1
|
Bullmann T, Kaas T, Ritzau-Jost A, Wöhner A, Kirmann T, Rizalar FS, Holzer M, Nerlich J, Puchkov D, Geis C, Eilers J, Kittel RJ, Arendt T, Haucke V, Hallermann S. Human iPSC-Derived Neurons with Reliable Synapses and Large Presynaptic Action Potentials. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0971232024. [PMID: 38724283 PMCID: PMC11170674 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0971-23.2024] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the function of the human brain requires determining basic properties of synaptic transmission in human neurons. One of the most fundamental parameters controlling neurotransmitter release is the presynaptic action potential, but its amplitude and duration remain controversial. Presynaptic action potentials have so far been measured with high temporal resolution only in a limited number of vertebrate but not in human neurons. To uncover properties of human presynaptic action potentials, we exploited recently developed tools to generate human glutamatergic neurons by transient expression of Neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) in pluripotent stem cells. During maturation for 3 to 9 weeks of culturing in different established media, the proportion of cells with multiple axon initial segments decreased, while the amount of axonal tau protein and neuronal excitability increased. Super-resolution microscopy revealed the alignment of the pre- and postsynaptic proteins, Bassoon and Homer. Synaptic transmission was surprisingly reliable at frequencies of 20, 50, and 100 Hz. The synchronicity of synaptic transmission during high-frequency transmission increased during 9 weeks of neuronal maturation. To analyze the mechanisms of synchronous high-frequency glutamate release, we developed direct presynaptic patch-clamp recordings from human neurons. The presynaptic action potentials had large overshoots to ∼25 mV and short durations of ∼0.5 ms. Our findings show that Ngn2-induced neurons represent an elegant model system allowing for functional, structural, and molecular analyses of glutamatergic synaptic transmission with high spatiotemporal resolution in human neurons. Furthermore, our data predict that glutamatergic transmission is mediated by large and rapid presynaptic action potentials in the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Bullmann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Thomas Kaas
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritzau-Jost
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Anne Wöhner
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Toni Kirmann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Filiz Sila Rizalar
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Max Holzer
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Jana Nerlich
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Dmytro Puchkov
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Section Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Robert J Kittel
- Institute of Biology, Department of Animal Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| | - Volker Haucke
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin 13125, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig 04103, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun X, Yazejian B, Peskoff A, Grinnell AD. Experimentally monitored calcium dynamics at synaptic active zones during neurotransmitter release in neuron-muscle cell cultures. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2293-2319. [PMID: 38483240 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16289] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK) channels at varicosities in Xenopus nerve-muscle cell cultures were used to quantify experimentally the instantaneous active zone [Ca2+]AZ resulting from different rates and durations of Ca2+ entry in the absence of extrinsic buffers and correlate this with neurotransmitter release. Ca2+ tail currents produce mean peak [Ca2+]AZ ~ 30 μM; with continued influx, [Ca2+]AZ reaches ~45-60 μM at different rates depending on Ca2+ driving force and duration of influx. Both IBK and release are dependent on Ca2+ microdomains composed of both N- and L-type Ca channels. Domains collapse with a time constant of ~0.6 ms. We have constructed an active zone (AZ) model that approximately fits this data, and depends on incorporation of the high-capacity, low-affinity fixed buffer represented by phospholipid charges in the plasma membrane. Our observations suggest that in this preparation, (1) some BK channels, but few if any of the Ca2+ sensors that trigger release, are located within Ca2+ nanodomains while a large fraction of both are located far enough from Ca channels to be blockable by EGTA, (2) the IBK is more sensitive than the excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) to [Ca2+]AZ (K1/2-26 μM vs. ~36 μM [Ca2+]AZ); (3) with increasing [Ca2+]AZ, the IBK grows with a Hill coefficient of 2.5, the EPSC with a coefficient of 3.9; (4) release is dependent on the highest [Ca2+] achieved, independent of the time to reach it; (5) the varicosity synapses differ from mature frog nmjs in significant ways; and (6) BK channels are useful reporters of local [Ca2+]AZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Sun
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bruce Yazejian
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arthur Peskoff
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan D Grinnell
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
López-Murcia FJ, Lin KH, Berns MMM, Ranjan M, Lipstein N, Neher E, Brose N, Reim K, Taschenberger H. Complexin has a dual synaptic function as checkpoint protein in vesicle priming and as a promoter of vesicle fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320505121. [PMID: 38568977 PMCID: PMC11009659 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320505121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The presynaptic SNARE-complex regulator complexin (Cplx) enhances the fusogenicity of primed synaptic vesicles (SVs). Consequently, Cplx deletion impairs action potential-evoked transmitter release. Conversely, though, Cplx loss enhances spontaneous and delayed asynchronous release at certain synapse types. Using electrophysiology and kinetic modeling, we show that such seemingly contradictory transmitter release phenotypes seen upon Cplx deletion can be explained by an additional of Cplx in the control of SV priming, where its ablation facilitates the generation of a "faulty" SV fusion apparatus. Supporting this notion, a sequential two-step priming scheme, featuring reduced vesicle fusogenicity and increased transition rates into the faulty primed state, reproduces all aberrations of transmitter release modes and short-term synaptic plasticity seen upon Cplx loss. Accordingly, we propose a dual presynaptic function for the SNARE-complex interactor Cplx, one as a "checkpoint" protein that guarantees the proper assembly of the fusion machinery during vesicle priming, and one in boosting vesicle fusogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco José López-Murcia
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Kun-Han Lin
- Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37077, Germany
| | - Manon M. M. Berns
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Mrinalini Ranjan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen37077, Germany
| | - Noa Lipstein
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Erwin Neher
- Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37077, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence ‘Multiscale Bioimaging’, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen37073, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence ‘Multiscale Bioimaging’, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen37073, Germany
| | - Kerstin Reim
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| | - Holger Taschenberger
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen37075, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Z, Kusick GF, Berns MMM, Raychaudhuri S, Itoh K, Walter AM, Chapman ER, Watanabe S. Synaptotagmin 7 docks synaptic vesicles to support facilitation and Doc2α-triggered asynchronous release. eLife 2024; 12:RP90632. [PMID: 38536730 PMCID: PMC10972563 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of intense study, the molecular basis of asynchronous neurotransmitter release remains enigmatic. Synaptotagmin (syt) 7 and Doc2 have both been proposed as Ca2+ sensors that trigger this mode of exocytosis, but conflicting findings have led to controversy. Here, we demonstrate that at excitatory mouse hippocampal synapses, Doc2α is the major Ca2+ sensor for asynchronous release, while syt7 supports this process through activity-dependent docking of synaptic vesicles. In synapses lacking Doc2α, asynchronous release after single action potentials is strongly reduced, while deleting syt7 has no effect. However, in the absence of syt7, docked vesicles cannot be replenished on millisecond timescales. Consequently, both synchronous and asynchronous release depress from the second pulse onward during repetitive activity. By contrast, synapses lacking Doc2α have normal activity-dependent docking, but continue to exhibit decreased asynchronous release after multiple stimuli. Moreover, disruption of both Ca2+ sensors is non-additive. These findings result in a new model whereby syt7 drives activity-dependent docking, thus providing synaptic vesicles for synchronous (syt1) and asynchronous (Doc2 and other unidentified sensors) release during ongoing transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyong Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteMadisonUnited States
| | - Grant F Kusick
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Manon MM Berns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Sumana Raychaudhuri
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Kie Itoh
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Alexander M Walter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Molecular and Theoretical Neuroscience, Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, FMP im CharitéCrossOverBerlinGermany
| | - Edwin R Chapman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteMadisonUnited States
| | - Shigeki Watanabe
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hettiarachchi P, Niyangoda S, Shigemoto A, Solowiej IJ, Burdette SC, Johnson MA. Caged Zn 2+ Photolysis in Zebrafish Whole Brains Reveals Subsecond Modulation of Dopamine Uptake. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:772-782. [PMID: 38301116 PMCID: PMC11036533 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00668] [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: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Free, ionic zinc (Zn2+) modulates neurotransmitter dynamics in the brain. However, the sub-s effects of transient concentration changes of Zn2+ on neurotransmitter release and uptake are not well understood. To address this lack of knowledge, we have combined the photolysis of the novel caged Zn2+ compound [Zn(DPAdeCageOMe)]+ with fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon fiber microelectrodes in live, whole brain preparations from zebrafish (Danio rerio). After treating the brain with [Zn(DPAdeCageOMe)]+, Zn2+ was released by application of light that was gated through a computer-controlled shutter synchronized with the FSCV measurements and delivered through a 1 mm fiber optic cable. We systematically optimized the photocage concentration and light application parameters, including the total duration and light-to-electrical stimulation delay time. While sub-s Zn2+ application with this method inhibited DA reuptake, assessed by the first-order rate constant (k) and half-life (t1/2), it had no effect on the electrically stimulated DA overflow ([DA]STIM). Increasing the photocage concentration and light duration progressively inhibited uptake, with maximal effects occurring at 100 μM and 800 ms, respectively. Furthermore, uptake was inhibited 200 ms after Zn2+ photorelease, but no measurable effect occurred after 800 ms. We expect that application of this method to the zebrafish whole brain and other preparations will help expand the current knowledge of how Zn2+ affects neurotransmitter release/uptake in select neurological disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyanka Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| | - Sayuri Niyangoda
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| | - Austin Shigemoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Isabel J. Solowiej
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| | - Shawn C. Burdette
