Postsynaptic TRPC1 function contributes to BDNF-induced synaptic potentiation at the developing neuromuscular junction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes airway smooth muscle cell proliferation in asthma through regulation of transient receptor potential channel-mediated autophagy

OBJECTIVE

Increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a key feature of airway remodeling in asthma. This study aims to determine whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates ASMC proliferation and airway remodeling via the transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs)/autophagy axis.

METHODS

Human ASMCs were isolated and passively sensitized with human asthmatic serum. Protein levels of BDNF and its receptor TrkB, TRPC1/3/6, autophagy markers, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]i), LC3 immunofluorescence, cell proliferation, cell cycle population were examined. Wistar rats were sensitized with OVA to establish asthma models.

RESULTS

In asthmatic serum-sensitized human ASMCs, BDNF overexpression or recombinant BDNF (rhBDNF) increased TrkB/TRPC1/3/6 axis, [Ca²⁺]i, autophagy level, cell proliferation, cell number in the S+G2/M phase and decreased cell number in the G0/G1 phase, whereas BDNF knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, TRPC channel blocker SKF96365 and TRPC1/3/6 knockdown reversed the effects of the rhBDNF-mediated induction of [Ca²⁺]i, autophagy level, cell proliferation and cell number in the S+G2/M phase. Moreover, the autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) rescued the rhBDNF-mediated induction of cell proliferation and cell number in the S+G2/M phase. Further in vivo assays revealed that BDNF altered the pathology of airway remodeling, promoted the infiltration of inflammatory cells, promoted the proliferation of ASMCs, and upregulated the protein levels of TrkB, TRPC1/3/6, and autophagy markers in asthma model rats.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that BDNF promotes ASMCs proliferation in asthma through TRPC-mediated autophagy induction.

Muscle BDNF improves synaptic and contractile muscle strength in Kennedy's disease mice in a muscle-type specific manner

KEY POINTS

Muscle-derived neurotrophic factors may offer therapeutic promise for treating neuromuscular diseases. We report that a muscle-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, rescues synaptic and muscle function in a muscle-type specific manner in mice modelling Kennedy's disease (KD). We also find that BDNF rescues select molecular mechanisms in slow and fast muscle that may underlie the improved cellular function. We also report for the first time that expression of BDNF, but not other members of the neurotrophin family, is perturbed in muscle from patients with KD. Given that muscle BDNF had divergent therapeutic effects that depended on muscle type, a combination of neurotrophic factors may optimally rescue neuromuscular function via effects on both pre- and postsynaptic function, in the face of disease.

ABSTRACT

Deficits in muscle brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) correlate with neuromuscular deficits in mouse models of Kennedy's disease (KD), suggesting that restoring muscle BDNF might restore function. To test this possibility, transgenic mice expressing human BDNF in skeletal muscle were crossed with '97Q' KD mice. We found that muscle BDNF slowed disease, doubling the time between symptom onset and endstage. BDNF also improved expression of genes in muscle known to play key roles in neuromuscular function, including counteracting the expression of neonatal isoforms induced by disease. Intriguingly, BDNF's ameliorative effects differed between muscle types: synaptic strength was rescued only in slow-twitch muscle, while contractile strength was improved only in fast-twitch muscle. In sum, muscle BDNF slows disease progression, rescuing select cellular and molecular mechanisms that depend on fibre type. Muscle BDNF expression was also affected in KD patients, reinforcing its translational and therapeutic potential for treating this disorder.

Inhibition of TRPC1-Dependent Store-Operated Calcium Entry Improves Synaptic Stability and Motor Performance in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease

BACKGROUND

Huntington disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. We previously discovered that mutant Huntingtin sensitizes type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R1) to InsP3. This causes calcium leakage from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and a compensatory increase in neuronal store-operated calcium (nSOC) entry. We previously demonstrated that supranormal nSOC leads to synaptic loss in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in YAC128 HD mice.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify calcium channels supporting supranormal nSOC in HD MSNs and to validate these channels as potential therapeutic targets for HD.

