Otoferlin couples to clathrin-mediated endocytosis in mature cochlear inner hair cells

DMXL2 Is Required for Endocytosis and Recycling of Synaptic Vesicles in Auditory Hair Cells

Ribbon synapses of inner hair cells (IHCs) are uniquely designed for ultrafast and indefatigable neurotransmission of the sound. The molecular machinery ensuring the efficient, compensatory recycling of the synaptic vesicles (SVs), however, remains elusive. This study showed that hair cell knock-out of murine Dmxl2, whose human homolog is responsible for nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss DFNA71, resulted in auditory synaptopathy by impairing synaptic endocytosis and recycling. The mutant mice in the C57BL/6J background of either sex had mild hearing loss with severely diminished wave I amplitude of the auditory brainstem response. Membrane capacitance measurements of the IHCs revealed deficiency in sustained synaptic exocytosis and endocytic membrane retrieval. Consistent with the electrophysiological findings, 3D electron microscopy reconstruction showed reduced reserve pool of SVs and endocytic compartments, while the membrane-proximal and ribbon-associated vesicles remain intact. Our results propose an important role of DMXL2 in hair cell endocytosis and recycling of the SVs.

Spatiotemporal expression of AP-2/myosin Ⅵ in mouse cochlear IHCs and correlation with auditory function

BACKGROUND

Recycling of synaptic vesicles plays an important role in vesicle pool replenishment, neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is considered to be the main mechanism for synaptic vesicle replenishment. AP-2 (adaptor-related protein complex 2) and myosin Ⅵ are known as key proteins that regulate the structure and dynamics of CME.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to reveal the spatiotemporal expression of AP-2/myosin Ⅵ in inner hair cells (IHCs) of the mouse cochlea and its correlation with auditory function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Immunofluorescence was used to detect the localization and expression of AP-2 and myosin Ⅵ in cochlear hair cells (HCs) of CBA/CaJ mice of various ages. qRT-PCR was used to verify the differential expression of AP-2 and myosin Ⅵ mRNA in the mouse cochlea, and ABR tests were administered to mice of various ages. A preliminary analysis of the correlation between AP-2/myosin Ⅵ levels and auditory function was conducted.

RESULTS

AP-2 was located in the cytoplasmic region of IHCs and was mainly expressed in the basal region of IHCs and the area near ribbon synapses, while myosin Ⅵ was expressed in the cytoplasmic region of IHCs and OHCs. Furthermore, AP-2 and myosin Ⅵ were not significant detected in the cochleae of P7 mice; the expression level reached a peak at P35 and then decreased significantly with age. The expression patterns and expression levels of AP-2 and myosin Ⅵ in the cochleae of the mice were consistent with the development of the auditory system.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

AP-2 and myosin Ⅵ protein expression may differ in mice of different ages, and this variation probably leads to a difference in the efficiency in CME; it may also cause a defect in IHC function.

Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Composition of Glutamatergic Organelles of Auditory Inner Hair Cells

In the ear, inner hair cells (IHCs) employ sophisticated glutamatergic ribbon synapses with afferent neurons to transmit auditory information to the brain. The presynaptic machinery responsible for neurotransmitter release in IHC synapses includes proteins such as the multi-C2-domain protein otoferlin and the vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGluT3). Yet, much of this likely unique molecular machinery remains to be deciphered. The scarcity of material has so far hampered biochemical studies which require large amounts of purified samples. We developed a subcellular fractionation workflow combined with immunoisolation of VGluT3-containing membrane vesicles, allowing for the enrichment of glutamatergic organelles that are likely dominated by synaptic vesicles (SVs) of IHCs. We have characterized their protein composition in mice before and after hearing onset using mass spectrometry and confocal imaging and provide a fully annotated proteome with hitherto unidentified proteins. Despite the prevalence of IHC marker proteins across IHC maturation, the profiles of trafficking proteins differed markedly before and after hearing onset. Among the proteins enriched after hearing onset were VAMP-7, syntaxin-7, syntaxin-8, syntaxin-12/13, SCAMP1, V-ATPase, SV2, and PKCα. Our study provides an inventory of the machinery associated with synaptic vesicle-mediated trafficking and presynaptic activity at IHC ribbon synapses and serves as a foundation for future functional studies.

Gentamicin administration leads to synaptic dysfunction in inner hair cells

Ototoxicity is a major side effect of aminoglycosides, which can cause irreversible hearing loss. Previous studies on aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity have primarily focused on the loss of sensory hair cells. Recent investigations have revealed that aminoglycosides can also lead to the loss of ribbon synapses in inner hair cells (IHCs). However, the functional implications of ribbon synapse loss and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected C57BL/6 J mice with 300 mg/kg gentamicin once daily for 3, 10, and 20 days. Then, we performed immunofluorescence staining, patch-clamp recording, proteomics analysis and western blotting to characterize the changes in ribbon synapses in IHCs and the associated mechanisms. After gentamicin treatment, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold was elevated, and the ABR wave I amplitude was decreased. We also observed loss of ribbon synapses in IHCs. Interestingly, ribbon synapse loss occurred on both the modiolar and pillar sides of IHCs. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in IHCs revealed a reduction in the calcium current amplitude, along with a shifted half-activation voltage and altered calcium voltage dependency. Moreover, exocytosis of IHCs was reduced, consistent with the reduction in the ABR wave I amplitude. Through proteomic analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, we found that gentamicin treatment resulted in downregulation of myosin VI, a protein crucial for synaptic vesicle recycling and replenishment in IHCs. Furthermore, we evaluated the kinetics of endocytosis and found a significant reduction in IHC exocytosis, possibly reflecting the impact of myosin VI downregulation on synaptic vesicle recycling. In summary, our findings demonstrate that gentamicin treatment leads to synaptic dysfunction in IHCs, highlighting the important role of myosin VI downregulation in gentamicin-induced synaptic damage.

Probing the role of the C2F domain of otoferlin

Afferent synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) employ a unique molecular machinery. Otoferlin is a key player in this machinery, and its genetic defects cause human auditory synaptopathy. We employed site-directed mutagenesis in mice to investigate the role of Ca2+ binding to the C2F domain of otoferlin. Substituting two aspartate residues of the C2F top loops, which are thought to coordinate Ca2+-ions, by alanines (OtofD1841/1842A) abolished Ca2+-influx-triggered IHC exocytosis and synchronous signaling in the auditory pathway despite substantial expression (~60%) of the mutant otoferlin in the basolateral IHC pole. Ca2+ influx of IHCs and their resting membrane capacitance, reflecting IHC size, as well as the number of IHC synapses were maintained. The mutant otoferlin showed a strong apex-to-base abundance gradient in IHCs, suggesting impaired protein targeting. Our results indicate a role of the C2F domain in otoferlin targeting and of Ca2+ binding by the C2F domain for IHC exocytosis and hearing.

Otoferlin as a multirole Ca2+ signaling protein: from inner ear synapses to cancer pathways

Humans have six members of the ferlin protein family: dysferlin, myoferlin, otoferlin, fer1L4, fer1L5, and fer1L6. These proteins share common features such as multiple Ca2+-binding C2 domains, FerA domains, and membrane anchoring through their single C-terminal transmembrane domain, and are believed to play a key role in calcium-triggered membrane fusion and vesicle trafficking. Otoferlin plays a crucial role in hearing and vestibular function. In this review, we will discuss how we see otoferlin working as a Ca2+-dependent mechanical sensor regulating synaptic vesicle fusion at the hair cell ribbon synapses. Although otoferlin is also present in the central nervous system, particularly in the cortex and amygdala, its role in brain tissues remains unknown. Mutations in the OTOF gene cause one of the most frequent genetic forms of congenital deafness, DFNB9. These mutations produce severe to profound hearing loss due to a defect in synaptic excitatory glutamatergic transmission between the inner hair cells and the nerve fibers of the auditory nerve. Gene therapy protocols that allow normal rescue expression of otoferlin in hair cells have just started and are currently in pre-clinical phase. In parallel, studies have linked ferlins to cancer through their effect on cell signaling and development, allowing tumors to form and cancer cells to adapt to a hostile environment. Modulation by mechanical forces and Ca2+ signaling are key determinants of the metastatic process. Although ferlins importance in cancer has not been extensively studied, data show that otoferlin expression is significantly associated with survival in specific cancer types, including clear cell and papillary cell renal carcinoma, and urothelial bladder cancer. These findings indicate a role for otoferlin in the carcinogenesis of these tumors, which requires further investigation to confirm and understand its exact role, particularly as it varies by tumor site. Targeting this protein may lead to new cancer therapies.

