1
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Jackson MB, Chiang CW, Cheng J. Fusion pore flux controls the rise-times of quantal synaptic responses. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313484. [PMID: 38860965 PMCID: PMC11167452 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The release of neurotransmitter from a single synaptic vesicle generates a quantal response, which at excitatory synapses in voltage-clamped neurons is referred to as a miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC). We analyzed mEPSCs in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons and in HEK cells expressing postsynaptic proteins enabling them to receive synaptic inputs from cocultured neurons. mEPSC amplitudes and rise-times varied widely within and between cells. In neurons, mEPSCs with larger amplitudes had longer rise-times, and this correlation was stronger in neurons with longer mean rise-times. In HEK cells, this correlation was weak and unclear. Standard mechanisms thought to govern mEPSCs cannot account for these results. We therefore developed models to simulate mEPSCs and assess their dependence on different factors. Modeling indicated that longer diffusion times for transmitters released by larger vesicles to reach more distal receptors cannot account for the correlation between rise-time and amplitude. By contrast, incorporating the vesicle size dependence of fusion pore expulsion time recapitulated experimental results well. Larger vesicles produce mEPSCs with larger amplitudes and also take more time to lose their content. Thus, fusion pore flux directly contributes to mEPSC rise-time. Variations in fusion pores account for differences among neurons, between neurons and HEK cells, and the correlation between rise-time and the slope of rise-time versus amplitude plots. Plots of mEPSC amplitude versus rise-time are sensitive to otherwise inaccessible properties of a synapse and offer investigators a means of assessing the role of fusion pores in synaptic release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meyer B. Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Chung-Wei Chiang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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2
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Kawahara M, Tanaka KI, Kato-Negishi M. Zinc, Copper, and Calcium: A Triangle in the Synapse for the Pathogenesis of Vascular-Type Senile Dementia. Biomolecules 2024; 14:773. [PMID: 39062487 PMCID: PMC11274390 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential for normal brain functions. In particular, Zn and Cu are released to synaptic clefts during neuronal excitation. Synaptic Zn and Cu regulate neuronal excitability, maintain calcium (Ca) homeostasis, and play central roles in memory formation. However, in pathological conditions such as transient global ischemia, excess Zn is secreted to synaptic clefts, which causes neuronal death and can eventually trigger the pathogenesis of a vascular type of senile dementia. We have previously investigated the characteristics of Zn-induced neurotoxicity and have demonstrated that low concentrations of Cu can exacerbate Zn neurotoxicity. Furthermore, during our pharmacological approaches to clarify the molecular pathways of Cu-enhanced Zn-induced neurotoxicity, we have revealed the involvement of Ca homeostasis disruption. In the present review, we discuss the roles of Zn and Cu in the synapse, as well as the crosstalk between Zn, Cu, and Ca, which our study along with other recent studies suggest may underlie the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi 202-8585, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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O’Brien BCV, Thao S, Weber L, Danielson HL, Boldt AD, Hueffer K, Weltzin MM. The human alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a host target for the rabies virus glycoprotein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1394713. [PMID: 38836054 PMCID: PMC11148329 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The rabies virus enters the nervous system by interacting with several molecular targets on host cells to modify behavior and trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis of the virion by poorly understood mechanisms. The rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) interacts with the muscle acetylcholine receptor and the neuronal α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) family by the putative neurotoxin-like motif. Given that the neurotoxin-like motif is highly homologous to the α7 nAChR subtype selective snake toxin α-bungarotoxin (αBTX), other nAChR subtypes are likely involved. The purpose of this study is to determine the activity of the RVG neurotoxin-like motif on nAChR subtypes that are expressed in brain regions involved in rabid animal behavior. nAChRs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to collect concentration-response data to measure the functional effects. The RVG peptide preferentially and completely inhibits α7 nAChR ACh-induced currents by a competitive antagonist mechanism. Tested heteromeric nAChRs are also inhibited, but to a lesser extent than the α7 subtype. Residues of the RVG peptide with high sequence homology to αBTX and other neurotoxins were substituted with alanine. Altered RVG neurotoxin-like peptides showed that residues phenylalanine 192, arginine 196, and arginine 199 are important determinants of RVG peptide apparent potency on α7 nAChRs, while serine 195 is not. The evaluation of the rabies ectodomain reaffirmed the observations made with the RVG peptide, illustrating a significant inhibitory impact on α7 nAChR with potency in the nanomolar range. In a mammalian cell culture model of neurons, we confirm that the RVG peptide binds preferentially to cells expressing the α7 nAChR. Defining the activity of the RVG peptide on nAChRs expands our understanding of basic mechanisms in host-pathogen interactions that result in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C. V. O’Brien
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Shelly Thao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Lahra Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Helen L. Danielson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Agatha D. Boldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Maegan M. Weltzin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
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4
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Rodriguez Gotor JJ, Mahfooz K, Perez-Otano I, Wesseling JF. Parallel processing of quickly and slowly mobilized reserve vesicles in hippocampal synapses. eLife 2024; 12:RP88212. [PMID: 38727712 PMCID: PMC11087054 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88212] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vesicles within presynaptic terminals are thought to be segregated into a variety of readily releasable and reserve pools. The nature of the pools and trafficking between them is not well understood, but pools that are slow to mobilize when synapses are active are often assumed to feed pools that are mobilized more quickly, in a series. However, electrophysiological studies of synaptic transmission have suggested instead a parallel organization where vesicles within slowly and quickly mobilized reserve pools would separately feed independent reluctant- and fast-releasing subdivisions of the readily releasable pool. Here, we use FM-dyes to confirm the existence of multiple reserve pools at hippocampal synapses and a parallel organization that prevents intermixing between the pools, even when stimulation is intense enough to drive exocytosis at the maximum rate. The experiments additionally demonstrate extensive heterogeneity among synapses in the relative sizes of the slowly and quickly mobilized reserve pools, which suggests equivalent heterogeneity in the numbers of reluctant and fast-releasing readily releasable vesicles that may be relevant for understanding information processing and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kashif Mahfooz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Isabel Perez-Otano
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante CSIC-UMHSan Juan de AlicanteSpain
| | - John F Wesseling
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante CSIC-UMHSan Juan de AlicanteSpain
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5
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Jones G, Akter Y, Shifflett V, Hruska M. Nanoscale analysis of functionally diverse glutamatergic synapses in the neocortex reveals input and layer-specific organization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592008. [PMID: 38746319 PMCID: PMC11092571 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Discovery of synaptic nanostructures suggests a molecular logic for the flexibility of synaptic function. We still have little understanding of how functionally diverse synapses in the brain organize their nanoarchitecture due to challenges associated with super-resolution imaging in complex brain tissue. Here, we characterized single-domain camelid nanobodies for the 3D quantitative multiplex imaging of synaptic nano-organization in 6 µm brain cryosections using STED nanoscopy. We focused on thalamocortical (TC) and corticocortical (CC) synapses along the apical-basal axis of layer 5 pyramidal neurons as models of functionally diverse glutamatergic synapses in the brain. Spines receiving TC input were larger than CC spines in all layers examined. However, TC synapses on apical and basal dendrites conformed to different organizational principles. TC afferents on apical dendrites frequently contacted spines with multiple aligned PSD-95/Bassoon nanomodules, which are larger. TC spines on basal dendrites contained mostly one aligned PSD-95/Bassoon nanocluster. However, PSD-95 nanoclusters were larger and scaled with spine volume. The nano-organization of CC synapses did not change across cortical layers. These results highlight striking nanoscale diversity of functionally distinct glutamatergic synapses, relying on afferent input and sub-cellular localization of individual synaptic connections.
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Zhou H, Bi GQ, Liu G. Intracellular magnesium optimizes transmission efficiency and plasticity of hippocampal synapses by reconfiguring their connectivity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3406. [PMID: 38649706 PMCID: PMC11035601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47571-3] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapses at dendritic branches exhibit specific properties for information processing. However, how the synapses are orchestrated to dynamically modify their properties, thus optimizing information processing, remains elusive. Here, we observed at hippocampal dendritic branches diverse configurations of synaptic connectivity, two extremes of which are characterized by low transmission efficiency, high plasticity and coding capacity, or inversely. The former favors information encoding, pertinent to learning, while the latter prefers information storage, relevant to memory. Presynaptic intracellular Mg2+ crucially mediates the dynamic transition continuously between the two extreme configurations. Consequently, varying intracellular Mg2+ levels endow individual branches with diverse synaptic computations, thus modulating their ability to process information. Notably, elevating brain Mg2+ levels in aging animals restores synaptic configuration resembling that of young animals, coincident with improved learning and memory. These findings establish intracellular Mg2+ as a crucial factor reconfiguring synaptic connectivity at dendrites, thus optimizing their branch-specific properties in information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Guo-Qiang Bi
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Guosong Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- NeuroCentria Inc., Walnut Creek, CA, 94596, USA.