METHODS

Cortico-striatal cultures were established from wild type and YAC128 HD mice and the density of MSN spines was quantified. The expression of candidate nSOC components was suppressed by RNAi knockdown and by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout. TRPC1 knockout mice were crossed with YAC128 HD mice for evaluation of motor performance in a beamwalk assay.

RESULTS

RNAi-mediated knockdown of TRPC1, TRPC6, Orai1, or Orai2, but not other TRPC isoforms or Orai3, rescued the density of YAC128 MSN spines. Knockdown of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an ER calcium sensor and nSOC activator, also rescued YAC128 MSN spines. Knockdown of the same targets suppressed supranormal nSOC in YAC128 MSN spines. These channel subunits co-immunoprecipitated with STIM1 and STIM2 in synaptosomal lysates from mouse striata. Crossing YAC128 mice with TRPC1 knockout mice improved motor performance and rescued MSN spines in vitro and in vivo, indicating that inhibition of TRPC1 may serve as a neuroprotective strategy for HD treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPC1 channels constitute a potential therapeutic target for treatment of HD.

Critical role of TRPC1 in thyroid hormone-dependent dopaminergic neuron development

Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neuron development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we revealed that thyroid hormone treatment evokes significant calcium entry through canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels in ventral midbrain neural stem cells and this calcium signaling is essential for thyroid hormone-dependent DA neuronal differentiation. We also found that TRPC1 is the dominant TRPC channel expressed in ventral midbrain neural stem cells which responds to thyroid hormone. In addition, thyroid hormone increases TRPC1 expression through its receptor alpha 1 during DA neuron differentiation, and, importantly, produces calcium signals by activating TRPC1 channels. In vivo and in vitro gene silencing experiments indicate that TRPC1-mediated calcium signaling is required for thyroid hormone-dependent DA neuronal differentiation. Finally, we confirmed that the activation of OTX2, a determinant of DA neuron development and the expression of which is induced by thyroid hormone, is dependent on TRPC1-mediated calcium signaling. These data revealed the molecular mechanisms of how thyroid hormone regulates DA neuron development from ventral midbrain neural stem cells, particularly endowing a novel physiological relevance to TRPC1 channels.

TRPC1, Orai1, and STIM1 in SOCE: Friends in tight spaces

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ entry pathway that is activated in response to depletion of ER-Ca2+ stores and critically controls the regulation of physiological functions in miscellaneous cell types. The transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) is the first member of the TRPC channel subfamily to be identified as a molecular component of SOCE. While TRPC1 has been shown to contribute to SOCE and regulate various functions in many cells, none of the reported TRPC1-mediated currents resembled ICRAC, the highly Ca2+-selective store-dependent current first identified in lymphocytes and mast cells. Almost a decade after the cloning of TRPC1 two proteins were identified as the primary components of the CRAC channel. The first, STIM1, is an ER-Ca2+ sensor protein involved in activating SOCE. The second, Orai1 is the pore-forming component of the CRAC channel. Co-expression of STIM1 and Orai1 generated robust ICRAC. Importantly, STIM1 was shown to also activate TRPC1 via its C-terminal polybasic domain, which is distinct from its Orai1-activating domain, SOAR. In addition, TRPC1 function critically depends on Orai1-mediated Ca2+ entry which triggers recruitment of TRPC1 into the plasma membrane where it is then activated by STIM1. TRPC1 and Orai1 form discrete STIM1-gated channels that generate distinct Ca2+ signals and regulate specific cellular functions. Surface expression of TRPC1 can be modulated by trafficking of the channel to and from the plasma membrane, resulting in changes to the phenotype of TRPC1-mediated current and [Ca2+]i signals. Thus, TRPC1 is activated downstream of Orai1 and modifies the initial [Ca2+]i signal generated by Orai1 following store depletion. This review will summarize the important findings that underlie the current concepts for activation and regulation of TRPC1, as well as its impact on cell function.