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Michael A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and R.N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cunningham KL, Littleton JT. Mechanisms controlling the trafficking, localization, and abundance of presynaptic Ca 2+ channels. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1116729. [PMID: 36710932 PMCID: PMC9880069 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1116729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr ), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Given this functional significance, defining the processes that cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance is critical for understanding how these mechanisms set synaptic strength and how they might be regulated to control presynaptic plasticity. VGCC abundance at AZs involves multiple steps, including channel biosynthesis (transcription, translation, and trafficking through the endomembrane system), forward axonal trafficking and delivery to synaptic terminals, incorporation and retention at presynaptic sites, and protein recycling. Here we discuss mechanisms that control VGCC abundance at synapses, highlighting findings from invertebrate and vertebrate models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Biology, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang Y, Huang R, Chai Z, Wang C, Du X, Hang Y, Xu Y, Li J, Jiang X, Wu X, Qiao Z, Li Y, Liu B, Zhang X, Cao P, Zhu F, Zhou Z. Ca 2+ -independent transmission at the central synapse formed between dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn neurons. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54507. [PMID: 36148511 PMCID: PMC9638852 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A central principle of synaptic transmission is that action potential-induced presynaptic neurotransmitter release occurs exclusively via Ca2+ -dependent secretion (CDS). The discovery and mechanistic investigations of Ca2+ -independent but voltage-dependent secretion (CiVDS) have demonstrated that the action potential per se is sufficient to trigger neurotransmission in the somata of primary sensory and sympathetic neurons in mammals. One key question remains, however, whether CiVDS contributes to central synaptic transmission. Here, we report, in the central transmission from presynaptic (dorsal root ganglion) to postsynaptic (spinal dorsal horn) neurons in vitro, (i) excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) are mediated by glutamate transmission through both CiVDS (up to 87%) and CDS; (ii) CiVDS-mediated EPSCs are independent of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ ; (iii) CiVDS is faster than CDS in vesicle recycling with much less short-term depression; (iv) the fusion machinery of CiVDS includes Cav2.2 (voltage sensor) and SNARE (fusion pore). Together, an essential component of activity-induced EPSCs is mediated by CiVDS in a central synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zuying Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Changhe Wang
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and TechnologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Xingyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuqi Hang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhongjun Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yinglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | | | - Peng Cao
- National Institute of Biological SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Feipeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular MedicineCollege of Future TechnologyPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Weingarten DJ, Shrestha A, Juda-Nelson K, Kissiwaa SA, Spruston E, Jackman SL. Fast resupply of synaptic vesicles requires synaptotagmin-3. Nature 2022; 611:320-325. [PMID: 36261524 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sustained neuronal activity demands a rapid resupply of synaptic vesicles to maintain reliable synaptic transmission. Such vesicle replenishment is accelerated by submicromolar presynaptic Ca2+ signals by an as-yet unidentified high-affinity Ca2+ sensor1,2. Here we identify synaptotagmin-3 (SYT3)3,4 as that presynaptic high-affinity Ca2+ sensor, which drives vesicle replenishment and short-term synaptic plasticity. Synapses in Syt3 knockout mice exhibited enhanced short-term depression, and recovery from depression was slower and insensitive to presynaptic residual Ca2+. During sustained neuronal firing, SYT3 accelerated vesicle replenishment and increased the size of the readily releasable pool. SYT3 also mediated short-term facilitation under conditions of low release probability and promoted synaptic enhancement together with another high-affinity synaptotagmin, SYT7 (ref. 5). Biophysical modelling predicted that SYT3 mediates both replenishment and facilitation by promoting the transition of loosely docked vesicles to tightly docked, primed states. Our results reveal a crucial role for presynaptic SYT3 in the maintenance of reliable high-frequency synaptic transmission. Moreover, multiple forms of short-term plasticity may converge on a mechanism of reversible, Ca2+-dependent vesicle docking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amita Shrestha
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kessa Juda-Nelson
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sarah A Kissiwaa
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Evan Spruston
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Skyler L Jackman
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kobbersmed JRL, Berns MMM, Ditlevsen S, Sørensen JB, Walter AM. Allosteric stabilization of calcium and phosphoinositide dual binding engages several synaptotagmins in fast exocytosis. eLife 2022; 11:74810. [PMID: 35929728 PMCID: PMC9489213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic communication relies on the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, which leads to neurotransmitter release. This exocytosis is triggered by brief and local elevations of intracellular Ca2+ with remarkably high sensitivity. How this is molecularly achieved is unknown. While synaptotagmins confer the Ca2+ sensitivity of neurotransmitter exocytosis, biochemical measurements reported Ca2+ affinities too low to account for synaptic function. However, synaptotagmin’s Ca2+ affinity increases upon binding the plasma membrane phospholipid PI(4,5)P2 and, vice versa, Ca2+ binding increases synaptotagmin’s PI(4,5)P2 affinity, indicating a stabilization of the Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual-bound state. Here, we devise a molecular exocytosis model based on this positive allosteric stabilization and the assumptions that (1.) synaptotagmin Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion and that (2.) the effect of multiple synaptotagmins on the energy barrier is additive. The model, which relies on biochemically measured Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 affinities and protein copy numbers, reproduced the steep Ca2+ dependency of neurotransmitter release. Our results indicate that each synaptotagmin engaging in Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual-binding lowers the energy barrier for vesicle fusion by ~5 kBT and that allosteric stabilization of this state enables the synchronized engagement of several (typically three) synaptotagmins for fast exocytosis. Furthermore, we show that mutations altering synaptotagmin’s allosteric properties may show dominant-negative effects, even though synaptotagmins act independently on the energy barrier, and that dynamic changes of local PI(4,5)P2 (e.g. upon vesicle movement) dramatically impact synaptic responses. We conclude that allosterically stabilized Ca2+/PI(4,5)P2 dual binding enables synaptotagmins to exert their coordinated function in neurotransmission. For our brains and nervous systems to work properly, the nerve cells within them must be able to ‘talk’ to each other. They do this by releasing chemical signals called neurotransmitters which other cells can detect and respond to. Neurotransmitters are packaged in tiny membrane-bound spheres called vesicles. When a cell of the nervous system needs to send a signal to its neighbours, the vesicles fuse with the outer membrane of the cell, discharging their chemical contents for other cells to detect. The initial trigger for neurotransmitter release is a short, fast increase in the amount of calcium ions inside the signalling cell. One of the main proteins that helps regulate this process is synaptotagmin which binds to calcium and gives vesicles the signal to start unloading their chemicals. Despite acting as a calcium sensor, synaptotagmin actually has a very low affinity for calcium ions by itself, meaning that it would not be efficient for the protein to respond alone. Synpatotagmin is more likely to bind to calcium if it is attached to a molecule called PIP2, which is found in the membranes of cells The effect also occurs in reverse, as the binding of calcium to synaptotagmin increases the protein’s affinity for PIP2. However, how these three molecules – synaptotagmin, PIP2, and calcium – work together to achieve the physiological release of neurotransmitters is poorly understood. To help answer this question, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. set up a computer simulation of ‘virtual vesicles’ using available experimental data on synaptotagmin’s affinity with calcium and PIP2. In this simulation, synaptotagmin could only trigger the release of neurotransmitters when bound to both calcium and PIP2. The model also showed that each ‘complex’ of synaptotagmin/calcium/PIP2 made the vesicles more likely to fuse with the outer membrane of the cell – to the extent that only a handful of synaptotagmin molecules were needed to start neurotransmitter release from a single vesicle. These results shed new light on a biological process central to the way nerve cells communicate with each other. In the future, Kobbersmed, Berns et al. hope that this insight will help us to understand the cause of diseases where communication in the nervous system is impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janus R L Kobbersmed
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manon M M Berns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Ditlevsen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cunningham KL, Sauvola CW, Tavana S, Littleton JT. Regulation of presynaptic Ca 2+ channel abundance at active zones through a balance of delivery and turnover. eLife 2022; 11:78648. [PMID: 35833625 PMCID: PMC9352347 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) mediate Ca2+ influx to trigger neurotransmitter release at specialized presynaptic sites termed active zones (AZs). The abundance of VGCCs at AZs regulates neurotransmitter release probability (Pr), a key presynaptic determinant of synaptic strength. Although biosynthesis, delivery, and recycling cooperate to establish AZ VGCC abundance, experimentally isolating these distinct regulatory processes has been difficult. Here, we describe how the AZ levels of cacophony (Cac), the sole VGCC-mediating synaptic transmission in Drosophila, are determined. We also analyzed the relationship between Cac, the conserved VGCC regulatory subunit α2δ, and the core AZ scaffold protein Bruchpilot (BRP) in establishing a functional AZ. We find that Cac and BRP are independently regulated at growing AZs, as Cac is dispensable for AZ formation and structural maturation, and BRP abundance is not limiting for Cac accumulation. Additionally, AZs stop accumulating Cac after an initial growth phase, whereas BRP levels continue to increase given extended developmental time. AZ Cac is also buffered against moderate increases or decreases in biosynthesis, whereas BRP lacks this buffering. To probe mechanisms that determine AZ Cac abundance, intravital FRAP and Cac photoconversion were used to separately measure delivery and turnover at individual AZs over a multi-day period. Cac delivery occurs broadly across the AZ population, correlates with AZ size, and is rate-limited by α2δ. Although Cac does not undergo significant lateral transfer between neighboring AZs over the course of development, Cac removal from AZs does occur and is promoted by new Cac delivery, generating a cap on Cac accumulation at mature AZs. Together, these findings reveal how Cac biosynthesis, synaptic delivery, and recycling set the abundance of VGCCs at individual AZs throughout synapse development and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chad W Sauvola
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sara Tavana