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7
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Paulussen I, Beckert H, Musial TF, Gschossmann LJ, Wolf J, Schmitt M, Clasadonte J, Mairet-Coello G, Wolff C, Schoch S, Dietrich D. SV2B defines a subpopulation of synaptic vesicles. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad054. [PMID: 37682518 PMCID: PMC11184983 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad054] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic vesicles can undergo several modes of exocytosis, endocytosis, and trafficking within individual synapses, and their fates may be linked to different vesicular protein compositions. Here, we mapped the intrasynaptic distribution of the synaptic vesicle proteins SV2B and SV2A in glutamatergic synapses of the hippocampus using three-dimensional electron microscopy. SV2B was almost completely absent from docked vesicles and a distinct cluster of vesicles found near the active zone. In contrast, SV2A was found in all domains of the synapse and was slightly enriched near the active zone. SV2B and SV2A were found on the membrane in the peri-active zone, suggesting the recycling from both clusters of vesicles. SV2B knockout mice displayed an increased seizure induction threshold only in a model employing high-frequency stimulation. Our data show that glutamatergic synapses generate molecularly distinct populations of synaptic vesicles and are able to maintain them at steep spatial gradients. The almost complete absence of SV2B from vesicles at the active zone of wildtype mice may explain why SV2A has been found more important for vesicle release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Paulussen
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Hannes Beckert
- Microscopy Core Facility, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Timothy F Musial
- Microscopy Core Facility, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Lena J Gschossmann
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Julia Wolf
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Susanne Schoch
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Synaptic Neuroscience Team, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn 53127, Germany
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8
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Chen S, Zhang S, Li Y, Wang H, Chen X, Yang Y. Dual-channel neural network for instance segmentation of synapse. Comput Biol Med 2024; 172:108298. [PMID: 38503095 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Detection and segmentation of neural synapses in electron microscopy images are the committed steps for analyzing neural ultrastructure. To date, manual annotation of the structure in synapses has been the primary method, which is time-consuming and restricts the throughput of data acquisition. Recent studies have utilized a series of deformations based on a segmentation model for the detection and segmentation of transmission electron microscope images. However, the analysis of synaptic segmentation and statistics still lacks sufficient automation and high-throughput. Therefore, we developed a dual-channel neural network instance segmentation model with weighted top-down and multi-scale bottom-up schemes, which aid in accurately detecting and segmenting synaptic vesicles and their active zones within presynaptic membranes in complex environments. In addition, we proposed a masked self-supervised pre-training model based on the latest convolutional architecture to improve performance in downstream segmentation tasks. By comparing our model to other state-of-the-art methods, we determined its viability and accuracy. The applicability of our model is thoroughly demonstrated by distinct application scenarios for neurobiological research. These findings indicate that the dual-channel neural network could facilitate the analysis of synaptic structures for the advancement of biomedical research and electron microscope reconstruction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhao Chen
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Shuli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Chen
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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9
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Chen JJ, Kaufmann WA, Chen C, Arai I, Kim O, Shigemoto R, Jonas P. Developmental transformation of Ca 2+ channel-vesicle nanotopography at a central GABAergic synapse. Neuron 2024; 112:755-771.e9. [PMID: 38215739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The coupling between Ca2+ channels and release sensors is a key factor defining the signaling properties of a synapse. However, the coupling nanotopography at many synapses remains unknown, and it is unclear how it changes during development. To address these questions, we examined coupling at the cerebellar inhibitory basket cell (BC)-Purkinje cell (PC) synapse. Biophysical analysis of transmission by paired recording and intracellular pipette perfusion revealed that the effects of exogenous Ca2+ chelators decreased during development, despite constant reliance of release on P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. Structural analysis by freeze-fracture replica labeling (FRL) and transmission electron microscopy (EM) indicated that presynaptic P/Q-type Ca2+ channels formed nanoclusters throughout development, whereas docked vesicles were only clustered at later developmental stages. Modeling suggested a developmental transformation from a more random to a more clustered coupling nanotopography. Thus, presynaptic signaling developmentally approaches a point-to-point configuration, optimizing speed, reliability, and energy efficiency of synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Walter A Kaufmann
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Chong Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Itaru Arai
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Olena Kim
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Ryuichi Shigemoto
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Peter Jonas
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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10
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Glausier JR, Bouchet-Marquis C, Maier M, Banks-Tibbs T, Wu K, Ning J, Melchitzky D, Lewis DA, Freyberg Z. Characterization of the three-dimensional synaptic and mitochondrial nanoarchitecture within glutamatergic synaptic complexes in postmortem human brain via focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582174. [PMID: 38463986 PMCID: PMC10925168 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Glutamatergic synapses are the primary site of excitatory synaptic signaling and neural communication in the cerebral cortex. Electron microscopy (EM) studies in non-human model organisms have demonstrated that glutamate synaptic activity and functioning are directly reflected in quantifiable ultrastructural features. Thus, quantitative EM analysis of glutamate synapses in ex vivo preserved human brain tissue has the potential to provide novel insight into in vivo synaptic functioning. However, factors associated with the acquisition and preservation of human brain tissue have resulted in persistent concerns regarding the potential confounding effects of antemortem and postmortem biological processes on synaptic and sub-synaptic ultrastructural features. Thus, we sought to determine how well glutamate synaptic relationships and nanoarchitecture are preserved in postmortem human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region that substantially differs in size and architecture from model systems. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), a powerful volume EM (VEM) approach, was employed to generate high-fidelity, fine-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) micrographic datasets appropriate for quantitative analyses. Using postmortem human DLPFC with a 6-hour postmortem interval, we optimized a tissue preservation and staining workflow that generated samples of excellent ultrastructural preservation and the high-contrast staining intensity required for FIB-SEM imaging. Quantitative analysis of sub-cellular, sub-synaptic and organelle components within glutamate axo-spinous synapses revealed that ultrastructural features of synaptic function and activity were well-preserved within and across individual synapses in postmortem human brain tissue. The synaptic, sub-synaptic and organelle measures were highly consistent with findings from experimental models that are free from antemortem or postmortem effects. Further, dense reconstruction of neuropil revealed a unique, ultrastructurally-complex, spiny dendritic shaft that exhibited features characteristic of neuronal processes with heightened synaptic communication, integration and plasticity. Altogether, our findings provide a critical proof-of-concept that ex vivo VEM analysis provides a valuable and informative means to infer in vivo functioning of human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tabitha Banks-Tibbs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University
| | - Ken Wu
- Materials and Structural Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific
| | - Jiying Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
| | | | | | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh
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Thomas CI, Ryan MA, Kamasawa N, Scholl B. Postsynaptic mitochondria are positioned to support functional diversity of dendritic spines. eLife 2023; 12:RP89682. [PMID: 38059805 PMCID: PMC10703439 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89682] [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] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Postsynaptic mitochondria are critical for the development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic inputs. However, their relationship to synaptic structure and functional activity is unknown. We examined a correlative dataset from ferret visual cortex with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines during visual stimulation and electron microscopy reconstructions of spine ultrastructure, investigating mitochondrial abundance near functionally and structurally characterized spines. Surprisingly, we found no correlation to structural measures of synaptic strength. Instead, we found that mitochondria are positioned near spines with orientation preferences that are dissimilar to the somatic preference. Additionally, we found that mitochondria are positioned near groups of spines with heterogeneous orientation preferences. For a subset of spines with a mitochondrion in the head or neck, synapses were larger and exhibited greater selectivity to visual stimuli than those without a mitochondrion. Our data suggest mitochondria are not necessarily positioned to support the energy needs of strong spines, but rather support the structurally and functionally diverse inputs innervating the basal dendrites of cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connon I Thomas
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Max Planck WayJupiterUnited States
| | - Melissa A Ryan
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Max Planck WayJupiterUnited States
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Max Planck WayJupiterUnited States
| | - Benjamin Scholl
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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12
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Wildenberg G, Li H, Sampathkumar V, Sorokina A, Kasthuri N. Isochronic development of cortical synapses in primates and mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8018. [PMID: 38049416 PMCID: PMC10695974 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43088-3] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neotenous, or delayed, development of primate neurons, particularly human ones, is thought to underlie primate-specific abilities like cognition. We tested whether synaptic development follows suit-would synapses, in absolute time, develop slower in longer-lived, highly cognitive species like non-human primates than in shorter-lived species with less human-like cognitive abilities, e.g., the mouse? Instead, we find that excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the male Mus musculus (mouse) and Rhesus macaque (primate) cortex form at similar rates, at similar times after birth. Primate excitatory and inhibitory synapses and mouse excitatory synapses also prune in such an isochronic fashion. Mouse inhibitory synapses are the lone exception, which are not pruned and instead continuously added throughout life. The monotony of synaptic development clocks across species with disparate lifespans, experiences, and cognitive abilities argues that such programs are likely orchestrated by genetic events rather than experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg Wildenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Lemont, USA.
| | - Hanyu Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Lemont, USA
| | - Vandana Sampathkumar
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Lemont, USA
| | - Anastasia Sorokina
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Lemont, USA
| | - Narayanan Kasthuri
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Lemont, USA.
