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Maddox JW, Ordemann GJ, de la Rosa Vázquez J, Huang A, Gault C, Wisner SR, Randall K, Futagi D, Salem NA, Mayfield RD, Zemelman BV, DeVries SH, Hoon M, Lee A. A non-conducting role of the Ca v1.4 Ca 2+ channel drives homeostatic plasticity at the cone photoreceptor synapse. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.05.570129. [PMID: 38106079 PMCID: PMC10723350 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2)-a disorder involving the Cav1.4 (L-type) Ca2+ channel-visual impairment is mild considering that Cav1.4 mediates synaptic release from rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we addressed this conundrum using a Cav1.4 knockout (KO) mouse and a knock-in (G369i KI) mouse expressing a non-conducting Cav1.4. Surprisingly, Cav3 (T-type) Ca2+ currents were detected in cones of G369i KI mice and Cav1.4 KO mice but not in cones of wild-type mouse, ground squirrel, and macaque retina. Whereas Cav1.4 KO mice are blind, G369i KI mice exhibit normal photopic (i.e., cone-mediated) visual behavior. Cone synapses, which fail to form in Cav1.4 KO mice, are present, albeit enlarged, and with some errors in postsynaptic wiring in G369i KI mice. While Cav1.4 KO mice lack evidence of cone synaptic responses, electrophysiological recordings in G369i KI mice revealed nominal transmission from cones to horizontal cells and bipolar cells. In CSNB2, we propose that Cav3 channels maintain cone synaptic output provided that the nonconducting role of Cav1.4 in cone synaptogenesis remains intact. Our findings reveal an unexpected form of homeostatic plasticity that relies on a non-canonical role of an ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Wesley Maddox
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Gregory J. Ordemann
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | | | - Angie Huang
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christof Gault
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Serena R. Wisner
- Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - Kate Randall
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Daiki Futagi
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nihal A. Salem
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Boris V. Zemelman
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Steven H. DeVries
- Dept. of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - Amy Lee
- Dept of Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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2
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Heigl T, Netzer MA, Zanetti L, Ganglberger M, Fernández-Quintero ML, Koschak A. Characterization of two pathological gating-charge substitutions in Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2192360. [PMID: 36943941 PMCID: PMC10038055 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2192360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels are predominantly expressed at the photoreceptor terminals and in bipolar cells, mediating neurotransmitter release. Mutations in its gene, CACNA1F, can cause congenital stationary night-blindness type 2 (CSNB2). Due to phenotypic variability in CSNB2, characterization of pathological variants is necessary to better determine pathological mechanism at the site of action. A set of known mutations affects conserved gating charges in the S4 voltage sensor, two of which have been found in male CSNB2 patients. Here, we describe two disease-causing Cav1.4 mutations with gating charge neutralization, exchanging an arginine 964 with glycine (RG) or arginine 1288 with leucine (RL). In both, charge neutralization was associated with a reduction channel expression also reflected in smaller ON gating currents. In RL channels, the strong decrease in whole-cell current densities might additionally be explained by a reduction of single-channel currents. We further identified alterations in their biophysical properties, such as a hyperpolarizing shift of the activation threshold and an increase in slope factor of activation and inactivation. Molecular dynamic simulations in RL substituted channels indicated water wires in both, resting and active, channel states, suggesting the development of omega (ω)currents as a new pathological mechanism in CSNB2. This sum of the respective channel property alterations might add to the differential symptoms in patients beside other factors, such as genomic and environmental deviations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heigl
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael A. Netzer
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lucia Zanetti
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Ganglberger
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Monica L. Fernández-Quintero
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Gierke K, Lux UT, Regus-Leidig H, Brandstätter JH. The first synapse in vision in the aging mouse retina. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1291054. [PMID: 38026697 PMCID: PMC10654782 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1291054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vision is our primary sense, and maintaining it throughout our lifespan is crucial for our well-being. However, the retina, which initiates vision, suffers from an age-related, irreversible functional decline. What causes this functional decline, and how it might be treated, is still unclear. Synapses are the functional hub for signal transmission between neurons, and studies have shown that aging is widely associated with synaptic dysfunction. In this study, we examined the first synapse of the visual system - the rod and cone photoreceptor ribbon synapse - in the mouse retina using light and electron microscopy at 2-3 months, ~1 year, and >2 years of age. We asked, whether age-related changes in key synaptic components might be a driver of synaptic dysfunction and ultimately age-related functional decline during normal aging. We found sprouting of horizontal and bipolar cells, formation of ectopic photoreceptor ribbon synapses, and a decrease in the number of rod photoreceptors and photoreceptor ribbon synapses in the aged retina. However, the majority of the photoreceptors did not show obvious changes in the structural components and protein composition of their ribbon synapses. Noteworthy is the increase in mitochondrial size in rod photoreceptor terminals in the aged retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Johann Helmut Brandstätter
- Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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4
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Kramer AC, Carthage J, Berry Y, Gurdziel K, Cook TA, Thummel R. A comparative analysis of gene and protein expression in chronic and acute models of photoreceptor degeneration in adult zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1233269. [PMID: 37745292 PMCID: PMC10512720 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1233269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adult zebrafish are capable of photoreceptor (PR) regeneration following acute phototoxic lesion (AL). We developed a chronic low light (CLL) exposure model that more accurately reflects chronic PR degeneration observed in many human retinal diseases. Methods: Here, we characterize the morphological and transcriptomic changes associated with acute and chronic models of PR degeneration at 8 time-points over a 28-day window using immunohistochemistry and 3'mRNA-seq. Results: We first observed a differential sensitivity of rod and cone PRs to CLL. Next, we found no evidence for Müller glia (MG) gliosis or regenerative cell-cycle re-entry in the CLL model, which is in contrast to the robust gliosis and proliferative response from resident MG in the AL model. Differential responses of microglia between the models was also observed. Transcriptomic comparisons between the models revealed gene-specific networks of PR regeneration and degeneration, including genes that are activated under conditions of chronic PR stress. Finally, we showed that CLL is at least partially reversible, allowing for rod and cone outer segment outgrowth and replacement of rod cell nuclei via an apparent upregulation of the existing rod neurogenesis mechanism. Discussion: Collectively, these data provide a direct comparison of the morphological and transcriptomic PR degeneration and regeneration models in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C. Kramer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Justin Carthage
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Yasmeen Berry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Genomic Sciences Core, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Tiffany A. Cook
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ryan Thummel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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5
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Goswami-Sewell D, Bagnetto C, Gomez CC, Anderson JT, Maheshwari A, Zuniga-Sanchez E. βII-Spectrin Is Required for Synaptic Positioning during Retinal Development. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5277-5289. [PMID: 37369589 PMCID: PMC10359034 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0063-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuit assembly is a multistep process where synaptic partners are often born at distinct developmental stages, and yet they must find each other and form precise synaptic connections with one another. This developmental process often relies on late-born neurons extending their processes to the appropriate layer to find and make synaptic connections to their early-born targets. The molecular mechanism responsible for the integration of late-born neurons into an emerging neural circuit remains unclear. Here, we uncovered a new role for the cytoskeletal protein βII-spectrin in properly positioning presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons to the developing synaptic layer. Loss of βII-spectrin disrupts retinal lamination, leads to synaptic connectivity defects, and results in impaired visual function in both male and female mice. Together, these findings highlight a new function of βII-spectrin in assembling neural circuits in the mouse outer retina.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons that assemble into a functional circuit are often integrated at different developmental time points. However, the molecular mechanism that guides the precise positioning of neuronal processes to the correct layer for synapse formation is relatively unknown. Here, we show a new role for the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein, βII-spectrin in the developing retina. βII-spectrin is required to position presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons to the nascent synaptic layer in the mouse outer retina. Loss of βII-spectrin disrupts positioning of neuronal processes, alters synaptic connectivity, and impairs visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Bagnetto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Cesiah C Gomez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Joseph T Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Akash Maheshwari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Elizabeth Zuniga-Sanchez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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6
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Laird JG, Kopel A, Lankford CK, Baker SA. Mouse all-cone retina models of Cav1.4 synaptopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1155955. [PMID: 37181655 PMCID: PMC10174292 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1155955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated calcium channel, Cav1.4 is localized to photoreceptor ribbon synapses and functions both in molecular organization of the synapse and in regulating release of synaptic vesicles. Mutations in Cav1.4 subunits typically present as either incomplete congenital stationary night blindness or a progressive cone-rod dystrophy in humans. We developed a cone-rich mammalian model system to further study how different Cav1.4 mutations affect cones. RPE65 R91W KI; Nrl KO "Conefull" mice were crossed to Cav1.4 α1F or α2δ4 KO mice to generate the "Conefull:α1F KO" and "Conefull:α2δ4 KO" lines. Animals were assessed using a visually guided water maze, electroretinogram (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histology. Mice of both sexes and up to six-months of age were used. Conefull: α1F KO mice could not navigate the visually guided water maze, had no b-wave in the ERG, and the developing all-cone outer nuclear layer reorganized into rosettes at the time of eye opening with degeneration progressing to 30% loss by 2-months of age. In comparison, the Conefull: α2δ4 KO mice successfully navigated the visually guided water maze, had a reduced amplitude b-wave ERG, and the development of the all-cone outer nuclear layer appeared normal although progressive degeneration with 10% loss by 2-months of age was observed. In summary, new disease models for studying congenital synaptic diseases due to loss of Cav1.4 function have been created.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sheila A. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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7
