct cues. We have focused on the mechanism of rapid (<6 min) and selective transcriptional induction of daf-7, a gene encoding a TGF-β ligand, in the ASJ chemosensory neurons in response to the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DAF-7 is required for the protective behavioral avoidance of P. aeruginosa by C. elegans. Here, we define the involvement of two distinct cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent pathways that are required for daf-7 expression in the ASJ neuron pair in response to P. aeruginosa. We show that a calcium-independent pathway dependent on the cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) EGL-4, and a canonical calcium-dependent signaling pathway dependent on the activity of a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel subunit CNG-2, function in parallel to activate rapid, selective transcription of daf-7 in response to P. aeruginosa metabolites. Our data suggest that fast, selective early transcription of neuronal genes require PKG in shaping responses to distinct microbial stimuli in a pair of C. elegans chemosensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseok Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua D. Meisel
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dennis H. Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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3
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Ferguson GD, Bridge WJ. The glutathione system and the related thiol network in Caenorhabditis elegans. Redox Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1110.1016/j.redox.2019.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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4
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Sanzo-Machuca Á, Monje Moreno JM, Casado-Navarro R, Karakuzu O, Guerrero-Gómez D, Fierro-González JC, Swoboda P, Muñoz MJ, Garsin DA, Pedrajas JR, Barrios A, Miranda-Vizuete A. Redox-dependent and redox-independent functions of Caenorhabditis elegans thioredoxin 1. Redox Biol 2019; 24:101178. [PMID: 30953965 PMCID: PMC6449771 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxins (TRX) are traditionally considered as enzymes catalyzing redox reactions. However, redox-independent functions of thioredoxins have been described in different organisms, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet unknown. We report here the characterization of the first generated endogenous redox-inactive thioredoxin in an animal model, the TRX-1 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that TRX-1 dually regulates the formation of an endurance larval stage (dauer) by interacting with the insulin pathway in a redox-independent manner and the cGMP pathway in a redox-dependent manner. Moreover, the requirement of TRX-1 for the extended longevity of worms with compromised insulin signalling or under calorie restriction relies on TRX-1 redox activity. In contrast, the nuclear translocation of the SKN-1 transcription factor and increased LIPS-6 protein levels in the intestine upon trx-1 deficiency are strictly redox-independent. Finally, we identify a novel function of C. elegans TRX-1 in male food-leaving behaviour that is redox-dependent. Taken together, our results position C. elegans as an ideal model to gain mechanistic insight into the redox-independent functions of metazoan thioredoxins, overcoming the limitations imposed by the embryonic lethal phenotypes of thioredoxin mutants in higher organisms. C. elegans expressing endogenous “redox-dead” TRX-1 are viable. The extended lifespan extension of worm daf-2 and eat-2 mutants and the food-leaving behaviour of C. elegans males requires a redox-active TRX-1. The SKN-1 nuclear translocation and increased lips-6 expression upon TRX-1 deficiency is redox-independent. TRX-1 regulates dauer formation by both redox-dependent and redox-independent mechanisms. C. elegans is an ideal model to interrogate on the molecular mechanisms underlying the redox-independent functions of metazoan thioredoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Sanzo-Machuca
- Redox Homeostasis Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Casado-Navarro
- Redox Homeostasis Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ozgur Karakuzu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Guerrero-Gómez
- Redox Homeostasis Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Peter Swoboda
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, 14183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Manuel J Muñoz
- Department of Genetics, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Danielle A Garsin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - José Rafael Pedrajas
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Señalización Celular, Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Arantza Barrios
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Redox Homeostasis Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
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5
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Ferguson GD, Bridge WJ. The glutathione system and the related thiol network in Caenorhabditis elegans. Redox Biol 2019; 24:101171. [PMID: 30901603 PMCID: PMC6429583 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the field of redox biology have contributed to the understanding of the complexity of the thiol-based system in mediating signal transduction. The redox environment is the overall spatiotemporal balance of oxidation-reduction systems within the integrated compartments of the cell, tissues and whole organisms. The ratio of the reduced to disulfide glutathione redox couple (GSH:GSSG) is a key indicator of the redox environment and its associated cellular health. The reaction mechanisms of glutathione-dependent and related thiol-based enzymes play a fundamental role in the function of GSH as a redox regulator. Glutathione homeostasis is maintained by the balance of GSH synthesis (de novo and salvage pathways) and its utilization through its detoxification, thiol signalling, and antioxidant defence functions via GSH-dependent enzymes and free radical scavenging. As such, GSH acts in concert with the entire redox network to maintain reducing conditions in the cell. Caenorhabditis elegans offers a simple model to facilitate further understanding at the multicellular level of the physiological functions of GSH and the GSH-dependent redox network. This review discusses the C. elegans studies that have investigated glutathione and related systems of the redox network including; orthologs to the protein-encoding genes of GSH synthesis; glutathione peroxidases; glutathione-S-transferases; and the glutaredoxin, thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Douglas Ferguson