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13
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Zhao J, Gao L, Nurrish S, Kaplan JM. Post-synaptic GABA A receptors potentiate transmission by recruiting CaV2 channels to their inputs. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113161. [PMID: 37742192 PMCID: PMC10873018 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113161] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a retrograde synaptic signal at the C. elegans GABAergic neuromuscular junction. At this synapse, GABA release is controlled by two voltage-activated calcium channels (UNC-2/CaV2 and EGL-19/CaV1), and muscle responses are mediated by a single GABA receptor (UNC-49/GABAA). Mutations inactivating UNC-49 or those preventing UNC-49 synaptic clustering cause retrograde defects in GABAergic motor neurons, whereby UNC-2/CaV2 levels at active zones, UNC-2 current, and pre-synaptic GABA release are decreased. Inactivating post-synaptic GABAA receptors has no effect on GABA neuron EGL-19/CaV1 levels nor on several other pre-synaptic markers. The effect of GABAA receptors on pre-synaptic strength is not a consequence of decreased GABA transmission and is input selective. Finally, pre-synaptic UNC-2/CaV2 levels are increased when post-synaptic GABAA receptors are increased but are unaffected by increased extra-synaptic receptors. Collectively, these results suggest that clustered post-synaptic GABAA receptors adjust the strength of their inputs by recruiting CaV2 to contacting active zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luna Gao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen Nurrish
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua M Kaplan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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14
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Tanaka H, Funahashi J, Hirano T. Live-cell imaging of endocytosed synaptophysin around individual hippocampal presynaptic active zones. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1277729. [PMID: 37927445 PMCID: PMC10620501 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1277729] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In presynaptic terminals 4 types of endocytosis, kiss-and-run, clathrin-mediated, bulk and ultrafast endocytosis have been reported to maintain repetitive exocytosis of neurotransmitter. However, detailed characteristics and relative contribution of each type of endocytosis still need to be determined. Our previous live-cell imaging study demonstrated individual exocytosis events of synaptic vesicle within an active-zone-like membrane (AZLM) formed on glass using synaptophysin tagged with a pH-sensitive fluorescent protein. On the other hand, individual endocytosis events of postsynaptic receptors were recorded with a rapid extracellular pH exchange method. Combining these methods, here we live-cell imaged endocytosed synaptophysin with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in rat hippocampal culture preparations. Clathrin-dependent and -independent endocytosis, which was seemingly bulk endocytosis, occurred within several seconds after electrical stimulation at multiple locations around AZLM at room temperature, with the locations varying trial to trial. The contribution of clathrin-independent endocytosis was more prominent when the number of stimulation pulses was large. The skewness of synaptophysin distribution in intracellular vesicles became smaller after addition of a clathrin inhibitor, which suggests that clathrin-dependent endocytosis concentrates synaptophysin. Ultrafast endocytosis was evident immediately after stimulation only at near physiological temperature and was the predominant endocytosis when the number of stimulation pulses was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Junichiro Funahashi
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Hirano
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Thomas CI, Ryan MA, Kamasawa N, Scholl B. Postsynaptic mitochondria are positioned to support functional diversity of dendritic spines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.549063. [PMID: 37502969 PMCID: PMC10370038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.549063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Postsynaptic mitochondria are critical to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic inputs. However, their relationship to synaptic structure and functional activity is unknown. We examined a correlative dataset from ferret visual cortex with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines during visual stimulation and electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions of spine ultrastructure, investigating mitochondrial abundance near functionally- and structurally-characterized spines. Surprisingly, we found no correlation to structural measures of synaptic strength. Instead, we found that mitochondria are positioned near spines with orientation preferences that are dissimilar to the somatic preference. Additionally, we found that mitochondria are positioned near groups of spines with heterogeneous orientation preferences. For a subset of spines with mitochondrion in the head or neck, synapses were larger and exhibited greater selectivity to visual stimuli than those without a mitochondrion. Our data suggest mitochondria are not necessarily positioned to support the energy needs of strong spines, but rather support the structurally and functionally diverse inputs innervating the basal dendrites of cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connon I. Thomas
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Melissa A. Ryan
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Present Address: Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Benjamin Scholl
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 415 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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16
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Lumeij LB, van Huijstee AN, Cappaert NLM, Kessels HW. Variance analysis as a method to predict the locus of plasticity at populations of non-uniform synapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1232541. [PMID: 37528963 PMCID: PMC10388551 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1232541] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge on synaptic transmission in the central nervous system has often been obtained by evoking synaptic responses to populations of synapses. Analysis of the variance in synaptic responses can be applied as a method to predict whether a change in synaptic responses is a consequence of altered presynaptic neurotransmitter release or postsynaptic receptors. However, variance analysis is based on binomial statistics, which assumes that synapses are uniform. In reality, synapses are far from uniform, which questions the reliability of variance analysis when applying this method to populations of synapses. To address this, we used an in silico model for evoked synaptic responses and compared variance analysis outcomes between populations of uniform versus non-uniform synapses. This simulation revealed that variance analysis produces similar results irrespectively of the grade of uniformity of synapses. We put this variance analysis to the test with an electrophysiology experiment using a model system for which the loci of plasticity are well established: the effect of amyloid-β on synapses. Variance analysis correctly predicted that postsynaptically produced amyloid-β triggered predominantly a loss of synapses and a minor reduction of postsynaptic currents in remaining synapses with little effect on presynaptic release probability. We propose that variance analysis can be reliably used to predict the locus of synaptic changes for populations of non-uniform synapses.
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17
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Petroccione MA, D'Brant LY, Affinnih N, Wehrle PH, Todd GC, Zahid S, Chesbro HE, Tschang IL, Scimemi A. Neuronal glutamate transporters control reciprocal inhibition and gain modulation in D1 medium spiny neurons. eLife 2023; 12:e81830. [PMID: 37435808 PMCID: PMC10411972 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81830] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the function of glutamate transporters has broad implications for explaining how neurons integrate information and relay it through complex neuronal circuits. Most of what is currently known about glutamate transporters, specifically their ability to maintain glutamate homeostasis and limit glutamate diffusion away from the synaptic cleft, is based on studies of glial glutamate transporters. By contrast, little is known about the functional implications of neuronal glutamate transporters. The neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1 is widely expressed throughout the brain, particularly in the striatum, the primary input nucleus of the basal ganglia, a region implicated with movement execution and reward. Here, we show that EAAC1 limits synaptic excitation onto a population of striatal medium spiny neurons identified for their expression of D1 dopamine receptors (D1-MSNs). In these cells, EAAC1 also contributes to strengthen lateral inhibition from other D1-MSNs. Together, these effects contribute to reduce the gain of the input-output relationship and increase the offset at increasing levels of synaptic inhibition in D1-MSNs. By reducing the sensitivity and dynamic range of action potential firing in D1-MSNs, EAAC1 limits the propensity of mice to rapidly switch between behaviors associated with different reward probabilities. Together, these findings shed light on some important molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated with behavior flexibility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shergil Zahid
- SUNY Albany, Department of BiologyAlbanyUnited States
| | | | - Ian L Tschang
- SUNY Albany, Department of BiologyAlbanyUnited States
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18
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Martínez San Segundo P, Terni B, Llobet A. Multivesicular release favors short term synaptic depression in hippocampal autapses. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1057242. [PMID: 37265578 PMCID: PMC10230035 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1057242] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic terminals of the central nervous system can support univesicular and multivesicular synchronous release of neurotransmitters, however, the functional implications of the prevalence of one mechanism over the other are yet unresolved. Here, we took advantage of the expression of SF-iGluSnFR.S72A in the astrocytic feeder layer of autaptic hippocampal neuronal cultures to associate the liberation of glutamate to excitatory postsynaptic currents. The presence of the glutamate sensor in glial cells avoided any interference with the function of endogenous postsynaptic receptors. It was possible to optically detect changes in neurotransmitter release probability, which was heterogeneous among synaptic boutons studied. For each neuron investigated, the liberation of neurotransmitters occurred through a predominant mechanism. The prevalence of multivesicular over univesicular release increased synaptic strength and enhanced short-term synaptic depression. These results show that the preference of hippocampal boutons to synchronously release one or more vesicles determines the strength and low pass filtering properties of the synapses established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez San Segundo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatrice Terni
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Artur Llobet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Malagon G, Myeong J, Klyachko VA. Two forms of asynchronous release with distinctive spatiotemporal dynamics in central synapses. eLife 2023; 12:e84041. [PMID: 37166282 PMCID: PMC10174687 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84041] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Asynchronous release is a ubiquitous form of neurotransmitter release that persists for tens to hundreds of milliseconds after an action potential. How asynchronous release is organized and regulated at the synaptic active zone (AZ) remains debatable. Using nanoscale-precision imaging of individual release events in rat hippocampal synapses, we observed two spatially distinct subpopulations of asynchronous events, ~75% of which occurred inside the AZ and with a bias towards the AZ center, while ~25% occurred outside of the functionally defined AZ, that is, ectopically. The two asynchronous event subpopulations also differed from each other in temporal properties, with ectopic events occurring at significantly longer time intervals from synchronous events than the asynchronous events inside the AZ. Both forms of asynchronous release did not, to a large extent, utilize the same release sites as synchronous events. The two asynchronous event subpopulations also differ from synchronous events in some aspects of exo-endocytosis coupling, particularly in the contribution from the fast calcium-dependent endocytosis. These results identify two subpopulations of asynchronous release events with distinctive organization and spatiotemporal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Malagon
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Jongyun Myeong
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Vitaly A Klyachko
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
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20