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Frederick CE, Zenisek D. Ribbon Synapses and Retinal Disease: Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065090. [PMID: 36982165 PMCID: PMC10049380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic ribbons are presynaptic protein complexes that are believed to be important for the transmission of sensory information in the visual system. Ribbons are selectively associated with those synapses where graded changes in membrane potential drive continuous neurotransmitter release. Defective synaptic transmission can arise as a result of the mutagenesis of a single ribbon component. Visual diseases that stem from malfunctions in the presynaptic molecular machinery of ribbon synapses in the retina are rare. In this review, we provide an overview of synaptopathies that give rise to retinal malfunction and our present understanding of the mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis and discuss muscular dystrophies that exhibit ribbon synapse involvement in the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Frederick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208026, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - David Zenisek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208026, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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8
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Barboni MTS, Joachimsthaler A, Roux MJ, Nagy ZZ, Ventura DF, Rendon A, Kremers J, Vaillend C. Retinal dystrophins and the retinopathy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels play pivotal roles in regulating gene transcription, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release. To meet the spatial and temporal demands of visual signaling, Cav channels exhibit unusual properties in the retina compared to their counterparts in other areas of the nervous system. In this article, we review current concepts regarding the specific subtypes of Cav channels expressed in the retina, their intrinsic properties and forms of modulation, and how their dysregulation could lead to retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Williams
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, and Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Wesley Maddox
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA;
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA;
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10
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Davison A, Lux UT, Brandstätter JH, Babai N. T-Type Ca 2+ Channels Boost Neurotransmission in Mammalian Cone Photoreceptors. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6325-6343. [PMID: 35803735 PMCID: PMC9398539 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1878-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is a commonly accepted view that light stimulation of mammalian photoreceptors causes a graded change in membrane potential instead of developing a spike. The presynaptic Ca2+ channels serve as a crucial link for the coding of membrane potential variations into neurotransmitter release. Cav1.4 L-type Ca2+ channels are expressed in photoreceptor terminals, but the complete pool of Ca2+ channels in cone photoreceptors appears to be more diverse. Here, we discovered, employing whole-cell patch-clamp recording from cone photoreceptor terminals in both sexes of mice, that their Ca2+ currents are composed of low- (T-type Ca2+ channels) and high- (L-type Ca2+ channels) voltage-activated components. Furthermore, Ca2+ channels exerted self-generated spike behavior in dark membrane potentials, and spikes were generated in response to light/dark transition. The application of fast and slow Ca2+ chelators revealed that T-type Ca2+ channels are located close to the release machinery. Furthermore, capacitance measurements indicated that they are involved in evoked vesicle release. Additionally, RT-PCR experiments showed the presence of Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels in cone photoreceptors but not in rod photoreceptors. Altogether, we found several crucial functions of T-type Ca2+ channels, which increase the functional repertoire of cone photoreceptors. Namely, they extend cone photoreceptor light-responsive membrane potential range, amplify dark responses, generate spikes, increase intracellular Ca2+ levels, and boost synaptic transmission.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Photoreceptors provide the first synapse for coding light information. The key elements in synaptic transmission are the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Here, we provide evidence that mouse cone photoreceptors express low-voltage-activated Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels in addition to high-voltage-activated L-type Ca2+ channels. The presence of T-type Ca2+ channels in cone photoreceptors appears to extend their light-responsive membrane potential range, amplify dark response, generate spikes, increase intracellular Ca2+ levels, and boost synaptic transmission. By these functions, Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels increase the functional repertoire of cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Davison
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Uwe Thorsten Lux
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Helmut Brandstätter
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Norbert Babai
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neurobiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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11
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Modulation of SOD3 Levels Is Detrimental to Retinal Homeostasis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101595. [PMID: 34679728 PMCID: PMC8533566 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal oxidative stress is a common secondary feature of many retinal diseases. Though it may not be the initial insult, it is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of highly prevalent retinal dystrophic diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. We explored the role of superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) in retinal homeostasis since SOD3 protects the extracellular matrix (ECM) from oxidative injury. We show that SOD3 is mainly extracellularly localized and is upregulated as a result of environmental and pathogenic stress. Ablation of SOD3 resulted in reduced functional electroretinographic responses and number of photoreceptors, which is exacerbated with age. By contrast, overexpression showed increased electroretinographic responses and increased number of photoreceptors at young ages, but appears deleterious as the animal ages, as determined from the associated functional decline. Our exploration shows that SOD3 is vital to retinal homeostasis but its levels are tightly regulated. This suggests that SOD3 augmentation to combat oxidative stress during retinal degenerative changes may only be effective in the short-term.
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12
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Kesharwani A, Schwarz K, Dembla E, Dembla M, Schmitz F. Early Changes in Exo- and Endocytosis in the EAE Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Correlate with Decreased Synaptic Ribbon Size and Reduced Ribbon-Associated Vesicle Pools in Rod Photoreceptor Synapses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910789. [PMID: 34639129 PMCID: PMC8509850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that finally leads to demyelination. Demyelinating optic neuritis is a frequent symptom in MS. Recent studies also revealed synapse dysfunctions in MS patients and MS mouse models. We previously reported alterations of photoreceptor ribbon synapses in the experimental auto-immune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. In the present study, we found that the previously observed decreased imunosignals of photoreceptor ribbons in early EAE resulted from a decrease in synaptic ribbon size, whereas the number/density of ribbons in photoreceptor synapses remained unchanged. Smaller photoreceptor ribbons are associated with fewer docked and ribbon-associated vesicles. At a functional level, depolarization-evoked exocytosis as monitored by optical recording was diminished even as early as on day 7 after EAE induction. Moreover compensatory, post-depolarization endocytosis was decreased. Decreased post-depolarization endocytosis in early EAE correlated with diminished synaptic enrichment of dynamin3. In contrast, basal endocytosis in photoreceptor synapses of resting non-depolarized retinal slices was increased in early EAE. Increased basal endocytosis correlated with increased de-phosphorylation of dynamin1. Thus, multiple endocytic pathways in photoreceptor synapse are differentially affected in early EAE and likely contribute to the observed synapse pathology in early EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kesharwani
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (K.S.); (E.D.); (M.D.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Karin Schwarz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (K.S.); (E.D.); (M.D.); (F.S.)
| | - Ekta Dembla
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (K.S.); (E.D.); (M.D.); (F.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mayur Dembla
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (K.S.); (E.D.); (M.D.); (F.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Frank Schmitz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (K.S.); (E.D.); (M.D.); (F.S.)
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13
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Koschak A, Fernandez-Quintero ML, Heigl T, Ruzza M, Seitter H, Zanetti L. Cav1.4 dysfunction and congenital stationary night blindness type 2. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1437-1454. [PMID: 34212239 PMCID: PMC8370969 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Cav1.4 L-type Ca2+ channels are predominantly expressed in retinal neurons, particularly at the photoreceptor terminals where they mediate sustained Ca2+ entry needed for continuous neurotransmitter release at their ribbon synapses. Cav1.4 channel gating properties are controlled by accessory subunits, associated regulatory proteins, and also alternative splicing. In humans, mutations in the CACNA1F gene encoding for Cav1.4 channels are associated with X-linked retinal disorders such as congenital stationary night blindness type 2. Mutations in the Cav1.4 protein result in a spectrum of altered functional channel activity. Several mouse models broadened our understanding of the role of Cav1.4 channels not only as Ca2+ source at retinal synapses but also as synaptic organizers. In this review, we highlight different structural and functional phenotypes of Cav1.4 mutations that might also occur in patients with congenital stationary night blindness type 2. A further important yet mostly neglected aspect that we discuss is the influence of alternative splicing on channel dysfunction. We conclude that currently available functional phenotyping strategies should be refined and summarize potential specific therapeutic options for patients carrying Cav1.4 mutations. Importantly, the development of new therapeutic approaches will permit a deeper understanding of not only the disease pathophysiology but also the physiological function of Cav1.4 channels in the retina.