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Knodel MM, Dutta Roy R, Wittum G. Influence of T-Bar on Calcium Concentration Impacting Release Probability. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:855746. [PMID: 35586479 PMCID: PMC9108211 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.855746] [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: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The relation of form and function, namely the impact of the synaptic anatomy on calcium dynamics in the presynaptic bouton, is a major challenge of present (computational) neuroscience at a cellular level. The Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a simple model system, which allows studying basic effects in a rather simple way. This synapse harbors several special structures. In particular, in opposite to standard vertebrate synapses, the presynaptic boutons are rather large, and they have several presynaptic zones. In these zones, different types of anatomical structures are present. Some of the zones bear a so-called T-bar, a particular anatomical structure. The geometric form of the T-bar resembles the shape of the letter “T” or a table with one leg. When an action potential arises, calcium influx is triggered. The probability of vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release is superlinearly proportional to the concentration of calcium close to the vesicular release site. It is tempting to assume that the T-bar causes some sort of calcium accumulation and hence triggers a higher release probability and thus enhances neurotransmitter exocytosis. In order to study this influence in a quantitative manner, we constructed a typical T-bar geometry and compared the calcium concentration close to the active zones (AZs). We compared the case of synapses with and without T-bars. Indeed, we found a substantial influence of the T-bar structure on the presynaptic calcium concentrations close to the AZs, indicating that this anatomical structure increases vesicle release probability. Therefore, our study reveals how the T-bar zone implies a strong relation between form and function. Our study answers the question of experimental studies (namely “Wichmann and Sigrist, Journal of neurogenetics 2010”) concerning the sense of the anatomical structure of the T-bar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus M. Knodel
- Goethe Center for Scientific Computing (GCSC), Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- *Correspondence: Markus M. Knodel ; orcid.org/0000-0001-8739-0803
| | | | - Gabriel Wittum
- Goethe Center for Scientific Computing (GCSC), Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Paul MM, Dannhäuser S, Morris L, Mrestani A, Hübsch M, Gehring J, Hatzopoulos GN, Pauli M, Auger GM, Bornschein G, Scholz N, Ljaschenko D, Müller M, Sauer M, Schmidt H, Kittel RJ, DiAntonio A, Vakonakis I, Heckmann M, Langenhan T. The human cognition-enhancing CORD7 mutation increases active zone number and synaptic release. Brain 2022; 145:3787-3802. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Humans carrying the CORD7 (cone-rod dystrophy 7) mutation possess increased verbal IQ and working memory. This autosomal dominant syndrome is caused by the single-amino acid R844H exchange (human numbering) located in the 310 helix of the C2A domain of RIMS1/RIM1 (Rab3-interacting molecule 1). RIM is an evolutionarily conserved multi-domain protein and essential component of presynaptic active zones, which is centrally involved in fast, Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release. How the CORD7 mutation affects synaptic function has remained unclear thus far. Here, we established Drosophila melanogaster as a disease model for clarifying the effects of the CORD7 mutation on RIM function and synaptic vesicle release.
To this end, using protein expression and X-ray crystallography, we solved the molecular structure of the Drosophila C2A domain at 1.92 Å resolution and by comparison to its mammalian homolog ascertained that the location of the CORD7 mutation is structurally conserved in fly RIM. Further, CRISPR/Cas9-assisted genomic engineering was employed for the generation of rim alleles encoding the R915H CORD7 exchange or R915E,R916E substitutions (fly numbering) to effect local charge reversal at the 310 helix. Through electrophysiological characterization by two-electrode voltage clamp and focal recordings we determined that the CORD7 mutation exerts a semi-dominant rather than a dominant effect on synaptic transmission resulting in faster, more efficient synaptic release and increased size of the readily releasable pool but decreased sensitivity for the fast calcium chelator BAPTA. In addition, the rim CORD7 allele increased the number of presynaptic active zones but left their nanoscopic organization unperturbed as revealed by super-resolution microscopy of the presynaptic scaffold protein Bruchpilot/ELKS/CAST.
We conclude that the CORD7 mutation leads to tighter release coupling, an increased readily releasable pool size and more release sites thereby promoting more efficient synaptic transmitter release. These results strongly suggest that similar mechanisms may underlie the CORD7 disease phenotype in patients and that enhanced synaptic transmission may contribute to their increased cognitive abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mila M. Paul
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Dannhäuser
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Morris
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Achmed Mrestani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Leipzig University Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martha Hübsch
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gehring
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Pauli
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Genevieve M. Auger
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Grit Bornschein
- Carl Ludwig Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Scholz
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Ljaschenko
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Carl Ludwig Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert J. Kittel
- Carl Ludwig Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aaron DiAntonio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Manfred Heckmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Langenhan
- Division of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee BJ, Yang CH, Lee SY, Lee SH, Kim Y, Ho WK. Voltage-gated calcium channels contribute to spontaneous glutamate release directly via nanodomain coupling or indirectly via calmodulin. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 208:102182. [PMID: 34695543 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102182] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitter release occurs either synchronously with action potentials (evoked release) or spontaneously (spontaneous release). Whether the molecular mechanisms underlying evoked and spontaneous release are identical, especially whether voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) can trigger spontaneous events, is still a matter of debate in glutamatergic synapses. To elucidate this issue, we characterized the VGCC dependence of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in various synapses with different coupling distances between VGCCs and synaptic vesicles, known as a critical factor in evoked release. We found that most of the extracellular calcium-dependent mEPSCs were attributable to VGCCs in cultured autaptic hippocampal neurons and the mature calyx of Held where VGCCs and vesicles were tightly coupled. Among loosely coupled synapses, mEPSCs were not VGCC-dependent at immature calyx of Held and CA1 pyramidal neuron synapses, whereas VGCCs contribution was significant at CA3 pyramidal neuron synapses. Interestingly, the contribution of VGCCs to spontaneous glutamate release in CA3 pyramidal neurons was abolished by a calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium. These data suggest that coupling distance between VGCCs and vesicles determines VGCC dependence of spontaneous release at tightly coupled synapses, yet VGCC contribution can be achieved indirectly at loosely coupled synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byoung Ju Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Che Ho Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Ho Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Kyung Ho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Eshra A, Schmidt H, Eilers J, Hallermann S. Calcium dependence of neurotransmitter release at a high fidelity synapse. eLife 2021; 10:70408. [PMID: 34612812 PMCID: PMC8494478 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-dependence of the priming, fusion, and replenishment of synaptic vesicles are fundamental parameters controlling neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Despite intense efforts, these important steps in the synaptic vesicles’ cycle remain poorly understood due to the technical challenge in disentangling vesicle priming, fusion, and replenishment. Here, we investigated the Ca2+-sensitivity of these steps at mossy fiber synapses in the rodent cerebellum, which are characterized by fast vesicle replenishment mediating high-frequency signaling. We found that the basal free Ca2+ concentration (<200 nM) critically controls action potential-evoked release, indicating a high-affinity Ca2+ sensor for vesicle priming. Ca2+ uncaging experiments revealed a surprisingly shallow and non-saturating relationship between release rate and intracellular Ca2+ concentration up to 50 μM. The rate of vesicle replenishment during sustained elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration exhibited little Ca2+-dependence. Finally, quantitative mechanistic release schemes with five Ca2+ binding steps incorporating rapid vesicle replenishment via parallel or sequential vesicle pools could explain our data. We thus show that co-existing high- and low-affinity Ca2+ sensors mediate priming, fusion, and replenishment of synaptic vesicles at a high-fidelity synapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmoneim Eshra
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang CH, Ho WK, Lee SH. Postnatal maturation of glutamate clearance and release kinetics at the rat and mouse calyx of Held synapses. Synapse 2021; 75:e22215. [PMID: 34057239 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although calyx of Held synapses undergo dramatic changes around the hearing onset, previous in vivo studies suggest that the calyx synapses undergo further post-hearing maturation process. While developmental changes over the hearing onset have been extensively studied, this post-hearing maturation process remained relatively little investigated. Because of post-hearing maturation, previous results from studies around hearing onset and studies of post-hearing calyx synapses are somewhat inconsistent. Here, we characterized the post-hearing maturation of calyx synapses with regard to in vitro electrophysiological properties in rats and mice. We found that parameters for residual glutamate in the cleft during a train, EPSC kinetics, and vesicle pool size became close to a full mature level by P14, but they further matured until P16 in the rats. Consistently, the phasic and slow EPSCs evoked by action potential trains at P16 calyx synapses were not different from those at P18 or P25 under physiological extracellular [Ca2+ ]o (1.2 mM). In contrast, the parameters for residual current and EPSC kinetics displayed drastic changes until P16 in mice, and slow EPSCs during the train further decreased between P16 and P18, suggesting that maturation of calyx synapses progresses at least up to P16 in rats and P18 in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che Ho Yang
- Cell Physiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyung Ho
- Cell Physiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Ho Lee
- Cell Physiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Reva M, DiGregorio DA, Grebenkov DS. A first-passage approach to diffusion-influenced reversible binding and its insights into nanoscale signaling at the presynapse. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5377. [PMID: 33686123 PMCID: PMC7940439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic transmission between neurons is governed by a cascade of stochastic calcium ion reaction–diffusion events within nerve terminals leading to vesicular release of neurotransmitter. Since experimental measurements of such systems are challenging due to their nanometer and sub-millisecond scale, numerical simulations remain the principal tool for studying calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release driven by electrical impulses, despite the limitations of time-consuming calculations. In this paper, we develop an analytical solution to rapidly explore dynamical stochastic reaction–diffusion problems based on first-passage times. This is the first analytical model that accounts simultaneously for relevant statistical features of calcium ion diffusion, buffering, and its binding/unbinding reaction with a calcium sensor for synaptic vesicle fusion. In particular, unbinding kinetics are shown to have a major impact on submillisecond sensor occupancy probability and therefore cannot be neglected. Using Monte Carlo simulations we validated our analytical solution for instantaneous calcium influx and that through voltage-gated calcium channels. We present a fast and rigorous analytical tool that permits a systematic exploration of the influence of various biophysical parameters on molecular interactions within cells, and which can serve as a building block for more general cell signaling simulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reva