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Fomitcheva IV, Sword J, Shi Y, Kirov SA. Plasticity of perisynaptic astroglia during ischemia-induced spreading depolarization. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:5469-5483. [PMID: 36368909 PMCID: PMC10152098 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High astroglial capacity for glutamate and potassium clearance aids in recovering spreading depolarization (SD)-evoked disturbance of ion homeostasis during stroke. Since perisynaptic astroglia cannot be imaged with diffraction-limited light microscopy, nothing is known about the impact of SD on the ultrastructure of a tripartite synapse. We used serial section electron microscopy to assess astroglial synaptic coverage in the sensorimotor cortex of urethane-anesthetized male and female mice during and after SD evoked by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. At the subcellular level, astroglial mitochondria were remarkably resilient to SD compared to dendritic mitochondria that were fragmented by SD. Overall, 482 synapses in `Sham' during `SD' and `Recovery' groups were randomly selected and analyzed in 3D. Perisynaptic astroglia was present at the axon-spine interface (ASI) during SD and after recovery. Astrocytic processes were more likely found at large synapses on mushroom spines after recovery, while the length of the ASI perimeter surrounded by astroglia has also significantly increased at large synapses. These findings suggest that as larger synapses have a bigger capacity for neurotransmitter release during SD, they attract astroglial processes to their perimeter during recovery, limiting extrasynaptic glutamate escape and further enhancing the astrocytic ability to protect synapses in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioulia V Fomitcheva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Jeremy Sword
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
- Division of Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sergei A Kirov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
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21
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Kawahara M, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Dietary Trace Elements and the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:2067. [PMID: 37432185 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) are absorbed from food via the gastrointestinal tract, transported into the brain, and play central roles in normal brain functions. An excess of these trace elements often produces reactive oxygen species and damages the brain. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that the dyshomeostasis of these metals is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, and Lewy body diseases. The disease-related amyloidogenic proteins can regulate metal homeostasis at the synapses, and thus loss of the protective functions of these amyloidogenic proteins causes neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, metal-induced conformational changes of the amyloidogenic proteins contribute to enhancing their neurotoxicity. Moreover, excess Zn and Cu play central roles in the pathogenesis of vascular-type senile dementia. Here, we present an overview of the intake, absorption, and transport of four essential elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and one non-essential element (aluminum: Al) in food and their connections with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases based on metal-protein, and metal-metal cross-talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Midori Kato-Negishi
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
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22
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Cheung G, Chever O, Rollenhagen A, Quenech'du N, Ezan P, Lübke JHR, Rouach N. Astroglial Connexin 43 Regulates Synaptic Vesicle Release at Hippocampal Synapses. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081133. [PMID: 37190042 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43, an astroglial gap junction protein, is enriched in perisynaptic astroglial processes and plays major roles in synaptic transmission. We have previously found that astroglial Cx43 controls synaptic glutamate levels and allows for activity-dependent glutamine release to sustain physiological synaptic transmissions and cognitiogns. However, whether Cx43 is important for the release of synaptic vesicles, which is a critical component of synaptic efficacy, remains unanswered. Here, using transgenic mice with a glial conditional knockout of Cx43 (Cx43-/-), we investigate whether and how astrocytes regulate the release of synaptic vesicles from hippocampal synapses. We report that CA1 pyramidal neurons and their synapses develop normally in the absence of astroglial Cx43. However, a significant impairment in synaptic vesicle distribution and release dynamics were observed. In particular, the FM1-43 assays performed using two-photon live imaging and combined with multi-electrode array stimulation in acute hippocampal slices, revealed a slower rate of synaptic vesicle release in Cx43-/- mice. Furthermore, paired-pulse recordings showed that synaptic vesicle release probability was also reduced and is dependent on glutamine supply via Cx43 hemichannel (HC). Taken together, we have uncovered a role for Cx43 in regulating presynaptic functions by controlling the rate and probability of synaptic vesicle release. Our findings further highlight the significance of astroglial Cx43 in synaptic transmission and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Cheung
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Astrid Rollenhagen
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Center Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Translational Brain Medicine, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Quenech'du
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Joachim H R Lübke
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Center Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Translational Brain Medicine, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
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23
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Cook DC, Ryan TA. GABA BR silencing of nerve terminals. eLife 2023; 12:e83530. [PMID: 37014052 PMCID: PMC10115440 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83530] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of neurotransmission efficacy is central to theories of how the brain computes and stores information. Presynaptic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critical in this problem as they locally influence synaptic strength and can operate on a wide range of time scales. Among the mechanisms by which GPCRs impact neurotransmission is by inhibiting voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) influx in the active zone. Here, using quantitative analysis of both single bouton Ca2+ influx and exocytosis, we uncovered an unexpected non-linear relationship between the magnitude of action potential driven Ca2+ influx and the concentration of external Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). We find that this unexpected relationship is leveraged by GPCR signaling when operating at the nominal physiological set point for [Ca2+]e, 1.2 mM, to achieve complete silencing of nerve terminals. These data imply that the information throughput in neural circuits can be readily modulated in an all-or-none fashion at the single synapse level when operating at the physiological set point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Cook
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Timothy A Ryan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
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24
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Rothman JS, Borges-Merjane C, Holderith N, Jonas P, Silver RA. Validation of a stereological method for estimating particle size and density from 2D projections with high accuracy. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277148. [PMID: 36930689 PMCID: PMC10022809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stereological methods for estimating the 3D particle size and density from 2D projections are essential to many research fields. These methods are, however, prone to errors arising from undetected particle profiles due to sectioning and limited resolution, known as 'lost caps'. A potential solution developed by Keiding, Jensen, and Ranek in 1972, which we refer to as the Keiding model, accounts for lost caps by quantifying the smallest detectable profile in terms of its limiting 'cap angle' (ϕ), a size-independent measure of a particle's distance from the section surface. However, this simple solution has not been widely adopted nor tested. Rather, model-independent design-based stereological methods, which do not explicitly account for lost caps, have come to the fore. Here, we provide the first experimental validation of the Keiding model by comparing the size and density of particles estimated from 2D projections with direct measurement from 3D EM reconstructions of the same tissue. We applied the Keiding model to estimate the size and density of somata, nuclei and vesicles in the cerebellum of mice and rats, where high packing density can be problematic for design-based methods. Our analysis reveals a Gaussian distribution for ϕ rather than a single value. Nevertheless, curve fits of the Keiding model to the 2D diameter distribution accurately estimate the mean ϕ and 3D diameter distribution. While systematic testing using simulations revealed an upper limit to determining ϕ, our analysis shows that estimated ϕ can be used to determine the 3D particle density from the 2D density under a wide range of conditions, and this method is potentially more accurate than minimum-size-based lost-cap corrections and disector methods. Our results show the Keiding model provides an efficient means of accurately estimating the size and density of particles from 2D projections even under conditions of a high density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Seth Rothman
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Noemi Holderith
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Jonas
- Cellular Neuroscience, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - R. Angus Silver
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Salmon CK, Syed TA, Kacerovsky JB, Alivodej N, Schober AL, Sloan TFW, Pratte MT, Rosen MP, Green M, Chirgwin-Dasgupta A, Mehta S, Jilani A, Wang Y, Vali H, Mandato CA, Siddiqi K, Murai KK. Organizing principles of astrocytic nanoarchitecture in the mouse cerebral cortex. Curr Biol 2023; 33:957-972.e5. [PMID: 36805126 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly understood to be important regulators of central nervous system (CNS) function in health and disease; yet, we have little quantitative understanding of their complex architecture. While broad categories of astrocytic structures are known, the discrete building blocks that compose them, along with their geometry and organizing principles, are poorly understood. Quantitative investigation of astrocytic complexity is impeded by the absence of high-resolution datasets and robust computational approaches to analyze these intricate cells. To address this, we produced four ultra-high-resolution datasets of mouse cerebral cortex using serial electron microscopy and developed astrocyte-tailored computer vision methods for accurate structural analysis. We unearthed specific anatomical building blocks, structural motifs, connectivity hubs, and hierarchical organizations of astrocytes. Furthermore, we found that astrocytes interact with discrete clusters of synapses and that astrocytic mitochondria are distributed to lie closer to larger clusters of synapses. Our findings provide a geometrically principled, quantitative understanding of astrocytic nanoarchitecture and point to an unexpected level of complexity in how astrocytes interact with CNS microanatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Salmon
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Tabish A Syed
- School of Computer Science and Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada; MILA - Québec AI Institute, 6666 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montreal, QC H2S 3H1, Canada
| | - J Benjamin Kacerovsky
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Nensi Alivodej
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Alexandra L Schober
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | | | - Michael T Pratte
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Michael P Rosen
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Miranda Green
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Adario Chirgwin-Dasgupta
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Shaurya Mehta
- School of Computer Science and Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
| | - Affan Jilani
- School of Computer Science and Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
| | - Yanan Wang
- School of Computer Science and Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
| | - Hojatollah Vali
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Craig A Mandato
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, 3640 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Kaleem Siddiqi
- School of Computer Science and Centre for Intelligent Machines, McGill University, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada; MILA - Québec AI Institute, 6666 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montreal, QC H2S 3H1, Canada.
