Development of vesicle pools during maturation of hippocampal synapses

Spontaneous and evoked synaptic vesicle release arises from a single releasable pool

The quantal content of an evoked postsynaptic response is typically determined by dividing it by the average spontaneous miniature response. However, this approach is challenged by the notion that different synaptic vesicle pools might drive spontaneous and evoked release. Here, we "silence" synaptic vesicles through pharmacological alkalinization and subsequently rescue them by optogenetic acidification. We find that such silenced synaptic vesicles, retrieved during evoked or spontaneous activity, cross-deplete the complementary release mode in a fully reversible manner. A fluorescently tagged version of the endosomal SNARE protein Vti1a, which has been suggested to identify a separate pool of spontaneously recycling synaptic vesicles, is trafficked to synaptic vesicles significantly only upon overexpression but not when endogenously tagged by CRISPR-Cas9. Thus, both release modes draw synaptic vesicles from the same readily releasable pool.

Increased presynaptic excitability in a migraine with aura mutation

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder. The headache and sensory amplifications of migraine are attributed to hyperexcitable sensory circuits, but a detailed understanding remains elusive. A mutation in casein kinase 1 delta (CK1δ) was identified in non-hemiplegic familial migraine with aura and advanced sleep phase syndrome. Mice carrying the CK1δT44A mutation were more susceptible to spreading depolarization (the phenomenon that underlies migraine aura), but mechanisms underlying this migraine-relevant phenotype were not known. We used a combination of whole-cell electrophysiology and multiphoton imaging, in vivo and in brain slices, to compare CK1δT44A mice (adult males) to their wild-type littermates. We found that despite comparable synaptic activity at rest, CK1δT44A neurons were more excitable upon repetitive stimulation than wild-type, with a reduction in presynaptic adaptation at excitatory but not inhibitory synapses. The mechanism of this adaptation deficit was a calcium-dependent enhancement of the size of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles, and a resultant increase in glutamate release, in CK1δT44A compared to wild-type synapses. Consistent with this mechanism, CK1δT44A neurons showed an increase in the cumulative amplitude of excitatory post-synaptic currents, and a higher excitation-to-inhibition ratio during sustained activity compared to wild-type. At a local circuit level, action potential bursts elicited in CK1δT44A neurons triggered an increase in recurrent excitation compared to wild-type, and at a network level, CK1δT44A mice showed a longer duration of 'up state' activity, which is dependent on recurrent excitation. Finally, we demonstrated that the spreading depolarization susceptibility of CK1δT44A mice could be returned to wild-type levels with the same intervention (reduced extracellular calcium) that normalized presynaptic adaptation. Taken together, these findings show a stimulus-dependent presynaptic gain of function at glutamatergic synapses in a genetic model of migraine, that accounts for the increased spreading depolarization susceptibility and may also explain the sensory amplifications that are associated with the disease.

Reduction in hippocampal GABAergic transmission in a low birth weight rat model of depression

Prenatal stress is believed to increase the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depression. Adverse genetic and environmental impacts during early development, such as glucocorticoid hyper-exposure, can lead to changes in the foetal brain, linked to mental illnesses developed in later life. Dysfunction in the GABAergic inhibitory system is associated with depressive disorders. However, the pathophysiology of GABAergic signalling is poorly understood in mood disorders. Here, we investigated GABAergic neurotransmission in the low birth weight (LBW) rat model of depression. Pregnant rats, exposed to dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, during the last week of gestation, yielded LBW offspring showing anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour in adulthood. Patch-clamp recordings from dentate gyrus granule cells in brain slices were used to examine phasic and tonic GABAA receptor-mediated currents. The transcriptional levels of selected genes associated with synaptic vesicle proteins and GABAergic neurotransmission were investigated. The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSC) was similar in control and LBW rats. Using a paired-pulse protocol to stimulate GABAergic fibres impinging onto granule cells, we found indications of decreased probability of GABA release in LBW rats. However, tonic GABAergic currents and miniature IPSCs, reflecting quantal vesicle release, appeared normal. Additionally, we found elevated expression levels of two presynaptic proteins, Snap-25 and Scamp2, components of the vesicle release machinery. The results suggest that altered GABA release may be an essential feature in the depressive-like phenotype of LBW rats.

S-SCAM is essential for synapse formation

Synapse formation is critical for the wiring of neural circuits in the developing brain. The synaptic scaffolding protein S-SCAM/MAGI-2 has important roles in the assembly of signaling complexes at post-synaptic densities. However, the role of S-SCAM in establishing the entire synapse is not known. Here, we report significant effects of RNAi-induced S-SCAM knockdown on the number of synapses in early stages of network development in vitro. In vivo knockdown during the first three postnatal weeks reduced the number of dendritic spines in the rat brain neocortex. Knockdown of S-SCAM in cultured hippocampal neurons severely reduced the clustering of both pre- and post-synaptic components. This included synaptic vesicle proteins, pre- and post-synaptic scaffolding proteins, and cell adhesion molecules, suggesting that entire synapses fail to form. Correspondingly, functional and morphological characteristics of developing neurons were affected by reducing S-SCAM protein levels; neurons displayed severely impaired synaptic transmission and reduced dendritic arborization. A next-generation sequencing approach showed normal expression of housekeeping genes but changes in expression levels in 39 synaptic signaling molecules in cultured neurons. These results indicate that S-SCAM mediates the recruitment of all key classes of synaptic molecules during synapse assembly and is critical for the development of neural circuits in the developing brain.

Different mechanisms of synapsin-induced vesicle clustering at inhibitory and excitatory synapses

Synapsins cluster synaptic vesicles (SVs) to provide a reserve pool (RP) of SVs that maintains synaptic transmission during sustained activity. However, it is unclear how synapsins cluster SVs. Here we show that either liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) or tetramerization-dependent cross-linking can cluster SVs, depending on whether a synapse is excitatory or inhibitory. Cell-free reconstitution reveals that both mechanisms can cluster SVs, with tetramerization being more effective. At inhibitory synapses, perturbing synapsin-dependent LLPS impairs SV clustering and synchronization of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release, while preventing synapsin tetramerization does not. At glutamatergic synapses, the opposite is true: synapsin tetramerization enhances clustering of glutamatergic SVs and mobilization of these SVs from the RP, while synapsin LLPS does not. Comparison of inhibitory and excitatory transmission during prolonged synaptic activity reveals that synapsin LLPS serves as a brake to limit GABA release, while synapsin tetramerization enables rapid mobilization of SVs from the RP to sustain glutamate release.