Cochlear transcript diversity and its role in auditory functions implied by an otoferlin short isoform

Isoforms of a gene may contribute to diverse biological functions. In the cochlea, the repertoire of alternative isoforms remains unexplored. We integrated single-cell short-read and long-read RNA sequencing techniques and identified 236,012 transcripts, 126,612 of which were unannotated in the GENCODE database. Then we analyzed and verified the unannotated transcripts using RNA-seq, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and MS-based proteomics approaches. To illustrate the importance of identifying spliced isoforms, we investigated otoferlin, a key protein involved in synaptic transmission in inner hair cells (IHCs). Upon deletion of the canonical otoferlin isoform, the identified short isoform is able to support normal hearing thresholds but with reduced sustained exocytosis of IHCs, and further revealed otoferlin functions in endocytic membrane retrieval that was not well-addressed previously. Furthermore, we found that otoferlin isoforms are associated with IHC functions and auditory phenotypes. This work expands our mechanistic understanding of auditory functions at the level of isoform resolution.

Ichthyosis

The ichthyoses are a large, heterogeneous group of skin cornification disorders. They can be inherited or acquired, and result in defective keratinocyte differentiation and abnormal epidermal barrier formation. The resultant skin barrier dysfunction leads to increased transepidermal water loss and inflammation. Disordered cornification is clinically characterized by skin scaling with various degrees of thickening, desquamation (peeling) and erythema (redness). Regardless of the type of ichthyosis, many patients suffer from itching, recurrent infections, sweating impairment (hypohidrosis) with heat intolerance, and diverse ocular, hearing and nutritional complications that should be monitored periodically. The characteristic clinical features are considered to be a homeostatic attempt to repair the skin barrier, but heterogeneous clinical presentation and imperfect phenotype-genotype correlation hinder diagnosis. An accurate molecular diagnosis is, however, crucial for predicting prognosis and providing appropriate genetic counselling. Most ichthyoses severely affect patient quality of life and, in severe forms, may cause considerable disability and even death. So far, treatment provides only symptomatic relief. It is lifelong, expensive, time-consuming, and often provides disappointing results. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie these conditions is essential for designing pathogenesis-driven and patient-tailored innovative therapeutic solutions.

Genetic Medicine for Hearing Loss: OTOF as Exemplar

Millions of people worldwide have disabling hearing loss because one of their genes generates an incorrect version of some specific protein the ear requires for hearing. In many of these cases, delivering the correct version of the gene to a specific target cell within the inner ear has the potential to restore cochlear function to enable high-acuity physiologic hearing. Purpose: In this review, we outline our strategy for the development of genetic medicines with the potential to treat hearing loss. We will use the example of otoferlin gene (OTOF)-mediated hearing loss, a sensorineural hearing loss due to autosomal recessive mutations of the OTOF gene.

Myosin VI Haploinsufficiency Reduced Hearing Ability in Mice

In human, myosin VI (MYO6) haploinsufficiency causes postlingual progressive hearing loss. Because the usefulness of mouse models remains unclear, we produced novel Myo6 null (-/-) mutant mice and analyzed the hearing phenotypes of Myo6^+/- (+/-) heterozygous mutants. We first recorded and compared the auditory brainstem responses and distortion product otoacoustic emissions in control Myo6^+/+ (+/+) wild-type and +/- mice. These hearing phenotypes of +/- mice were mild; however, we confirmed that +/- mice developed progressive hearing loss. In particular, the hearing loss of female +/- mice progressed faster than that of male +/- mice. The stereocilia bundles of +/- mice exhibited progressive taper loss in cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs). The loss of OHCs in +/- heterozygotes occurred at an earlier age than in +/+ mice. In particular, the OHCs at the basal area of the cochlea were decreased in +/- mice. IHC ribbon synapses from the area at the base of the cochlea were significantly reduced in +/- mice. Thus, our study indicated that MYO6 haploinsufficiency affected the detection of sounds in mice, and we suggest that +/- mice with Myo6 null alleles are useful animal models for gene therapy and drug treatment in patients with progressive hearing loss due to MYO6 haploinsufficiency.

Vesicle traffic in the outer hair cell

The plasma-membrane marker FM1-43 was employed to reveal the relative significance of different types of endocytic and transcytic mechanisms in outer hair cells (OHCs) of the guinea-pig cochlea. A double-barrel local perfusion system was used to label independently the apical or synaptic pole of the isolated OHC to study mechanisms of vesicle uptake at the poles and of vesicle trafficking along and across the cell. Treatment with an inhibitor of macropino- and phagocytosis, phenylarsine oxide, or of clathrin-mediated endocytic activity, concanavalin A, significantly reduced the dye uptake at both the apical and the synaptic poles, indicating the presence of both clathrin-independent and clathrin-mediated processes at both poles. However, measurement of uptake speed in the presence of the inhibitors suggested that clathrin-independent processes contribute more extensively to endocytosis at the basal pole than the apical pole. Treatment with an inhibitor of myosin VI, 2,4,6-triiodophenol, significantly delayed both the apicobasal and the basoapical fluorescence signals. However, treatment with an inhibitor of kinesin, monastrol, or of dynein, ciliobrevin D, significantly delayed the signals only in the basoapical direction. The myosinVI inhibitor, but neither the kinesin nor dynein inhibitors, significantly delayed the signals to the subsurface cisternae. That is, myosin VI carries vesicles in both longitudinal directions as well as radially to the subsurface cisternae, whereas kinesin and dynein participate primarily in basoapical trafficking. This fundamental information is essential for elucidating recycling mechanisms of specific proteins involved in establishing, controlling and maintaining the electromechanical action of OHCs and, therefore, is vital for understanding auditory perception.

Truncation of the otoferlin transmembrane domain alters the development of hair cells and reduces membrane docking

Release of neurotransmitter from sensory hair cells is regulated by otoferlin. Despite the importance of otoferlin in the auditory and vestibular pathways, the functional contributions of the domains of the protein have not been fully characterized. Using a zebrafish model, we investigated a mutant otoferlin with a stop codon at the start of the transmembrane domain. We found that both the phenotype severity and the expression level of mutant otoferlin changed with the age of the zebrafish. At the early developmental time point of 72 h post fertilization, low expression of the otoferlin mutant coincided with synaptic ribbon deficiencies, reduced endocytosis, and abnormal transcription of several hair cell genes. As development proceeded, expression of the mutant otoferlin increased, and both synaptic ribbons and hair cell transcript levels resembled wild type. However, hair cell endocytosis deficits and abnormalities in the expression of GABA receptors persisted even after up-regulation of mutant otoferlin. Analysis of membrane-reconstituted otoferlin measurements suggests a function for the transmembrane domain in liposome docking. We conclude that deletion of the transmembrane domain reduces membrane docking, attenuates endocytosis, and results in developmental delay of the hair cell.