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
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26
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Krishnan S, Klingauf J. The readily retrievable pool of synaptic vesicles. Biol Chem 2023; 404:385-397. [PMID: 36867726 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
In the CNS communication between neurons occurs at synapses by secretion of neurotransmitter via exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs) at the active zone. Given the limited number of SVs in presynaptic boutons a fast and efficient recycling of exocytosed membrane and proteins by triggered compensatory endocytosis is required to maintain neurotransmission. Thus, pre-synapses feature a unique tight coupling of exo- and endocytosis in time and space resulting in the reformation of SVs with uniform morphology and well-defined molecular composition. This rapid response requires early stages of endocytosis at the peri-active zone to be well choreographed to ensure reformation of SVs with high fidelity. The pre-synapse can address this challenge by a specialized membrane microcompartment, where a pre-sorted and pre-assembled readily retrievable pool (RRetP) of endocytic membrane patches is formed, consisting of the vesicle cargo, presumably bound within a nucleated Clathrin and adaptor complex. This review considers evidence for the RRetP microcompartment to be the primary organizer of presynaptic triggered compensatory endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Krishnan
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Münster, Robert-Koch Strasse 31, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jürgen Klingauf
- Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Münster, Robert-Koch Strasse 31, D-48149, Münster, Germany.,Center for Soft Nanoscience, Busso-Peus Strasse 10, D-48149, Münster, Germany
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27
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Wildenberg G, Li H, Kasthuri N. The Development of Synapses in Mouse and Macaque Primary Sensory Cortices. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528564. [PMID: 36824798 PMCID: PMC9949058 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
We report that the rate of synapse development in primary sensory cortices of mice and macaques is unrelated to lifespan, as was previously thought. We analyzed 28,084 synapses over multiple developmental time points in both species and find, instead, that net excitatory synapse development of mouse and macaque neurons primarily increased at similar rates in the first few postnatal months, and then decreased over a span of 1-1.5 years of age. The development of inhibitory synapses differed qualitatively across species. In macaques, net inhibitory synapses first increase and then decrease on excitatory soma at similar ages as excitatory synapses. In mice, however, such synapses are added throughout life. These findings contradict the long-held belief that the cycle of synapse formation and pruning occurs earlier in shorter-lived animals. Instead, our results suggest more nuanced rules, with the development of different types of synapses following different timing rules or different trajectories across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg Wildenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division
| | - Hanyu Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division
| | - Narayanan Kasthuri
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago
- Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division
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28
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Wu X, Qiu H, Zhang M. Interactions between Membraneless Condensates and Membranous Organelles at the Presynapse: A Phase Separation View of Synaptic Vesicle Cycle. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167629. [PMID: 35595170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in presynaptic boutons involves coordinated actions of a large list of proteins that are associated directly or indirectly with membrane structures including synaptic vesicles and plasma membranes. These proteins are often highly abundant in different synaptic bouton sub-compartments, and they rarely act alone. Instead, these proteins interact with each other forming intricate and distinct molecular complexes. Many of these complexes form condensed clusters on membrane surfaces. This review summarizes findings in recent years showing that many of presynaptic protein complex assemblies are formed via phase separation. These protein condensates extensively interact with lipid membranes via distinct modes, forming various mesoscale structures by different mode of organizations between membraneless condensates and membranous organelles. We discuss that such mesoscale interactions could have deep implications on mobilization, exocytosis, and retrieval of synaptic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiandeng Wu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hua Qiu
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518036, China; School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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29
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Palfreyman MT, West SE, Jorgensen EM. SNARE Proteins in Synaptic Vesicle Fusion. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:63-118. [PMID: 37615864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are stored in small membrane-bound vesicles at synapses; a subset of synaptic vesicles is docked at release sites. Fusion of docked vesicles with the plasma membrane releases neurotransmitters. Membrane fusion at synapses, as well as all trafficking steps of the secretory pathway, is mediated by SNARE proteins. The SNAREs are the minimal fusion machinery. They zipper from N-termini to membrane-anchored C-termini to form a 4-helix bundle that forces the apposed membranes to fuse. At synapses, the SNAREs comprise a single helix from syntaxin and synaptobrevin; SNAP-25 contributes the other two helices to complete the bundle. Unc13 mediates synaptic vesicle docking and converts syntaxin into the permissive "open" configuration. The SM protein, Unc18, is required to initiate and proofread SNARE assembly. The SNAREs are then held in a half-zippered state by synaptotagmin and complexin. Calcium removes the synaptotagmin and complexin block, and the SNAREs drive vesicle fusion. After fusion, NSF and alpha-SNAP unwind the SNAREs and thereby recharge the system for further rounds of fusion. In this chapter, we will describe the discovery of the SNAREs, their relevant structural features, models for their function, and the central role of Unc18. In addition, we will touch upon the regulation of SNARE complex formation by Unc13, complexin, and synaptotagmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Palfreyman
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sam E West
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erik M Jorgensen
- School of Biological Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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30
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Heck N, Santos MD. Dendritic Spines in Learning and Memory: From First Discoveries to Current Insights. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:311-348. [PMID: 37962799 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system is composed of neural ensembles, and their activity patterns are neural correlates of cognitive functions. Those ensembles are networks of neurons connected to each other by synapses. Most neurons integrate synaptic signal through a remarkable subcellular structure called spine. Dendritic spines are protrusions whose diverse shapes make them appear as a specific neuronal compartment, and they have been the focus of studies for more than a century. Soon after their first description by Ramón y Cajal, it has been hypothesized that spine morphological changes could modify neuronal connectivity and sustain cognitive abilities. Later studies demonstrated that changes in spine density and morphology occurred in experience-dependent plasticity during development, and in clinical cases of mental retardation. This gave ground for the assumption that dendritic spines are the particular locus of cerebral plasticity. With the discovery of synaptic long-term potentiation, a research program emerged with the aim to establish whether dendritic spine plasticity could explain learning and memory. The development of live imaging methods revealed on the one hand that dendritic spine remodeling is compatible with learning process and, on the other hand, that their long-term stability is compatible with lifelong memories. Furthermore, the study of the mechanisms of spine growth and maintenance shed new light on the rules of plasticity. In behavioral paradigms of memory, spine formation or elimination and morphological changes were found to correlate with learning. In a last critical step, recent experiments have provided evidence that dendritic spines play a causal role in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Heck
- Laboratory Neurosciences Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Uchigashima M, Hayashi Y, Futai K. Regulation of Presynaptic Release Machinery by Cell Adhesion Molecules. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:333-356. [PMID: 37615873 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The synapse is a highly specialized asymmetric structure that transmits and stores information in the brain. The size of pre- and postsynaptic structures and function is well coordinated at the individual synapse level. For example, large postsynaptic dendritic spines have a larger postsynaptic density with higher α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) number on their surface, while juxtaposing presynaptic terminals have a larger active zone and higher release probability. This indicates that pre- and postsynaptic domains bidirectionally communicate to coordinate assembly of specific molecules on both sides of the synaptic cleft. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that localize at synapses form transsynaptic protein interactions across the synaptic cleft and play important roles in synapse formation and regulation. The extracellular domain of CAMs is essential for specific synapse formation and function. In contrast, the intracellular domain is necessary for binding with synaptic molecules and signal transduction. Therefore, CAMs play an essential role on synapse function and structure. In fact, ample evidence indicates that transsynaptic CAMs instruct and modulate functions at presynaptic sites. This chapter focuses on transsynaptic protein interactions that regulate presynaptic functions emphasizing the role of neuronal CAMs and the intracellular mechanism of their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motokazu Uchigashima
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yasunori Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Futai
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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32
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Flores-Muñoz C, García-Rojas F, Pérez MA, Santander O, Mery E, Ordenes S, Illanes-González J, López-Espíndola D, González-Jamett AM, Fuenzalida M, Martínez AD, Ardiles ÁO. The Long-Term Pannexin 1 Ablation Produces Structural and Functional Modifications in Hippocampal Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223646. [PMID: 36429074 PMCID: PMC9688914 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced activity and overexpression of Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels contribute to neuronal pathologies such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Panx1 channel ablation alters the hippocampus's glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and memory flexibility. Nevertheless, Panx1-knockout (Panx1-KO) mice still retain the ability to learn, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms stabilize their neuronal activity. Here, we show that the absence of Panx1 in the adult brain promotes a series of structural and functional modifications in the Panx1-KO hippocampal synapses, preserving spontaneous activity. Compared to the wild-type (WT) condition, the adult hippocampal neurons of Panx1-KO mice exhibit enhanced excitability, a more complex dendritic branching, enhanced spine maturation, and an increased proportion of multiple synaptic contacts. These modifications seem to rely on the actin-cytoskeleton dynamics as an increase in the actin polymerization and an imbalance between the Rac1 and the RhoA GTPase activities were observed in Panx1-KO brain tissues. Our findings highlight a novel interaction between Panx1 channels, actin, and Rho GTPases, which appear to be relevant for synapse stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Flores-Muñoz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Centro de Neurología Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2341386, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Francisca García-Rojas
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología integrativa, CENFI, Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Miguel A. Pérez
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología integrativa, CENFI, Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar 2572007, Chile
| | - Odra Santander
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología integrativa, CENFI, Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Elena Mery
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Centro de Neurología Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2341386, Chile
| | - Stefany Ordenes
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Centro de Neurología Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2341386, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Javiera Illanes-González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Centro de Neurología Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2341386, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, Mención Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Daniela López-Espíndola
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2529002, Chile
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2529002, Chile
| | - Arlek M. González-Jamett
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Marco Fuenzalida
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología integrativa, CENFI, Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (A.D.M.); (Á.O.A.)