Neurotransmitter release progressively desynchronizes in induced human neurons during synapse maturation and aging

Rapid release of neurotransmitters in synchrony with action potentials is considered a key hardwired property of synapses. Here, in glutamatergic synapses formed between induced human neurons, we show that action potential-dependent neurotransmitter release becomes progressively desynchronized as synapses mature and age. In this solely excitatory network, the emergence of NMDAR-mediated transmission elicits endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to downregulation of key presynaptic molecules, synaptotagmin-1 and cysteine string protein α, that synchronize neurotransmitter release. The emergence of asynchronous release with neuronal maturity and subsequent aging is maintained by the high-affinity Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-7 and suppressed by the introduction of GABAergic transmission into the network, inhibition of NMDARs, and ER stress. These results suggest that long-term disruption of excitation-inhibition balance affects the synchrony of excitatory neurotransmission in human synapses.

Mechanisms Underlying the Recruitment of Inhibitory Interneurons in Fictive Swimming in Developing Xenopus laevis Tadpoles

Developing spinal circuits generate patterned motor outputs while many neurons with high membrane resistances are still maturing. In the spinal cord of hatchling frog tadpoles of unknown sex, we found that the firing reliability in swimming of inhibitory interneurons with commissural and ipsilateral ascending axons was negatively correlated with their cellular membrane resistance. Further analyses showed that neurons with higher resistances had outward rectifying properties, low firing thresholds, and little delay in firing evoked by current injections. Input synaptic currents these neurons received during swimming, either compound, unitary current amplitudes, or unitary synaptic current numbers, were scaled with their membrane resistances, but their own synaptic outputs were correlated with membrane resistances of their postsynaptic partners. Analyses of neuronal dendritic and axonal lengths and their activities in swimming and cellular input resistances did not reveal a clear correlation pattern. Incorporating these electrical and synaptic properties into a computer swimming model produced robust swimming rhythms, whereas randomizing input synaptic strengths led to the breakdown of swimming rhythms, coupled with less synchronized spiking in the inhibitory interneurons. We conclude that the recruitment of these developing interneurons in swimming can be predicted by cellular input resistances, but the order is opposite to the motor-strength-based recruitment scheme depicted by Henneman's size principle. This form of recruitment/integration order in development before the emergence of refined motor control is progressive potentially with neuronal acquisition of mature electrical and synaptic properties, among which the scaling of input synaptic strengths with cellular input resistance plays a critical role.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mechanisms on how interneurons are recruited to participate in circuit function in developing neuronal systems are rarely investigated. In 2-d-old frog tadpole spinal cord, we found the recruitment of inhibitory interneurons in swimming is inversely correlated with cellular input resistances, opposite to the motor-strength-based recruitment order depicted by Henneman's size principle. Further analyses showed the amplitude of synaptic inputs that neurons received during swimming was inversely correlated with cellular input resistances. Randomizing/reversing the relation between input synaptic strengths and membrane resistances in modeling broke down swimming rhythms. Therefore, the recruitment or integration of these interneurons is conditional on the acquisition of several electrical and synaptic properties including the scaling of input synaptic strengths with cellular input resistances.

Munc13 supports fusogenicity of non-docked vesicles at synapses with disrupted active zones

Active zones consist of protein scaffolds that are tightly attached to the presynaptic plasma membrane. They dock and prime synaptic vesicles, couple them to voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, and direct neurotransmitter release toward postsynaptic receptor domains. Simultaneous RIM + ELKS ablation disrupts these scaffolds, abolishes vesicle docking, and removes active zone-targeted Munc13, but some vesicles remain releasable. To assess whether this enduring vesicular fusogenicity is mediated by non-active zone-anchored Munc13 or is Munc13-independent, we ablated Munc13-1 and Munc13-2 in addition to RIM + ELKS in mouse hippocampal neurons. The hextuple knockout synapses lacked docked vesicles, but other ultrastructural features were near-normal despite the strong genetic manipulation. Removing Munc13 in addition to RIM + ELKS impaired action potential-evoked vesicle fusion more strongly than RIM + ELKS knockout by further decreasing the releasable vesicle pool. Hence, Munc13 can support some fusogenicity without RIM and ELKS, and presynaptic recruitment of Munc13, even without active zone anchoring, suffices to generate some fusion-competent vesicles.

MeCP2 loss-of-function dysregulates microRNAs regionally and disrupts excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission balance

Rett syndrome is a leading cause of intellectual disability in females primarily caused by loss of function mutations in the transcriptional regulator MeCP2. Loss of MeCP2 leads to a host of synaptic phenotypes that are believed to underlie Rett syndrome pathophysiology. Synaptic deficits vary by brain region upon MeCP2 loss, suggesting distinct molecular alterations leading to disparate synaptic outcomes. In this study, we examined the contribution of MeCP2's newly described role in miRNA regulation to regional molecular and synaptic impairments. Two miRNAs, miR-101a and miR-203, were identified and confirmed as upregulated in MeCP2 KO mice in the hippocampus and cortex, respectively. miR-101a overexpression in hippocampal cultures led to opposing effects at excitatory and inhibitory synapses and in spontaneous and evoked neurotransmission, revealing the potential for a single miRNA to broadly regulate synapse function in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of regional alterations in miRNA expression and the specific impact on synaptic function with potential implications for Rett syndrome.

Neuroligin-1 mediates presynaptic maturation through brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling

Background

Maturation is a process that allows synapses to acquire full functionality, optimizing their activity to diverse neural circuits, and defects in synaptic maturation may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuroligin-1 (NL1) is a postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule essential for synapse maturation, a role typically attributed to binding to pre-synaptic ligands, the neurexins. However, the pathways underlying the action of NL1 in synaptic maturation are incompletely understood, and some of its previously observed effects seem reminiscent of those described for the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here, we show that maturational increases in active zone stability and synaptic vesicle recycling rely on the joint action of NL1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Results

Applying BDNF to hippocampal neurons in primary cultures or organotypical slice cultures mimicked the effects of overexpressing NL1 on both structural and functional maturation. Overexpressing a NL1 mutant deficient in neurexin binding still induced presynaptic maturation. Like NL1, BDNF increased synaptic vesicle recycling and the augmentation of transmitter release by phorbol esters, both hallmarks of presynaptic maturation. Mimicking the effects of NL1, BDNF also increased the half-life of the active zone marker bassoon at synapses, reflecting increased active zone stability. Overexpressing NL1 increased the expression and synaptic accumulation of BDNF. Inhibiting BDNF signaling pharmacologically or genetically prevented the effects of NL1 on presynaptic maturation. Applying BDNF to NL1-knockout mouse cultures rescued defective presynaptic maturation, indicating that BDNF acts downstream of NL1 and can restore presynaptic maturation at late stages of network development.