Quantitative Fluorescent in situ Hybridization Reveals Differential Transcription Profile Sharpening of Endocytic Proteins in Cochlear Hair Cells Upon Maturation

The organ of Corti (OC) comprises two types of sensory cells: outer hair cells (OHCs) and inner hair cells (IHCs). While both are mechanotransducers, OHCs serve as cochlear amplifiers, whereas IHCs transform sound into transmitter release. Reliable sound encoding is ensured by indefatigable exocytosis of synaptic vesicles associated with efficient replenishment of the vesicle pool. Vesicle reformation requires retrieval of vesicle membrane from the hair cell’s membrane via endocytosis. So far, the protein machinery for endocytosis in pre-mature and terminally differentiated hair cells has only partially been deciphered. Here, we studied three endocytic proteins, dynamin-1, dynamin-3, and endophilin-A1, by assessing their transcription profiles in pre-mature and mature mouse OCs. State-of-the-art RNAscope^® fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of whole-mount OCs was used for quantification of target mRNAs on single-cell level. We found that pre-mature IHCs contained more mRNA transcripts of dnm1 (encoding dynamin-1) and sh3gl2 (endophilin-A1), but less of dnm3 (dynamin-3) than OHCs. These differential transcription profiles between OHCs and IHCs were sharpened upon maturation. It is noteworthy that low but heterogeneous signal numbers were found between individual negative controls, which highlights the importance of corresponding analyses in RNAscope^® assays. Complementary immunolabeling revealed strong expression of dynamin-1 in the soma of mature IHCs, which was much weaker in pre-mature IHCs. By contrast, dynamin-3 was predominantly found in the soma and at the border of the cuticular plates of pre-mature and mature OHCs. In summary, using quantitative RNAscope^® FISH and immunohistochemistry on whole-mount tissue of both pre-mature and mature OCs, we disclosed the cellular upregulation of endocytic proteins at the level of transcription/translation during terminal differentiation of the OC. Dynamin-1 and endophilin-A1 likely contribute to the strengthening of the endocytic machinery in IHCs after the onset of hearing, whereas expression of dynamin-3 at the cuticular plate of pre-mature and mature OHCs suggests its possible involvement in activity-independent apical endocytosis.

Temporal characteristics of the cochlear response after noise exposure

The effect of intense noise on cochlear sensitivity has been extensively studied, but its influence on the temporal characteristics of the cochlear response is still unclear. This study investigated the effects of noise exposure on the latency of cochlear response and cochlear forward masking. Rats were exposed to an octave band noise (8-16 kHz) at 90 dB SPL for 5 days. Cochlear compound action potentials (CAPs) induced by single- and double-tone stimuli and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were recorded 1 day or 2 months after the noise exposure. The latency of the CAP and its forward masking were compared between the noise-exposed rats and normal control rats. The noise exposure significantly reduced DPOAE and elevated CAP threshold in the noise band region, but not in the other areas. Even in the noise band area, the noise did not reduce CAP-amplitude at the high stimulation level (80 dB SPL). Correspondingly, about one-third of the outer hair cells (OHC) in the noise band area disappeared, while the inner hair cells (IHC) did not. However, the noise exposure in the frequency range of 4-24 kHz significantly prolonged CAP latency and increased its variability, while the CAP forward masking effect was significantly enhanced in the frequency range of 16-30 kHz. The frequency-dependent changes in CAP latency and forward masking after noise exposure may reflect different types of synaptic subinjury in the cochlea, which may lead to psychophysical consequences of sound localization and speech recognition.

The Many Faces of DFNB9: Relating OTOF Variants to Hearing Impairment

The OTOF gene encodes otoferlin, a critical protein at the synapse of auditory sensory cells, the inner hair cells (IHCs). In the absence of otoferlin, signal transmission of IHCs fails due to impaired release of synaptic vesicles at the IHC synapse. Biallelic pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in OTOF predominantly cause autosomal recessive profound prelingual deafness, DFNB9. Due to the isolated defect of synaptic transmission and initially preserved otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), the clinical characteristics have been termed "auditory synaptopathy". We review the broad phenotypic spectrum reported in patients with variants in OTOF that includes milder hearing loss, as well as progressive and temperature-sensitive hearing loss. We highlight several challenges that must be addressed for rapid clinical and genetic diagnosis. Importantly, we call for changes in newborn hearing screening protocols, since OAE tests fail to diagnose deafness in this case. Continued research appears to be needed to complete otoferlin isoform expression characterization to enhance genetic diagnostics. This timely review is meant to sensitize the field to clinical characteristics of DFNB9 and current limitations in preparation for clinical trials for OTOF gene therapies that are projected to start in 2021.

Molecular Assembly and Structural Plasticity of Sensory Ribbon Synapses-A Presynaptic Perspective

In the mammalian cochlea, specialized ribbon-type synapses between sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and postsynaptic spiral ganglion neurons ensure the temporal precision and indefatigability of synaptic sound encoding. These high-through-put synapses are presynaptically characterized by an electron-dense projection-the synaptic ribbon-which provides structural scaffolding and tethers a large pool of synaptic vesicles. While advances have been made in recent years in deciphering the molecular anatomy and function of these specialized active zones, the developmental assembly of this presynaptic interaction hub remains largely elusive. In this review, we discuss the dynamic nature of IHC (pre-) synaptogenesis and highlight molecular key players as well as the transport pathways underlying this process. Since developmental assembly appears to be a highly dynamic process, we further ask if this structural plasticity might be maintained into adulthood, how this may influence the functional properties of a given IHC synapse and how such plasticity could be regulated on the molecular level. To do so, we take a closer look at other ribbon-bearing systems, such as retinal photoreceptors and pinealocytes and aim to infer conserved mechanisms that may mediate these phenomena.

Synaptojanin2 Mutation Causes Progressive High-frequency Hearing Loss in Mice

Progressive hearing loss is very common in the human population but we know little about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Synaptojanin2 (Synj2) has been reported to be involved, as a mouse mutation led to a progressive increase in auditory thresholds with age. Synaptojanin2 is a phosphatidylinositol (PI) phosphatase that removes the five-position phosphates from phosphoinositides, such as PIP₂ and PIP₃, and is a key enzyme in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. To investigate the mechanisms underlying progressive hearing loss, we have studied a different mutation of mouse Synj2 to look for any evidence of involvement of vesicle trafficking particularly affecting the synapses of sensory hair cells. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) developed normally at first but started to decline between 3 and 4 weeks of age in Synj2^tm1b mutants. At 6 weeks old, some evidence of outer hair cell (OHC) stereocilia fusion and degeneration was observed, but this was only seen in the extreme basal turn so cannot explain the raised ABR thresholds that correspond to more apical regions of the cochlear duct. We found no evidence of any defect in inner hair cell (IHC) exocytosis or endocytosis using single hair cell recordings, nor any sign of hair cell synaptic abnormalities. Endocochlear potentials (EP) were normal. The mechanism underlying progressive hearing loss in these mutants remains elusive, but our findings of raised distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) thresholds and signs of OHC degeneration both suggest an OHC origin for the hearing loss. Synaptojanin2 is not required for normal development of hearing but it is important for its maintenance.

Guanylyl Cyclase A/cGMP Signaling Slows Hidden, Age- and Acoustic Trauma-Induced Hearing Loss

In the inner ear, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling has been described as facilitating otoprotection, which was previously observed through elevated cGMP levels achieved by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition. However, to date, the upstream guanylyl cyclase (GC) subtype eliciting cGMP production is unknown. Here, we show that mice with a genetic disruption of the gene encoding the cGMP generator GC-A, the receptor for atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides, display a greater vulnerability of hair cells to hidden hearing loss and noise- and age-dependent hearing loss. This vulnerability was associated with GC-A expression in spiral ganglia and outer hair cells (OHCs) but not in inner hair cells (IHCs). GC-A knockout mice exhibited elevated hearing thresholds, most pronounced for the detection of high-frequency tones. Deficits in OHC input–output functions in high-frequency regions were already present in young GC-A-deficient mice, with no signs of an accelerated progression of age-related hearing loss or higher vulnerability to acoustic trauma. OHCs in these frequency regions in young GC-A knockout mice exhibited diminished levels of KCNQ4 expression, which is the dominant K⁺ channel in OHCs, and decreased activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, an enzyme involved in DNA repair. Further, GC-A knockout mice had IHC synapse impairments and reduced amplitudes of auditory brainstem responses that progressed with age and with acoustic trauma, in contrast to OHCs, when compared to GC-A wild-type littermates. We conclude that GC-A/cGMP-dependent signaling pathways have otoprotective functions and GC-A gene disruption differentially contributes to hair-cell damage in a healthy, aged, or injured system. Thus, augmentation of natriuretic peptide GC-A signaling likely has potential to overcome hidden and noise-induced hearing loss, as well as presbycusis.