| | - Agustín D. Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (A.D.M.); (Á.O.A.)
| | - Álvaro O. Ardiles
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Centro de Neurología Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2341386, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de estudios en salud, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2572007, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (A.D.M.); (Á.O.A.)
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33
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Brunskine C, Passlick S, Henneberger C. Structural Heterogeneity of the GABAergic Tripartite Synapse. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193150. [PMID: 36231112 PMCID: PMC9563275 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of the tripartite synapse describes the close interaction of pre- and postsynaptic elements and the surrounding astrocyte processes. For glutamatergic synapses, it is established that the presence of astrocytic processes and their structural arrangements varies considerably between and within brain regions and between synapses of the same neuron. In contrast, less is known about the organization of astrocytic processes at GABAergic synapses although bi-directional signaling is known to exist at these synapses too. Therefore, we established super-resolution expansion microscopy of GABAergic synapses and nearby astrocytic processes in the stratum radiatum of the mouse hippocampal CA1 region. By visualizing the presynaptic vesicular GABA transporter and the postsynaptic clustering protein gephyrin, we documented the subsynaptic heterogeneity of GABAergic synaptic contacts. We then compared the volume distribution of astrocytic processes near GABAergic synapses between individual synapses and with glutamatergic synapses. We made two novel observations. First, astrocytic processes were more abundant at the GABAergic synapses with large postsynaptic gephyrin clusters. Second, astrocytic processes were less abundant in the vicinity of GABAergic synapses compared to glutamatergic, suggesting that the latter may be selectively approached by astrocytes. Because of the GABA transporter distribution, we also speculate that this specific arrangement enables more efficient re-uptake of GABA into presynaptic terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Brunskine
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Passlick
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence:
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34
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Li C, Wu XJ, Li W. Neuropeptide S promotes maintenance of newly formed dendritic spines and performance improvement after motor learning in mice. Peptides 2022; 156:170860. [PMID: 35970276 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS), an endogenous neuropeptide consisting of 20 amino acids, selectively binds and activates G protein-coupled receptor named neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) to regulate a variety of physiological functions. NPS/NPSR system has been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating learning and memory in rodents. However, it remains unclear that how NPS/NPSR system affects neuronal functions and synaptic plasticity after learning. We found that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPS promoted performance improvement and reduced sleep duration after motor learning, which could be blocked by pre-treatment with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of NPSR antagonist SHA 68. Using intravital two-photon imaging, we examined the effect of NPS on the postsynaptic dendritic spines of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse primary motor cortex after motor learning. We found that i.c.v. injection of NPS strengthened learning-induce new spines and facilitated their survival over time. Furthermore, i.c.v. injection of NPS increased calcium activity of apical dendrites and dendritic spines of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse primary motor cortex during the running period. These findings suggest that activation of NPSR by NPS increases synaptic calcium activity and learning-related synapse maintenance, thereby contributing to performance improvement after motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu-Jun Wu
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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35
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Cheng L, Su Y, Zhi K, Xie Y, Zhang C, Meng X. Conditional deletion of MAD2B in forebrain neurons enhances hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:956029. [PMID: 36212696 PMCID: PMC9538151 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.956029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic arrest deficient 2-like protein 2 (MAD2B) is not only a DNA damage repair agent but also a cell cycle regulator that is widely expressed in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. However, the functions of MAD2B in hippocampal and cerebral cortical neurons are poorly understood. In this study, we crossed MAD2Bflox/flox and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (Camk2a)-Cre mice to conditionally knock out MAD2B in the forebrain pyramidal neurons by the Cre/loxP recombinase system. First, RNA sequencing suggested that the differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex between the WT and the MAD2B cKO mice were related to learning and memory. Then, the results of behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze test, the novel object recognition test, and the contextual fear conditioning experiment, suggested that the learning and memory abilities of the MAD2B cKO mice had improved. Moreover, conditional knockout of MAD2B increased the number of neurons without affecting the number of glial cells in the hippocampal CA1 and the cerebral cortex. At the same time, the number of doublecortin-positive (DCX+) cells was increased in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the MAD2B cKO mice. In addition, as shown by Golgi staining, the MAD2B cKO mice had more mushroom-like and long-like spines than the WT mice. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that spine synapses increased and shaft synapses decreased in the CA1 of the MAD2B cKO mice. Taken together, our findings indicated that MAD2B plays an essential role in regulating learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cheng
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanfang Su
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaining Zhi
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaru Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Chun Zhang
| | - Xianfang Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Xianfang Meng
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36
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Davis LA, Fogarty MJ, Brown A, Sieck GC. Structure and Function of the Mammalian Neuromuscular Junction. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3731-3766. [PMID: 35950651 PMCID: PMC10461538 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprises a presynaptic terminal, a postsynaptic receptor region on the muscle fiber (endplate), and the perisynaptic (terminal) Schwann cell. As with any synapse, the purpose of the NMJ is to transmit signals from the nervous system to muscle fibers. This neural control of muscle fibers is organized as motor units, which display distinct structural and functional phenotypes including differences in pre- and postsynaptic elements of NMJs. Motor units vary considerably in the frequency of their activation (both motor neuron discharge rate and duration/duty cycle), force generation, and susceptibility to fatigue. For earlier and more frequently recruited motor units, the structure and function of the activated NMJs must have high fidelity to ensure consistent activation and continued contractile response to sustain vital motor behaviors (e.g., breathing and postural balance). Similarly, for higher force less frequent behaviors (e.g., coughing and jumping), the structure and function of recruited NMJs must ensure short-term reliable activation but not activation sustained for a prolonged period in which fatigue may occur. The NMJ is highly plastic, changing structurally and functionally throughout the life span from embryonic development to old age. The NMJ also changes under pathological conditions including acute and chronic disease. Such neuroplasticity often varies across motor unit types. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-36, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A. Davis
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew J. Fogarty
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alyssa Brown
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gary C. Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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37
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Randomly fluctuating neural connections may implement a consolidation mechanism that explains classic memory laws. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13423. [PMID: 35927567 PMCID: PMC9352731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17639-5] [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: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
How can we reconcile the massive fluctuations in neural connections with a stable long-term memory? Two-photon microscopy studies have revealed that large portions of neural connections (spines, synapses) are unexpectedly active, changing unpredictably over time. This appears to invalidate the main assumption underlying the majority of memory models in cognitive neuroscience, which rely on stable connections that retain information over time. Here, we show that such random fluctuations may in fact implement a type of memory consolidation mechanism with a stable very long-term memory that offers novel explanations for several classic memory 'laws', namely Jost's Law (1897: superiority of spaced learning) and Ribot's Law (1881: loss of recent memories in retrograde amnesia), for which a common neural basis has been postulated but not established, as well as other general 'laws' of learning and forgetting. We show how these phenomena emerge naturally from massively fluctuating neural connections.