Conclusions

Our data introduce BDNF as a novel and essential component in a transsynaptic pathway linking NL1-mediated cell adhesion, neurotrophin action, and presynaptic maturation. Our findings connect synaptic cell adhesion and neurotrophin signaling and may provide a therapeutic approach to neurodevelopmental disorders by targeting synapse maturation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01145-7.

Presynaptic store-operated Ca2+ entry drives excitatory spontaneous neurotransmission and augments endoplasmic reticulum stress

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is activated by depletion of Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mediated by stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins. Here, we show that in rat and mouse hippocampal neurons, acute ER Ca²⁺ depletion increases presynaptic Ca²⁺ levels and glutamate release through a pathway dependent on STIM2 and the synaptic Ca²⁺ sensor synaptotagmin-7 (syt7). In contrast, synaptotagmin-1 (syt1) can suppress SOCE-mediated spontaneous release, and STIM2 is required for the increase in spontaneous release seen during syt1 loss of function. We also demonstrate that chronic ER stress activates the same pathway leading to syt7-dependent potentiation of spontaneous glutamate release. During ER stress, inhibition of SOCE or syt7-driven fusion partially restored basal neurotransmission and decreased expression of pro-apoptotic markers, indicating that these processes participate in the amplification of ER-stress-related damage. Taken together, we propose that presynaptic SOCE links ER stress and augmented spontaneous neurotransmission, which may, in turn, facilitate neurodegeneration.

Recordings from neuron-HEK cell cocultures reveal the determinants of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents

Spontaneous exocytosis of single synaptic vesicles generates miniature synaptic currents, which provide a window into the dynamic control of synaptic transmission. To resolve the impact of different factors on the dynamics and variability of synaptic transmission, we recorded miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) from cocultures of mouse hippocampal neurons with HEK cells expressing the postsynaptic proteins GluA2, neuroligin 1, PSD-95, and stargazin. Synapses between neurons and these heterologous cells have a molecularly defined postsynaptic apparatus, while the compact morphology of HEK cells eliminates the distorting effect of dendritic filtering. HEK cells in coculture produced mEPSCs with a higher frequency, larger amplitude, and more rapid rise and decay than neurons from the same culture. However, mEPSC area indicated that nerve terminals in synapses with both neurons and HEK cells release similar populations of vesicles. Modulation by the glutamate receptor ligand aniracetam revealed receptor contributions to mEPSC shape. Dendritic cable effects account for the slower mEPSC rise in neurons, whereas the slower decay also depends on other factors. Lastly, expression of synaptobrevin transmembrane domain mutants in neurons slowed the rise of HEK cell mEPSCs, thus revealing the impact of synaptic fusion pores. In summary, we show that cocultures of neurons with heterologous cells provide a geometrically simplified and molecularly defined system to investigate the time course of synaptic transmission and to resolve the contribution of vesicles, fusion pores, dendrites, and receptors to this process.

Interneuronal exchange and functional integration of synaptobrevin via extracellular vesicles

Recent studies have investigated the composition and functional effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by a variety of cell types. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of these vesicles on neurotransmission remain unclear. Here, we isolated EVs secreted by rat and mouse hippocampal neurons and found that they contain synaptic-vesicle-associated proteins, in particular the vesicular SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor [NSF]-attachment protein receptor) synaptobrevin (also called VAMP). Using a combination of electrophysiology and live-fluorescence imaging, we demonstrate that this extracellular pool of synaptobrevins can rapidly integrate into the synaptic vesicle cycle of host neurons via a CD81-dependent process and selectively augment inhibitory neurotransmission as well as specifically rescue neurotransmission in synapses deficient in synaptobrevin. These findings uncover a novel means of interneuronal communication and functional coupling via exchange of vesicular SNAREs.

A Critical LRRK at the Synapse? The Neurobiological Function and Pathophysiological Dysfunction of LRRK2

Since the discovery of LRRK2 mutations causal to Parkinson's disease (PD) in the early 2000s, the LRRK2 protein has been implicated in a plethora of cellular processes in which pathogenesis could occur, yet its physiological function remains elusive. The development of genetic models of LRRK2 PD has helped identify the etiological and pathophysiological underpinnings of the disease, and may identify early points of intervention. An important role for LRRK2 in synaptic function has emerged in recent years, which links LRRK2 to other genetic forms of PD, most notably those caused by mutations in the synaptic protein α-synuclein. This point of convergence may provide useful clues as to what drives dysfunction in the basal ganglia circuitry and eventual death of substantia nigra (SN) neurons. Here, we discuss the evolution and current state of the literature placing LRRK2 at the synapse, through the lens of knock-out, overexpression, and knock-in animal models. We hope that a deeper understanding of LRRK2 neurobiology, at the synapse and beyond, will aid the eventual development of neuroprotective interventions for PD, and the advancement of useful treatments in the interim.

Presynaptic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders: Insights from the synaptic vesicle life cycle

The activity-dependent fusion, retrieval and recycling of synaptic vesicles is essential for the maintenance of neurotransmission. Until relatively recently it was believed that most mutations in genes that were essential for this process would be incompatible with life, because of this fundamental role. However, an ever-expanding number of mutations in this very cohort of genes are being identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, intellectual disability and epilepsy. This article will summarize the current state of knowledge linking mutations in presynaptic genes to neurodevelopmental disorders by sequentially covering the various stages of the synaptic vesicle life cycle. It will also discuss how perturbations of specific stages within this recycling process could translate into human disease. Finally, it will also provide perspectives on the potential for future therapy that are targeted to presynaptic function.

Preparation of dissociated mouse primary neuronal cultures from long-term cryopreserved brain tissue

BACKGROUND

Dissociated primary neuronal cultures are widely used as a model system to investigate the cellular and molecular properties of diverse neuronal populations and mechanisms of action potential generation and synaptic transmission. Typically, rodent primary neuronal cultures are obtained from freshly-dissociated embryonic or postnatal brain tissue, which often requires intense animal husbandry. This can strain resources when working with genetically modified mice.

NEW METHOD

Here we describe an experimental protocol for frozen storage of mouse hippocampi, which allows fully functional dissociated primary neuronal cultures to be prepared from cryopreserved tissue.

RESULTS

We show that thawed hippocampal neurons have functional properties similar to those of freshly dissociated neurons, including neuronal morphology, excitability, action potential waveform and synaptic neurotransmitter release, even after cryopreservation for several years.