Functions of Vertebrate Ferlins

Ferlins are multiple-C2-domain proteins involved in Ca²⁺-triggered membrane dynamics within the secretory, endocytic and lysosomal pathways. In bony vertebrates there are six ferlin genes encoding, in humans, dysferlin, otoferlin, myoferlin, Fer1L5 and 6 and the long noncoding RNA Fer1L4. Mutations in DYSF (dysferlin) can cause a range of muscle diseases with various clinical manifestations collectively known as dysferlinopathies, including limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi myopathy. A mutation in MYOF (myoferlin) was linked to a muscular dystrophy accompanied by cardiomyopathy. Mutations in OTOF (otoferlin) can be the cause of nonsyndromic deafness DFNB9. Dysregulated expression of any human ferlin may be associated with development of cancer. This review provides a detailed description of functions of the vertebrate ferlins with a focus on muscle ferlins and discusses the mechanisms leading to disease development.

Approaches to Identify and Characterise MYO6-Cargo Interactions

Given the prevalence and importance of the actin cytoskeleton and the host of associated myosin motors, it comes as no surprise to find that they are linked to a plethora of cellular functions and pathologies. Although our understanding of the biophysical properties of myosin motors has been aided by the high levels of conservation in their motor domains and the extensive work on myosin in skeletal muscle contraction, our understanding of how the nonmuscle myosins participate in such a wide variety of cellular processes is less clear. It is now well established that the highly variable myosin tails are responsible for targeting these myosins to distinct cellular sites for specific functions, and although a number of adaptor proteins have been identified, our current understanding of the cellular processes involved is rather limited. Furthermore, as more adaptor proteins, cargoes and complexes are identified, the importance of elucidating the regulatory mechanisms involved is essential. Ca2+, and now phosphorylation and ubiquitination, are emerging as important regulators of cargo binding, and it is likely that other post-translational modifications are also involved. In the case of myosin VI (MYO6), a number of immediate binding partners have been identified using traditional approaches such as yeast two-hybrid screens and affinity-based pull-downs. However, these methods have only been successful in identifying the cargo adaptors, but not the cargoes themselves, which may often comprise multi-protein complexes. Furthermore, motor-adaptor-cargo interactions are dynamic by nature and often weak, transient and highly regulated and therefore difficult to capture using traditional affinity-based methods. In this chapter we will discuss the various approaches including functional proteomics that have been used to uncover and characterise novel MYO6-associated proteins and complexes and how this work contributes to a fuller understanding of the targeting and function(s) of this unique myosin motor.

Sensory Processing at Ribbon Synapses in the Retina and the Cochlea

In recent years, sensory neuroscientists have made major efforts to dissect the structure and function of ribbon synapses which process sensory information in the eye and ear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of two key aspects of ribbon synapses: 1) their mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis and 2) their molecular anatomy and physiology. Our comparison of ribbon synapses in the cochlea and the retina reveals convergent signaling mechanisms, as well as divergent strategies in different sensory systems.

Hair Cell Afferent Synapses: Function and Dysfunction

To provide a meaningful representation of the auditory landscape, mammalian cochlear hair cells are optimized to detect sounds over an incredibly broad range of frequencies and intensities with unparalleled accuracy. This ability is largely conferred by specialized ribbon synapses that continuously transmit acoustic information with high fidelity and sub-millisecond precision to the afferent dendrites of the spiral ganglion neurons. To achieve this extraordinary task, ribbon synapses employ a unique combination of molecules and mechanisms that are tailored to sounds of different frequencies. Here we review the current understanding of how the hair cell's presynaptic machinery and its postsynaptic afferent connections are formed, how they mature, and how their function is adapted for an accurate perception of sound.

Topographic map refinement and synaptic strengthening of a sound localization circuit require spontaneous peripheral activity

KEY POINTS

Loss of the calcium sensor otoferlin disrupts neurotransmission from inner hair cells. Central auditory nuclei are functionally denervated in otoferlin knockout mice (Otof KOs) via gene ablation confined to the periphery. We employed juvenile and young adult Otof KO mice (postnatal days (P)10-12 and P27-49) as a model for lacking spontaneous activity and deafness, respectively. We studied the impact of peripheral activity on synaptic refinement in the sound localization circuit from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) to the lateral superior olive (LSO). MNTB in vivo recordings demonstrated drastically reduced spontaneous spiking and deafness in Otof KOs. Juvenile KOs showed impaired synapse elimination and strengthening, manifested by broader MNTB-LSO inputs, imprecise MNTB-LSO topography and weaker MNTB-LSO fibres. The impairments persisted into young adulthood. Further functional refinement after hearing onset was undetected in young adult wild-types. Collectively, activity deprivation confined to peripheral protein loss impairs functional MNTB-LSO refinement during a critical prehearing period.

ABSTRACT

Circuit refinement is critical for the developing sound localization pathways in the auditory brainstem. In prehearing mice (hearing onset around postnatal day (P)12), spontaneous activity propagates from the periphery to central auditory nuclei. At the glycinergic projection from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) to the lateral superior olive (LSO) of neonatal mice, super-numerous MNTB fibres innervate a given LSO neuron. Between P4 and P9, MNTB fibres are functionally eliminated, whereas the remaining fibres are strengthened. Little is known about MNTB-LSO circuit refinement after P20. Moreover, MNTB-LSO refinement upon activity deprivation confined to the periphery is largely unexplored. This leaves a considerable knowledge gap, as deprivation often occurs in patients with congenital deafness, e.g. upon mutations in the otoferlin gene (OTOF). Here, we analysed juvenile (P10-12) and young adult (P27-49) otoferlin knockout (Otof KO) mice with respect to MNTB-LSO refinement. MNTB in vivo recordings revealed drastically reduced spontaneous activity and deafness in knockouts (KOs), confirming deprivation. As RNA sequencing revealed Otof absence in the MNTB and LSO of wild-types, Otof loss in KOs is specific to the periphery. Functional denervation impaired MNTB-LSO synapse elimination and strengthening, which was assessed by glutamate uncaging and electrical stimulation. Impaired elimination led to imprecise MNTB-LSO topography. Impaired strengthening was associated with lower quantal content per MNTB fibre. In young adult KOs, the MNTB-LSO circuit remained unrefined. Further functional refinement after P12 appeared absent in wild-types. Collectively, we provide novel insights into functional MNTB-LSO circuit maturation governed by a cochlea-specific protein. The central malfunctions in Otof KOs may have implications for patients with sensorineuronal hearing loss.