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MESH Headings
- 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester/pharmacology
- Animals
- Calcium Channel Agonists/pharmacology
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Eye Diseases, Hereditary/genetics
- Eye Diseases, Hereditary/metabolism
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism
- Humans
- Mutation/physiology
- Myopia/genetics
- Myopia/metabolism
- Night Blindness/genetics
- Night Blindness/metabolism
- Retina/drug effects
- Retina/metabolism
- Synapses/drug effects
- Synapses/genetics
- Synapses/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Koschak
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Monica L Fernandez-Quintero
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Heigl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marco Ruzza
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hartwig Seitter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lucia Zanetti
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Ryl M, Urbasik A, Gierke K, Babai N, Joachimsthaler A, Feigenspan A, Frischknecht R, Stallwitz N, Fejtová A, Kremers J, von Wittgenstein J, Brandstätter JH. Genetic disruption of bassoon in two mutant mouse lines causes divergent retinal phenotypes. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21520. [PMID: 33811381 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001962r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bassoon (BSN) is a presynaptic cytomatrix protein ubiquitously present at chemical synapses of the central nervous system, where it regulates synaptic vesicle replenishment and organizes voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. In sensory photoreceptor synapses, BSN additionally plays a decisive role in anchoring the synaptic ribbon, a presynaptic organelle and functional extension of the active zone, to the presynaptic membrane. In this study, we functionally and structurally analyzed two mutant mouse lines with a genetic disruption of Bsn-Bsngt and Bsnko -using electrophysiology and high-resolution microscopy. In both Bsn mutant mouse lines, full-length BSN was abolished, and photoreceptor synaptic function was similarly impaired, yet synapse structure was more severely affected in Bsngt/gt than in Bsnko/ko photoreceptors. The synaptic defects in Bsngt/gt retina coincide with remodeling of the outer retina-rod bipolar and horizontal cell sprouting, formation of ectopic ribbon synaptic sites-and death of cone photoreceptors, processes that did not occur in Bsnko/ko retina. An analysis of Bsngt/ko hybrid mice revealed that the divergent retinal phenotypes of Bsngt/gt and Bsnko/ko mice can be attributed to the expression of the Bsngt allele, which triggers cone photoreceptor death and neurite sprouting in the outer retina. These findings shed new light on the existing Bsn mutant mouse models and might help to understand mechanisms that drive photoreceptor death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ryl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Urbasik
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kaspar Gierke
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Norbert Babai
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anneka Joachimsthaler
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Feigenspan
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Renato Frischknecht
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nina Stallwitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtová
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia von Wittgenstein
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johann Helmut Brandstätter
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Kilicarslan I, Zanetti L, Novelli E, Schwarzer C, Strettoi E, Koschak A. Knockout of Ca V1.3 L-type calcium channels in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15146. [PMID: 34312410 PMCID: PMC8313562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94304-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetically heterogeneous, degenerative retinal disorder characterized by gradual dysfunction and death of photoreceptors, first rods and later cones, and progressive blindness. Studies suggested that application of L-type calcium channel blockers rescues photoreceptors in paradigms related to Ca2+ overflow. To investigate whether Cav1.3 L-type channels have protective effects in the retina, we established a new mouse model by crossing rd10, modeling autosomal-recessive RP, with Cav1.3 deficient mice (rd10/Cav1.3KO). Our immunohistochemical analyses revealed an influence of Cav1.3 channels on the degenerative process of photoreceptors. The absence of Cav1.3 delayed the centre-to-periphery degeneration of rods indicated by a significantly higher number of photoreceptor rows and, consequently, of cones. In accordance with a preserved number of cones we observed a regular row of cone somas in rd10/Cav1.3-KO retinas. Surviving rod photoreceptors maintained synaptic contacts with rod bipolar cells. However, the delay in degeneration was only observed up to postnatal day 45. Although we observed a reduction in the spontaneous oscillatory retinal activity during multielectrode array analyses, measurable functional preservation was lacking in behavioural tests. In conclusion, Cav1.3 channels contribute to photoreceptor degeneration in rd10 retinas but photoreceptor temporary rescue might rather be achieved indirectly through other retinal cell layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Kilicarslan
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lucia Zanetti
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124, Pisa, Italy. .,Istituto Di Neuroscienze CNR, Area della Ricerca, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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16
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Rashwan R, Hunt DM, Carvalho LS. The role of voltage-gated ion channels in visual function and disease in mammalian photoreceptors. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1455-1468. [PMID: 34255151 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Light activation of the classical light-sensing retinal neurons, the photoreceptors, results in a graded change in membrane potential that ultimately leads to a reduction in neurotransmitter release to the post-synaptic retinal neurons. Photoreceptors show striking powers of adaptation, and for visual processing to function optimally, they must adjust their gain to remain responsive to different levels of ambient light intensity. The presence of a tightly controlled balance of inward and outward currents modulated by several different types of ion channels is what gives photoreceptors their remarkably dynamic operating range. Part of the resetting and modulation of this operating range is controlled by potassium and calcium voltage-gated channels, which are involved in setting the dark resting potential and synapse signal processing, respectively. Their essential contribution to visual processing is further confirmed in patients suffering from cone dystrophy with supernormal rod response (CDSRR) and congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2), both conditions that lead to irreversible vision loss. This review will discuss these two types of voltage-gated ion channels present in photoreceptors, focussing on their structure and physiology, and their role in visual processing. It will also discuss the use and benefits of knockout mouse models to further study the function of these channels and what routes to potential treatments could be applied for CDSRR and CSNB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab Rashwan
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - David M Hunt
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
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17
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Altered visual processing in the mdx52 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105288. [PMID: 33556541 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mdx52 mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lacking exon 52 of the DMD gene that is located in a hotspot mutation region causing cognitive deficits and retinal anomalies in DMD patients. This deletion leads to the loss of the dystrophin proteins, Dp427, Dp260 and Dp140, while Dp71 is preserved. The flash electroretinogram (ERG) in mdx52 mice was previously characterized by delayed dark-adapted b-waves. A detailed description of functional ERG changes and visual performances in mdx52 mice is, however, lacking. Here an extensive full-field ERG repertoire was applied in mdx52 mice and WT littermates to analyze retinal physiology in scotopic, mesopic and photopic conditions in response to flash, sawtooth and/or sinusoidal stimuli. Behavioral contrast sensitivity was assessed using quantitative optomotor response (OMR) to sinusoidally modulated luminance gratings at 100% or 50% contrast. The mdx52 mice exhibited reduced amplitudes and delayed implicit times in dark-adapted ERG flash responses, particularly in their b-wave and oscillatory potentials, and diminished amplitudes of light-adapted flash ERGs. ERG responses to sawtooth stimuli were also diminished and delayed for both mesopic and photopic conditions in mdx52 mice and the first harmonic amplitudes to photopic sine-wave stimuli were smaller at all temporal frequencies. OMR indices were comparable between genotypes at 100% contrast but significantly reduced in mdx52 mice at 50% contrast. The complex ERG alterations and disturbed contrast vision in mdx52 mice include features observed in DMD patients and suggest altered photoreceptor-to-bipolar cell transmission possibly affecting contrast sensitivity. The mdx52 mouse is a relevant model to appraise the roles of retinal dystrophins and for preclinical studies related to DMD.
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18
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Function of cone and cone-related pathways in Ca V1.4 IT mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2732. [PMID: 33526839 PMCID: PMC7851161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
CaV1.4 L-type calcium channels are predominantly expressed in photoreceptor terminals playing a crucial role for synaptic transmission and, consequently, for vision. Human mutations in the encoding gene are associated with congenital stationary night blindness type-2. Besides rod-driven scotopic vision also cone-driven photopic responses are severely affected in patients. The present study therefore examined functional and morphological changes in cones and cone-related pathways in mice carrying the CaV1.4 gain-of function mutation I756T (CaV1.4-IT) using multielectrode array, patch-clamp and immunohistochemical analyses. CaV1.4-IT ganglion cell responses to photopic stimuli were seen only in a small fraction of cells indicative of a major impairment in the cone pathway. Though cone photoreceptors underwent morphological rearrangements, they retained their ability to release glutamate. Our functional data suggested a postsynaptic cone bipolar cell defect, supported by the fact that the majority of cone bipolar cells showed sprouting, while horizontal cells maintained contacts with cones and cone-to-horizontal cell input was preserved. Furthermore a reduction of basal Ca2+ influx by a calcium channel blocker was not sufficient to rescue synaptic transmission deficits caused by the CaV1.4-IT mutation. Long term treatments with low-dose Ca2+ channel blockers might however be beneficial reducing Ca2+ toxicity without major effects on ganglion cells responses.
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19
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Waldner DM, Ito K, Chen LL, Nguyen L, Chow RL, Lee A, Rancourt DE, Tremblay F, Stell WK, Bech-Hansen NT. Transgenic Expression of Cacna1f Rescues Vision and Retinal Morphology in a Mouse Model of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness 2A (CSNB2A). Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:19. [PMID: 33117610 PMCID: PMC7571326 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.11.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Congenital stationary night blindness 2A (CSNB2A) is a genetic retinal disorder characterized by poor visual acuity, nystagmus, strabismus, and other signs of retinal dysfunction resulting from mutations in Cacna1f -the gene coding for the pore-forming subunit of the calcium channel CaV1.4. Mouse models of CSNB2A have shown that mutations causing the disease deleteriously affect photoreceptors and their synapses with second-order neurons. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether transgenic expression of Cacna1f could rescue morphology and visual function in a Cacna1f-KO model of CSNB2A. Methods Strategic creation, breeding and use of transgenic mouse lines allowed for Cre-driven retina-specific expression of Cacna1f in a CSNB2A model. Transgene expression and retinal morphology were investigated with immunohistochemistry in retinal wholemounts or cross-sections. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic response (OKR) analysis and electroretinography (ERG). Results Mosaic, prenatal expression of Cacna1f in the otherwise Cacna1f-KO retina was sufficient to rescue some visual function. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated wild-type-like photoreceptor and synaptic morphology in sections with transgenic expression of Cacna1f. Conclusions This report describes a novel system for Cre-inducible expression of Cacna1f in a Cacna1f-KO mouse model of CSNB2A and provides preclinical evidence for the potential use of gene therapy in the treatment of CSNB2A. Translational Relevance These data have relevance in the treatment of CSNB2A and in understanding how photoreceptor integration might be achieved in retinas in which photoreceptors have been lost, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and other degenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Waldner
- Graduate Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kenichi Ito
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Li-Li Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robert L Chow
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery and Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Derrick E Rancourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francois Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Clinical Vision Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Dalhousie University, NS, Canada
| | - William K Stell
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Department of Surgery, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - N Torben Bech-Hansen
- Department of Medical Genetics, and Department of Surgery, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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20
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Williams B, Lopez JA, Maddox JW, Lee A. Functional impact of a congenital stationary night blindness type 2 mutation depends on subunit composition of Ca v1.4 Ca 2+ channels. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:17215-17226. [PMID: 33037074 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Cav1 and Cav2 Ca2+ channels are comprised of a pore-forming α1 subunit (Cav1.1-1.4, Cav2.1-2.3) and auxiliary β (β1-4) and α2δ (α2δ-1-4) subunits. The properties of these channels vary with distinct combinations of Cav subunits and alternative splicing of the encoding transcripts. Therefore, the impact of disease-causing mutations affecting these channels may depend on the identities of Cav subunits and splice variants. Here, we analyzed the effects of a congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2)-causing mutation, I745T (IT), in Cav1.4 channels typical of those in human retina: Cav1.4 splice variants with or without exon 47 (Cav1.4+ex47 and Cav1.4Δex47, respectively), and the auxiliary subunits, β2X13 and α2δ-4. We find that IT caused both Cav1.4 splice variants to activate at significantly more negative voltages and with slower deactivation kinetics than the corresponding WT channels. These effects of the IT mutation, along with unexpected alterations in ion selectivity, were generally larger in channels lacking exon 47. The weaker ion selectivity caused by IT led to hyperpolarizing shifts in the reversal potential and large outward currents that were evident in channels containing the auxiliary subunits β2X13 and α2δ-4 but not in those with β2A and α2δ-1. We conclude that the IT mutation stabilizes channel opening and alters ion selectivity of Cav1.4 in a manner that is strengthened by exclusion of exon 47 and inclusion of β2X13 and α2δ-4. Our results reveal complex actions of IT in modifying the properties of Cav1.4 channels, which may influence the pathological consequences of this mutation in retinal photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Williams
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa USA
| | - Josue A Lopez
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa USA
| | - J Wesley Maddox
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa USA
| | - Amy Lee
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, and Neurology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa USA.