COMPARISON TO THE EXISTING METHODS

In contrast to the existing methods, the protocol described here allows for efficient long-term storage of samples, allowing researchers to perform functional experiments on neuronal cultures from brain tissue collected in other laboratories.

CONCLUSIONS

We anticipate that this method will facilitate collaborations among laboratories based at distant locations and will thus optimise the use of genetically modified mouse models, in line with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) recommended for scientific use of animals in research.

Correlative light and electron microscopy for complex cellular structures on PDMS substrates with coded micro-patterns

Fluorescence light microscopy (FLM) is commonly used for localizing specific cellular and subcellular targets. Electron microscopy (EM), on the other hand, can reveal ultrastructural details of cellular architectures beyond the limit of optical resolution. Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) that combines the two techniques has proven valuable in various cell biological applications that require both specificity and resolution. Here, we report an efficient and easy-to-use CLEM system, and its applications in studying neuronal synapses. The system utilizes patterned symbols to encode coordinates on micro-fabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates, on which dissociated primary hippocampal neurons grow and form synaptic connections. After imaging and localizing specifically labeled synapses with FLM, samples are embedded in resin blocks and sectioned for EM analysis. The patterned symbols on PDMS substrates provide coordinate information, allowing efficient co-registration between FLM and EM images with high precision. A custom-developed software package achieves automated EM image collection, FLM/EM alignment, and EM navigation. With this CLEM system, we have obtained high quality electron tomograms of fluorescently labeled synapses along dendrites of hippocampal neurons and analyzed docking statistics of synaptic vesicles (SVs) in different subtypes of excitatory synapses. This technique provides an efficient approach to combine functional studies with ultrastructural analysis of heterogeneous neuronal synapses, as well as other subcellular structures in general.

Presynaptic origins of distinct modes of neurotransmitter release

Presynaptic nerve terminals release neurotransmitter synchronously, asynchronously or spontaneously. During synchronous neurotransmission release is precisely coupled to action potentials, in contrast, asynchronous release events show only loose temporal coupling to presynaptic activity whereas spontaneous neurotransmission occurs independent of presynaptic activity. The mechanisms that give rise to this diversity in neurotransmitter release modes are poorly understood. Recent studies have described several presynaptic molecular pathways controlling synaptic vesicle pool segregation and recycling, which in turn may dictate distinct modes of neurotransmitter release. In this article, we review this recent work regarding neurotransmitter release modes and their relationship to synaptic vesicle pool dynamics as well as the molecular machinery that establishes synaptic vesicle pool identity.

Overexpression of endophilin A1 exacerbates synaptic alterations in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Endophilin A1 (EP) is a protein enriched in synaptic terminals that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous in vitro studies have shown that EP can bind to a variety of proteins, which elicit changes in synaptic transmission of neurotransmitters and spine formation. Additionally, we previously showed that EP protein levels are elevated in AD patients and AD transgenic animal models. Here, we establish the in vivo consequences of upregulation of EP expression in amyloid-β peptide (Aβ)-rich environments, leading to changes in both long-term potentiation and learning and memory of transgenic animals. Specifically, increasing EP augmented cerebral Aβ accumulation. EP-mediated signal transduction via reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase contributes to Aβ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic injury, and cognitive decline, which could be rescued by blocking either ROS or p38 MAP kinase activity.

Optical detection of three modes of endocytosis at hippocampal synapses

Coupling of synaptic vesicle fusion and retrieval constitutes a core mechanism ensuring maintenance of presynaptic function. Recent studies using fast-freeze electron microscopy and capacitance measurements reported an ultrafast mode of endocytosis operating at physiological temperatures. Here, using rat hippocampal neurons, we optically monitored single synaptic vesicle endocytosis with high time resolution using the vesicular glutamate transporter, synaptophysin and the V0a1 subunit of the vacuolar ATPase as probes. In this setting, we could distinguish three components of retrieval operating at ultrafast (~150-250 ms, ~20% of events), fast (~5-12 s, ~40% of events) and ultraslow speeds (>20 s, ~40% of events). While increasing Ca²⁺ slowed the fast events, increasing temperature accelerated their time course. In contrast, the kinetics of ultrafast events were only mildly affected by these manipulations. These results suggest that synaptic vesicle proteins can be retrieved with ultrafast kinetics, although a majority of evoked fusion events are coupled to slower retrieval mechanisms.

Altered Synaptic Membrane Retrieval after Strong Stimulation of Cerebellar Granule Neurons in Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase II (cGKII) Knockout Mice

The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) signaling pathway regulates the clustering and the recruitment of proteins and vesicles to the synapse, thereby adjusting the exoendocytic cycle to the intensity of activity. Accordingly, this pathway can accelerate endocytosis following large-scale exocytosis, and pre-synaptic cGK type II (cGKII) plays a major role in this process, controlling the homeostatic balance of vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis. We have studied synaptic vesicle recycling in cerebellar granule cells from mice lacking cGKII under strong and sustained stimulation, combining imaging techniques and ultrastructural analyses. The ultrastructure of synapses in the adult mouse cerebellar cortex was also examined in these animals. The lack of cGKII provokes structural changes to synapses in cultured cells and in the cerebellar cortex. Moreover, endocytosis is slowed down in a subset of boutons in these cells when they are stimulated strongly. In addition, from the results obtained with the selective inhibitor of cGKs, KT5823, it can be concluded that cGKI also regulates some aspects of vesicle cycling. Overall, these results confirm the importance of the cGMP pathway in the regulation of vesicle cycling following strong stimulation of cerebellar granule cells.

The role of spontaneous neurotransmission in synapse and circuit development

In the past, the spontaneous release of neurotransmitter from presynaptic terminals has been thought of as a side effect of evoked release, with little functional significance. As our understanding of the process of spontaneous release has increased over time, this notion has gradually changed. In this review, we focus on the importance of this form of release during neuronal development, a time of extreme levels of plasticity that includes the growth of dendrites and axons as well as the formation of new synaptic contacts. This period also encompasses high levels of neurotransmitter release from growing axons, and recent studies have found that spontaneous transmitter release plays an important role in shaping neuronal morphology as well as modulating the properties of newly forming synaptic contacts in the brain. Here, we bring together the latest findings across different species to argue that the spontaneous release of neurotransmitter is an important player in the wiring of the brain during development.