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Wallace John Bridge
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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6
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Sex-Specific Response of Caenorhabditis elegans to Methylmercury Toxicity. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:208-216. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9949-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ruszkiewicz JA, Teixeira de Macedo G, Miranda-Vizuete A, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Bowman AB, Bornhorst J, Schwerdtle T, Aschner M. The cytoplasmic thioredoxin system in Caenorhabditis elegans affords protection from methylmercury in an age-specific manner. Neurotoxicology 2018; 68:189-202. [PMID: 30138651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant linked to many neurological defects, especially in developing individuals. The thioredoxin (TRX) system is a key redox regulator affected by MeHg toxicity, however the mechanisms and consequences of MeHg-induced dysfunction are not completely understood. This study evaluated the role of the TRX system in C. elegans susceptibility to MeHg during development. Worms lacking or overexpressing proteins from the TRX family were exposed to MeHg for 1 h at different developmental stage: L1, L4 and adult. Worms without cytoplasmic thioredoxin system exhibited age-specific susceptibility to MeHg when compared to wild-type (wt). This susceptibility corresponded partially to decreased total glutathione (GSH) levels and enhanced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, the overexpression of the cytoplasmic system TRX-1/TRXR-1 did not provide substantial protection against MeHg. Moreover, transgenic worms exhibited decreased protein expression for cytoplasmic thioredoxin reductase (TRXR-1). Both mitochondrial thioredoxin system TRX-2/TRXR-2, as well as other thioredoxin-like proteins: TRX-3, TRX-4, TRX-5 did not show significant role in C. elegans resistance to MeHg. Based on the current findings, the cytoplasmic thioredoxin system TRX-1/TRXR-1 emerges as an important age-sensitive protectant against MeHg toxicity in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A Ruszkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - Gabriel Teixeira de Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - João B Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY, United States
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8
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Hilbert ZA, Kim DH. Sexually dimorphic control of gene expression in sensory neurons regulates decision-making behavior in C. elegans. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28117661 PMCID: PMC5262377 DOI: 10.7554/elife.21166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior is directed by the integration of sensory information from internal states and the environment. Neuroendocrine regulation of diverse behaviors of Caenorhabditis elegans is under the control of the DAF-7/TGF-β ligand that is secreted from sensory neurons. Here, we show that C. elegans males exhibit an altered, male-specific expression pattern of daf-7 in the ASJ sensory neuron pair with the onset of reproductive maturity, which functions to promote male-specific mate-searching behavior. Molecular genetic analysis of the switch-like regulation of daf-7 expression in the ASJ neuron pair reveals a hierarchy of regulation among multiple inputs—sex, age, nutritional status, and microbial environment—which function in the modulation of behavior. Our results suggest that regulation of gene expression in sensory neurons can function in the integration of a wide array of sensory information and facilitate decision-making behaviors in C. elegans. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21166.001 For almost all species of animal, males and females will often behave differently in similar situations. Little is known about how these sex-specific differences are generated or, for example, how different the nervous system of a male is to that of a female. Moreover, it is also poorly understood how these underlying differences based on the biological sex of an animal are integrated with and influenced by its experiences and environment. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has two sexes, hermaphrodites and males. The male worms behave differently to the hermaphrodites in a number of situations. This means that these animals offer the opportunity to explore and understand sex-specific differences in behavior. It is also possible to analyze the underlying factors that contribute to behavior in C. elegans, because it has a relatively simple and well-defined nervous system. Now, Hilbert and Kim show that a signal that influences how C. elegans explores in response to chemicals in its environment is expressed differently in male and hermaphrodite worms. The signal in question is molecule called DAF-7, which is released by several sensory neurons—nerve cells that are used for detecting cues from the environment. The sensory neurons that release DAF-7 are found in both sexes of C. elegans but the specific way that the male worms express this signal encourages them to search for mates. Hermaphrodites, on the other hand, do not need to search for mates because they can fertilize their own eggs. Hilbert and Kim showed that the biological sex in combination with multiple other inputs – including the animal’s past diet and age – regulate how the DAF-7 signal is expressed in C. elegans. These inputs all converge onto a single pair of sensory neurons, which integrate the inputs and enable the worm to assess its current and past experiences and alter its behavior accordingly. Moving forward the next challenge is to understand how information about both external environment and internal states, such as hunger, are communicated to and integrated by these sensory neurons. Decoding the signals behind this process may illuminate how biological sex and internal states influence behavior in other species of animals. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21166.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë A Hilbert
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Dennis H Kim
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
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9
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Braeckman BP, Smolders A, Back P, De Henau S. In Vivo Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species and Redox Status in Caenorhabditis elegans. Antioxid Redox Signal 2016; 25:577-92. [PMID: 27306519 PMCID: PMC5041511 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Due to its large families of redox-active enzymes, genetic amenability, and complete transparency, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has the potential to become an important model for the in vivo study of redox biology. RECENT ADVANCES The recent development of several genetically encoded ratiometric reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox sensors has revolutionized the quantification and precise localization of ROS and redox signals in living organisms. Only few exploratory studies have applied these sensors in C. elegans and undoubtedly much remains to be discovered in this model. As a follow-up to our recent findings that the C. elegans somatic gonad uses superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signals to communicate with the germline, we here analyze the patterns of H2O2 inside the C. elegans germline. CRITICAL ISSUES Despite the advantages of genetically encoded ROS and redox sensors over classic chemical sensors, still several general as well as C. elegans-specific issues need to be addressed. The major concerns for the application of these sensors in C. elegans are (i) decreased vitality of some reporter strains, (ii) interference of autofluorescent compartments with the sensor signal, and (iii) the use of immobilization methods that do not influence the worm's redox physiology. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We propose that several of the current issues may be solved by designing reporter strains carrying single copies of codon-optimized sensors. Preferably, these sensors should have their emission wavelengths in the red region, where autofluorescence is absent. Worm analysis could be optimized using four-dimensional ratiometric fluorescence microscopy of worms immobilized in microfluidic chips. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 577-592.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arne Smolders
- Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patricia Back
- Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sasha De Henau
- Biology Department, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Untrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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10
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Feleciano DR, Arnsburg K, Kirstein J. Interplay between redox and protein homeostasis. WORM 2016; 5:e1170273. [PMID: 27386166 DOI: 10.1080/21624054.2016.1170273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The subcellular compartments of eukaryotic cells are characterized by different redox environments. Whereas the cytosol, nucleus and mitochondria are more reducing, the endoplasmic reticulum represents a more oxidizing environment. As the redox level controls the formation of intra- and inter-molecular disulfide bonds, the folding of proteins is tightly linked to its environment. The proteostasis network of each compartment needs to be adapted to the compartmental redox properties. In addition to chaperones, also members of the thioredoxin superfamily can influence the folding of proteins by regulation of cysteine reduction/oxidation. This review will focus on thioredoxin superfamily members and chaperones of C. elegans, which play an important role at the interface between redox and protein homeostasis. Additionally, this review will highlight recent methodological developments on in vivo and in vitro assessment of the redox state and their application to provide insights into the high complexity of redox and proteostasis networks of C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo R Feleciano
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. , Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Arnsburg
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. , Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Kirstein
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. , Berlin, Germany
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11