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21
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Sensing through Non-Sensing Ocular Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186925. [PMID: 32967234 PMCID: PMC7554890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are membrane-spanning integral proteins expressed in multiple organs, including the eye. In the eye, ion channels are involved in various physiological processes, like signal transmission and visual processing. A wide range of mutations have been reported in the corresponding genes and their interacting subunit coding genes, which contribute significantly to an array of blindness, termed ocular channelopathies. These mutations result in either a loss- or gain-of channel functions affecting the structure, assembly, trafficking, and localization of channel proteins. A dominant-negative effect is caused in a few channels formed by the assembly of several subunits that exist as homo- or heteromeric proteins. Here, we review the role of different mutations in switching a “sensing” ion channel to “non-sensing,” leading to ocular channelopathies like Leber’s congenital amaurosis 16 (LCA16), cone dystrophy, congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), achromatopsia, bestrophinopathies, retinitis pigmentosa, etc. We also discuss the various in vitro and in vivo disease models available to investigate the impact of mutations on channel properties, to dissect the disease mechanism, and understand the pathophysiology. Innovating the potential pharmacological and therapeutic approaches and their efficient delivery to the eye for reversing a “non-sensing” channel to “sensing” would be life-changing.
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22
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Maddox JW, Randall KL, Yadav RP, Williams B, Hagen J, Derr PJ, Kerov V, Della Santina L, Baker SA, Artemyev N, Hoon M, Lee A. A dual role for Ca v1.4 Ca 2+ channels in the molecular and structural organization of the rod photoreceptor synapse. eLife 2020; 9:e62184. [PMID: 32940604 PMCID: PMC7561352 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are fundamental information processing units that rely on voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels to trigger Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release. Cav channels also play Ca2+-independent roles in other biological contexts, but whether they do so in axon terminals is unknown. Here, we addressed this unknown with respect to the requirement for Cav1.4 L-type channels for the formation of rod photoreceptor synapses in the retina. Using a mouse strain expressing a non-conducting mutant form of Cav1.4, we report that the Cav1.4 protein, but not its Ca2+ conductance, is required for the molecular assembly of rod synapses; however, Cav1.4 Ca2+ signals are needed for the appropriate recruitment of postsynaptic partners. Our results support a model in which presynaptic Cav channels serve both as organizers of synaptic building blocks and as sources of Ca2+ ions in building the first synapse of the visual pathway and perhaps more broadly in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wesley Maddox
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Kate L Randall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Ravi P Yadav
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Brittany Williams
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Jussara Hagen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Paul J Derr
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Vasily Kerov
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
| | - Luca Della Santina
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Sheila A Baker
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Department of OphthalmologyIowa CityUnited States
| | - Nikolai Artemyev
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Department of OphthalmologyIowa CityUnited States
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa CityUnited States
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23
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Collin GB, Gogna N, Chang B, Damkham N, Pinkney J, Hyde LF, Stone L, Naggert JK, Nishina PM, Krebs MP. Mouse Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration with Photoreceptor Cell Loss. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040931. [PMID: 32290105 PMCID: PMC7227028 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (RD) leads to the impairment or loss of vision in millions of individuals worldwide, most frequently due to the loss of photoreceptor (PR) cells. Animal models, particularly the laboratory mouse, have been used to understand the pathogenic mechanisms that underlie PR cell loss and to explore therapies that may prevent, delay, or reverse RD. Here, we reviewed entries in the Mouse Genome Informatics and PubMed databases to compile a comprehensive list of monogenic mouse models in which PR cell loss is demonstrated. The progression of PR cell loss with postnatal age was documented in mutant alleles of genes grouped by biological function. As anticipated, a wide range in the onset and rate of cell loss was observed among the reported models. The analysis underscored relationships between RD genes and ciliary function, transcription-coupled DNA damage repair, and cellular chloride homeostasis. Comparing the mouse gene list to human RD genes identified in the RetNet database revealed that mouse models are available for 40% of the known human diseases, suggesting opportunities for future research. This work may provide insight into the molecular players and pathways through which PR degenerative disease occurs and may be useful for planning translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle B. Collin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Navdeep Gogna
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Nattaya Damkham
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Jai Pinkney
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Lillian F. Hyde
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Jürgen K. Naggert
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
| | - Patsy M. Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.N.); (M.P.K.); Tel.: +1-207-2886-383 (P.M.N.); +1-207-2886-000 (M.P.K.)
| | - Mark P. Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, ME 04609, USA; (G.B.C.); (N.G.); (B.C.); (N.D.); (J.P.); (L.F.H.); (L.S.); (J.K.N.)
- Correspondence: (P.M.N.); (M.P.K.); Tel.: +1-207-2886-383 (P.M.N.); +1-207-2886-000 (M.P.K.)
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Dembla E, Dembla M, Maxeiner S, Schmitz F. Synaptic ribbons foster active zone stability and illumination-dependent active zone enrichment of RIM2 and Cav1.4 in photoreceptor synapses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5957. [PMID: 32249787 PMCID: PMC7136232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rod photoreceptor synapses use large, ribbon-type active zones for continuous synaptic transmission during light and dark. Since ribbons are physically connected to the active zones, we asked whether illumination-dependent changes of ribbons influence Cav1.4/RIM2 protein clusters at the active zone and whether these illumination-dependent effects at the active zone require the presence of the synaptic ribbon. We found that synaptic ribbon length and the length of presynaptic Cav1.4/RIM2 clusters are tightly correlated. Dark-adaptation did not change the number of ribbons and active zone puncta. However, mean ribbon length and length of presynaptic Cav1.4/RIM2 clusters increased significantly during dark-adaptation when tonic exocytosis is highest. In the present study, we identified by the analyses of synaptic ribbon-deficient RIBEYE knockout mice that synaptic ribbons are (1) needed to stabilize Cav1.4/RIM2 at rod photoreceptor active zones and (2) are required for the darkness-induced active zone enrichment of Cav1.4/RIM2. These data propose a role of the ribbon in active zone stabilization and suggest a homeostatic function of the ribbon in illumination-dependent active zone remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Dembla
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Saarland University, Medical School, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Mayur Dembla
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Saarland University, Medical School, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Maxeiner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Saarland University, Medical School, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, AG Krasteva-Christ, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schmitz
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Neuroanatomy, Saarland University, Medical School, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
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Angiotensin-Receptor-Associated Protein Modulates Ca 2+ Signals in Photoreceptor and Mossy Fiber cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19622. [PMID: 31873081 PMCID: PMC6928155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast, precise and sustained neurotransmission requires graded Ca2+ signals at the presynaptic terminal. Neurotransmitter release depends on a complex interplay of Ca2+ fluxes and Ca2+ buffering in the presynaptic terminal that is not fully understood. Here, we show that the angiotensin-receptor-associated protein (ATRAP) localizes to synaptic terminals throughout the central nervous system. In the retinal photoreceptor synapse and the cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell synapse, we find that ATRAP is involved in the generation of depolarization-evoked synaptic Ca2+ transients. Compared to wild type, Ca2+ imaging in acutely isolated preparations of the retina and the cerebellum from ATRAP knockout mice reveals a significant reduction of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. Thus, in addition to its conventional role in angiotensin signaling, ATRAP also modulates presynaptic Ca2+ signaling within the central nervous system.