Otoferlin Depletion Results in Abnormal Synaptic Ribbons and Altered Intracellular Calcium Levels in Zebrafish

The protein otoferlin plays an essential role at the sensory hair cell synapse. Mutations in otoferlin result in deafness and depending on the species, mild to strong vestibular deficits. While studies in mouse models suggest a role for otoferlin in synaptic vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis, it is unclear whether these functions are conserved across species. To address this question, we characterized the impact of otoferlin depletion in zebrafish larvae and found defects in synaptic vesicle recycling, abnormal synaptic ribbons, and higher resting calcium concentrations in hair cells. We also observed abnormal expression of the calcium binding hair cell genes s100s and parvalbumin, as well as the nogo related proteins rtn4rl2a and rtn4rl2b. Exogenous otoferlin partially restored expression of genes affected by endogenous otoferlin depletion. Our results suggest that in addition to vesicle recycling, depletion of otoferlin disrupts resting calcium levels, alters synaptic ribbon architecture, and perturbs transcription of hair cells specific genes during zebrafish development.

A dual-AAV approach restores fast exocytosis and partially rescues auditory function in deaf otoferlin knock-out mice

Normal hearing and synaptic transmission at afferent auditory inner hair cell (IHC) synapses require otoferlin. Deafness DFNB9, caused by mutations in the OTOF gene encoding otoferlin, might be treated by transferring wild‐type otoferlin cDNA into IHCs, which is difficult due to the large size of this transgene. In this study, we generated two adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs), each containing half of the otoferlin cDNA. Co‐injecting these dual‐AAV2/6 half‐vectors into the cochleae of 6‐ to 7‐day‐old otoferlin knock‐out (Otof^−/−) mice led to the expression of full‐length otoferlin in up to 50% of IHCs. In the cochlea, otoferlin was selectively expressed in auditory hair cells. Dual‐AAV transduction of Otof^−/−IHCs fully restored fast exocytosis, while otoferlin‐dependent vesicle replenishment reached 35–50% of wild‐type levels. The loss of 40% of synaptic ribbons in these IHCs could not be prevented, indicating a role of otoferlin in early synapse maturation. Acoustic clicks evoked auditory brainstem responses with thresholds of 40–60 dB. Therefore, we propose that gene delivery mediated by dual‐AAV vectors might be suitable to treat deafness forms caused by mutations in large genes such as OTOF.

Expression of the LRRC52 γ subunit (γ2) may provide Ca2+-independent activation of BK currents in mouse inner hair cells

Mammalian inner hair cells (IHCs) transduce sound into depolarization and transmitter release. Big conductance and voltage- and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK) channels are responsible for fast membrane repolarization and small time constants of mature IHCs. For unknown reasons, they activate at around -75 mV with a voltage of half-maximum activation (V_half) of -50 mV although being largely insensitive to Ca²⁺ influx. Ca²⁺-independent activation of BK channels was observed by others in heterologous expression systems if γ subunits leucine-rich repeat-containing protein (LRRC)26 (γ1) and LRRC52 (γ2) were coexpressed with the pore-forming BKα subunit, which shifted V_half by -140 and -100 mV, respectively. Using nested PCR, we consistently detected transcripts for LRRC52 but not for LRRC26 in IHCs of 3-wk-old mice. Confocal immunohistochemistry showed synchronous up-regulation of LRRC52 protein with BKα at the onset of hearing. Colocalization of LRRC52 protein and BKα at the IHC neck within ≤40 nm was specified using an in situ proximity ligation assay. Mice deficient for the voltage-gated Ca_v1.3 Ca²⁺ channel encoded by Cacna1d do not express BKα protein. LRRC52 protein was neither expressed in IHCs of BKα nor in IHCs of Ca_v1.3 knockout mice. Together, LRRC52 is a γ2 subunit of BK channel complexes and is a strong candidate for causing the Ca²⁺-independent activation of BK currents at negative membrane potentials in mouse IHCs.-Lang, I., Jung, M., Niemeyer, B. A., Ruth, P., Engel, J. Expression of the LRRC52 γ subunit (γ2) may provide Ca²⁺-independent activation of BK currents in mouse inner hair cells.

Viral Transfer of Mini-Otoferlins Partially Restores the Fast Component of Exocytosis and Uncovers Ultrafast Endocytosis in Auditory Hair Cells of Otoferlin Knock-Out Mice

Transmitter release at auditory inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses involves exocytosis of glutamatergic vesicles during voltage activation of L-type Ca_v1.3 calcium channels. At these synapses, the fast and indefatigable release of synaptic vesicles by IHCs is controlled by otoferlin, a six-C2-domain (C2-ABCDEF) protein that functions as a high-affinity Ca²⁺ sensor. The molecular events by which each otoferlin C2 domain contributes to the regulation of the synaptic vesicle cycle in IHCs are still incompletely understood. Here, we investigate their role using a cochlear viral cDNA transfer approach in vivo, where IHCs of mouse lacking otoferlin (Otof ^-/- mice of both sexes) were virally transduced with cDNAs of various mini-otoferlins. Using patch-clamp recordings and membrane capacitance measurements, we show that the viral transfer of mini-otoferlin containing C2-ACEF, C2-EF, or C2-DEF partially restores the fast exocytotic component in Otof ^-/- mouse IHCs. The restoration was much less efficient with C2-ACDF, underlining the importance of the C2-EF domain. None of the mini-otoferlins tested restored the sustained component of vesicle release, explaining the absence of hearing recovery. The restoration of the fast exocytotic component in the transduced Otof ^-/- IHCs was also associated with a recovery of Ca²⁺ currents with normal amplitude and fast time inactivation, confirming that the C-terminal C2 domains of otoferlin are essential for normal gating of Ca_v1.3 channels. Finally, the reintroduction of the mini-otoferlins C2-EF, C2-DEF, or C2-ACEF allowed us to uncover and characterize for the first time a dynamin-dependent ultrafast endocytosis in IHCs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Otoferlin, a large six-C2-domain protein, is essential for synaptic vesicle exocytosis at auditory hair cell ribbon synapses. Here, we show that the viral expression of truncated forms of otoferlin (C2-EF, C2-DEF, and C2-ACEF) can partially rescue the fast and transient release component of exocytosis in mouse hair cells lacking otoferlin, yet cannot sustain exocytosis after long repeated stimulation. Remarkably, these hair cells also display a dynamin-dependent ultrafast endocytosis. Overall, our study uncovers the pleiotropic role of otoferlin in the hair cell synaptic vesicle cycle, notably in triggering both ultrafast exocytosis and endocytosis and recruiting synaptic vesicles to the active zone.

Endophilin-A regulates presynaptic Ca2+ influx and synaptic vesicle recycling in auditory hair cells

Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) operate with high rates of neurotransmission; yet, the molecular regulation of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling at these synapses remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of endophilins-A1-3, endocytic adaptors with curvature-sensing and curvature-generating properties, in mouse IHCs. Single-cell RT-PCR indicated the expression of endophilins-A1-3 in IHCs, and immunoblotting confirmed the presence of endophilin-A1 and endophilin-A2 in the cochlea. Patch-clamp recordings from endophilin-A-deficient IHCs revealed a reduction of Ca2+ influx and exocytosis, which we attribute to a decreased abundance of presynaptic Ca2+ channels and impaired SV replenishment. Slow endocytic membrane retrieval, thought to reflect clathrin-mediated endocytosis, was impaired. Otoferlin, essential for IHC exocytosis, co-immunoprecipitated with purified endophilin-A1 protein, suggestive of a molecular interaction that might aid exocytosis-endocytosis coupling. Electron microscopy revealed lower SV numbers, but an increased occurrence of coated structures and endosome-like vacuoles at IHC active zones. In summary, endophilins regulate Ca2+ influx and promote SV recycling in IHCs, likely via coupling exocytosis to endocytosis, and contributing to membrane retrieval and SV reformation.