Tight temporal coupling between synaptic rewiring of olfactory glomeruli and the emergence of odor-guided behavior in Xenopus tadpoles

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are chemoreceptors that establish excitatory synapses within glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. OSNs undergo continuous turnover throughout life, causing the constant replacement of their synaptic contacts. Using Xenopus tadpoles as an experimental system to investigate rewiring of glomerular connectivity, we show that novel OSN synapses can transfer information immediately after formation, mediating olfactory-guided behavior. Tadpoles recover the ability to detect amino acids 4 days after bilateral olfactory nerve transection. Restoration of olfactory-guided behavior depends on the efficient reinsertion of OSNs to the olfactory bulb. Presynaptic terminals of incipient synaptic contacts generate calcium transients in response to odors, triggering long lasting depolarization of olfactory glomeruli. The functionality of reconnected terminals relies on well-defined readily releasable and cytoplasmic vesicle pools. The continuous growth of non-compartmentalized axonal processes provides a vesicle reservoir to nascent release sites, which contrasts to the gradual development of cytoplasmic vesicle pools in conventional excitatory synapses. The immediate availability of fully functional synapses upon formation supports an age-independent contribution of OSNs to the generation of odor maps.

Brefeldin A sensitive mechanisms contribute to endocytotic membrane retrieval and vesicle recycling in cerebellar granule cells

The recycling of synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins and transmitter release occur at multiple sites along the axon. These processes are sensitive to inhibition of the small GTP binding protein ARF1, which regulates the adaptor protein 1 and 3 complex (AP-1/AP-3). As the axon matures, SV recycling becomes restricted to the presynaptic bouton, and its machinery undergoes a complex process of maturation. We used the styryl dye FM1-43 to highlight differences in the efficiency of membrane recycling at different sites in cerebellar granule cells cultured for 7 days in vitro. We used Brefeldin A (BFA) to inhibit AP-1/AP-3-mediated recycling and to test the contribution of this pathway to the heterogeneity of the responses when these cells are strongly stimulated. Combining imaging techniques and ultrastructural analyses, we found a significant decrease in the density of functional boutons and an increase in the presence of endosome-like structures within the boutons of cells incubated with BFA prior to FM1-43 loading. Such effects were not observed when BFA was added 5 min after the end of the loading step, when endocytosis was almost fully completed. In this situation, vesicles were found closer to the active zone (AZ) in boutons exposed to BFA. Together, these data suggest that the AP-1/AP-3 pathway contributes to SV recycling, affecting different steps in all boutons but not equally, and thus being partly responsible for the heterogeneity of the different recycling efficiencies. Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13801.

Astrocyte lipid metabolism is critical for synapse development and function in vivo

The brain is considered to be autonomous in lipid synthesis with astrocytes producing lipids far more efficiently than neurons. Accordingly, it is generally assumed that astrocyte-derived lipids are taken up by neurons to support synapse formation and function. Initial confirmation of this assumption has been obtained in cell cultures, but whether astrocyte-derived lipids support synapses in vivo is not known. Here, we address this issue and determined the role of astrocyte lipid metabolism in hippocampal synapse formation and function in vivo. Hippocampal protein expression for the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and its target gene fatty acid synthase (Fasn) was found in astrocytes but not in neurons. Diminishing SREBP activity in astrocytes using mice in which the SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) was deleted from GFAP-expressing cells resulted in decreased cholesterol and phospholipid secretion by astrocytes. Interestingly, SCAP mutant mice showed more immature synapses, lower presynaptic protein SNAP-25 levels as well as reduced numbers of synaptic vesicles, indicating impaired development of the presynaptic terminal. Accordingly, hippocampal short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity were defective in mutant mice. These findings establish a critical role for astrocyte lipid metabolism in presynaptic terminal development and function in vivo. GLIA 2017;65:670-682.

Synaptotagmin-1- and Synaptotagmin-7-Dependent Fusion Mechanisms Target Synaptic Vesicles to Kinetically Distinct Endocytic Pathways

Synaptic vesicle recycling is essential for maintaining normal synaptic function. The coupling of exocytosis and endocytosis is assumed to be Ca²⁺ dependent, but the exact role of Ca²⁺ and its key effector synaptotagmin-1 (syt1) in regulation of endocytosis is poorly understood. Here, we probed the role of syt1 in single- as well as multi-vesicle endocytic events using high-resolution optical recordings. Our experiments showed that the slowed endocytosis phenotype previously reported after syt1 loss of function can also be triggered by other manipulations that promote asynchronous release such as Sr²⁺ substitution and complexin loss of function. The link between asynchronous release and slowed endocytosis was due to selective targeting of fused synaptic vesicles toward slow retrieval by the asynchronous release Ca²⁺ sensor synaptotagmin-7. In contrast, after single synaptic vesicle fusion, syt1 acted as an essential determinant of synaptic vesicle endocytosis time course by delaying the kinetics of vesicle retrieval in response to increasing Ca²⁺ levels.

Synaptic Vesicles: Turning Reluctance Into Action

Vesicle availability partly determines the efficacy of synaptic communication in the CNS. The authors recently found that some hippocampal glutamate vesicles exhibit reluctance to exocytose during short, high-frequency action potential trains. These same vesicles can be “coaxed” into exocytosis by increased Ca2+entry, by direct depolarization of synaptic terminals, or by challenge with hypertonic sucrose, a tool used to cause fusion of the population of release-ready synaptic vesicles. Interestingly, the authors did not find evidence of reluctance at hippocampal GABA synapses, suggesting that vesicle reluctance might be a negative feedback mechanism to prevent runaway excitation. It is also possible that synapses exhibit reluctance to retain a dormant population of readily accessible vesicles, ready to respond to triggers such as enhanced Ca2+ influx or neuromodulators. Recent work from the calyx of Held synapse suggests that reluctance might arise from inactivation of Ca2+ channels. The authors review this work, along with several other potential mechanisms of reluctance.

Early postnatal exposure to lithium in vitro induces changes in AMPAR mEPSCs and vesicular recycling at hippocampal glutamatergic synapses

Lithium is an effective mood stabilizer but its use is associated with many side effects. Electrophysiological recordings of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) mediated by glutamate receptor AMPA-subtype (AMPARs) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons revealed that CLi (therapeutic concentration of 1 mM lithium, from days in vitro 4-10) decreased the mean amplitude and mean rectification index (RI) of AMPAR mEPSCs. Lowered mean RI indicate that contribution of Ca2+ -permeable AMPARs in synaptic events is higher in CLi neurons (supported by experiments sensitive to Ca2+ -permeable AMPAR modulation). Co-inhibiting PKA, GSK-3 beta and glutamate reuptake was necessary to bring about changes in AMPAR mEPSCs similar to that seen in CLi neurons. FM1-43 experiments revealed that recycling pool size was affected in CLi cultures. Results from minimum loading, chlorpromazine treatment and hyperosmotic treatment experiments indicate that endocytosis in CLi is affected while not much difference is seen in modes of exocytosis. CLi cultures did not show the high KCl associated presynaptic potentiation observed in control cultures. This study, by calling attention to long-term lithium-exposure-induced synaptic changes, might have implications in understanding the side effects such as CNS complications occurring in perinatally exposed babies and cognitive dulling seen in patients on lithium treatment.