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26
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Falk N, Joachimsthaler A, Kessler K, Lux UT, Noegel AA, Kremers J, Brandstätter JH, Gießl A, Falk N, Joachimsthaler A, Kessler K, Lux UT, Noegel AA, Kremers J, Brandstätter JH, Gießl A. Lack of a Retinal Phenotype in a Syne-2/Nesprin-2 Knockout Mouse Model. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101238. [PMID: 31614616 PMCID: PMC6830317 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syne-2 (also known as Nesprin-2) is a member of a family of proteins that are found primarily in the outer nuclear membrane, as well as other subcellular compartments. Syne-2 contains a C-terminal KASH transmembrane domain and is part of a protein network that associates the nuclear envelope to the cytoskeleton via the binding to actin filaments. Syne-2 plays a role in nuclear migration, nuclear positioning during retinal development, and in ciliogenesis. In a previous study, we showed a connection between Syne-2 and the multifunctional scaffold protein Pericentrin (Pcnt). The elimination of the interaction of Syne-2 and Pcnt showed defects in nuclear migration and the formation of outer segments during retinal development, as well as disturbances in centrosomal migration at the beginning of ciliogenesis in general. In this study, the Syne-2 KO mouse model Nesprin-2△ABD (Syne-2tm1Ngl, MGI) with special attention to Pcnt and ciliogenesis was analyzed. We show reduced expression of Syne-2 in the retina of the Syne-2 KO mouse but found no significant structural—and only a minor functional—phenotype. For the first time, detailed expression analyses showed an expression of a Syne-2 protein larger than 400 kDa (~750 kDa) in the Syne-2/Nesprin-2 KO mouse. In conclusion, the lack of an overt phenotype in Syne-2/Nesprin-2 KO mice suggests the usage of alternative translational start sites, producing Syne-2 splice variants with an intact Pcnt interaction site. Nevertheless, deletion of the actin-binding site in the Syne-2/Nesprin-2 KO mouse revealed a high variability in scotopic oscillatory potentials assuming a novel function of Syne-2 in synchronizing inner retinal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Falk
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Anneka Joachimsthaler
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Kristin Kessler
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Uwe Thorsten Lux
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Angelika Anna Noegel
- Institute of Biochemistry I; Medical Faculty, University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | | | - Andreas Gießl
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Nathalie Falk
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anneka Joachimsthaler
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kristin Kessler
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Uwe Thorsten Lux
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Angelika Anna Noegel
- Institute of Biochemistry I; Medical Faculty, University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Gießl
- Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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27
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Laird JG, Gardner SH, Kopel AJ, Kerov V, Lee A, Baker SA. Rescue of Rod Synapses by Induction of Cav Alpha 1F in the Mature Cav1.4 Knock-Out Mouse Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3150-3161. [PMID: 31335952 PMCID: PMC6656410 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cav1.4 is a voltage-gated calcium channel clustered at the presynaptic active zones of photoreceptors. Cav1.4 functions in communication by mediating the Ca2+ influx that triggers neurotransmitter release. It also aids in development since rod ribbon synapses do not form in Cav1.4 knock-out mice. Here we used a rescue strategy to investigate the ability of Cav1.4 to trigger synaptogenesis in both immature and mature mouse rods. Methods In vivo electroporation was used to transiently express Cav α1F or tamoxifen-inducible Cav α1F in a subset of Cav1.4 knock-out mouse rods. Synaptogenesis was assayed using morphologic markers and a vision-guided water maze. Results We found that introduction of Cav α1F to knock-out terminals rescued synaptic development as indicated by PSD-95 expression and elongated ribbons. When expression of Cav α1F was induced in mature animals, we again found restoration of PSD-95 and elongated ribbons. However, the induced expression of Cav α1F led to diffuse distribution of Cav α1F in the terminal instead of being clustered beneath the ribbon. Approximately a quarter of treated animals passed the water maze test, suggesting the rescue of retinal signaling in these mice. Conclusions These data confirm that Cav α1F expression is necessary for rod synaptic terminal development and demonstrate that rescue is robust even in adult animals with late stages of synaptic disease. The degree of rod synaptic plasticity seen here should be sufficient to support future vision-restoring treatments such as gene or cell replacement that will require photoreceptor synaptic rewiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Laird
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Sarah H. Gardner
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Ariel J. Kopel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Vasily Kerov
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Amy Lee
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Sheila A. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
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28
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Assawachananont J, Kim SY, Kaya KD, Fariss R, Roger JE, Swaroop A. Cone-rod homeobox CRX controls presynaptic active zone formation in photoreceptors of mammalian retina. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3555-3567. [PMID: 30084954 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian retina, rod and cone photoreceptors transmit the visual information to bipolar neurons through highly specialized ribbon synapses. We have limited understanding of regulatory pathways that guide morphogenesis and organization of photoreceptor presynaptic architecture in the developing retina. While neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) transcription factor determines rod cell fate and function, cone-rod homeobox (CRX) controls the expression of both rod- and cone-specific genes and is critical for terminal differentiation of photoreceptors. A comprehensive immunohistochemical evaluation of Crx-/- (null), CrxRip/+ and CrxRip/Rip (models of dominant congenital blindness) mouse retinas revealed abnormal photoreceptor synapses, with atypical ribbon shape, number and length. Integrated analysis of retinal transcriptomes of Crx-mutants with CRX- and NRL-ChIP-Seq data identified a subset of differentially expressed CRX target genes that encode presynaptic proteins associated with the cytomatrix active zone (CAZ) and synaptic vesicles. Immunohistochemistry of Crx-mutant retina validated aberrant expression of REEP6, PSD95, MPP4, UNC119, UNC13, RGS7 and RGS11, with some reduction in Ribeye and no significant change in immunostaining of RIMS1, RIMS2, Bassoon and Pikachurin. Our studies demonstrate that CRX controls the establishment of CAZ and anchoring of ribbons, but not the formation of ribbon itself, in photoreceptor presynaptic terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juthaporn Assawachananont
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Soo-Young Kim
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Koray D Kaya
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert Fariss
- Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jerome E Roger
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Centre d'Etude et de Recherches Thérapeutiques en Ophthalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France.,Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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29
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Pangrsic T, Singer JH, Koschak A. Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels: Key Players in Sensory Coding in the Retina and the Inner Ear. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:2063-2096. [PMID: 30067155 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium influx through voltage-gated Ca (CaV) channels is the first step in synaptic transmission. This review concerns CaV channels at ribbon synapses in primary sense organs and their specialization for efficient coding of stimuli in the physical environment. Specifically, we describe molecular, biochemical, and biophysical properties of the CaV channels in sensory receptor cells of the retina, cochlea, and vestibular apparatus, and we consider how such properties might change over the course of development and contribute to synaptic plasticity. We pay particular attention to factors affecting the spatial arrangement of CaV channels at presynaptic, ribbon-type active zones, because the spatial relationship between CaV channels and release sites has been shown to affect synapse function critically in a number of systems. Finally, we review identified synaptopathies affecting sensory systems and arising from dysfunction of L-type, CaV1.3, and CaV1.4 channels or their protein modulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pangrsic
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Joshua H Singer
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
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30
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Dai X, Pang S, Wang J, FitzMaurice B, Pang J, Chang B. Photoreceptor degeneration in a new Cacna1f mutant mouse model. Exp Eye Res 2018; 179:106-114. [PMID: 30445045 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Cacna1f gene encodes the α1F subunit of an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, Cav1.4. In photoreceptor synaptic terminals, Cav1.4 channels mediate glutamate release and postsynaptic responses associated with visual signal transmission. We have discovered a new Cacna1f mutation in nob9 mice, which display more severe phenotypes than do nob2 mice. To characterize the nob9 phenotype at different ages, we examined the murine fundus, applied retinal optical coherence tomography, measured flash electroretinograms (ERGs) in vivo, and analyzed the retinal histology in vitro. After identifying the X-linked recessive inheritance trait, we sequenced Cacna1f as the candidate gene. Mutations in this gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Morphologically, an early-onset of retinal disorder was detected, and the degeneration of the outer plexiform layers progressed rapidly. Moreover, the mutant mice showed drastically reduced scotopic ERGs with increasing age. In 14-month-old nob9 retinas, immunostaining of cone opsins demonstrated a reduction in the number of short-wavelength opsins (S-opsins) to 54% of wild-type levels, and almost no middle-wavelength opsins (M-opsins) were observed. No cone ERGs could be detected from residual cones, in which S-opsins abnormally migrated to inner segments of the photoreceptors. The mutations of the Cacna1f gene in nob9 mice involved both a single nucleotide G to A transition and a 10-nucleotide insertion, the latter resulting in a frame-shift mutation in exon 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Dai
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Shiyi Pang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jieping Wang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | | | - Jijing Pang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA; College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA; Eye Research Institute, Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361001, China.
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA.