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Adeoye T, Shah SI, Demuro A, Rabson DA, Ullah G. Upregulated Ca 2+ Release from the Endoplasmic Reticulum Leads to Impaired Presynaptic Function in Familial Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:2167. [PMID: 35883609 PMCID: PMC9315668 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals is primarily regulated by rapid Ca2+ influx through membrane-resident voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Moreover, accumulating evidence indicates that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is extensively present in axonal terminals of neurons and plays a modulatory role in synaptic transmission by regulating Ca2+ levels. Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is marked by enhanced Ca2+ release from the ER and downregulation of Ca2+ buffering proteins. However, the precise consequence of impaired Ca2+ signaling within the vicinity of VGCCs (active zone (AZ)) on exocytosis is poorly understood. Here, we perform in silico experiments of intracellular Ca2+ signaling and exocytosis in a detailed biophysical model of hippocampal synapses to investigate the effect of aberrant Ca2+ signaling on neurotransmitter release in FAD. Our model predicts that enhanced Ca2+ release from the ER increases the probability of neurotransmitter release in FAD. Moreover, over very short timescales (30-60 ms), the model exhibits activity-dependent and enhanced short-term plasticity in FAD, indicating neuronal hyperactivity-a hallmark of the disease. Similar to previous observations in AD animal models, our model reveals that during prolonged stimulation (~450 ms), pathological Ca2+ signaling increases depression and desynchronization with stimulus, causing affected synapses to operate unreliably. Overall, our work provides direct evidence in support of a crucial role played by altered Ca2+ homeostasis mediated by intracellular stores in FAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Adeoye
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (T.A.); (S.I.S.); (D.A.R.)
| | - Syed I. Shah
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (T.A.); (S.I.S.); (D.A.R.)
| | - Angelo Demuro
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - David A. Rabson
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (T.A.); (S.I.S.); (D.A.R.)
| | - Ghanim Ullah
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; (T.A.); (S.I.S.); (D.A.R.)
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39
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Kawahara M, Tanaka KI, Kato-Negishi M. Crosstalk of copper and zinc in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2022; 71:7-15. [PMID: 35903609 PMCID: PMC9309079 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.22-40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper and zinc are essential for normal brain functions. Both are localized in presynaptic vesicles and are secreted into synaptic clefts during neuronal excitation. Despite their significance, excesses of copper and zinc are neurotoxic. In particular, excess zinc after transient global ischemia plays a central role in the ischemia-induced neurodegeneration and pathogenesis of vascular type senile dementia. We previously found that sub-lethal concentrations of copper remarkably exacerbated zinc-induced neurotoxicity, and we investigated the molecular pathways of copper-enhanced zinc-induced neurotoxicity. The endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, the stress-activated protein kinases/c-Jun amino-terminal kinases pathway, and mitochondrial energy production failure were revealed to be involved in the neurodegenerative processes. Regarding the upstream factors of these pathways, we focused on copper-derived reactive oxygen species and the disruption of calcium homeostasis. Because excess copper and zinc may be present in the synaptic clefts during ischemia, it is possible that secreted copper and copper-induced reactive oxygen species may enhance zinc neurotoxicity and eventually contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular type senile dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Midori Kato-Negishi
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
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40
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Sun SY, Li XW, Cao R, Zhao Y, Sheng N, Tang AH. Correlative Assembly of Subsynaptic Nanoscale Organizations During Development. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:748184. [PMID: 35685244 PMCID: PMC9171000 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.748184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale organization of presynaptic proteins determines the sites of transmitter release, and its alignment with assemblies of postsynaptic receptors through nanocolumns is suggested to optimize the efficiency of synaptic transmission. However, it remains unknown how these nano-organizations are formed during development. In this study, we used super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) imaging technique to systematically analyze the evolvement of subsynaptic organization of three key synaptic proteins, namely, RIM1/2, GluA1, and PSD-95, during synapse maturation in cultured hippocampal neurons. We found that volumes of synaptic clusters and their subsynaptic heterogeneity increase as synapses get matured. Synapse sizes of presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments correlated well at all stages, while only more mature synapses demonstrated a significant correlation between presynaptic and postsynaptic nano-organizations. After a long incubation with an inhibitor of action potentials or AMPA receptors, both presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments showed increased synaptic cluster volume and subsynaptic heterogeneity; however, the trans-synaptic alignment was intact. Together, our results characterize the evolvement of subsynaptic protein architectures during development and demonstrate that the nanocolumn is organized more likely by an intrinsic mechanism and independent of synaptic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yan Sun
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Li
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ran Cao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution in Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Nengyin Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution in Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Nengyin Sheng
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ai-Hui Tang
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41
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Müller JA, Betzin J, Santos-Tejedor J, Mayer A, Oprişoreanu AM, Engholm-Keller K, Paulußen I, Gulakova P, McGovern TD, Gschossman LJ, Schönhense E, Wark JR, Lamprecht A, Becker AJ, Waardenberg AJ, Graham ME, Dietrich D, Schoch S. A presynaptic phosphosignaling hub for lasting homeostatic plasticity. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110696. [PMID: 35443170 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable function of networks requires that synapses adapt their strength to levels of neuronal activity, and failure to do so results in cognitive disorders. How such homeostatic regulation may be implemented in mammalian synapses remains poorly understood. Here we show that the phosphorylation status of several positions of the active-zone (AZ) protein RIM1 are relevant for synaptic glutamate release. Position RIMS1045 is necessary and sufficient for expression of silencing-induced homeostatic plasticity and is kept phosphorylated by serine arginine protein kinase 2 (SRPK2). SRPK2-induced upscaling of synaptic release leads to additional RIM1 nanoclusters and docked vesicles at the AZ and is not observed in the absence of RIM1 and occluded by RIMS1045E. Our data suggest that SRPK2 and RIM1 represent a presynaptic phosphosignaling hub that is involved in the homeostatic balance of synaptic coupling of neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Alexander Müller
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Betzin
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jorge Santos-Tejedor
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annika Mayer
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ana-Maria Oprişoreanu
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kasper Engholm-Keller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Polina Gulakova
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Lena Johanna Gschossman
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Schönhense
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesse R Wark
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ashley J Waardenberg
- Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Smithfield, QLD 4878, Australia; i-Synapse, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark E Graham
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schoch
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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42
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Yu W, Lin L. Modeling and Evaluation of Vesicle Release Mechanisms in Neuro-Spike Communication. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2022; 21:416-424. [PMID: 35436195 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2022.3168027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuro-spike communication (NSC) is a communication method that includes electrical communication process and molecular communication process, which has been investigated extensively in recent years. The vesicle release process has a great influence on the accuracy of NSC systems. So the modeling of the vesicle release process has become a hot spot. There exist different vesicle release mechanisms, including univesicular release (UVR) case, multivesicular release (MVR) case and hybrid vesicle release (HVR) case. When a spike arrives, the UVR case refers to that at most one vesicle can be released. The MVR case refers to that more than one vesicle can be released. The HVR case is a mixed case of the UVR and MVR cases. This paper proposes the modeling of these three vesicle release cases. The theoretical analysis is conducted to compare them in terms of efficiency. Simulations are performed to evaluate the impacts of main vesicle releasing parameters on signal transmission accuracy. The simulation results show that the HVR model can effectively improve the transmission accuracy compared with UVR and MVR models under some conditions.
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Musi CA, Marchini G, Giani A, Tomaselli G, Priori EC, Colnaghi L, Borsello T. Colocalization and Interaction Study of Neuronal JNK3, JIP1, and β-Arrestin2 Together with PSD95. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084113. [PMID: 35456931 PMCID: PMC9024448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are stress-activated serine/threonine protein kinases belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. Among them, JNK3 is selectively expressed in the central nervous system, cardiac smooth muscle, and testis. In addition, it is the most responsive JNK isoform to stress stimuli in the brain, and it is involved in synaptic dysfunction, an essential step in neurodegenerative processes. JNK3 pathway is organized in a cascade of amplification in which signal transduction occurs by stepwise, highly controlled phosphorylation. Since different MAPKs share common upstream activators, pathway specificity is guaranteed by scaffold proteins such as JIP1 and β-arrestin2. To better elucidate the physiological mechanisms regulating JNK3 in neurons, and how these interactions may be involved in synaptic (dys)function, we used (i) super-resolution microscopy to demonstrate the colocalization among JNK3-PSD95-JIP1 and JNK3-PSD95-β-arrestin2 in cultured hippocampal neurons, and (ii) co-immunoprecipitation techniques to show that the two scaffold proteins and JNK3 can be found interacting together with PSD95. The protein-protein interactions that govern the formation of these two complexes, JNK3-PSD95-JIP1 and JNK3-PSD95-β-arrestin2, may be used as targets to interfere with their downstream synaptic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Alice Musi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.A.M.); (G.T.); (E.C.P.)
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giacomo Marchini
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Arianna Giani
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Giovanni Tomaselli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.A.M.); (G.T.); (E.C.P.)
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Erica Cecilia Priori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.A.M.); (G.T.); (E.C.P.)
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- School of Medicine, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.A.M.); (G.T.); (E.C.P.)