Rho Kinase Inhibition Is Essential During In Vitro Neurogenesis and Promotes Phenotypic Rescue of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons With Oligophrenin-1 Loss of Function

: Rho-GTPases have relevant functions in various aspects of neuronal development, such as differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. Loss of function of the oligophrenin-1 gene (OPHN1) causes X-linked intellectual disability with cerebellar hypoplasia and leads to hyperactivation of the rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. ROCK mainly acts through phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1, triggering actin-myosin contractility. We show that during in vitro neurogenesis, ROCK activity decreases from day 10 until terminal differentiation, whereas in OPHN1-deficient human induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSCs), the levels of ROCK are elevated throughout differentiation. ROCK inhibition favors neuronal-like appearance of h-iPSCs, in parallel with transcriptional upregulation of nuclear receptor NR4A1, which is known to induce neurite outgrowth. This study analyzed the morphological, biochemical, and functional features of OPHN1-deficient h-iPSCs and their rescue by treatment with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil, shedding light on the relevance of the ROCK pathway during neuronal differentiation and providing a neuronal model for human OPHN1 syndrome and its treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

The analysis of the levels of rho kinase (ROCK) activity at different stages of in vitro neurogenesis of human induced pluripotent stem cells reveals that ROCK activity decreases progressively in parallel with the appearance of neuronal-like morphology and upregulation of nuclear receptor NR4A1. These results shed light on the role of the ROCK pathway during early stages of human neurogenesis and provide a neuronal stem cell-based model for the treatment of OPHN1 syndrome and other neurological disorders due to ROCK dysfunction.

On the Role of Glutamate in Presynaptic Development: Possible Contributions of Presynaptic NMDA Receptors

Proper formation and maturation of synapses during development is a crucial step in building the functional neural circuits that underlie perception and behavior. It is well established that experience modifies circuit development. Therefore, understanding how synapse formation is controlled by synaptic activity is a key question in neuroscience. In this review, we focus on the regulation of excitatory presynaptic terminal development by glutamate, the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. We discuss the evidence that NMDA receptor activation mediates these effects of glutamate and present the hypothesis that local activation of presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) contributes to glutamate-dependent control of presynaptic development. Abnormal glutamate signaling and aberrant synapse development are both thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Therefore, understanding how glutamate signaling and synapse development are linked is important for understanding the etiology of these diseases.

Development of Synaptic Boutons in Layer 4 of the Barrel Field of the Rat Somatosensory Cortex: A Quantitative Analysis

Understanding the structural and functional mechanisms underlying the development of individual brain microcircuits is critical for elucidating their computational properties. As synapses are the key structures defining a given microcircuit, it is imperative to investigate their development and precise structural features. Here, synapses in cortical layer 4 were analyzed throughout the first postnatal month using high-end electron microscopy to generate realistic quantitative 3D models. Besides their overall geometry, the size of active zones and the pools of synaptic vesicles were analyzed. At postnatal day 2 only a few shaft synapses were found, but spine synapses steadily increased with ongoing corticogenesis. From postnatal day 2 to 30 synaptic boutons significantly decreased in size whereas that of active zones remained nearly unchanged despite a reshaping. During the first 2 weeks of postnatal development, a rearrangement of synaptic vesicles from a loose distribution toward a densely packed organization close to the presynaptic density was observed, accompanied by the formation of, first a putative readily releasable pool and later a recycling and reserve pool. The quantitative 3D reconstructions of synapses will enable the comparison of structural and functional aspects of signal transduction thus leading to a better understanding of networks in the developing neocortex.

The role of mitochondrially derived ATP in synaptic vesicle recycling

Synaptic mitochondria are thought to be critical in supporting neuronal energy requirements at the synapse, and bioenergetic failure at the synapse may impair neural transmission and contribute to neurodegeneration. However, little is known about the energy requirements of synaptic vesicle release or whether these energy requirements go unmet in disease, primarily due to a lack of appropriate tools and sensitive assays. To determine the dependence of synaptic vesicle cycling on mitochondrially derived ATP levels, we developed two complementary assays sensitive to mitochondrially derived ATP in individual, living hippocampal boutons. The first is a functional assay for mitochondrially derived ATP that uses the extent of synaptic vesicle cycling as a surrogate for ATP level. The second uses ATP FRET sensors to directly measure ATP at the synapse. Using these assays, we show that endocytosis has high ATP requirements and that vesicle reacidification and exocytosis require comparatively little energy. We then show that to meet these energy needs, mitochondrially derived ATP is rapidly dispersed in axons, thereby maintaining near normal levels of ATP even in boutons lacking mitochondria. As a result, the capacity for synaptic vesicle cycling is similar in boutons without mitochondria as in those with mitochondria. Finally, we show that loss of a key respiratory subunit implicated in Leigh disease markedly decreases mitochondrially derived ATP levels in axons, thus inhibiting synaptic vesicle cycling. This proves that mitochondria-based energy failure can occur and be detected in individual neurons that have a genetic mitochondrial defect.

The mechanisms and functions of spontaneous neurotransmitter release

Fast synaptic communication in the brain requires synchronous vesicle fusion that is evoked by action potential-induced Ca(2+) influx. However, synaptic terminals also release neurotransmitters by spontaneous vesicle fusion, which is independent of presynaptic action potentials. A functional role for spontaneous neurotransmitter release events in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and homeostasis, as well as the regulation of certain behaviours, has been reported. In addition, there is evidence that the presynaptic mechanisms underlying spontaneous release of neurotransmitters and their postsynaptic targets are segregated from those of evoked neurotransmission. These findings challenge current assumptions about neuronal signalling and neurotransmission, as they indicate that spontaneous neurotransmission has an autonomous role in interneuronal communication that is distinct from that of evoked release.