Disruption of Otoferlin Alters the Mode of Exocytosis at the Mouse Inner Hair Cell Ribbon Synapse

Sound encoding relies on Ca²⁺-mediated exocytosis at the ribbon synapse between cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Otoferlin, a multi-C₂ domain protein, is proposed to regulate Ca²⁺-triggered exocytosis at this synapse, but the precise mechanisms of otoferlin function remain to be elucidated. Here, performing whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) from SGNs in otoferlin mutant mice, we investigated the impact of Otof disruption at individual synapses with single release event resolution. Otof deletion decreased the spontaneous release rate and abolished the stimulus-secretion coupling. This was evident from failure of potassium-induced IHC depolarization to stimulate release and supports the proposed role of otoferlin in Ca²⁺ sensing for fusion. A missense mutation in the Otof gene (pachanga), in which otoferlin level at the IHC plasma membrane was lowered without changing its Ca²⁺ binding, also reduced the spontaneous release rate but spared the stimulus-secretion coupling. The slowed stimulated release rate supports the hypothesis that a sufficient abundance of otoferlin at the plasma membrane is crucial for the vesicle supply. Large-sized monophasic EPSCs remained present upon Otof deletion despite the drastic reduction of the rate of exocytosis. However, EPSC amplitude, on average, was modestly decreased. Moreover, a reduced contribution of multiphasic EPSC was observed in both Otof mutants. We argue that the presence of large monophasic EPSCs despite the exocytic defect upon Otof deletion supports the uniquantal hypothesis of transmitter release at the IHC ribbon synapse. Based upon the reduced contribution of multiphasic EPSC, we propose a role of otoferlin in regulating the mode of exocytosis in IHCs.

Localized disorganization of the cochlear inner hair cell synaptic region after noise exposure

The prevalence and importance of hearing damage caused by noise levels not previously thought to cause permanent hearing impairment has become apparent in recent years. The damage to, and loss of, afferent terminals of auditory nerve fibres at the cochlear inner hair cell has been well established, but the effects of noise exposure and terminal loss on the inner hair cell are less known. Using three-dimensional structural studies in mice we have examined the consequences of afferent terminal damage on inner hair cell morphology and intracellular structure. We identified a structural phenotype in the pre-synaptic regions of these damaged hair cells that persists for four weeks after noise exposure, and demonstrates a specific dysregulation of the synaptic vesicle recycling pathway. We show evidence of a failure in regeneration of vesicles from small membrane cisterns in damaged terminals, resulting from a failure of separation of small vesicle buds from the larger cisternal membranes.

AP180 promotes release site clearance and clathrin-dependent vesicle reformation in mouse cochlear inner hair cells

High-throughput neurotransmission at ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) requires tight coupling of neurotransmitter release and balanced recycling of synaptic vesicles (SVs) as well as rapid restoration of release sites. Here, we examined the role of the adaptor protein AP180 for IHC synaptic transmission in AP180-KO mice using high-pressure freezing and electron tomography, confocal microscopy, patch-clamp membrane-capacitance measurements and systems physiology. AP180 was found predominantly at the synaptic pole of IHCs. AP180-deficient IHCs had severely reduced SV numbers, slowed endocytic membrane retrieval, and accumulated endocytic intermediates near ribbon synapses, indicating that AP180 is required for clathrin-dependent endocytosis and SV reformation in IHCs. Moreover, AP180 deletion led to a high prevalence of SVs in a multi-tethered or docked state after stimulation, a reduced rate of SV replenishment, and a hearing impairment. We conclude that, in addition to its role in clathrin recruitment, AP180 contributes to release site clearance in IHCs.

Noise-Induced Cochlear Synaptopathy and Ribbon Synapse Regeneration: Repair Process and Therapeutic Target

The synapse between the inner hair cells (IHCs) and the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in mammalian cochleae is characterized as having presynaptic ribbons and therefore is called ribbon synapse. The special molecular organization is reviewed in this chapter in association with the functional feature of this synapse in signal processing. This is followed by the review on noise-induced damage to this synapse with a focus on recent reports in animal models in which the effect of brief noise exposures is observed without causing significant permanent threshold shift (PTS). In this regard, the potential mechanism of the synaptic damage by noise and the impact of this damage on hearing are summarized to clarify the concept of noise-induced hidden hearing loss, which is defined as the functional deficits in hearing without threshold elevation. A controversial issue is addressed in this review as whether the disrupted synapses can be regenerated. Moreover, the review summarizes the work of therapeutic research to protect the synapses or to promote the regeneration of the synapse after initial disruption. Lastly, several unresolved issues are raised for investigation in the future.

Balancing presynaptic release and endocytic membrane retrieval at hair cell ribbon synapses

The timely and reliable processing of auditory and vestibular information within the inner ear requires highly sophisticated sensory transduction pathways. On a cellular level, these demands are met by hair cells, which respond to sound waves - or alterations in body positioning - by releasing glutamate-filled synaptic vesicles (SVs) from their presynaptic active zones with unprecedented speed and exquisite temporal fidelity, thereby initiating the auditory and vestibular pathways. In order to achieve this, hair cells have developed anatomical and molecular specializations, such as the characteristic and name-giving 'synaptic ribbons' - presynaptically anchored dense bodies that tether SVs prior to release - as well as other unique or unconventional synaptic proteins. The tightly orchestrated interplay between these molecular components enables not only ultrafast exocytosis, but similarly rapid and efficient compensatory endocytosis. So far, the knowledge of how endocytosis operates at hair cell ribbon synapses is limited. In this Review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the SV cycle and molecular anatomy of hair cell ribbon synapses, with a focus on cochlear inner hair cells.

Noise-induced Cochlear Synaptopathy and Signal Processing Disorders

Noise-induced hidden hearing loss (NIHHL) has attracted great attention in hearing research and clinical audiology since the discovery of significant noise-induced synaptic damage in the absence of permanent threshold shifts (PTS) in animal models. Although the extant evidence for this damage is based on animal models, NIHHL likely occurs in humans as well. This review focuses on three issues concerning NIHHL that are somewhat controversial: (1) whether disrupted synapses can be re-established; (2) whether synaptic damage and repair are responsible for the initial temporal threshold shifts (TTS) and subsequent recovery; and (3) the relationship between the synaptic damage and repair processes and neural coding deficits. We conclude that, after a single, brief noise exposure, (1) the damaged and the totally destroyed synapses can be partially repaired, but the repaired synapses are functionally abnormal; (2) While deficits are observed in some aspects of neural responses related to temporal and intensity coding in the auditory nerve, we did not find strong evidence for hypothesized coding-in-noise deficits; (3) the sensitivity and the usefulness of the envelope following responses to amplitude modulation signals in detecting cochlear synaptopathy is questionable.

Whole exome sequencing in adult-onset hearing loss reveals a high load of predicted pathogenic variants in known deafness-associated genes and identifies new candidate genes

Background

Deafness is a highly heterogenous disorder with over 100 genes known to underlie human non-syndromic hearing impairment. However, many more remain undiscovered, particularly those involved in the most common form of deafness: adult-onset progressive hearing loss. Despite several genome-wide association studies of adult hearing status, it remains unclear whether the genetic architecture of this common sensory loss consists of multiple rare variants each with large effect size or many common susceptibility variants each with small to medium effects. As next generation sequencing is now being utilised in clinical diagnosis, our aim was to explore the viability of diagnosing the genetic cause of hearing loss using whole exome sequencing in individual subjects as in a clinical setting.

Methods

We performed exome sequencing of thirty patients selected for distinct phenotypic sub-types from well-characterised cohorts of 1479 people with adult-onset hearing loss.

Results

Every individual carried predicted pathogenic variants in at least ten deafness-associated genes; similar findings were obtained from an analysis of the 1000 Genomes Project data unselected for hearing status. We have identified putative causal variants in known deafness genes and several novel candidate genes, including NEDD4 and NEFH that were mutated in multiple individuals.