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TRX-1 Regulates SKN-1 Nuclear Localization Cell Non-autonomously in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2016; 203:387-402. [PMID: 26920757 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.185272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans oxidative stress response transcription factor, SKN-1, is essential for the maintenance of redox homeostasis and is a functional ortholog of the Nrf family of transcription factors. The numerous levels of regulation that govern these transcription factors underscore their importance. Here, we add a thioredoxin, encoded by trx-1, to the expansive list of SKN-1 regulators. We report that loss of trx-1 promotes nuclear localization of intestinal SKN-1 in a redox-independent, cell non-autonomous fashion from the ASJ neurons. Furthermore, this regulation is not general to the thioredoxin family, as two other C. elegans thioredoxins, TRX-2 and TRX-3, do not play a role in this process. Moreover, TRX-1-dependent regulation requires signaling from the p38 MAPK-signaling pathway. However, while TRX-1 regulates SKN-1 nuclear localization, classical SKN-1 transcriptional activity associated with stress response remains largely unaffected. Interestingly, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that loss of trx-1 elicits a general, organism-wide down-regulation of several classes of genes; those encoding for collagens and lipid transport being most prevalent. Together, these results uncover a novel role for a thioredoxin in regulating intestinal SKN-1 nuclear localization in a cell non-autonomous manner, thereby contributing to the understanding of the processes involved in maintaining redox homeostasis throughout an organism.
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González-Barrios M, Fierro-González JC, Krpelanova E, Mora-Lorca JA, Pedrajas JR, Peñate X, Chavez S, Swoboda P, Jansen G, Miranda-Vizuete A. Cis- and trans-regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in the ASJ sensory neuron of Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2015; 200:123-34. [PMID: 25769980 PMCID: PMC4423358 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.176172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The identity of a given cell type is determined by the expression of a set of genes sharing common cis-regulatory motifs and being regulated by shared transcription factors. Here, we identify cis and trans regulatory elements that drive gene expression in the bilateral sensory neuron ASJ, located in the head of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. For this purpose, we have dissected the promoters of the only two genes so far reported to be exclusively expressed in ASJ, trx-1 and ssu-1. We hereby identify the ASJ motif, a functional cis-regulatory bipartite promoter region composed of two individual 6 bp elements separated by a 3 bp linker. The first element is a 6 bp CG-rich sequence that presumably binds the Sp family member zinc-finger transcription factor SPTF-1. Interestingly, within the C. elegans nervous system SPTF-1 is also found to be expressed only in ASJ neurons where it regulates expression of other genes in these neurons and ASJ cell fate. The second element of the bipartite motif is a 6 bp AT-rich sequence that is predicted to potentially bind a transcription factor of the homeobox family. Together, our findings identify a specific promoter signature and SPTF-1 as a transcription factor that functions as a terminal selector gene to regulate gene expression in C. elegans ASJ sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- María González-Barrios
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Eva Krpelanova
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - José Antonio Mora-Lorca
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Rafael Pedrajas
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Señalización Celular, Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Xenia Peñate
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sebastián Chavez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Peter Swoboda
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, S-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gert Jansen
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, E-41013 Sevilla, Spain
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Meisel JD, Panda O, Mahanti P, Schroeder FC, Kim DH. Chemosensation of bacterial secondary metabolites modulates neuroendocrine signaling and behavior of C. elegans. Cell 2015; 159:267-80. [PMID: 25303524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Discrimination between pathogenic and beneficial microbes is essential for host organism immunity and homeostasis. Here, we show that chemosensory detection of two secondary metabolites produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa modulates a neuroendocrine signaling pathway that promotes avoidance behavior in the simple animal host Caenorhabditis elegans. Secondary metabolites phenazine-1-carboxamide and pyochelin activate a G-protein-signaling pathway in the ASJ chemosensory neuron pair that induces expression of the neuromodulator DAF-7/TGF-β. DAF-7, in turn, activates a canonical TGF-β signaling pathway in adjacent interneurons to modulate aerotaxis behavior and promote avoidance of pathogenic P. aeruginosa. Our data provide a chemical, genetic, and neuronal basis for how the behavior and physiology of a simple animal host can be modified by the microbial environment and suggest that secondary metabolites produced by microbes may provide environmental cues that contribute to pathogen recognition and host survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Meisel
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Oishika Panda
- Boyce Thompson Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Parag Mahanti
- Boyce Thompson Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Frank C Schroeder
- Boyce Thompson Institute and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Dennis H Kim
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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14