Calcium-Dependent and Synapsin-Dependent Pathways for the Presynaptic Actions of BDNF

We used cultured hippocampal neurons to determine the signaling pathways mediating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulation of spontaneous glutamate and GABA release. BDNF treatment elevated calcium concentration in presynaptic terminals; this calcium signal reached a peak within 1 min and declined in the sustained presence of BDNF. This BDNF-induced transient rise in presynaptic calcium was reduced by SKF96365, indicating that BDNF causes presynaptic calcium influx via TRPC channels. BDNF treatment increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). This response consisted of two components: a transient component that peaked within 1 min of initiating BDNF application and a second component that was sustained, at a lower mEPSC frequency, for the duration of BDNF application. The initial transient component was greatly reduced by removing external calcium or by treatment with SKF96365, as well as by Pyr3, a selective blocker of TRPC3 channels. In contrast, the sustained component was unaffected in these conditions but was eliminated by U0126, an inhibitor of the MAP kinase (MAPK) pathway, as well as by genetic deletion of synapsins in neurons from a synapsin triple knock-out (TKO) mouse. Thus, two pathways mediate the ability of BDNF to enhance spontaneous glutamate release: the transient component arises from calcium influx through TRPC3 channels, while the sustained component is mediated by MAPK phosphorylation of synapsins. We also examined the ability of these two BDNF-dependent pathways to regulate spontaneous release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. BDNF had no effect on the frequency of spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in neurons from wild-type (WT) mice, but surprisingly did increase mIPSC frequency in synapsin TKO mice. This covert BDNF response was blocked by removal of external calcium or by treatment with SKF96365 or Pyr3, indicating that it results from calcium influx mediated by TRPC3 channels. Thus, the BDNF-activated calcium signaling pathway can also enhance spontaneous GABA release, though this effect is suppressed by synapsins under normal physiological conditions.

Assembly of ER-PM Junctions: A Critical Determinant in the Regulation of SOCE and TRPC1

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), a unique plasma membrane Ca²⁺ entry mechanism, is activated when ER-[Ca²⁺] is decreased. SOCE is mediated via the primary channel, Orai1, as well as others such as TRPC1. STIM1 and STIM2 are ER-Ca²⁺ sensor proteins that regulate Orai1 and TRPC1. SOCE requires assembly of STIM proteins with the plasma membrane channels which occurs within distinct regions in the cell that have been termed as endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) junctions. The PM and ER are in close proximity to each other within this region, which allows STIM1 in the ER to interact with and activate either Orai1 or TRPC1 in the plasma membrane. Activation and regulation of SOCE involves dynamic assembly of various components that are involved in mediating Ca²⁺ entry as well as those that determine the formation and stabilization of the junctions. These components include proteins in the cytosol, ER and PM, as well as lipids in the PM. Recent studies have also suggested that SOCE and its components are compartmentalized within ER-PM junctions and that this process might require remodeling of the plasma membrane lipids and reorganization of structural and scaffolding proteins. Such compartmentalization leads to the generation of spatially- and temporally-controlled Ca²⁺signals that are critical for regulating many downstream cellular functions.

TRPC Channels and Neuron Development, Plasticity, and Activities

In this chapter, we mainly focus on the functions of TRPC channels in brain development, including neural progenitor proliferation, neurogenesis, neuron survival, axon guidance, dendritic morphology, synaptogenesis, and neural plasticity. We also notice emerging advances in understanding the functions of TRPC channels in periphery, especially their functions in sensation and nociception in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Because TRPC channels are expressed in all major types of glial cells, which account for at least half of total cells in the brain, TRPC channels may act as modulators for glial functions as well. The future challenges for studying these channels could be (1) the detailed protein structures of these channels, (2) their cell type-specific functions, (3) requirement for their specific blockers or activators, and (4) change in the channel conformation in the brain.