- Unit of Synapse and Circuit Dynamics, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,ED3C, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - David A DiGregorio
- Unit of Synapse and Circuit Dynamics, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Denis S Grebenkov
- Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée (UMR 7643), CNRS - Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Young SM, Veeraraghavan P. Presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels in the auditory brainstem. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 112:103609. [PMID: 33662542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sound information encoding within the initial synapses in the auditory brainstem requires reliable and precise synaptic transmission in response to rapid and large fluctuations in action potential (AP) firing rates. The magnitude and location of Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaV) in the presynaptic terminal are key determinants in triggering AP-mediated release. In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), the CaV2.1 subtype is the critical subtype for CNS function, since it is the most efficient CaV2 subtype in triggering AP-mediated synaptic vesicle (SV) release. Auditory brainstem synapses utilize CaV2.1 to sustain fast and repetitive SV release to encode sound information. Therefore, understanding the presynaptic mechanisms that control CaV2.1 localization, organization and biophysical properties are integral to understanding auditory processing. Here, we review our current knowledge about the control of presynaptic CaV2 abundance and organization in the auditory brainstem and impact on the regulation of auditory processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang CH, Lee KH, Ho WK, Lee SH. Inter-spike mitochondrial Ca 2+ release enhances high frequency synaptic transmission. J Physiol 2020; 599:1567-1594. [PMID: 33140422 DOI: 10.1113/jp280351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Presynaptic mitochondria not only absorb but also release Ca2+ during high frequency stimulation (HFS) when presynaptic [Ca2+ ] is kept low (<500 nm) by high cytosolic Ca2+ buffer or strong plasma membrane calcium clearance mechanisms under physiological external [Ca2+ ]. Mitochondrial Ca2+ release (MCR) does not alter the global presynaptic Ca2+ transients. MCR during HFS enhances short-term facilitation and steady state excitatory postsynaptic currents by increasing vesicular release probability. The intra-train MCR may provide residual calcium at interspike intervals, and thus support high frequency neurotransmission at central glutamatergic synapses. ABSTRACT Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering contributes to local regulation of synaptic transmission. It is unknown, however, whether mitochondrial Ca2+ release (MCR) occurs during high frequency synaptic transmission. Confirming the previous notion that 2 μm tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+ ) is a specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX), we studied the role of MCR via mNCX in short-term plasticity during high frequency stimulation (HFS) at the calyx of Held synapse of the rat. TPP+ reduced short-term facilitation (STF) and steady state excitatory postsynaptic currents during HFS at mature calyx synapses under physiological extracellular [Ca2+ ] ([Ca2+ ]o = 1.2 mm), but not at immature calyx or at 2 mm [Ca2+ ]o . The inhibitory effects of TPP+ were stronger at synapses with morphologically complex calyces harbouring many swellings and at 32°C than at simple calyx synapses and at room temperature. These effects of TPP+ on STF were well correlated with those on the presynaptic mitochondrial [Ca2+ ] build-up during HFS. Mitochondrial [Ca2+ ] during HFS was increased by TPP+ at mature calyces under 1.2 mm [Ca2+ ]o , and further enhanced at 32°C, but not under 2 mm [Ca2+ ]o or at immature calyces. The close correlation of the effects of TPP+ on mitochondrial [Ca2+ ] with those on STF suggests that mNCX contributes to STF at the calyx of Held synapses. The intra-train MCR enhanced vesicular release probability without altering global presynaptic [Ca2+ ]. Our results suggest that MCR during HFS elevates local [Ca2+ ] near synaptic sites at interspike intervals to enhance STF and to support stable synaptic transmission under physiological [Ca2+ ]o .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che Ho Yang
- Department of Physiology, Cell Physiology Lab., Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Centre, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Hee Lee
- Department of Physiology, Cell Physiology Lab., Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Centre, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyung Ho
- Department of Physiology, Cell Physiology Lab., Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Centre, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, Cell Physiology Lab., Seoul National University College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Centre, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mechanisms and Functional Consequences of Presynaptic Homeostatic Plasticity at Auditory Nerve Synapses. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6896-6909. [PMID: 32747441 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1175-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple forms of homeostasis influence synaptic function under diverse activity conditions. Both presynaptic and postsynaptic forms of homeostasis are important, but their relative impact on fidelity is unknown. To address this issue, we studied auditory nerve synapses onto bushy cells in the cochlear nucleus of mice of both sexes. These synapses undergo bidirectional presynaptic and postsynaptic homeostatic changes with increased and decreased acoustic stimulation. We found that both young and mature synapses exhibit similar activity-dependent changes in short-term depression. Experiments using chelators and imaging both indicated that presynaptic Ca2+ influx decreased after noise exposure, and increased after ligating the ear canal. By contrast, Ca2+ cooperativity was unaffected. Experiments using specific antagonists suggest that occlusion leads to changes in the Ca2+ channel subtypes driving neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, dynamic-clamp experiments revealed that spike fidelity primarily depended on changes in presynaptic depression, with some contribution from changes in postsynaptic intrinsic properties. These experiments indicate that presynaptic Ca2+ influx is homeostatically regulated in vivo to enhance synaptic fidelity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Homeostatic mechanisms in synapses maintain stable function in the face of different levels of activity. Both juvenile and mature auditory nerve synapses onto bushy cells modify short-term depression in different acoustic environments, which raises the question of what the underlying presynaptic mechanisms are and the relative importance of presynaptic and postsynaptic contributions to the faithful transfer of information. Changes in short-term depression under different acoustic conditions were a result of changes in presynaptic Ca2+ influx. Spike fidelity was affected by both presynaptic and postsynaptic changes after ear occlusion and was only affected by presynaptic changes after noise-rearing. These findings are important for understanding regulation of auditory synapses under normal conditions and also in disorders following noise exposure or conductive hearing loss.
Collapse
|
22
|
Distinct Nanoscale Calcium Channel and Synaptic Vesicle Topographies Contribute to the Diversity of Synaptic Function. Neuron 2019; 104:693-710.e9. [PMID: 31558350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The nanoscale topographical arrangement of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) and synaptic vesicles (SVs) determines synaptic strength and plasticity, but whether distinct spatial distributions underpin diversity of synaptic function is unknown. We performed single bouton Ca2+ imaging, Ca2+ chelator competition, immunogold electron microscopic (EM) localization of VGCCs and the active zone (AZ) protein Munc13-1, at two cerebellar synapses. Unexpectedly, we found that weak synapses exhibited 3-fold more VGCCs than strong synapses, while the coupling distance was 5-fold longer. Reaction-diffusion modeling could explain both functional and structural data with two strikingly different nanotopographical motifs: strong synapses are composed of SVs that are tightly coupled (∼10 nm) to VGCC clusters, whereas at weak synapses VGCCs were excluded from the vicinity (∼50 nm) of docked vesicles. The distinct VGCC-SV topographical motifs also confer differential sensitivity to neuromodulation. Thus, VGCC-SV arrangements are not canonical, and their diversity could underlie functional heterogeneity across CNS synapses.
Collapse
|
23
|
Presynaptic Mitochondria Volume and Abundance Increase during Development of a High-Fidelity Synapse. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7994-8012. [PMID: 31455662 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0363-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The calyx of Held, a large glutamatergic presynaptic terminal in the auditory brainstem undergoes developmental changes to support the high action-potential firing rates required for auditory information encoding. In addition, calyx terminals are morphologically diverse, which impacts vesicle release properties and synaptic plasticity. Mitochondria influence synaptic plasticity through calcium buffering and are crucial for providing the energy required for synaptic transmission. Therefore, it has been postulated that mitochondrial levels increase during development and contribute to the morphological-functional diversity in the mature calyx. However, the developmental profile of mitochondrial volumes and subsynaptic distribution at the calyx of Held remains unclear. To provide insight on this, we developed a helper-dependent adenoviral vector that expresses the genetically encoded peroxidase marker for mitochondria, mito-APEX2, at the mouse calyx of Held. We developed protocols to detect labeled mitochondria for use with serial block face scanning electron microscopy to carry out semiautomated segmentation of mitochondria, high-throughput whole-terminal reconstruction, and presynaptic ultrastructure in mice of either sex. Subsequently, we measured mitochondrial volumes and subsynaptic distributions at the immature postnatal day (P)7 and the mature (P21) calyx. We found an increase of mitochondria volumes in terminals and axons from P7 to P21 but did not observe differences between stalk and swelling subcompartments in the mature calyx. Based on these findings, we propose that mitochondrial volumes and synaptic localization developmentally increase to support high firing rates required in the initial stages of auditory information processing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elucidating the developmental processes of auditory brainstem presynaptic terminals is critical to understanding auditory information encoding. Additionally, morphological-functional diversity at these terminals is proposed to enhance coding capacity. Mitochondria provide energy for synaptic transmission and can buffer calcium, impacting synaptic plasticity; however, their developmental profile to ultimately support the energetic demands of synapses following the onset of hearing remains unknown. Therefore, we created a helper-dependent adenoviral vector with the mitochondria-targeting peroxidase mito-APEX2 and expressed it at the mouse calyx of Held. Volumetric reconstructions of serial block face electron microscopy data of immature and mature labeled calyces reveal that mitochondrial volumes are increased to support high firing rates upon maturity.