Conclusions

The high frequency of predicted-pathogenic variants detected in known deafness-associated genes was unexpected and has significant implications for current diagnostic sequencing in deafness. Our findings suggest that in a clinic setting, efforts should be made to a) confirm key sequence results by Sanger sequencing, b) assess segregations of variants and phenotypes within the family if at all possible, and c) use caution in applying current pathogenicity prediction algorithms for diagnostic purposes. We conclude that there may be a high number of pathogenic variants affecting hearing in the ageing population, including many in known deafness-associated genes. Our findings of frequent predicted-pathogenic variants in both our hearing-impaired sample and in the larger 1000 Genomes Project sample unselected for auditory function suggests that the reference population for interpreting variants for this very common disorder should be a population of people with good hearing for their age rather than an unselected population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-018-0395-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

GC-B Deficient Mice With Axon Bifurcation Loss Exhibit Compromised Auditory Processing

Sensory axon T-like branching (bifurcation) in neurons from dorsal root ganglia and cranial sensory ganglia depends on the molecular signaling cascade involving the secreted factor C-type natriuretic peptide, the natriuretic peptide receptor guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B; also known as Npr2) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI, also known as PKGI). The bifurcation of cranial nerves is suggested to be important for information processing by second-order neurons in the hindbrain or spinal cord. Indeed, mice with a spontaneous GC-B loss of function mutation (Npr2^cn/cn ) display an impaired bifurcation of auditory nerve (AN) fibers. However, these mice did not show any obvious sign of impaired basal hearing. Here, we demonstrate that mice with a targeted inactivation of the GC-B gene (Npr2 ^lacZ/lacZ , GC-B KO mice) show an elevation of audiometric thresholds. In the inner ear, the cochlear hair cells in GC-B KO mice were nevertheless similar to those from wild type mice, justified by the typical expression of functionally relevant marker proteins. However, efferent cholinergic feedback to inner and outer hair cells was reduced in GC-B KO mice, linked to very likely reduced rapid efferent feedback. Sound-evoked AN responses of GC-B KO mice were elevated, a feature that is known to occur when the efferent axo-dendritic feedback on AN is compromised. Furthermore, late sound-evoked brainstem responses were significantly delayed in GC-B KO mice. This delay in sound response was accompanied by a weaker sensitivity of the auditory steady state response to amplitude-modulated sound stimuli. Finally, the acoustic startle response (ASR) - one of the fastest auditory responses - and the prepulse inhibition of the ASR indicated significant changes in temporal precision of auditory processing. These findings suggest that GC-B-controlled axon bifurcation of spiral ganglion neurons is important for proper activation of second-order neurons in the hindbrain and is a prerequisite for proper temporal auditory processing likely by establishing accurate efferent top-down control circuits. These data hypothesize that the bifurcation pattern of cranial nerves is important to shape spatial and temporal information processing for sensory feedback control.

Sensing Exocytosis and Triggering Endocytosis at Synapses: Synaptic Vesicle Exocytosis-Endocytosis Coupling

The intact synaptic structure is critical for information processing in neural circuits. During synaptic transmission, rapid vesicle exocytosis increases the size of never terminals and endocytosis counteracts the increase. Accumulating evidence suggests that SV exocytosis and endocytosis are tightly connected in time and space during SV recycling, and this process is essential for synaptic function and structural stability. Research in the past has illustrated the molecular details of synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis and endocytosis; however, the mechanisms that timely connect these two fundamental events are poorly understood at central synapses. Here we discuss recent progress in SV recycling and summarize several emerging mechanisms by which synapses can “sense” the occurrence of exocytosis and timely initiate compensatory endocytosis. They include Ca²⁺ sensing, SV proteins sensing, and local membrane stress sensing. In addition, the spatial organization of endocytic zones adjacent to active zones provides a structural basis for efficient coupling between SV exocytosis and endocytosis. Through linking different endocytosis pathways with SV fusion, these mechanisms ensure necessary plasticity and robustness of nerve terminals to meet diverse physiological needs.

Emerging Functional Differences between the Synaptotagmin and Ferlin Calcium Sensor Families

The ferlin family proteins have emerged as multi-C2 domain regulators of calcium-triggered membrane fusion and fission events. While initially determined to share many of the features of members of the synaptotagmin family of calcium sensors, ferlins in more recent studies have been found to interact directly with non-neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels and nucleate the assembly of membrane-trafficking protein complexes, functions that distinguish them from the more well studied members of the synaptotagmin family. Here we highlight some of the recent findings that have advanced our understanding of ferlins and their functional differences with the synaptotagmin family.

Otoferlin acts as a Ca2+ sensor for vesicle fusion and vesicle pool replenishment at auditory hair cell ribbon synapses

Hearing relies on rapid, temporally precise, and sustained neurotransmitter release at the ribbon synapses of sensory cells, the inner hair cells (IHCs). This process requires otoferlin, a six C2-domain, Ca2+-binding transmembrane protein of synaptic vesicles. To decipher the role of otoferlin in the synaptic vesicle cycle, we produced knock-in mice (OtofAla515,Ala517/Ala515,Ala517) with lower Ca2+-binding affinity of the C2C domain. The IHC ribbon synapse structure, synaptic Ca2+ currents, and otoferlin distribution were unaffected in these mutant mice, but auditory brainstem response wave-I amplitude was reduced. Lower Ca2+ sensitivity and delay of the fast and sustained components of synaptic exocytosis were revealed by membrane capacitance measurement upon modulations of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, by varying Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+-channels or Ca2+ uncaging. Otoferlin thus functions as a Ca2+ sensor, setting the rates of primed vesicle fusion with the presynaptic plasma membrane and synaptic vesicle pool replenishment in the IHC active zone.

Activity-Dependent Phosphorylation by CaMKIIδ Alters the Ca2+ Affinity of the Multi-C2-Domain Protein Otoferlin

Otoferlin is essential for fast Ca²⁺-triggered transmitter release from auditory inner hair cells (IHCs), playing key roles in synaptic vesicle release, replenishment and retrieval. Dysfunction of otoferlin results in profound prelingual deafness. Despite its crucial role in cochlear synaptic processes, mechanisms regulating otoferlin activity have not been studied to date. Here, we identified Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine kinase II delta (CaMKIIδ) as an otoferlin binding partner by pull-downs from chicken utricles and reassured interaction by a co-immunoprecipitation with heterologously expressed proteins in HEK cells. We confirmed the expression of CaMKIIδ in rodent IHCs by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. A proximity ligation assay indicates close proximity of the two proteins in rat IHCs, suggesting that otoferlin and CaMKIIδ also interact in mammalian IHCs. In vitro phosphorylation of otoferlin by CaMKIIδ revealed ten phosphorylation sites, five of which are located within C₂-domains. Exchange of serines/threonines at phosphorylated sites into phosphomimetic aspartates reduces the Ca²⁺ affinity of the recombinant C₂F domain 10-fold, and increases the Ca²⁺ affinity of the C₂C domain. Concordantly, we show that phosphorylation of otoferlin and/or its interaction partners are enhanced upon hair cell depolarization and blocked by pharmacological CaMKII inhibition. We therefore propose that otoferlin activity is regulated by CaMKIIδ in IHCs.

Dopamine D1A directly interacts with otoferlin synaptic pathway proteins: Ca2+ and phosphorylation underlie an NSF-to-AP2mu1 molecular switch

Dopamine receptors regulate exocytosis via protein-protein interactions (PPIs) as well as via adenylyl cyclase transduction pathways. Evidence has been obtained for PPIs in inner ear hair cells coupling D1A to soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-related proteins snapin, otoferlin, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF), and adaptor-related protein complex 2, mu 1 (AP2mu1), dependent on [Ca2+] and phosphorylation. Specifically, the carboxy terminus of dopamine D1A was found to directly bind t-SNARE-associated protein snapin in teleost and mammalian hair cell models by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and pull-down assays, and snapin directly interacts with hair cell calcium-sensor otoferlin. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, competitive pull-downs, and co-immunoprecipitation indicated that these interactions were promoted by Ca2+ and occur together. D1A was also found to separately interact with NSF, but with an inverse dependence on Ca2+ Evidence was obtained, for the first time, that otoferlin domains C2A, C2B, C2D, and C2F interact with NSF and AP2mu1, whereas C2C or C2E do not bind to either protein, representing binding characteristics consistent with respective inclusion or omission in individual C2 domains of the tyrosine motif YXXΦ. In competitive pull-down assays, as predicted by KD values from SPR (+Ca2+), C2F pulled down primarily NSF as opposed to AP2mu1. Phosphorylation of AP2mu1 gave rise to a reversal: an increase in binding by C2F to phosphorylated AP2mu1 was accompanied by a decrease in binding to NSF, consistent with a molecular switch for otoferlin from membrane fusion (NSF) to endocytosis (AP2mu1). An increase in phosphorylated AP2mu1 at the base of the cochlear inner hair cell was the observed response elicited by a dopamine D1A agonist, as predicted.