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Tilleman L, Germani F, De Henau S, Helbo S, Desmet F, Berghmans H, Van Doorslaer S, Hoogewijs D, Schoofs L, Braeckman BP, Moens L, Fago A, Dewilde S. A globin domain in a neuronal transmembrane receptor of Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum: molecular modeling and functional properties. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:10336-52. [PMID: 25666609 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.576520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the structural and biochemical characterization of GLB-33, a putative neuropeptide receptor that is exclusively expressed in the nervous system of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This unique chimeric protein is composed of a 7-transmembrane domain (7TM), GLB-33 7TM, typical of a G-protein-coupled receptor, and of a globin domain (GD), GLB-33 GD. Comprehensive sequence similarity searches in the genome of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum, revealed a chimeric protein that is similar to a Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide neuropeptide receptor. The three-dimensional structures of the separate domains of both species and of the full-length proteins were modeled. The 7TM domains of both proteins appeared very similar, but the globin domain of the A. suum receptor surprisingly seemed to lack several helices, suggesting a novel truncated globin fold. The globin domain of C. elegans GLB-33, however, was very similar to a genuine myoglobin-type molecule. Spectroscopic analysis of the recombinant GLB-33 GD showed that the heme is pentacoordinate when ferrous and in the hydroxide-ligated form when ferric, even at neutral pH. Flash-photolysis experiments showed overall fast biphasic CO rebinding kinetics. In its ferrous deoxy form, GLB-33 GD is capable of reversibly binding O2 with a very high affinity and of reducing nitrite to nitric oxide faster than other globins. Collectively, these properties suggest that the globin domain of GLB-33 may serve as a highly sensitive oxygen sensor and/or as a nitrite reductase. Both properties are potentially able to modulate the neuropeptide sensitivity of the neuronal transmembrane receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sasha De Henau
- the Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Signe Helbo
- the Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Filip Desmet
- Physics, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - David Hoogewijs
- the Institute of Physiology and Zürich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland, Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany, and
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- the Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart P Braeckman
- the Department of Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Moens
- From the Departments of Biomedical Sciences and
| | - Angela Fago
- the Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Jiménez-Hidalgo M, Kurz CL, Pedrajas JR, Naranjo-Galindo FJ, González-Barrios M, Cabello J, Sáez AG, Lozano E, Button EL, Veal EA, Fierro-González JC, Swoboda P, Miranda-Vizuete A. Functional characterization of thioredoxin 3 (TRX-3), a Caenorhabditis elegans intestine-specific thioredoxin. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 68:205-19. [PMID: 24316195 PMCID: PMC4018987 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Thioredoxins are a class of evolutionarily conserved proteins that have been demonstrated to play a key role in many cellular processes involving redox reactions. We report here the genetic and biochemical characterization of Caenorhabditis elegans TRX-3, the first metazoan thioredoxin with an intestine-specific expression pattern. By using green fluorescent protein reporters we have found that TRX-3 is expressed in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of intestinal cells, with a prominent localization at the apical membrane. Although intestinal function, reproductive capacity, longevity, and resistance of trx-3 loss-of-function mutants to many stresses are indistinguishable from those of wild-type animals, we have observed a slight reduction in size and a minor reduction in the defecation cycle timing of trx-3 mutants. Interestingly, trx-3 is induced upon infection by Photorhabdus luminescens and Candida albicans, and TRX-3 overexpression provides a modest protection against these pathogens. Together, our data indicate that TRX-3 function in the intestine is dispensable for C. elegans development but may be important to fight specific bacterial and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jiménez-Hidalgo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cyril Léopold Kurz
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, UM2 Aix-Marseille Université, Case 906, 13288 Marseille cedex 9, France
| | - José Rafael Pedrajas
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Señalización Celular, Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Francisco José Naranjo-Galindo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - María González-Barrios
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Cabello
- Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Alberto G Sáez
- Unidad Funcional de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Encarnación Lozano
- Unidad Funcional de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónicas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emma L Button
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Veal
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Juan Carlos Fierro-González
- Center for Biosciences at Novum, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, S-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Peter Swoboda
- Center for Biosciences at Novum, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, S-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