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31
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Hagiwara A, Kitahara Y, Grabner CP, Vogl C, Abe M, Kitta R, Ohta K, Nakamura K, Sakimura K, Moser T, Nishi A, Ohtsuka T. Cytomatrix proteins CAST and ELKS regulate retinal photoreceptor development and maintenance. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:3993-4006. [PMID: 30190286 PMCID: PMC6219712 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201704076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal ribbon synapse is important for the processing of visual information. Hagiwara et al. show that the active zone proteins CAST and ELKS perform both redundant and unique functions in photoreceptors to promote the maturation, maintenance, and activity of ribbon synapses. At the presynaptic active zone (AZ), the related cytomatrix proteins CAST and ELKS organize the presynaptic release machinery. While CAST is known to regulate AZ size and neurotransmitter release, the role of ELKS and the integral system of CAST/ELKS together is poorly understood. Here, we show that CAST and ELKS have both redundant and unique roles in coordinating synaptic development, function, and maintenance of retinal photoreceptor ribbon synapses. A CAST/ELKS double knockout (dKO) mouse showed high levels of ectopic synapses and reduced responses to visual stimulation. Ectopic formation was not observed in ELKS conditional KO but progressively increased with age in CAST KO mice with higher rates in the dKO. Presynaptic calcium influx was strongly reduced in rod photoreceptors of CAST KO and dKO mice. Three-dimensional scanning EM reconstructions showed structural abnormalities in rod triads of CAST KO and dKO. Remarkably, AAV-mediated acute ELKS deletion after synapse maturation induced neurodegeneration and loss of ribbon synapses. These results suggest that CAST and ELKS work in concert to promote retinal synapse formation, transmission, and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akari Hagiwara
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kitahara
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chad Paul Grabner
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and Inner Ear Lab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Vogl
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and Inner Ear Lab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryo Kitta
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ohta
- Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Nakamura
- Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and Inner Ear Lab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany .,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany.,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Ohtsuka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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32
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Kerov V, Laird JG, Joiner ML, Knecht S, Soh D, Hagen J, Gardner SH, Gutierrez W, Yoshimatsu T, Bhattarai S, Puthussery T, Artemyev NO, Drack AV, Wong RO, Baker SA, Lee A. α 2δ-4 Is Required for the Molecular and Structural Organization of Rod and Cone Photoreceptor Synapses. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6145-6160. [PMID: 29875267 PMCID: PMC6031576 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3818-16.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
α2δ-4 is an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated Cav1.4 L-type channels that regulate the development and mature exocytotic function of the photoreceptor ribbon synapse. In humans, mutations in the CACNA2D4 gene encoding α2δ-4 cause heterogeneous forms of vision impairment in humans, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of which remain unclear. To investigate the retinal function of α2δ-4, we used genome editing to generate an α2δ-4 knock-out (α2δ-4 KO) mouse. In male and female α2δ-4 KO mice, rod spherules lack ribbons and other synaptic hallmarks early in development. Although the molecular organization of cone synapses is less affected than rod synapses, horizontal and cone bipolar processes extend abnormally in the outer nuclear layer in α2δ-4 KO retina. In reconstructions of α2δ-4 KO cone pedicles by serial block face scanning electron microscopy, ribbons appear normal, except that less than one-third show the expected triadic organization of processes at ribbon sites. The severity of the synaptic defects in α2δ-4 KO mice correlates with a progressive loss of Cav1.4 channels, first in terminals of rods and later cones. Despite the absence of b-waves in electroretinograms, visually guided behavior is evident in α2δ-4 KO mice and better under photopic than scotopic conditions. We conclude that α2δ-4 plays an essential role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of rod and cone synapses, the disruption of which may contribute to visual impairment in humans with CACNA2D4 mutations.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the retina, visual information is first communicated by the synapse formed between photoreceptors and second-order neurons. The mechanisms that regulate the structural integrity of this synapse are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate a role for α2δ-4, a subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, in organizing the structure and function of photoreceptor synapses. We find that presynaptic Ca2+ channels are progressively lost and that rod and cone synapses are disrupted in mice that lack α2δ-4. Our results suggest that alterations in presynaptic Ca2+ signaling and photoreceptor synapse structure may contribute to vision impairment in humans with mutations in the CACNA2D4 gene encoding α2δ-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily Kerov
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
| | | | | | - Sharmon Knecht
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, and
| | - Daniel Soh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
| | | | | | | | - Takeshi Yoshimatsu
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, and
| | - Sajag Bhattarai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute for Vision Research
| | - Teresa Puthussery
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | | | - Arlene V Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute for Vision Research
| | - Rachel O Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, and
| | - Sheila A Baker
- Department of Biochemistry,
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute for Vision Research
| | - Amy Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics,
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
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Waldner DM, Bech-Hansen NT, Stell WK. Channeling Vision: Ca V1.4-A Critical Link in Retinal Signal Transmission. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7272630. [PMID: 29854783 PMCID: PMC5966690 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7272630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) are key to many biological functions. Entry of Ca2+ into cells is essential for initiating or modulating important processes such as secretion, cell motility, and gene transcription. In the retina and other neural tissues, one of the major roles of Ca2+-entry is to stimulate or regulate exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, without which synaptic transmission is impaired. This review will address the special properties of one L-type VGCC, CaV1.4, with particular emphasis on its role in transmission of visual signals from rod and cone photoreceptors (hereafter called "photoreceptors," to the exclusion of intrinsically photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells) to the second-order retinal neurons, and the pathological effects of mutations in the CACNA1F gene which codes for the pore-forming α1F subunit of CaV1.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. M. Waldner
- Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - N. T. Bech-Hansen
- Department of Medical Genetics and Department of Surgery, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - W. K. Stell
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Department of Surgery, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Waldner DM, Giraldo Sierra NC, Bonfield S, Nguyen L, Dimopoulos IS, Sauvé Y, Stell WK, Bech-Hansen NT. Cone dystrophy and ectopic synaptogenesis in a Cacna1f loss of function model of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB2A). Channels (Austin) 2018; 12:17-33. [PMID: 29179637 PMCID: PMC5972796 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2017.1401688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness 2A (CSNB2A) is an X-linked retinal disorder, characterized by phenotypically variable signs and symptoms of impaired vision. CSNB2A is due to mutations in CACNA1F, which codes for the pore-forming α1F subunit of a L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, Cav1.4. Mouse models of CSNB2A, used for characterizing the effects of various Cacna1f mutations, have revealed greater severity of defects than in human CSNB2A. Specifically, Cacna1f-knockout mice show an apparent lack of visual function, gradual retinal degeneration, and disruption of photoreceptor synaptic terminals. Several reports have also noted cone-specific disruptions, including axonal abnormalities, dystrophy, and cell death. We have explored further the involvement of cones in our 'G305X' mouse model of CSNB2A, which has a premature truncation, loss-of-function mutation in Cacna1f. We show that the expression of genes for several phototransduction-related cone markers is down-regulated, while that of several cellular stress- and damage-related markers is up-regulated; and that cone photoreceptor structure and photopic visual function - measured by immunohistochemistry, optokinetic response and electroretinography - deteriorate progressively with age. We also find that dystrophic cone axons establish synapse-like contacts with rod bipolar cell dendrites, which they normally do not contact in wild-type retinas - ectopically, among rod cell bodies in the outer nuclear layer. These data support a role for Cav1.4 in cone synaptic development, cell viability, and synaptic transmission of cone-dependent visual signals. Although our novel finding of cone-to-rod-bipolar cell contacts in this mouse model of a retinal channelopathy may challenge current views of the role of Cav1.4 in photopic vision, it also suggests a potential new target for restorative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. M. Waldner
- Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - N. C. Giraldo Sierra
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - S. Bonfield
- Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - L. Nguyen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - I. S. Dimopoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Y. Sauvé
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - W. K. Stell
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Department of Surgery, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - N. T. Bech-Hansen
- Department of Medical Genetics, and Department of Surgery, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Men CJ, Bujakowska KM, Comander J, Place E, Bedoukian EC, Zhu X, Leroy BP, Fulton AB, Pierce EA. The importance of genetic testing as demonstrated by two cases of CACNA1F-associated retinal generation misdiagnosed as LCA. Mol Vis 2017; 23:695-706. [PMID: 29062221 PMCID: PMC5640518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe in detail cases with an initial diagnosis of Leber congenital amaurosis that were later found to have a hemizygous mutation in the CACNA1F gene. METHODS The patients underwent a detailed ophthalmological evaluation and full-field electroretinography (ERG). Selective targeted capture and whole-exome next-generation sequencing (NGS) were used to find the disease-causing mutations. RESULTS Patient 1 presented at age 3 months with nystagmus, normal visual attention, and a normal fundus exam. ERG responses were severely decreased. Patient 2 presented with nystagmus, severe hyperopia, esotropia, and visual acuity of 20/360 oculus dexter (OD) and 20/270 oculus sinister (OS) at age 5 months. His fundus exam showed slightly increased pigmentation around the foveae. The scotopic ERG responses were severely decreased and photopic responses mildly decreased. Based on the initial presentation, both patients received the clinical diagnosis of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). However, genetic testing showed no mutations in known LCA genes. Instead, broader genetic testing using NGS showed point mutations in the CACNA1F gene, which is reported to be associated with type 2 congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB2). CONCLUSIONS These two cases demonstrate the clinical overlap between LCA and CSNB in infants and young children. Genetic testing is an essential tool in these cases and provides a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis for patients with inherited retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara J. Men