Collapse
|
24
|
Fekete A, Nakamura Y, Yang YM, Herlitze S, Mark MD, DiGregorio DA, Wang LY. Underpinning heterogeneity in synaptic transmission by presynaptic ensembles of distinct morphological modules. Nat Commun 2019; 10:826. [PMID: 30778063 PMCID: PMC6379440 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic heterogeneity is widely observed but its underpinnings remain elusive. We addressed this issue using mature calyx of Held synapses whose numbers of bouton-like swellings on stalks of the nerve terminals inversely correlate with release probability (Pr). We examined presynaptic Ca2+ currents and transients, topology of fluorescently tagged knock-in Ca2+ channels, and Ca2+ channel-synaptic vesicle (SV) coupling distance using Ca2+ chelator and inhibitor of septin cytomatrix in morphologically diverse synapses. We found that larger clusters of Ca2+ channels with tighter coupling distance to SVs elevate Pr in stalks, while smaller clusters with looser coupling distance lower Pr in swellings. Septin is a molecular determinant of the differences in coupling distance. Supported by numerical simulations, we propose that varying the ensemble of two morphological modules containing distinct Ca2+ channel-SV topographies diversifies Pr in the terminal, thereby establishing a morpho-functional continuum that expands the coding capacity within a single synapse population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Fekete
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yukihiro Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1058461, Japan
| | - Yi-Mei Yang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Stefan Herlitze
- Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie D Mark
- Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - David A DiGregorio
- Unit of Dynamic Neuronal Imaging, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 3571, Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bornschein G, Schmidt H. Synaptotagmin Ca 2+ Sensors and Their Spatial Coupling to Presynaptic Ca v Channels in Central Cortical Synapses. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:494. [PMID: 30697148 PMCID: PMC6341215 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ concentrations drop rapidly over a distance of a few tens of nanometers from an open voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (Cav), thereby, generating a spatially steep and temporally short-lived Ca2+ gradient that triggers exocytosis of a neurotransmitter filled synaptic vesicle. These non-steady state conditions make the Ca2+-binding kinetics of the Ca2+ sensors for release and their spatial coupling to the Cavs important parameters of synaptic efficacy. In the mammalian central nervous system, the main release sensors linking action potential mediated Ca2+ influx to synchronous release are Synaptotagmin (Syt) 1 and 2. We review here quantitative work focusing on the Ca2+ kinetics of Syt2-mediated release. At present similar quantitative detail is lacking for Syt1-mediated release. In addition to triggering release, Ca2+ remaining bound to Syt after the first of two successive high-frequency activations was found to be capable of facilitating release during the second activation. More recently, the Ca2+ sensor Syt7 was identified as additional facilitation sensor. We further review how several recent functional studies provided quantitative insights into the spatial topographical relationships between Syts and Cavs and identified mechanisms regulating the sensor-to-channel coupling distances at presynaptic active zones. Most synapses analyzed in matured cortical structures were found to operate at tight, nanodomain coupling. For fast signaling synapses a developmental switch from loose, microdomain to tight, nanodomain coupling was found. The protein Septin5 has been known for some time as a developmentally down-regulated “inhibitor” of tight coupling, while Munc13-3 was found only recently to function as a developmentally up-regulated mediator of tight coupling. On the other hand, a highly plastic synapse was found to operate at loose coupling in the matured hippocampus. Together these findings suggest that the coupling topography and its regulation is a specificity of the type of synapse. However, to definitely draw such conclusion our knowledge of functional active zone topographies of different types of synapses in different areas of the mammalian brain is too incomplete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grit Bornschein
- Carl-Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schmidt
- Carl-Ludwig Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Ghelani T, Sigrist SJ. Coupling the Structural and Functional Assembly of Synaptic Release Sites. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:81. [PMID: 30386217 PMCID: PMC6198076 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Information processing in our brains depends on the exact timing of calcium (Ca2+)-activated exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs) from unique release sites embedded within the presynaptic active zones (AZs). While AZ scaffolding proteins obviously provide an efficient environment for release site function, the molecular design creating such release sites had remained unknown for a long time. Recent advances in visualizing the ultrastructure and topology of presynaptic protein architectures have started to elucidate how scaffold proteins establish “nanodomains” that connect voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) physically and functionally with release-ready SVs. Scaffold proteins here seem to operate as “molecular rulers or spacers,” regulating SV-VGCC physical distances within tens of nanometers and, thus, influence the probability and plasticity of SV release. A number of recent studies at Drosophila and mammalian synapses show that the stable positioning of discrete clusters of obligate release factor (M)Unc13 defines the position of SV release sites, and the differential expression of (M)Unc13 isoforms at synapses can regulate SV-VGCC coupling. We here review the organization of matured AZ scaffolds concerning their intrinsic organization and role for release site formation. Moreover, we also discuss insights into the developmental sequence of AZ assembly, which often entails a tightening between VGCCs and SV release sites. The findings discussed here are retrieved from vertebrate and invertebrate preparations and include a spectrum of methods ranging from cell biology, super-resolution light and electron microscopy to biophysical and electrophysiological analysis. Our understanding of how the structural and functional organization of presynaptic AZs are coupled has matured, as these processes are crucial for the understanding of synapse maturation and plasticity, and, thus, accurate information transfer and storage at chemical synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Ghelani
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ritzau-Jost A, Jablonski L, Viotti J, Lipstein N, Eilers J, Hallermann S. Apparent calcium dependence of vesicle recruitment. J Physiol 2018; 596:4693-4707. [PMID: 29928766 DOI: 10.1113/jp275911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Synaptic transmission relies on the recruitment of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles to presynaptic release sites. Increased intracellular calcium buffering slows the recovery from synaptic depression, suggesting that vesicle recruitment is a calcium-dependent process. However, the molecular mechanisms of vesicle recruitment have only been investigated at some synapses. We investigate the role of calcium in vesicle recruitment at the cerebellar mossy fibre to granule cell synapse. We find that increased intracellular calcium buffering slows the recovery from depression following physiological stimulation. However, the recovery is largely resistant to perturbation of the molecular pathways previously shown to mediate calcium-dependent vesicle recruitment. Furthermore, we find two pools of vesicles with different recruitment speeds and show that models incorporating two pools of vesicles with different calcium-independent recruitment rates can explain our data. In this framework, increased calcium buffering prevents the release of intrinsically fast-recruited vesicles but does not change the vesicle recruitment rates themselves. ABSTRACT During sustained synaptic transmission, recruitment of new transmitter-filled vesicles to the release site counteracts vesicle depletion and thus synaptic depression. An elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration has been proposed to accelerate the rate of vesicle recruitment at many synapses. This conclusion is often based on the finding that increased intracellular Ca2+ buffering slows the recovery from synaptic depression. However, the molecular mechanisms of the activity-dependent acceleration of vesicle recruitment have only been analysed at some synapses. Using physiological stimulation patterns in postsynaptic recordings and step depolarizations in presynaptic bouton recordings, we investigate vesicle recruitment at cerebellar mossy fibre boutons. We show that increased intracellular Ca2+ buffering slows recovery from depression dramatically. However, pharmacological and genetic interference with calmodulin or the calmodulin-Munc13 pathway, which has been proposed to mediate Ca2+ -dependence of vesicle recruitment, barely affects vesicle recovery from depression. Furthermore, we show that cerebellar mossy fibre boutons have two pools of vesicles: rapidly fusing vesicles that recover slowly and slowly fusing vesicles that recover rapidly. Finally, models adopting such two pools of vesicles with Ca2+ -independent recruitment rates can explain the slowed recovery from depression upon increased Ca2+ buffering. Our data do not rule out the involvement of the calmodulin-Munc13 pathway during stronger stimuli or other molecular pathways mediating Ca2+ -dependent vesicle recruitment at cerebellar mossy fibre boutons. However, we show that well-established two-pool models predict an apparent Ca2+ -dependence of vesicle recruitment. Thus, previous conclusions of Ca2+ -dependent vesicle recruitment based solely on increased intracellular Ca2+ buffering should be considered with caution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritzau-Jost
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lukasz Jablonski
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julio Viotti
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Center of Anatomy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Noa Lipstein
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Hallermann
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Böhme MA, Grasskamp AT, Walter AM. Regulation of synaptic release-site Ca 2+ channel coupling as a mechanism to control release probability and short-term plasticity. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:3516-3531. [PMID: 29993122 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic transmission relies on the rapid fusion of neurotransmitter-containing synaptic vesicles (SVs), which happens in response to action potential (AP)-induced Ca2+ influx at active zones (AZs). A highly conserved molecular machinery cooperates at SV-release sites to mediate SV plasma membrane attachment and maturation, Ca2+ sensing, and membrane fusion. Despite this high degree of conservation, synapses - even within the same organism, organ or neuron - are highly diverse regarding the probability of APs to trigger SV fusion. Additionally, repetitive activation can lead to either strengthening or weakening of transmission. In this review, we discuss mechanisms controlling release probability and this short-term plasticity. We argue that an important layer of control is exerted by evolutionarily conserved AZ scaffolding proteins, which determine the coupling distance between SV fusion sites and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and, thereby, shape synapse-specific input/output behaviors. We propose that AZ-scaffold modifications may occur to adapt the coupling distance during synapse maturation and plastic regulation of synapse strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias A Böhme
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alexander M Walter