STIM-TRP Pathways and Microdomain Organization: Contribution of TRPC1 in Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry: Impact on Ca2+ Signaling and Cell Function

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca²⁺ entry pathway that is activated in response to depletion of ER-Ca²⁺ stores and critically controls the regulation of physiological functions in a wide variety of cell types. The transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels (TRPCs 1-7), which are activated by stimuli leading to PIP₂ hydrolysis, were first identified as molecular components of SOCE channels. While TRPC1 was associated with SOCE and regulation of function in several cell types, none of the TRPC members displayed I _CRAC, the store-operated current identified in lymphocytes and mast cells. Intensive search finally led to the identification of Orai1 and STIM1 as the primary components of the CRAC channel. Orai1 was established as the pore-forming channel protein and STIM1 as the ER-Ca²⁺ sensor protein involved in activation of Orai1. STIM1 also activates TRPC1 via a distinct domain in its C-terminus. However, TRPC1 function depends on Orai1-mediated Ca²⁺ entry, which triggers recruitment of TRPC1 into the plasma membrane where it is activated by STIM1. TRPC1 and Orai1 form distinct store-operated Ca²⁺ channels that regulate specific cellular functions. It is now clearly established that regulation of TRPC1 trafficking can change plasma membrane levels of the channel, the phenotype of the store-operated Ca²⁺ current, as well as pattern of SOCE-mediated [Ca²⁺]_i signals. Thus, TRPC1 is activated downstream of Orai1 and modifies the initial [Ca²⁺]_i signal generated by Orai1. This review will highlight current concepts of the activation and regulation of TRPC1 channels and its impact on cell function.

Adaptation of slow myofibers: the effect of sustained BDNF treatment of extraocular muscles in infant nonhuman primates

PURPOSE

We evaluated promising new treatment options for strabismus. Neurotrophic factors have emerged as a potential treatment for oculomotor disorders because of diverse roles in signaling to muscles and motor neurons. Unilateral treatment with sustained release brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to a single lateral rectus muscle in infant monkeys was performed to test the hypothesis that strabismus would develop in correlation with extraocular muscle (EOM) changes during the critical period for development of binocularity.

METHODS

The lateral rectus muscles of one eye in two infant macaques were treated with sustained delivery of BDNF for 3 months. Eye alignment was assessed using standard photographic methods. Muscle specimens were analyzed to examine the effects of BDNF on the density, morphology, and size of neuromuscular junctions, as well as myofiber size. Counts were compared to age-matched controls.

RESULTS

No change in eye alignment occurred with BDNF treatment. Compared to control muscle, neuromuscular junctions on myofibers expressing slow myosins had a larger area. Myofibers expressing slow myosin had larger diameters, and the percentage of myofibers expressing slow myosins increased in the proximal end of the muscle. Expression of BDNF was examined in control EOM, and observed to have strongest immunoreactivity outside the endplate zone.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that the oculomotor system adapted to sustained BDNF treatment to preserve normal alignment. Our results suggest that BDNF treatment preferentially altered myofibers expressing slow myosins. This implicates BDNF signaling as influencing the slow twitch properties of EOM.

Physiological Function and Characterization of TRPCs in Neurons

Ca²⁺ entry is essential for regulating vital physiological functions in all neuronal cells. Although neurons are engaged in multiple modes of Ca²⁺ entry that regulates variety of neuronal functions, we will only discuss a subset of specialized Ca²⁺-permeable non-selective Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) channels and summarize their physiological and pathological role in these excitable cells. Depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ stores, due to G-protein coupled receptor activation, has been shown to activate TRPC channels in both excitable and non-excitable cells. While all seven members of TRPC channels are predominately expressed in neuronal cells, the ion channel properties, mode of activation, and their physiological responses are quite distinct. Moreover, many of these TRPC channels have also been suggested to be associated with neuronal development, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, TRPCs also regulate neurosecretion, long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity. Similarly, perturbations in Ca²⁺ entry via the TRPC channels have been also suggested in a spectrum of neuropathological conditions. Hence, understanding the precise involvement of TRPCs in neuronal function and in neurodegenerative conditions would presumably unveil avenues for plausible therapeutic interventions for these devastating neuronal diseases.