Fast retrieval and autonomous regulation of single spontaneously recycling synaptic vesicles

Presynaptic terminals release neurotransmitters spontaneously in a manner that can be regulated by Ca(2+). However, the mechanisms underlying this regulation are poorly understood because the inherent stochasticity and low probability of spontaneous fusion events has curtailed their visualization at individual release sites. Here, using pH-sensitive optical probes targeted to synaptic vesicles, we visualized single spontaneous fusion events and found that they are retrieved extremely rapidly with faster re-acidification kinetics than their action potential-evoked counterparts. These fusion events were coupled to postsynaptic NMDA receptor-driven Ca(2+) signals, and at elevated Ca(2+) concentrations there was an increase in the number of vesicles that would undergo fusion. Furthermore, spontaneous vesicle fusion propensity in a synapse was Ca(2+)-dependent but regulated autonomously: independent of evoked fusion probability at the same synapse. Taken together, these results expand classical quantal analysis to incorporate endocytic and exocytic phases of single fusion events and uncover autonomous regulation of spontaneous fusion.

The role of non-canonical SNAREs in synaptic vesicle recycling

An increasing number of studies suggest that distinct pools of synaptic vesicles drive specific forms of neurotransmission. Interspersed with these functional studies are analyses of the synaptic vesicle proteome which have consistently detected the presence of so-called “non-canonical” SNAREs that typically function in fusion and trafficking of other subcellular structures within the neuron. The recent identification of certain non-canonical vesicular SNAREs driving spontaneous (e.g., VAMP7 and vti1a) or evoked asynchronous (e.g., VAMP4) release integrates and corroborates existing data from functional and proteomic studies and implies that at least some complement of non-canonical SNAREs resident on synaptic vesicles function in neurotransmission. Here, we discuss the specific roles in neurotransmission of proteins homologous to each member of the classical neuronal SNARE complex consisting of synaptobrevin2, syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25.

A new efficient method for synaptic vesicle quantification reveals differences between medial prefrontal cortex perforated and nonperforated synapses

Communication between neurons is mediated by the release of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles from presynaptic terminals. Quantitative characterization of synaptic vesicles can be highly valuable for understanding mechanisms underlying synaptic function and plasticity. We performed a quantitative ultrastructural analysis of cortical excitatory synapses by mean of a new, efficient method, as an alternative to three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Based on a hierarchical sampling strategy and unequivocal identification of the region of interest, serial sections from excitatory synapses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of six Sprague-Dawley rats were acquired with a transmission electron microscope. Unbiased estimates of total 3D volume of synaptic terminals were obtained through the Cavalieri estimator, and adequate correction factors for vesicle profile number estimation were applied for final vesicle quantification. Our analysis was based on 79 excitatory synapses, nonperforated (NPSs) and perforated (PSs) subtypes. We found that total number of docked and reserve-pool vesicles in PSs significantly exceeded that in NPSs (by, respectively, 77% and 78%). These differences were found to be related to changes in size between the two subtypes (active zone area by 86%; bouton volume by 105%) rather than to postsynaptic density shape. Positive significant correlations were found between number of docked and reserve-pool vesicles, active zone area and docked vesicles, and bouton volume and reserve pool vesicles. Our method confirmed the large size of mPFC PSs and a linear correlation between presynaptic features of typical hippocampal synapses. Moreover, a greater number of docked vesicles in PSs may promote a high synaptic strength of these synapses.

The role of neuronal activity and transmitter release on synapse formation

The long history of probing the role of neuronal activity in the development of nervous system circuitry has recently taken an interesting turn. Although undoubtedly activity plays a critical part in the maintenance and refinement of synaptic connections, often via competitive mechanisms, evidence is building that it also drives the process of synapse formation itself. Perhaps predictably, this turns out not to be a uniform process. It seems that different circuits, indeed specific synaptic connections, are differentially sensitive to the effects of activity. We examine possible ways in which neurotransmitter may drive synapse formation, and speculate on how the environment of the developing brain may allow a different spatiotemporal range for neuronal activity to operate in the generation of connectivity.

A cell surface biotinylation assay to reveal membrane-associated neuronal cues: Negr1 regulates dendritic arborization

A complex and still not comprehensively resolved panel of transmembrane proteins regulates the outgrowth and the subsequent morphological and functional development of neuronal processes. In order to gain a more detailed description of these events at the molecular level, we have developed a cell surface biotinylation assay to isolate, detect, and quantify neuronal membrane proteins. When we applied our assay to investigate neuron maturation in vitro, we identified 439 differentially expressed proteins, including 20 members of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Among these candidates, we focused on Negr1, a poorly described cell adhesion molecule. We demonstrated that Negr1 controls the development of neurite arborization in vitro and in vivo. Given the tight correlation existing among synaptic cell adhesion molecules, neuron maturation, and a number of neurological disorders, our assay results are a useful tool that can be used to support the understanding of the molecular bases of physiological and pathological brain function.

Visualizing presynaptic function

Synaptic communication in the nervous system is initiated by the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane and subsequent neurotransmitter release. In the 1980s, this process was characterized by electron microscopy, albeit without the ability to follow processes in living cells. In the last two decades, fluorescence imaging methods have been developed that report synaptic vesicle fusion, endocytosis and recycling. These probes have provided unprecedented insight into synaptic vesicle trafficking in individual synaptic terminals and revealed heterogeneity in recycling pathways as well as synaptic vesicle populations. These methods either take advantage of uptake of fluorescent probes into recycling vesicles or exogenous expression of synaptic vesicle proteins tagged with a pH-sensitive fluorescent marker at regions facing the vesicle lumen. We provide an overview of these methods, with particular emphasis on the challenges associated with their use and the opportunities for future investigations.

A catalytic independent function of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP14 regulates hippocampal synaptic short-term plasticity and vesicle number

The ubiquitin proteasome system is required for the rapid and precise control of protein abundance that is essential for synaptic function. USP14 is a proteasome-bound deubiquitinating enzyme that recycles ubiquitin and regulates synaptic short-term synaptic plasticity. We previously reported that loss of USP14 in ax(J) mice causes a deficit in paired pulse facilitation (PPF) at hippocampal synapses. Here we report that USP14 regulates synaptic function through a novel, deubiquitination-independent mechanism. Although PPF is usually inversely related to release probability, USP14 deficiency impairs PPF without altering basal release probability. Instead, the loss of USP14 causes a large reduction in the number of synaptic vesicles. Over-expression of a catalytically inactive form of USP14 rescues the PPF deficit and restores synaptic vesicle number, indicating that USP14 regulates presynaptic structure and function independently of its role in deubiquitination. Finally, the PPF deficit caused by loss of USP14 can be rescued by pharmacological inhibition of proteasome activity, suggesting that inappropriate protein degradation underlies the PPF impairment. Overall, we demonstrate a novel, deubiquitination-independent function for USP14 in influencing synaptic architecture and plasticity.