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Singh M, Lujan B, Renden R. Presynaptic GCaMP expression decreases vesicle release probability at the calyx of Held. Synapse 2018; 72:e22040. [PMID: 29935099 PMCID: PMC6186185 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis is intimately dependent on free local Ca2+ near active zones. Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) have become an indispensable tool to monitor calcium dynamics during physiological responses, and they are widely used as a proxy to monitor activity in neuronal ensembles and at synaptic terminals. However, GECIs’ ability to bind Ca2+ at physiologically relevant concentration makes them strong candidates to affect calcium homeostasis and alter synaptic transmission by exogenously increasing Ca2+ buffering. In the present study, we show that genetically expressed GCaMP6m modulates SV release probability at the mouse calyx of Held synapse. GCaMP6m expression for approximately three weeks decreased initial SV release for both low‐frequency stimulation and high‐frequency stimulation trains, and slowed presynaptic short‐term depression. However, GCaMP6m does not affect quantal events during spontaneous activity at this synapse. This study emphasizes the careful use of GECIs as monitors of neuronal activity and inspects the role of these transgenic indicators which may alter calcium‐dependent physiological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Singh
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, 89557
| | - Brendan Lujan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, 89557.,Currently at Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Robert Renden
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, 89557
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Akbergenova Y, Cunningham KL, Zhang YV, Weiss S, Littleton JT. Characterization of developmental and molecular factors underlying release heterogeneity at Drosophila synapses. eLife 2018; 7:38268. [PMID: 29989549 PMCID: PMC6075867 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons communicate through neurotransmitter release at specialized synaptic regions known as active zones (AZs). Using biosensors to visualize single synaptic vesicle fusion events at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions, we analyzed the developmental and molecular determinants of release probability (Pr) for a defined connection with ~300 AZs. Pr was heterogeneous but represented a stable feature of each AZ. Pr remained stable during high frequency stimulation and retained heterogeneity in mutants lacking the Ca2+ sensor Synaptotagmin 1. Pr correlated with both presynaptic Ca2+ channel abundance and Ca2+ influx at individual release sites. Pr heterogeneity also correlated with glutamate receptor abundance, with high Pr connections developing receptor subtype segregation. Intravital imaging throughout development revealed that AZs acquire high Pr during a multi-day maturation period, with Pr heterogeneity largely reflecting AZ age. The rate of synapse maturation was activity-dependent, as both increases and decreases in neuronal activity modulated glutamate receptor field size and segregation. To send a message to its neighbor, a neuron releases chemicals called neurotransmitters into the gap – or synapse – between them. The neurotransmitter molecules bind to proteins on the receiver neuron called receptors. But what causes the sender neuron to release neurotransmitter in the first place? The process starts when an electrical impulse called an action potential arrives at the sender cell. Its arrival causes channels in the membrane of the sender neuron to open, so that calcium ions flood into the cell. The calcium ions interact with packages of neurotransmitter molecules, known as synaptic vesicles. This causes some of the vesicles to empty their contents into the synapse. But this process is not particularly reliable. Only a small fraction of action potentials cause vesicles to fuse with the synaptic membrane. How likely this is to occur varies greatly between neurons, and even between synapses formed by the same neuron. Synapses that are likely to release neurotransmitter are said to be strong. They are good at passing messages from the sender neuron to the receiver. Synapses with a low probability of release are said to be weak. But what exactly differs between strong and weak synapses? Akbergenova et al. studied synapses between motor neurons and muscle cells in the fruit fly Drosophila. Each motor neuron forms several hundred synapses. Some of these synapses are 50 times more likely to release neurotransmitter than others. Using calcium imaging and genetics, Akbergenova et al. showed that sender cells at strong synapses have more calcium channels than sender cells at weak synapses. The subtypes and arrangement of receptor proteins also differ between the receiver neurons of strong versus weak synapses. Finally, studies in larvae revealed that newly formed synapses all start out weak and then gradually become stronger. How fast this strengthening occurs depends on how active the neuron at the synapse is. This study has shown, in unprecedented detail, key molecular factors that make some fruit fly synapses more likely to release neurotransmitter than others. Many proteins at synapses of mammals resemble those at fruit fly synapses. This means that similar factors may also explain differences in synaptic strength in the mammalian brain. Changes in the strength of synapses underlie the ability to learn. Furthermore, many neurological and psychiatric disorders result from disruption of synapses. Understanding the molecular basis of synapses will thus provide clues to the origins of certain brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Akbergenova
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Karen L Cunningham
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Yao V Zhang
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Shirley Weiss
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - J Troy Littleton
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Variations in Ca 2+ Influx Can Alter Chelator-Based Estimates of Ca 2+ Channel-Synaptic Vesicle Coupling Distance. J Neurosci 2018; 38:3971-3987. [PMID: 29563180 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2061-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing and probability of synaptic vesicle fusion from presynaptic terminals is governed by the distance between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) and Ca2+ sensors for exocytosis. This VGCC-sensor coupling distance can be determined from the fractional block of vesicular release by exogenous Ca2+ chelators, which depends on biophysical factors that have not been thoroughly explored. Using numerical simulations of Ca2+ reaction and diffusion, as well as vesicular release, we examined the contributions of conductance, density, and open duration of VGCCs, and the influence of endogenous Ca2+ buffers on the inhibition of exocytosis by EGTA. We found that estimates of coupling distance are critically influenced by the duration and amplitude of Ca2+ influx at active zones, but relatively insensitive to variations of mobile endogenous buffer. High concentrations of EGTA strongly inhibit vesicular release in close proximity (20-30 nm) to VGCCs if the flux duration is brief, but have little influence for longer flux durations that saturate the Ca2+ sensor. Therefore, the diversity in presynaptic action potential duration is sufficient to alter EGTA inhibition, resulting in errors potentially as large as 300% if Ca2+ entry durations are not considered when estimating VGCC-sensor coupling distances.SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT The coupling distance between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ sensors for exocytosis critically determines the timing and probability of neurotransmitter release. Perfusion of presynaptic terminals with the exogenous Ca2+ chelator EGTA has been widely used for both qualitative and quantitative estimates of this distance. However, other presynaptic terminal parameters such as the amplitude and duration of Ca2+ entry can also influence EGTA inhibition of exocytosis, thus confounding conclusions based on EGTA alone. Here, we performed reaction-diffusion simulations of Ca2+-driven synaptic vesicle fusion, which delineate the critical parameters influencing an accurate prediction of coupling distance. Our study provides guidelines for characterizing and understanding how variability in coupling distance across chemical synapses could be estimated accurately.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tejero R, Lopez-Manzaneda M, Arumugam S, Tabares L. Synaptotagmin-2, and -1, linked to neurotransmission impairment and vulnerability in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 25:4703-4716. [PMID: 28173138 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most frequent genetic cause of infant mortality. The disease is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and paralysis of axial and proximal limb muscles. It is caused by homozygous loss or mutation of the SMN1 gene, which codes for the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. In mouse models of the disease, neurotransmitter release is greatly impaired, but the molecular mechanisms of the synaptic dysfunction and the basis of the selective muscle vulnerability are unknown. In the present study, we investigated these open questions by comparing the molecular and functional properties of nerve terminals in severely and mildly affected muscles in the SMNΔ7 mouse model. We discovered that synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) was developmentally downregulated in nerve terminals of highly affected muscles but not in low vulnerable muscles. Additionally, the expression levels of synaptotagmin-2 (Syt2), and its interacting protein, synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) B, were reduced in proportion to the degree of muscle vulnerability while other synaptic proteins, such as syntaxin-1B (Stx1B) and synaptotagmin-7 (Syt7), were not affected. Consistently with the extremely low levels of both Syt-isoforms, and SV2B, in most affected neuromuscular synapses, the functional analysis of neurotransmission revealed highly reduced evoked release, altered short-term plasticity, low release probability, and inability to modulate normally the number of functional release sites. Together, we propose that the strong reduction of Syt2 and SV2B are key factors of the functional synaptic alteration and that the physiological downregulation of Syt1 plays a determinant role in muscle vulnerability in SMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Tejero
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuán, 4. 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Mario Lopez-Manzaneda
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuán, 4. 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Saravanan Arumugam
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuán, 4. 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Lucía Tabares
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuán, 4. 41009 Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Walter AM, Böhme MA, Sigrist SJ. Vesicle release site organization at synaptic active zones. Neurosci Res 2017; 127:3-13. [PMID: 29275162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Information transfer between nerve cells (neurons) forms the basis of behavior, emotion, and survival. Signal transduction from one neuron to another occurs at synapses, and relies on both electrical and chemical signal propagation. At chemical synapses, incoming electrical action potentials trigger the release of chemical neurotransmitters that are sensed by the connected cell and here reconverted to an electrical signal. The presynaptic conversion of an electrical to a chemical signal is an energy demanding, highly regulated process that relies on a complex, evolutionarily conserved molecular machinery. Here, we review the biophysical characteristics of this process, the current knowledge of the molecules operating in this reaction and genetic specializations that may have evolved to shape inter-neuronal signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Walter
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Roessle-Straße 10, Berlin 13125, Germany.