- Mario Negri Insitute for Pharmacolgical Research–IRCCS, Via Mario Negri, 2, 20156 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence:
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44
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Barnes CL, Bonnéry D, Cardona A. Synaptic counts approximate synaptic contact area in Drosophila. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266064. [PMID: 35377898 PMCID: PMC8979427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The pattern of synaptic connections among neurons defines the circuit structure, which constrains the computations that a circuit can perform. The strength of synaptic connections is costly to measure yet important for accurate circuit modeling. Synaptic surface area has been shown to correlate with synaptic strength, yet in the emerging field of connectomics, most studies rely instead on the counts of synaptic contacts between two neurons. Here we quantified the relationship between synaptic count and synaptic area as measured from volume electron microscopy of the larval Drosophila central nervous system. We found that the total synaptic surface area, summed across all synaptic contacts from one presynaptic neuron to a postsynaptic one, can be accurately predicted solely from the number of synaptic contacts, for a variety of neurotransmitters. Our findings support the use of synaptic counts for approximating synaptic strength when modeling neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Barnes
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Bonnéry
- Epidemiology and Modelling Group, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Cardona
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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45
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Jiang Y, Li L, Pang K, Liu J, Chen B, Yuan J, Shen L, Chen X, Lu B, Han H. Synaptic degeneration in the prefrontal cortex of a rat AD model revealed by volume electron microscopy. J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6541851. [PMID: 35238943 PMCID: PMC9254871 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Linlin Li
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Keliang Pang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiazheng Liu
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Bohao Chen
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jingbin Yuan
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Lijun Shen
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xi Chen
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hua Han
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.,School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
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46
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Jackson RE, Compans B, Burrone J. Correlative Live-Cell and Super-Resolution Imaging to Link Presynaptic Molecular Organisation With Function. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:830583. [PMID: 35242024 PMCID: PMC8885727 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.830583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Information transfer at synapses occurs when vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release neurotransmitters, which then bind to receptors at the postsynaptic membrane. The process of neurotransmitter release varies dramatically between different synapses, but little is known about how this heterogeneity emerges. The development of super-resolution microscopy has revealed that synaptic proteins are precisely organised within and between the two parts of the synapse and that this precise spatiotemporal organisation fine-tunes neurotransmission. However, it remains unclear if variability in release probability could be attributed to the nanoscale organisation of one or several proteins of the release machinery. To begin to address this question, we have developed a pipeline for correlative functional and super-resolution microscopy, taking advantage of recent technological advancements enabling multicolour imaging. Here we demonstrate the combination of live imaging of SypHy-RGECO, a unique dual reporter that simultaneously measures presynaptic calcium influx and neurotransmitter release, with post hoc immunolabelling and multicolour single molecule localisation microscopy, to investigate the structure-function relationship at individual presynaptic boutons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Jackson
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Compans
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Burrone
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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47
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Takikawa K, Nishimune H. Similarity and Diversity of Presynaptic Molecules at Neuromuscular Junctions and Central Synapses. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020179. [PMID: 35204679 PMCID: PMC8961632 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is essential for controlling motor functions and maintaining brain functions such as walking, breathing, cognition, learning, and memory. Neurotransmitter release is regulated by presynaptic molecules assembled in active zones of presynaptic terminals. The size of presynaptic terminals varies, but the size of a single active zone and the types of presynaptic molecules are highly conserved among neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and central synapses. Three parameters play an important role in the determination of neurotransmitter release properties at NMJs and central excitatory/inhibitory synapses: the number of presynaptic molecular clusters, the protein families of the presynaptic molecules, and the distance between presynaptic molecules and voltage-gated calcium channels. In addition, dysfunction of presynaptic molecules causes clinical symptoms such as motor and cognitive decline in patients with various neurological disorders and during aging. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the functional similarities and differences between excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and summarizes recent findings regarding presynaptic molecules assembled in the active zone. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship between functional alterations of presynaptic molecules and dysfunction of NMJs or central synapses in diseases and during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Takikawa
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Nishimune
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan;
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-8-1 Harumi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8538, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3964-3241
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48
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Newman ZL, Bakshinskaya D, Schultz R, Kenny SJ, Moon S, Aghi K, Stanley C, Marnani N, Li R, Bleier J, Xu K, Isacoff EY. Determinants of synapse diversity revealed by super-resolution quantal transmission and active zone imaging. Nat Commun 2022; 13:229. [PMID: 35017509 PMCID: PMC8752601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27815-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuit function depends on the pattern of synaptic connections between neurons and the strength of those connections. Synaptic strength is determined by both postsynaptic sensitivity to neurotransmitter and the presynaptic probability of action potential evoked transmitter release (Pr). Whereas morphology and neurotransmitter receptor number indicate postsynaptic sensitivity, presynaptic indicators and the mechanism that sets Pr remain to be defined. To address this, we developed QuaSOR, a super-resolution method for determining Pr from quantal synaptic transmission imaging at hundreds of glutamatergic synapses at a time. We mapped the Pr onto super-resolution 3D molecular reconstructions of the presynaptic active zones (AZs) of the same synapses at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). We find that Pr varies greatly between synapses made by a single axon, quantify the contribution of key AZ proteins to Pr diversity and find that one of these, Complexin, suppresses spontaneous and evoked transmission differentially, thereby generating a spatial and quantitative mismatch between release modes. Transmission is thus regulated by the balance and nanoscale distribution of release-enhancing and suppressing presynaptic proteins to generate high signal-to-noise evoked transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary L Newman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Dariya Bakshinskaya
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ryan Schultz
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Samuel J Kenny
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Seonah Moon
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Krisha Aghi
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Cherise Stanley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Nadia Marnani
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rachel Li
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Julia Bleier
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated BioImaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated BioImaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Weill Neurohub, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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49
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Wichmann C, Kuner T. Heterogeneity of glutamatergic synapses: cellular mechanisms and network consequences. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:269-318. [PMID: 34727002 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are commonly known as a structurally and functionally highly diverse class of cell-cell contacts specialized to mediate communication between neurons. They represent the smallest "computational" unit of the brain and are typically divided into excitatory and inhibitory as well as modulatory categories. These categories are subdivided into diverse types, each representing a different structure-function repertoire that in turn are thought to endow neuronal networks with distinct computational properties. The diversity of structure and function found among a given category of synapses is referred to as heterogeneity. The main building blocks for this heterogeneity are synaptic vesicles, the active zone, the synaptic cleft, the postsynaptic density, and glial processes associated with the synapse. Each of these five structural modules entails a distinct repertoire of functions, and their combination specifies the range of functional heterogeneity at mammalian excitatory synapses, which are the focus of this review. We describe synapse heterogeneity that is manifested on different levels of complexity ranging from the cellular morphology of the pre- and postsynaptic cells toward the expression of different protein isoforms at individual release sites. We attempt to define the range of structural building blocks that are used to vary the basic functional repertoire of excitatory synaptic contacts and discuss sources and general mechanisms of synapse heterogeneity. Finally, we explore the possible impact of synapse heterogeneity on neuronal network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
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50
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Chakrabarti R, Jaime Tobón LM, Slitin L, Redondo Canales M, Hoch G, Slashcheva M, Fritsch E, Bodensiek K, Özçete ÖD, Gültas M, Michanski S, Opazo F, Neef J, Pangrsic T, Moser T, Wichmann C. Optogenetics and electron tomography for structure-function analysis of cochlear ribbon synapses. eLife 2022; 11:79494. [PMID: 36562477 PMCID: PMC9908081 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79494] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are specialized to indefatigably transmit sound information at high rates. To understand the underlying mechanisms, structure-function analysis of the active zone (AZ) of these synapses is essential. Previous electron microscopy studies of synaptic vesicle (SV) dynamics at the IHC AZ used potassium stimulation, which limited the temporal resolution to minutes. Here, we established optogenetic IHC stimulation followed by quick freezing within milliseconds and electron tomography to study the ultrastructure of functional synapse states with good temporal resolution in mice. We characterized optogenetic IHC stimulation by patch-clamp recordings from IHCs and postsynaptic boutons revealing robust IHC depolarization and neurotransmitter release. Ultrastructurally, the number of docked SVs increased upon short (17-25 ms) and long (48-76 ms) light stimulation paradigms. We did not observe enlarged SVs or other morphological correlates of homotypic fusion events. Our results indicate a rapid recruitment of SVs to the docked state upon stimulation and suggest that univesicular release prevails as the quantal mechanism of exocytosis at IHC ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rituparna Chakrabarti
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Lina María Jaime Tobón
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Loujin Slitin
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Magdalena Redondo Canales
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Gerhard Hoch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Marina Slashcheva
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Elisabeth Fritsch
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience and Molecular Biosciences, University of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Kai Bodensiek
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Özge Demet Özçete
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Mehmet Gültas
- Faculty of Agriculture, South Westphalia University of Applied SciencesSoestGermany
| | - Susann Michanski
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,NanoTag Biotechnologies GmbHGöttingenGermany,Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Jakob Neef
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Tina Pangrsic
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany,Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany
| | - Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany,Collaborative Research Center 889 "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing"GöttingenGermany,Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable CellsGöttingenGermany
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