Reelin mobilizes a VAMP7-dependent synaptic vesicle pool and selectively augments spontaneous neurotransmission

Reelin is a glycoprotein that is critical for proper layering of neocortex during development as well as dynamic regulation of glutamatergic postsynaptic signaling in mature synapses. Here, we show that Reelin also acts presynaptically, resulting in robust rapid enhancement of spontaneous neurotransmitter release without affecting properties of evoked neurotransmission. This effect of Reelin requires a modest but significant increase in presynaptic Ca(2+) initiated via ApoER2 signaling. The specificity of Reelin action on spontaneous neurotransmitter release is encoded at the level of vesicular SNARE machinery as it requires VAMP7 and SNAP-25 but not synaptobrevin2, VAMP4, or vti1a. These results uncover a presynaptic regulatory pathway that utilizes the heterogeneity of synaptic vesicle-associated SNAREs and selectively augments action potential-independent neurotransmission.

Postsynaptic FMRP bidirectionally regulates excitatory synapses as a function of developmental age and MEF2 activity

Rates of synapse formation and elimination change over the course of postnatal development, but little is known of molecular mechanisms that mediate this developmental switch. Here, we report that the dendritic RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) bidirectionally and cell autonomously regulates excitatory synaptic function, which depends on developmental age as well as function of the activity-dependent transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2). The acute postsynaptic expression of FMRP in CA1 neurons of hippocampal slice cultures (during the first postnatal week, P6-P7) promotes synapse function and maturation. In contrast, the acute expression of FMRP or endogenous FMRP in more mature neurons (during the second postnatal week; P13-P16) suppresses synapse number. The ability of neuronal depolarization to stimulate MEF2 transcriptional activity increases over this same developmental period. Knockout of endogenous MEF2 isoforms causes acute postsynaptic FMRP expression to promote, instead of eliminate, synapses onto 2-week-old neurons. Conversely, the expression of active MEF2 in neonatal neurons results in a precocious FMRP-dependent synapse elimination. Our findings suggest that FMRP and MEF2 function together to fine tune synapse formation and elimination rates in response to neuronal activity levels over the course of postnatal development.

Mechanisms underlying induction of LTP-associated changes in short-term dynamics of transmission at immature synapses

While the activity-dependent mechanisms guiding functional maturation of synaptic transmission postsynaptically are well characterized, less is known about the corresponding presynaptic mechanisms. Here we show that during the first postnatal week, a subset of CA3-CA1 synapses express postsynaptically induced LTP that is tightly associated with a robust decrease in synaptic facilitation, consistent with an increase in release probability (P(r)). The loss of facilitation is readily induced by physiologically relevant pairing protocols at immature synapses and is dependent on activation of NMDA-receptors but not L-type calcium channels. The putative pre- and postsynaptic components of neonatal LTP were distinguished in their downstream signaling requirements, PKC activity being selectively needed for the decrease in facilitation but not for synaptic potentiation per se. These data suggest that maturation of glutamatergic synapses involves a critical period during which presynaptic function is highly susceptible to activity-dependent regulation via a PKC-dependent mechanism.

Epileptic synapsin triple knockout mice exhibit progressive long-term aberrant plasticity in the entorhinal cortex

Studying epileptogenesis in a genetic model can facilitate the identification of factors that promote the conversion of a normal brain into one chronically prone to seizures. Synapsin triple-knockout (TKO) mice exhibit adult-onset epilepsy, thus allowing the characterization of events as preceding or following seizure onset. Although it has been proposed that a congenital reduction in inhibitory transmission is the underlying cause for epilepsy in these mice, young TKO mice are asymptomatic. We report that the genetic lesion exerts long-term progressive effects that extend well into adulthood. Although inhibitory transmission is initially reduced, it is subsequently strengthened relative to its magnitude in control mice, so that the excitation to inhibition balance in adult TKOs is inverted in favor of inhibition. In parallel, we observed long-term alterations in synaptic depression kinetics of excitatory transmission and in the extent of tonic inhibition, illustrating adaptations in synaptic properties. Moreover, age-dependent acceleration of the action potential did not occur in TKO cortical pyramidal neurons, suggesting wide-ranging secondary changes in brain excitability. In conclusion, although congenital impairments in inhibitory transmission may initiate epileptogenesis in the synapsin TKO mice, we suggest that secondary adaptations are crucial for the establishment of this epileptic network.

Long-term culture of astrocytes attenuates the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles

The astrocyte is a major glial cell type of the brain, and plays key roles in the formation, maturation, stabilization and elimination of synapses. Thus, changes in astrocyte condition and age can influence information processing at synapses. However, whether and how aging astrocytes affect synaptic function and maturation have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Here, we show the effects of prolonged culture on the ability of astrocytes to induce synapse formation and to modify synaptic transmission, using cultured autaptic neurons. By 9 weeks in culture, astrocytes derived from the mouse cerebral cortex demonstrated increases in β-galactosidase activity and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, both of which are characteristic of aging and glial activation in vitro. Autaptic hippocampal neurons plated on these aging astrocytes showed a smaller amount of evoked release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, and a lower frequency of miniature release of glutamate, both of which were attributable to a reduction in the pool of readily releasable synaptic vesicles. Other features of synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission were retained, for example the ability to induce structural synapses, the presynaptic release probability, the fraction of functional presynaptic nerve terminals, and the ability to recruit functional AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors to synapses. Thus the presence of aging astrocytes affects the efficiency of synaptic transmission. Given that the pool of readily releasable vesicles is also small at immature synapses, our results are consistent with astrocytic aging leading to retarded synapse maturation.

Structural and functional maturation of active zones in large synapses

Virtually all functions of the nervous system rely upon synapses, the sites of communication between neurons and between neurons and other cells. Synapses are complex structures, each one comprising hundreds of different types of molecules working in concert. They are organized by adhesive and scaffolding molecules that align presynaptic vesicular release sites, namely, active zones, with postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors, thereby allowing rapid and reliable intercellular communication. Most synapses are relatively small, and acting alone exerts little effect on their postsynaptic partners. Some, however, are much larger and stronger, reliably driving the postsynaptic cell to its action potential threshold, acting essentially as electrical relays of excitation. These large synapses are among the best understood, and two of these are the subject of this review, namely, the vertebrate neuromuscular junction and the calyx of Held synapse in the mammalian auditory pathway of the brain stem. Both synapses undergo through a complex and well-coordinated maturation process, during which time the molecular elements and the biophysical properties of the secretory machinery are continuously adjusted to the synapse size and to the functional requirements. We here review the morphological and functional changes occurring during postnatal maturation, noting particular similarities and differences between these two large synapses.