| | - Mathias A Böhme
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Roessle-Straße 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Stephan J Sigrist
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Biology/Genetics, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure, Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Homan AE, Laghaei R, Dittrich M, Meriney SD. Impact of spatiotemporal calcium dynamics within presynaptic active zones on synaptic delay at the frog neuromuscular junction. J Neurophysiol 2017; 119:688-699. [PMID: 29167324 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00510.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal calcium dynamics within presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites (active zones, AZs) at the time of synaptic vesicle fusion is critical for shaping the dynamics of neurotransmitter release. Specifically, the relative arrangement and density of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) as well as the concentration of calcium buffering proteins can play a large role in the timing, magnitude, and plasticity of release by shaping the AZ calcium profile. However, a high-resolution understanding of the role of AZ structure in spatiotemporal calcium dynamics and how it may contribute to functional heterogeneity at an adult synapse is currently lacking. We demonstrate that synaptic delay varies considerably across, but not within, individual synapses at the frog neuromuscular junction (NMJ). To determine how elements of the AZ could contribute to this variability, we performed a parameter search using a spatially realistic diffusion reaction-based computational model of a frog NMJ AZ (Dittrich M, Pattillo JM, King JD, Cho S, Stiles JR, Meriney SD. Biophys J 104: 2751-2763, 2013; Ma J, Kelly L, Ingram J, Price TJ, Meriney SD, Dittrich M. J Neurophysiol 113: 71-87, 2015). We demonstrate with our model that synaptic delay is sensitive to significant alterations in the spatiotemporal calcium dynamics within an AZ at the time of release caused by manipulations of the density and organization of VGCCs or by the concentration of calcium buffering proteins. Furthermore, our data provide a framework for understanding how AZ organization and structure are important for understanding presynaptic function and plasticity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The structure of presynaptic active zones (AZs) can play a large role in determining the dynamics of neurotransmitter release across many model preparations by influencing the spatiotemporal calcium dynamics within the AZ at the time of vesicle fusion. However, less is known about how different AZ structural schemes may influence the timing of neurotransmitter release. We demonstrate that variations in AZ structure create different spatiotemporal calcium profiles that, in turn, lead to differences in synaptic delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Homan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Rozita Laghaei
- Biomedical Applications Group, Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, Carnegie Mellon University , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Stephen D Meriney
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Efficient stimulus-secretion coupling at ribbon synapses requires RIM-binding protein tethering of L-type Ca 2+ channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E8081-E8090. [PMID: 28874522 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1702991114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast neurotransmitter release from ribbon synapses via Ca2+-triggered exocytosis requires tight coupling of L-type Ca2+ channels to release-ready synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic active zone, which is localized at the base of the ribbon. Here, we used genetic, electrophysiological, and ultrastructural analyses to probe the architecture of ribbon synapses by perturbing the function of RIM-binding proteins (RBPs) as central active-zone scaffolding molecules. We found that genetic deletion of RBP1 and RBP2 did not impair synapse ultrastructure of ribbon-type synapses formed between rod bipolar cells (RBCs) and amacrine type-2 (AII) cells in the mouse retina but dramatically reduced the density of presynaptic Ca2+ channels, decreased and desynchronized evoked neurotransmitter release, and rendered evoked and spontaneous neurotransmitter release sensitive to the slow Ca2+ buffer EGTA. These findings suggest that RBPs tether L-type Ca2+ channels to the active zones of ribbon synapses, thereby synchronizing vesicle exocytosis and promoting high-fidelity information transfer in retinal circuits.
Collapse
|
37
|
Numbers of presynaptic Ca 2+ channel clusters match those of functionally defined vesicular docking sites in single central synapses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5246-E5255. [PMID: 28607047 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704470114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many central synapses contain a single presynaptic active zone and a single postsynaptic density. Vesicular release statistics at such "simple synapses" indicate that they contain a small complement of docking sites where vesicles repetitively dock and fuse. In this work, we investigate functional and morphological aspects of docking sites at simple synapses made between cerebellar parallel fibers and molecular layer interneurons. Using immunogold labeling of SDS-treated freeze-fracture replicas, we find that Cav2.1 channels form several clusters per active zone with about nine channels per cluster. The mean value and range of intersynaptic variation are similar for Cav2.1 cluster numbers and for functional estimates of docking-site numbers obtained from the maximum numbers of released vesicles per action potential. Both numbers grow in relation with synaptic size and decrease by a similar extent with age between 2 wk and 4 wk postnatal. Thus, the mean docking-site numbers were 3.15 at 2 wk (range: 1-10) and 2.03 at 4 wk (range: 1-4), whereas the mean numbers of Cav2.1 clusters were 2.84 at 2 wk (range: 1-8) and 2.37 at 4 wk (range: 1-5). These changes were accompanied by decreases of miniature current amplitude (from 93 pA to 56 pA), active-zone surface area (from 0.0427 μm2 to 0.0234 μm2), and initial success rate (from 0.609 to 0.353), indicating a tightening of synaptic transmission with development. Altogether, these results suggest a close correspondence between the number of functionally defined vesicular docking sites and that of clusters of voltage-gated calcium channels.
Collapse
|
38
|
Delvendahl I, Hallermann S. The Cerebellar Mossy Fiber Synapse as a Model for High-Frequency Transmission in the Mammalian CNS. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:722-737. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
39
|
Stanley EF. Single calcium channel domain gating of synaptic vesicle fusion at fast synapses; analysis by graphic modeling. Channels (Austin) 2016; 9:324-33. [PMID: 26457441 PMCID: PMC4826128 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2015.1098793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
At fast-transmitting presynaptic terminals Ca2+ enter through voltage gated calcium channels (CaVs) and bind to a synaptic vesicle (SV) -associated calcium sensor (SV-sensor) to gate fusion and discharge. An open CaV generates a high-concentration plume, or nanodomain of Ca2+ that dissipates precipitously with distance from the pore. At most fast synapses, such as the frog neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the SV sensors are located sufficiently close to individual CaVs to be gated by single nanodomains. However, at others, such as the mature rodent calyx of Held (calyx of Held), the physiology is more complex with evidence that CaVs that are both close and distant from the SV sensor and it is argued that release is gated primarily by the overlapping Ca2+ nanodomains from many CaVs. We devised a 'graphic modeling' method to sum Ca2+ from individual CaVs located at varying distances from the SV-sensor to determine the SV release probability and also the fraction of that probability that can be attributed to single domain gating. This method was applied first to simplified, low and high CaV density model release sites and then to published data on the contrasting frog NMJ and the rodent calyx of Held native synapses. We report 3 main predictions: the SV-sensor is positioned very close to the point at which the SV fuses with the membrane; single domain-release gating predominates even at synapses where the SV abuts a large cluster of CaVs, and even relatively remote CaVs can contribute significantly to single domain-based gating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise F Stanley
- a Toronto Western Research Institute ; Toronto , Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Böhme MA, Beis C, Reddy-Alla S, Reynolds E, Mampell MM, Grasskamp AT, Lützkendorf J, Bergeron DD, Driller JH, Babikir H, Göttfert F, Robinson IM, O'Kane CJ, Hell SW, Wahl MC, Stelzl U, Loll B, Walter AM, Sigrist SJ. Active zone scaffolds differentially accumulate Unc13 isoforms to tune Ca2+ channel–vesicle coupling. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:1311-20. [DOI: 10.1038/nn.4364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
41
|
Baydyuk M, Xu J, Wu LG. The calyx of Held in the auditory system: Structure, function, and development. Hear Res 2016; 338:22-31. [PMID: 27018297 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The calyx of Held synapse plays an important role in the auditory system, relaying information about sound localization via fast and precise synaptic transmission, which is achieved by its specialized structure and giant size. During development, the calyx of Held undergoes anatomical, morphological, and physiological changes necessary for performing its functions. The large dimensions of the calyx of Held nerve terminal are well suited for direct electrophysiological recording of many presynaptic events that are difficult, if not impossible to record at small conventional synapses. This unique accessibility has been used to investigate presynaptic ion channels, transmitter release, and short-term plasticity, providing invaluable information about basic presynaptic mechanisms of transmission at a central synapse. Here, we review anatomical and physiological specializations of the calyx of Held, summarize recent studies that provide new mechanisms important for calyx development and reliable synaptic transmission, and examine fundamental presynaptic mechanisms learned from studies using calyx as a model nerve terminal. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled <Annual Reviews 2016>.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Baydyuk
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 35 Convent Dr., Bldg 35, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ling-Gang Wu
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 35 Convent Dr., Bldg 35, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stanley EF. The Nanophysiology of Fast Transmitter Release. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:183-197. [PMID: 26896416 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Action potentials invading the presynaptic terminal trigger discharge of docked synaptic vesicles (SVs) by opening voltage-dependent calcium channels (CaVs) and admitting calcium ions (Ca(2+)), which diffuse to, and activate, SV sensors. At most synapses, SV sensors and CaVs are sufficiently close that release is gated by individual CaV Ca(2+) nanodomains centered on the channel mouth. Other synapses gate SV release with extensive Ca(2+) microdomains summed from many, more distant CaVs. We review the experimental preparations, theories, and methods that provided principles of release nanophysiology and highlight expansion of the field into synaptic diversity and modifications of release gating for specific synaptic demands. Specializations in domain gating may adapt the terminal for roles in development, transmission of rapid impulse frequencies, and modulation of synaptic strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise F Stanley
- Laboratory of Synaptic Transmission, KD 7-418, The Krembil Institute, 60 Leonard Street, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Extrapolating microdomain Ca(2+) dynamics using BK channels as a Ca(2+) sensor. Sci Rep 2016; 6:17343. [PMID: 26776352 PMCID: PMC4726033 DOI: 10.1038/srep17343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ ions play crucial roles in mediating physiological and pathophysiological processes, yet Ca2+ dynamics local to the Ca2+ source, either from influx via calcium permeable ion channels on plasmic membrane or release from internal Ca2+ stores, is difficult to delineate. Large-conductance calcium-activated K+ (BK-type) channels, abundantly distribute in excitable cells and often localize to the proximity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), spatially enabling the coupling of the intracellular Ca2+ signal to the channel gating to regulate membrane excitability and spike firing patterns. Here we utilized the sensitivity and dynamic range of BK to explore non-uniform Ca2+ local transients in the microdomain of VGCCs. Accordingly, we applied flash photolysis of caged Ca2+ to activate BK channels and determine their intrinsic sensitivity to Ca2+. We found that uncaging Ca2+ activated biphasic BK currents with fast and slow components (time constants being τf ≈ 0.2 ms and τs ≈ 10 ms), which can be accounted for by biphasic Ca2+ transients following light photolysis. We estimated the Ca2+-binding rate constant kb (≈1.8 × 108 M−1s−1) for mSlo1 and further developed a model in which BK channels act as a calcium sensor capable of quantitatively predicting local microdomain Ca2+ transients in the vicinity of VGCCs during action potentials.