Physiological functions and regulation of TRPC channels

The TRP-canonical (TRPC) subfamily, which consists of seven members (TRPC1-TRPC7), are Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels that are activated in response to receptor-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis via store-dependent and store-independent mechanisms. These channels are involved in a variety of physiological functions in different cell types and tissues. Of these, TRPC6 has been linked to a channelopathy resulting in human disease. Two key players of the store-dependent regulatory pathway, STIM1 and Orai1, interact with some TRPC channels to gate and regulate channel activity. The Ca(2+) influx mediated by TRPC channels generates distinct intracellular Ca(2+) signals that regulate downstream signaling events and consequent cell functions. This requires localization of TRPC channels in specific plasma membrane microdomains and precise regulation of channel function which is coordinated by various scaffolding, trafficking, and regulatory proteins.

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang shows preventive effect of asthma in an allergic asthma mouse model through neurotrophin regulation

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the effect of Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (XQLT) on neurotrophin in an established mouse model of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p)-induced acute allergic asthma and in a LA4 cell line model of lung adenoma. The effects of XQLT on the regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and immunoglobulin E were measured.

METHODS

LA4 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/ml Der p 24 h and the supernatant was collected for ELISA analysis. Der p-stimulated LA4 cells with either XQLT pre-treatment or XQLT co-treatment were used to evaluate the XQLT effect on neurotrophin.Balb/c mice were sensitized on days 0 and 7 with a base-tail injection of 50 μg Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) that was emulsified in 50 μl incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). On day 14, mice received an intra-tracheal challenge of 50 μl Der p (2 mg/ml). XQLT (1g/Kg) was administered orally to mice either on days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 as a preventive strategy or on day 15 as a therapeutic strategy.

RESULTS

XQLT inhibited expression of those NGF, BDNF and thymus-and activation-regulated cytokine (TARC) in LA4 cells that were subjected to a Der p allergen. Both preventive and therapeutic treatments with XQLT in mice reduced AHR. Preventive treatment with XQLT markedly decreased NGF in broncho-alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and BDNF in serum, whereas therapeutic treatment reduced only serum BDNF level. The reduced NGF levels corresponded to a decrease in AHR by XQLT treatment. Reduced BALF NGF and TARC and serum BDNF levels may have been responsible for decreased eosinophil infiltration into lung tissue. Immunohistochemistry showed that p75NTR and TrkA levels were reduced in the lungs of mice under both XQLT treatment protocols, and this reduction may have been correlated with the prevention of the asthmatic reaction by XQLT.

CONCLUSION

XQLT alleviated allergic inflammation including AHR, IgE elevation and eosinophil infiltration in Der p stimulated mice by regulating neurotrophin and reducing TARC. These results revealed the potential pharmacological targets on which the XQLT decotion exerts preventive and therapeutic effects in an allergic asthma mouse model.

Parkinson's disease: don't mess with calcium

The hallmark of the movement disorder Parkinson's disease (PD) is progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of α-synuclein, and ER stress are each implicated in the complex and poorly understood sequence of events leading to dopaminergic neuron demise. In this issue of the JCI, Selvaraj et al. report that in a mouse neurotoxin-based model of PD, reduced Ca2+ influx through transient receptor potential C1 (TRPC1) channels in the plasma membrane of dopaminergic neurons triggers a cell death-inducing ER stress response. These new findings suggest that TRPC1 channels normally function in Ca2+-mediated signaling pathways that couple adaptive/neurotrophic responses to metabolic and oxidative stress and suggest that disruption of these pathways may contribute to PD.

TRPs in the Brain

The Transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels is a large protein family, which is mainly structurally uniform. Proteins consist typically of six transmembrane domains and mostly four subunits are necessary to form a functional channel. Apart from this, TRP channels display a wide variety of activation mechanisms (ligand binding, G-protein coupled receptor dependent, physical stimuli such as temperature, pressure, etc.) and ion selectivity profiles (from highly Ca(2+) selective to non-selective for cations). They have been described now in almost every tissue of the body, including peripheral and central neurons. Especially in the sensory nervous system the role of several TRP channels is already described on a detailed level. This review summarizes data that is currently available on their role in the central nervous system. TRP channels are involved in neurogenesis and brain development, synaptic transmission and they play a key role in the development of several neurological diseases.