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16
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Chung SH, Schmalz A, Ruiz RCH, Gabel CV, Mazur E. Femtosecond laser ablation reveals antagonistic sensory and neuroendocrine signaling that underlie C. elegans behavior and development. Cell Rep 2013; 4:316-326. [PMID: 23871668 PMCID: PMC4780052 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific roles of neuronal subcellular components in behavior and development remain largely unknown, even though advances in molecular biology and conventional whole-cell laser ablation have greatly accelerated the identification of contributors at the molecular and cellular levels. We systematically applied femtosecond laser ablation, which has submicrometer resolution in vivo, to dissect the cell bodies, dendrites, or axons of a sensory neuron (ASJ) in Caenorhabditis elegans to determine their roles in modulating locomotion and the developmental decisions for dauer, a facultative, stress-resistant life stage. Our results indicate that the cell body sends out axonally mediated and hormonal signals in order to mediate these functions. Furthermore, our results suggest that antagonistic sensory dendritic signals primarily drive and switch polarity between the decisions to enter and exit dauer. Thus, the improved resolution of femtosecond laser ablation reveals a rich complexity of neuronal signaling at the subcellular level, including multiple neurite and hormonally mediated pathways dependent on life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Chung
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.,Boston University Photonics Center, 8 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anja Schmalz
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Roanna C H Ruiz
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 101 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Christopher V Gabel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.,Boston University Photonics Center, 8 Saint Mary's Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eric Mazur
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Department of Physics, Harvard University, 9 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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17
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The Redox System in C. elegans, a Phylogenetic Approach. J Toxicol 2012; 2012:546915. [PMID: 22899914 PMCID: PMC3415087 DOI: 10.1155/2012/546915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a toxic state caused by an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS cause oxidative damage to cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. While the role of ROS in cellular damage is frequently all that is noted, ROS are also important in redox signalling. The "Redox Hypothesis" has been proposed to emphasize a dual role of ROS. This hypothesis suggests that the primary effect of changes to the redox state is modified cellular signalling rather than simply oxidative damage. In extreme cases, alteration of redox signalling can contribute to the toxicity of ROS, as well as to ageing and age-related diseases. The nematode species Caenorhabditis elegans provides an excellent model for the study of oxidative stress and redox signalling in animals. We use protein sequences from central redox systems in Homo sapiens, Drosophila melanogaster, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to query Genbank for homologous proteins in C. elegans. We then use maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis to compare protein families between C. elegans and the other organisms to facilitate future research into the genetics of redox biology.
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18
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Wang X, Tao L, Hai CX. Redox-regulating role of insulin: the essence of insulin effect. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 349:111-27. [PMID: 21878367 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It is well-known that insulin acts as an important hormone, controlling energy metabolism, cellular proliferation and biosynthesis of functional molecules to maintain a biological homeostasis. Over the past few years, intensive insulin therapy has been believed to be benefit for the outcome of diabetic patients, in which the suppression of oxidative stress plays a role. Moreover, insulin is accepted as a key component of glucose-insulin-potassium, a treatment which has been believed to exert significant cardiovascular protective effect via the reduction of oxidative stress. Furthermore, accumulating evidence has suggested that insulin exerts important redox-regulating actions in various insulin-sensitive target organs, implying the systematic antioxidative role of insulin as a hormone. It is time for us to revisit insulin effects, through summarizing and evaluating the novel functions of insulin and their mechanisms. This review focuses on the antioxidative effect of insulin and highlights insulin-induced regulation of various antioxidant enzymes via insulin signaling pathways and the cross talk between key transcription factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) which are responsible for the transcription of antioxidant enzymes, leading to reduced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the enhancement of the elimination of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Preventive Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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19
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The thioredoxin TRX-1 regulates adult lifespan extension induced by dietary restriction in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 406:478-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.02.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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