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kinga M. Bujakowska
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jason Comander
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Place
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emma C. Bedoukian
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Electrophysiology, Division of Ophthalmology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Xiaosong Zhu
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Electrophysiology, Division of Ophthalmology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bart P. Leroy
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Electrophysiology, Division of Ophthalmology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA,Department of Ophthalmology & Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne B. Fulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Eric A. Pierce
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Kurtenbach S, Gießl A, Strömberg S, Kremers J, Atorf J, Rasche S, Neuhaus EM, Hervé D, Brandstätter JH, Asan E, Hatt H, Kilimann MW. The BEACH Protein LRBA Promotes the Localization of the Heterotrimeric G-protein G olf to Olfactory Cilia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8409. [PMID: 28814779 PMCID: PMC5559528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BEACH domain proteins are involved in membrane protein traffic and human diseases, but their molecular mechanisms are not understood. The BEACH protein LRBA has been implicated in immune response and cell proliferation, and human LRBA mutations cause severe immune deficiency. Here, we report a first functional and molecular phenotype outside the immune system of LRBA-knockout mice: compromised olfaction, manifesting in reduced electro-olfactogram response amplitude, impaired food-finding efficiency, and smaller olfactory bulbs. LRBA is prominently expressed in olfactory and vomeronasal chemosensory neurons of wild-type mice. Olfactory impairment in the LRBA-KO is explained by markedly reduced concentrations (20–40% of wild-type levels) of all three subunits αolf, β1 and γ13 of the olfactory heterotrimeric G-protein, Golf, in the sensory cilia of olfactory neurons. In contrast, cilia morphology and the concentrations of many other proteins of olfactory cilia are not or only slightly affected. LRBA is also highly expressed in photoreceptor cells, another cell type with a specialized sensory cilium and heterotrimeric G-protein-based signalling; however, visual function appeared unimpaired by the LRBA-KO. To our knowledge, this is the first observation that a BEACH protein is required for the efficient subcellular localization of a lipid-anchored protein, and of a ciliary protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kurtenbach
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Gießl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Siv Strömberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, S-75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jenny Atorf
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rasche
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eva M Neuhaus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxikology, University Hospital Jena, D-07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Denis Hervé
- Inserm UMR-S839, Institut du Fer a Moulin, Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Esther Asan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, D-97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hanns Hatt
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Manfred W Kilimann
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, S-75124, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, D-37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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Functional Roles of Complexin 3 and Complexin 4 at Mouse Photoreceptor Ribbon Synapses. J Neurosci 2017; 36:6651-67. [PMID: 27335398 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4335-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Complexins (Cplxs) are SNARE complex regulators controlling the speed and Ca(2+) sensitivity of SNARE-mediated synaptic vesicle fusion. We have shown previously that photoreceptor ribbon synapses in mouse retina are equipped with Cplx3 and Cplx4 and that lack of both Cplxs perturbs photoreceptor ribbon synaptic function; however, Cplx3/4 function in photoreceptor synaptic transmission remained elusive. To investigate Cplx3/4 function in photoreceptor ribbon synapses, voltage-clamp recordings from postsynaptic horizontal cells were performed in horizontal slice preparations of Cplx3/4 wild-type (WT) and Cplx3/4 double knock-out (DKO) mice. We measured tonic activity in light and dark, current responses to changes in luminous intensity, and electrically evoked postsynaptic responses. Cplx3/4 decreased the frequency of tonic events and shifted their amplitude distribution to smaller values. Light responses were sustained in the presence of Cplx3/4, but transient in their absence. Finally, Cplx3/4 increased synaptic vesicle release evoked by electrical stimulation. Using electron microscopy, we quantified the number of synaptic vesicles at presynaptic ribbons after light or dark adaptation. In Cplx3/4 WT photoreceptors, the number of synaptic vesicles associated with the ribbon base close to the release site was significantly lower in light than in dark. This is in contrast to Cplx3/4 DKO photoreceptors, in which the number of ribbon-associated synaptic vesicles remained unchanged regardless of the adaptational state. Our results indicate a suppressing and a facilitating action of Cplx3/4 on Ca(2+)-dependent tonic and evoked neurotransmitter release, respectively, and a regulatory role in the adaptation-dependent availability of synaptic vesicles for release at photoreceptor ribbon synapses. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic vesicle fusion at active zones of chemical synapses is executed by SNARE complexes. Complexins (Cplxs) are SNARE complex regulators and photoreceptor ribbon synapses are equipped with Cplx3 and Cplx4. The absence of both Cplxs perturbs ribbon synaptic function. Because we lack information on Cplx function in photoreceptor synaptic transmission, we investigated Cplx function using voltage-clamp recordings from postsynaptic horizontal cells of Cplx3/4 wild-type and Cplx3/4 double knock-out mice and quantified synaptic vesicle number at the ribbon after light and dark adaptation using electron microscopy. The findings reveal a suppressing action of Cplx3/4 on tonic neurotransmitter release, a facilitating action on evoked release, and a regulatory role of Cplx3/4 in the adaptation-dependent availability of synaptic vesicles at mouse photoreceptor ribbon synapses.
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Seitter H, Koschak A. Relevance of tissue specific subunit expression in channelopathies. Neuropharmacology 2017; 132:58-70. [PMID: 28669898 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Channelopathies are a diverse group of human disorders that are caused by mutations in genes coding for ion channels or channel-regulating proteins. Several dozen channelopathies have been identified that involve both non-excitable cells as well as electrically active tissues like brain, skeletal and smooth muscle or the heart. In this review, we start out from the general question which ion channel genes are expressed tissue-selectively. We mined the human gene expression database Human Protein Atlas (HPA) for tissue-enriched ion channel genes and found 85 genes belonging to the ion channel families. Most of these genes were enriched in brain, testis and muscle and a complete list of the enriched ion channel genes is provided. We further focused on the tissue distribution of voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) genes including different brain areas and the retina based on the human gene expression from the FANTOM5 dataset. The expression data is complemented by an overview of the tissue-dependent aspects of L-type calcium channel (LTCC) function, dysfunction and pharmacology, as well as of their splice variants. Finally, we focus on the pathology of tissue-restricted LTCC channelopathies and their treatment options. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Channelopathies.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartwig Seitter
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innrain 80-82/III, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Kerov V, Lee A. Degrading vision with too much Ca(2+). Channels (Austin) 2016; 9:221-2. [PMID: 26542625 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2015.1089073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vasily Kerov
- a Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics , Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Neurology, University of Iowa ; Iowa City , IA USA
| | - Amy Lee
- a Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics , Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Neurology, University of Iowa ; Iowa City , IA USA
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Lv C, Stewart WJ, Akanyeti O, Frederick C, Zhu J, Santos-Sacchi J, Sheets L, Liao JC, Zenisek D. Synaptic Ribbons Require Ribeye for Electron Density, Proper Synaptic Localization, and Recruitment of Calcium Channels. Cell Rep 2016; 15:2784-95. [PMID: 27292637 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic ribbons are structures made largely of the protein Ribeye that hold synaptic vesicles near release sites in non-spiking cells in some sensory systems. Here, we introduce frameshift mutations in the two zebrafish genes encoding for Ribeye and thus remove Ribeye protein from neuromast hair cells. Despite Ribeye depletion, vesicles collect around ribbon-like structures that lack electron density, which we term "ghost ribbons." Ghost ribbons are smaller in size but possess a similar number of smaller vesicles and are poorly localized to synapses and calcium channels. These hair cells exhibit enhanced exocytosis, as measured by capacitance, and recordings from afferent neurons post-synaptic to hair cells show no significant difference in spike rates. Our results suggest that Ribeye makes up most of the synaptic ribbon density in neuromast hair cells and is necessary for proper localization of calcium channels and synaptic ribbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Lv
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | - William J Stewart
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Biology, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Otar Akanyeti
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Biology, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - Courtney Frederick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | - Joseph Santos-Sacchi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA; Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
| | - Lavinia Sheets
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - James C Liao
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Department of Biology, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
| | - David Zenisek
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA; Department of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA.