Collapse
|
44
|
Acuna C, Liu X, Gonzalez A, Südhof TC. RIM-BPs Mediate Tight Coupling of Action Potentials to Ca(2+)-Triggered Neurotransmitter Release. Neuron 2015; 87:1234-1247. [PMID: 26402606 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafast neurotransmitter release requires tight colocalization of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels with primed, release-ready synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic active zone. RIM-binding proteins (RIM-BPs) are multidomain active zone proteins that bind to RIMs and to Ca(2+) channels. In Drosophila, deletion of RIM-BPs dramatically reduces neurotransmitter release, but little is known about RIM-BP function in mammalian synapses. Here, we generated double conditional knockout mice for RIM-BP1 and RIM-BP2, and analyzed RIM-BP-deficient synapses in cultured hippocampal neurons and the calyx of Held. Surprisingly, we find that in murine synapses, RIM-BPs are not essential for neurotransmitter release as such, but are selectively required for high-fidelity coupling of action potential-induced Ca(2+) influx to Ca(2+)-stimulated synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Deletion of RIM-BPs decelerated action-potential-triggered neurotransmitter release and rendered it unreliable, thereby impairing the fidelity of synaptic transmission. Thus, RIM-BPs ensure optimal organization of the machinery for fast release in mammalian synapses without being a central component of the machinery itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Acuna
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Xinran Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Aneysis Gonzalez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Neher E. Merits and Limitations of Vesicle Pool Models in View of Heterogeneous Populations of Synaptic Vesicles. Neuron 2015; 87:1131-1142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
46
|
Blosa M, Sonntag M, Jäger C, Weigel S, Seeger J, Frischknecht R, Seidenbecher CI, Matthews RT, Arendt T, Rübsamen R, Morawski M. The extracellular matrix molecule brevican is an integral component of the machinery mediating fast synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held. J Physiol 2015. [PMID: 26223835 DOI: 10.1113/jp270849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The proteoglycan brevican is a major component of the extracellular matrix of perineuronal nets and is highly enriched in the perisynaptic space suggesting a role for synaptic transmission. We have introduced the calyx of Held in the auditory brainstem as a model system to study the impact of brevican on dynamics and reliability of synaptic transmission. In vivo extracellular single-unit recordings at the calyx of Held in brevican-deficient mice yielded a significant increase in the action potential (AP) transmission delay and a prolongation of pre- and postsynaptic APs. The changes in dynamics of signal transmission were accompanied by the reduction of presynaptic vGlut1 and ultrastructural changes in the perisynaptic space. These data show that brevican is an important mediator of fast synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held. ABSTRACT The extracellular matrix is an integral part of the neural tissue. Its most conspicuous manifestation in the brain are the perineuronal nets (PNs) which surround somata and proximal dendrites of distinct neuron types. The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan brevican is a major component of PNs. In contrast to other PN-comprising proteoglycans (e.g. aggrecan and neurocan), brevican is mainly expressed in the perisynaptic space closely associated with both the pre- and postsynaptic membrane. This specific localization prompted the hypothesis that brevican might play a role in synaptic transmission. In the present study we specifically investigated the role of brevican in synaptic transmission at a central synapse, the calyx of Held in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, by the use of in vivo electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry and electron microscopy. In vivo extracellular single-unit recordings were acquired in brevican-deficient mice and the dynamics and reliability of synaptic transmission were compared to wild-type littermates. In knockout mice, the speed of pre-to-postsynaptic action potential (AP) transmission was reduced and the duration of the respective pre- and postsynaptic APs increased. The reliability of signal transmission, however, was not affected by the lack of brevican. The changes in dynamics of signal transmission were accompanied by the reduction of (i) presynaptic vGlut1 and (ii) the size of subsynaptic cavities. The present results suggest an essential role of brevican for the functionality of high-speed synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maren Blosa
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mandy Sonntag
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Solveig Weigel
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Seeger
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Russell T Matthews
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Thomas Arendt
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rudolf Rübsamen
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Morawski
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Complexin stabilizes newly primed synaptic vesicles and prevents their premature fusion at the mouse calyx of held synapse. J Neurosci 2015; 35:8272-90. [PMID: 26019341 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4841-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complexins (Cplxs) are small synaptic proteins that cooperate with SNARE-complexes in the control of synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. Studies involving genetic mutation, knock-down, or knock-out indicated two key functions of Cplx that are not mutually exclusive but cannot easily be reconciled, one in facilitating SV fusion, and one in "clamping" SVs to prevent premature fusion. Most studies on the role of Cplxs in mammalian synapse function have relied on cultured neurons, heterologous expression systems, or membrane fusion assays in vitro, whereas little is known about the function of Cplxs in native synapses. We therefore studied consequences of genetic ablation of Cplx1 in the mouse calyx of Held synapse, and discovered a developmentally exacerbating phenotype of reduced spontaneous and evoked transmission but excessive asynchronous release after stimulation, compatible with combined facilitating and clamping functions of Cplx1. Because action potential waveforms, Ca(2+) influx, readily releasable SV pool size, and quantal size were unaltered, the reduced synaptic strength in the absence of Cplx1 is most likely a consequence of a decreased release probability, which is caused, in part, by less tight coupling between Ca(2+) channels and docked SV. We found further that the excessive asynchronous release in Cplx1-deficient calyces triggered aberrant action potentials in their target neurons, and slowed-down the recovery of EPSCs after depleting stimuli. The augmented asynchronous release had a delayed onset and lasted hundreds of milliseconds, indicating that it predominantly represents fusion of newly recruited SVs, which remain unstable and prone to premature fusion in the absence of Cplx1.
Collapse
|
48
|
Wichmann C. Molecularly and structurally distinct synapses mediate reliable encoding and processing of auditory information. Hear Res 2015; 330:178-90. [PMID: 26188105 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hearing impairment is the most common human sensory deficit. Considering the sophisticated anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, disease-related failures frequently occur. To meet the demands of the neuronal circuits responsible for processing auditory information, the synapses of the lower auditory pathway are anatomically and functionally specialized to process acoustic information indefatigably with utmost temporal precision. Despite sharing some functional properties, the afferent synapses of the cochlea and of auditory brainstem differ greatly in their morphology and employ distinct molecular mechanisms for regulating synaptic vesicle release. Calyceal synapses of the endbulb of Held and the calyx of Held profit from a large number of release sites that project onto one principal cell. Cochlear inner hair cell ribbon synapses exhibit a unique one-to-one relation of the presynaptic active zone to the postsynaptic cell and use hair-cell-specific proteins such as otoferlin for vesicle release. The understanding of the molecular physiology of the hair cell ribbon synapse has been advanced by human genetics studies of sensorineural hearing impairment, revealing human auditory synaptopathy as a new nosological entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience & InnerEarLab, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Schneggenburger R, Rosenmund C. Molecular mechanisms governing Ca2+ regulation of evoked and spontaneous release. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:935-41. [DOI: 10.1038/nn.4044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
50
|
Abstract
Calcium influx during action potentials triggers neurotransmitter release at presynaptic active zones. Calcium buffers limit the spread of calcium and restrict neurotransmitter release to the vicinity of calcium channels. To sustain synchronous release during repetitive activity, rapid removal of calcium from the active zone is essential, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, we focused on cerebellar mossy fiber synapses, which are among the fastest synapses in the mammalian brain and found very weak presynaptic calcium buffering. One might assume that strong calcium buffering has the potential to efficiently remove calcium from active zones. In contrast, our results show that weak calcium buffering speeds active zone calcium clearance. Thus, the strength of presynaptic buffering limits the rate of synaptic transmission. Fast synchronous neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic active zone is triggered by local Ca2+ signals, which are confined in their spatiotemporal extent by endogenous Ca2+ buffers. However, it remains elusive how rapid and reliable Ca2+ signaling can be sustained during repetitive release. Here, we established quantitative two-photon Ca2+ imaging in cerebellar mossy fiber boutons, which fire at exceptionally high rates. We show that endogenous fixed buffers have a surprisingly low Ca2+-binding ratio (∼15) and low affinity, whereas mobile buffers have high affinity. Experimentally constrained modeling revealed that the low endogenous buffering promotes fast clearance of Ca2+ from the active zone during repetitive firing. Measuring Ca2+ signals at different distances from active zones with ultra-high-resolution confirmed our model predictions. Our results lead to the concept that reduced Ca2+ buffering enables fast active zone Ca2+ signaling, suggesting that the strength of endogenous Ca2+ buffering limits the rate of synchronous synaptic transmission.
Collapse
|