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Schön C, Paquet-Durand F, Michalakis S. Cav1.4 L-Type Calcium Channels Contribute to Calpain Activation in Degenerating Photoreceptors of rd1 Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156974. [PMID: 27270916 PMCID: PMC4896623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited blinding disorder characterized by progressive degeneration and loss of photoreceptors. The exact mechanism of degeneration and cell death of photoreceptors is not known, but is thought to involve disturbed Ca2+—signaling. Ca2+ can enter the photoreceptor cell via outer segment cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels or synaptic Cav1.4 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). Previously, we have shown that genetic ablation of the Cngb1 gene encoding the B subunit of the rod CNG channel delays the fast progressing degeneration in the rd1 mutant mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. In this study, we crossbred rd1 mice with the Cacna1f-deficient mouse lacking the Cav1.4 α1 subunit of the L-type VGCC. Longitudinal in vivo examinations of photoreceptor layer thickness by optical coherence tomography revealed a significant, but not sustained delay of retinal degeneration in Cacna1f x rd1 double mutant mice compared to rd1 mice. This was accompanied by a reduction of TUNEL positive cells in the early phase of rod degeneration. Remarkably, Cacna1f x rd1 double mutant mice displayed a strong decrease in the activation of the Ca2+-dependent protease calpain during photoreceptor loss. Our results show that genetic deletion of the synaptic Cav1.4 L-type VGCCs impairs calpain activation and leads to a short-term preservation of photoreceptors in the rd1 mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Schleichstr. 4/3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Haeseleer F, Williams B, Lee A. Characterization of C-terminal Splice Variants of Cav1.4 Ca2+ Channels in Human Retina. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:15663-73. [PMID: 27226626 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.731737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Cav) undergo extensive alternative splicing that greatly enhances their functional diversity in excitable cells. Here, we characterized novel splice variants of the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of Cav1.4 Ca(2+) channels that regulate neurotransmitter release in photoreceptors in the retina. These variants lack a portion of exon 45 and/or the entire exon 47 (Cav1.4Δex p45, Cav1.4Δex 47, Cav1.4Δex p45,47) and are expressed in the retina of primates but not mice. Although the electrophysiological properties of Cav1.4Δex p45 are similar to those of full-length channels (Cav1.4FL), skipping of exon 47 dramatically alters Cav1.4 function. Deletion of exon 47 removes part of a C-terminal automodulatory domain (CTM) previously shown to suppress Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation (CDI) and to cause a positive shift in the voltage dependence of channel activation. Exon 47 is crucial for these effects of the CTM because variants lacking this exon show intense CDI and activate at more hyperpolarized voltages than Cav1.4FL The robust CDI of Cav1.4Δex 47 is suppressed by CaBP4, a regulator of Cav1.4 channels in photoreceptors. Although CaBP4 enhances activation of Cav1.4FL, Cav1.4Δex 47 shows similar voltage-dependent activation in the presence and absence of CaBP4. We conclude that exon 47 encodes structural determinants that regulate CDI and voltage-dependent activation of Cav1.4, and is necessary for modulation of channel activation by CaBP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Haeseleer
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195 and
| | - Brittany Williams
- the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Amy Lee
- the Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Neurology, and
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Tsai TI, Atorf J, Neitz M, Neitz J, Kremers J. Rod- and cone-driven responses in mice expressing human L-cone pigment. J Neurophysiol 2015; 114:2230-41. [PMID: 26245314 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00188.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse is commonly used for studying retinal processing, primarily because it is amenable to genetic manipulation. To accurately study photoreceptor driven signals in the healthy and diseased retina, it is of great importance to isolate the responses of single photoreceptor types. This is not easily achieved in mice because of the strong overlap of rod and M-cone absorption spectra (i.e., maxima at 498 and 508 nm, respectively). With a newly developed mouse model (Opn1lw(LIAIS)) expressing a variant of the human L-cone pigment (561 nm) instead of the mouse M-opsin, the absorption spectra are substantially separated, allowing retinal physiology to be studied using silent substitution stimuli. Unlike conventional chromatic isolation methods, this spectral compensation approach can isolate single photoreceptor subtypes without changing the retinal adaptation. We measured flicker electroretinograms in these mutants under ketamine-xylazine sedation with double silent substitution (silent S-cone and either rod or M/L-cones) and obtained robust responses for both rods and (L-)cones. Small signals were yielded in wild-type mice, whereas heterozygotes exhibited responses that were generally intermediate to both. Fundamental response amplitudes and phase behaviors (as a function of temporal frequency) in all genotypes were largely similar. Surprisingly, isolated (L-)cone and rod response properties in the mutant strain were alike. Thus the LIAIS mouse warrants a more comprehensive in vivo assessment of photoreceptor subtype-specific physiology, because it overcomes the hindrance of overlapping spectral sensitivities present in the normal mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina I Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jenny Atorf
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Vision Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jay Neitz
- Vision Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jan Kremers
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Anatomy II, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; and School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
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Congenital stationary night blindness: An analysis and update of genotype–phenotype correlations and pathogenic mechanisms. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 45:58-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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45
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Abstract
Across the nervous system, neurons form highly stereotypic patterns of synaptic connections that are designed to serve specific functions. Mature wiring patterns are often attained upon the refinement of early, less precise connectivity. Much work has led to the prevailing view that many developing circuits are sculpted by activity-dependent competition among converging afferents, which results in the elimination of unwanted synapses and the maintenance and strengthening of desired connections. Studies of the vertebrate retina, however, have recently revealed that activity can play a role in shaping developing circuits without engaging competition among converging inputs that differ in their activity levels. Such neurotransmission-mediated processes can produce stereotypic wiring patterns by promoting selective synapse formation rather than elimination. We discuss how the influence of transmission may also be limited by circuit design and further highlight the importance of transmission beyond development in maintaining wiring specificity and synaptic organization of neural circuits.
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Knoflach D, Schicker K, Glösmann M, Koschak A. Gain-of-function nature of Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels alters firing properties of mouse retinal ganglion cells. Channels (Austin) 2015; 9:298-306. [PMID: 26274509 PMCID: PMC4826138 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2015.1078040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper function of Cav1.4 L-type calcium channels is crucial for neurotransmitter release in the retina. Our understanding about how different levels of Cav1.4 channel activity affect retinal function is still limited. In the gain-of-function mouse model Cav1.4-IT we expected a reduction in the photoreceptor dynamic range but still transmission toward retinal ganglion cells. A fraction of Cav1.4-IT ganglion cells responded to light stimulation in multielectrode array recordings from whole-mounted retinas, but showed a significantly delayed response onset. Another significant number of cells showed higher activity in darkness. In addition to structural remodeling observed at the first retinal synapse of Cav1.4-IT mice the functional data suggested a loss of contrast enhancement, a fundamental feature of our visual system. In fact, Cav1.4-IT mouse retinas showed a decline in spatial response and changes in their contrast sensitivity profile. Photoreceptor degeneration was obvious from the nodular structure of cone axons and enlarged pedicles which partly moved toward the outer nuclear layer. Loss of photoreceptors was also expressed as reduced expression of proteins involved in chemical and electrical transmission, as such metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR6 and the gap junction protein Connexin 36. Such gross changes in retinal structure and function could also explain the diminished visual performance of CSNB2 patients. The expression pattern of the plasma-membrane calcium ATPase 1 which participates in the maintenance of the intracellular calcium homeostasis in photoreceptors was changed in Cav1.4-IT mice. This might be part of a protection mechanism against increased calcium influx, as this is suggested for Cav1.4-IT channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Knoflach
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Neurophysiology and -pharmacology; Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Schicker
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Neurophysiology and -pharmacology; Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alexandra Koschak
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Neurophysiology and -pharmacology; Vienna, Austria
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology; Innsbruck, Austria
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Park S, Li C, Haeseleer F, Palczewski K, Ames JB. Structural insights into activation of the retinal L-type Ca²⁺ channel (Cav1.4) by Ca²⁺-binding protein 4 (CaBP4). J Biol Chem 2014; 289:31262-73. [PMID: 25258313 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.604439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CaBP4 modulates Ca(2+)-dependent activity of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Cav1.4) in retinal photoreceptor cells. Mg(2+) binds to the first and third EF-hands (EF1 and EF3), and Ca(2+) binds to EF1, EF3, and EF4 of CaBP4. Here we present NMR structures of CaBP4 in both Mg(2+)-bound and Ca(2+)-bound states and model the CaBP4 structural interaction with Cav1.4. CaBP4 contains an unstructured N-terminal region (residues 1-99) and four EF-hands in two separate lobes. The N-lobe consists of EF1 and EF2 in a closed conformation with either Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) bound at EF1. The C-lobe binds Ca(2+) at EF3 and EF4 and exhibits a Ca(2+)-induced closed-to-open transition like that of calmodulin. Exposed residues in Ca(2+)-bound CaBP4 (Phe(137), Glu(168), Leu(207), Phe(214), Met(251), Phe(264), and Leu(268)) make contacts with the IQ motif in Cav1.4, and the Cav1.4 mutant Y1595E strongly impairs binding to CaBP4. We conclude that CaBP4 forms a collapsed structure around the IQ motif in Cav1.4 that we suggest may promote channel activation by disrupting an interaction between IQ and the inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saebomi Park
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Congmin Li
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Françoise Haeseleer
- the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, and
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- the Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4965
| | - James B Ames
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616,
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Regus-Leidig H, Fuchs M, Löhner M, Leist SR, Leal-Ortiz S, Chiodo VA, Hauswirth WW, Garner CC, Brandstätter JH. In vivo knockdown of Piccolino disrupts presynaptic ribbon morphology in mouse photoreceptor synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:259. [PMID: 25232303 PMCID: PMC4153300 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Piccolo is the largest known cytomatrix protein at active zones of chemical synapses. A growing number of studies on conventional chemical synapses assign Piccolo a role in the recruitment and integration of molecules relevant for both endo- and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, the dynamic assembly of presynaptic F-actin, as well as the proteostasis of presynaptic proteins, yet a direct function in the structural organization of the active zone has not been uncovered in part due to the expression of multiple alternatively spliced isoforms. We recently identified Piccolino, a Piccolo splice variant specifically expressed in sensory ribbon synapses of the eye and ear. Here we down regulated Piccolino in vivo via an adeno-associated virus-based RNA interference approach and explored the impact on the presynaptic structure of mouse photoreceptor ribbon synapses. Detailed immunocytochemical light and electron microscopical analysis of Piccolino knockdown in photoreceptors revealed a hitherto undescribed photoreceptor ribbon synaptic phenotype with striking morphological changes of synaptic ribbon ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Regus-Leidig
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michaela Fuchs
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Löhner
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sarah R Leist
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany ; Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sergio Leal-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Vince A Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Craig C Garner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Palo Alto, CA, USA ; Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann H Brandstätter
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
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D'Orazi FD, Suzuki SC, Wong RO. Neuronal remodeling in retinal circuit assembly, disassembly, and reassembly. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:594-603. [PMID: 25156327 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Developing neuronal circuits often undergo a period of refinement to eliminate aberrant synaptic connections. Inappropriate connections can also form among surviving neurons during neuronal degeneration. The laminar organization of the vertebrate retina enables synaptic reorganization to be readily identified. Synaptic rearrangements are shown to help sculpt developing retinal circuits, although the mechanisms involved remain debated. Structural changes in retinal diseases can also lead to functional rewiring. This poses a major challenge to retinal repair because it may be necessary to untangle the miswired connections before reconnecting with proper synaptic partners. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie circuit remodeling during retinal development, and discuss how alterations in connectivity during damage could impede circuit repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence D D'Orazi
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sachihiro C Suzuki
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rachel O Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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