Hair cell synaptic dysfunction, auditory fatigue and thermal sensitivity in otoferlin Ile515Thr mutants

The multi-C₂ domain protein otoferlin is required for hearing and mutated in human deafness. Some OTOF mutations cause a mild elevation of auditory thresholds but strong impairment of speech perception. At elevated body temperature, hearing is lost. Mice homozygous for one of these mutations, Otof^I515T/I515T, exhibit a moderate hearing impairment involving enhanced adaptation to continuous or repetitive sound stimulation. In Otof^I515T/I515T inner hair cells (IHCs), otoferlin levels are diminished by 65%, and synaptic vesicles are enlarged. Exocytosis during prolonged stimulation is strongly reduced. This indicates that otoferlin is critical for the reformation of properly sized and fusion-competent synaptic vesicles. Moreover, we found sustained exocytosis and sound encoding to scale with the amount of otoferlin at the plasma membrane. We identified a 20 amino acid motif including an RXR motif, presumably present in human but not in mouse otoferlin, which reduces the plasma membrane abundance of Ile515Thr-otoferlin. Together, this likely explains the auditory synaptopathy at normal temperature and the temperature-sensitive deafness in humans carrying the Ile515Thr mutation.

New insights into cochlear sound encoding

The inner ear uses specialized synapses to indefatigably transmit sound information from hair cells to spiral ganglion neurons at high rates with submillisecond precision. The emerging view is that hair cell synapses achieve their demanding function by employing an unconventional presynaptic molecular composition. Hair cell active zones hold the synaptic ribbon, an electron-dense projection made primarily of RIBEYE, which tethers a halo of synaptic vesicles and is thought to enable a large readily releasable pool of vesicles and to contribute to its rapid replenishment. Another important presynaptic player is otoferlin, coded by a deafness gene, which assumes a multi-faceted role in vesicular exocytosis and, when disrupted, causes auditory synaptopathy. A functional peculiarity of hair cell synapses is the massive heterogeneity in the sizes and shapes of excitatory postsynaptic currents. Currently, there is controversy as to whether this reflects multiquantal release with a variable extent of synchronization or uniquantal release through a dynamic fusion pore. Another important question in the field has been the precise mechanisms of coupling presynaptic Ca ²⁺ channels and vesicular Ca ²⁺ sensors. This commentary provides an update on the current understanding of sound encoding in the cochlea with a focus on presynaptic mechanisms.

Auditory neuropathy--neural and synaptic mechanisms

Sensorineural hearing impairment is the most common form of hearing loss, and encompasses pathologies of the cochlea and the auditory nerve. Hearing impairment caused by abnormal neural encoding of sound stimuli despite preservation of sensory transduction and amplification by outer hair cells is known as 'auditory neuropathy'. This term was originally coined for a specific type of hearing impairment affecting speech comprehension beyond changes in audibility: patients with this condition report that they "can hear but cannot understand". This type of hearing impairment can be caused by damage to the sensory inner hair cells (IHCs), IHC ribbon synapses or spiral ganglion neurons. Human genetic and physiological studies, as well as research on animal models, have recently shown that disrupted IHC ribbon synapse function--resulting from genetic alterations that affect presynaptic glutamate loading of synaptic vesicles, Ca(2+) influx, or synaptic vesicle exocytosis--leads to hearing impairment termed 'auditory synaptopathy'. Moreover, animal studies have demonstrated that sound overexposure causes excitotoxic loss of IHC ribbon synapses. This mechanism probably contributes to hearing disorders caused by noise exposure or age-related hearing loss. This Review provides an update on recently elucidated sensory, synaptic and neural mechanisms of hearing impairment, their corresponding clinical findings, and discusses current rehabilitation strategies as well as future therapies.

Detection of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses in the Auditory System Using Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry and High-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

In sensory systems, a balanced excitatory and inhibitory circuit along the ascending pathway is not only important for the establishment of topographically ordered connections from the periphery to the cortex but also for temporal precision of signal processing. The accomplishment of spatial and temporal cortical resolution in the central nervous system is a process that is likely initiated by the first sensory experiences that drive a period of increased intracortical inhibition. In the auditory system, the time of first sensory experience is also the period in which a reorganization of cochlear efferent and afferent fibers occurs leading to the mature innervation of inner and outer hair cells. This mature hair cell innervation is the basis of accurate sound processing along the ascending pathway up to the auditory cortex. We describe here, a protocol for detecting excitatory and inhibitory marker proteins along the ascending auditory pathway, which could be a useful tool for detecting changes in auditory signal processing during various forms of hearing disorders. Our protocol uses fluorescence immunohistochemistry in combination with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy in cochlear and brain tissue.

The zebrafish pinball wizard gene encodes WRB, a tail-anchored-protein receptor essential for inner-ear hair cells and retinal photoreceptors

KEY POINTS

The zebrafish pinball wizard (pwi) mutant is deaf and blind. The pwi phenotype includes a reduced auditory startle response and reduced visual evoked potentials, suggesting fatigue of synaptic release at ribbon synapses in hair cells and photoreceptors. The gene defective in the pwi mutant is WRB, a protein homologous to the yeast protein Get1, which is involved in the insertion of 'tail-anchored' membrane proteins. Many tail-anchored proteins are associated with synaptic vesicles, and both vesicles and synaptic ribbons are reduced in synaptic regions of hair cells in pwi. Abnormal processing of synaptic vesicle proteins important for ribbon synapses can explain the pwi phenotype.

ABSTRACT

In a large-scale zebrafish insertional mutagenesis screen, we identified the pinball wizard (pwi) line, which displays a deafness and blindness phenotype. Although the gross morphology and structure of the pwi larval inner ear was near normal, acoustic startle stimuli evoked smaller postsynaptic responses in afferent neurons, which rapidly fatigued. In the retina, similarly, an abnormal electroretinogram suggested reduced transmission at the photoreceptor ribbon synapse. A functional deficit in these specialized synapses was further supported by a reduction of synaptic marker proteins Rab3 and cysteine-string protein (CSP/Dnajc5) in hair cells and photoreceptors, as well as by a reduction of the number of both ribbons and vesicles surrounding the ribbons in hair cells. The pwi gene encodes a homologue of the yeast Get1 and human tryptophan-rich basic (WRB) proteins, which are receptors for membrane insertion of tail-anchored (TA) proteins. We identified more than 100 TA proteins expressed in hair cells, including many synaptic proteins. The expression of synaptobrevin and syntaxin 3, TA proteins essential for vesicle fusion, was reduced in the synaptic layers of mutant retina, consistent with a role for the pwi/WRB protein in TA-protein processing. The WRB protein was located near the apical domain and the ribbons in hair cells, and in the inner segment and the axon of the photoreceptor, consistent with a role in vesicle biogenesis or trafficking. Taken together, our results suggest that WRB plays a critical role in synaptic functions in these two sensory cells, and that disrupted processing of synaptic vesicle TA proteins explains much of the mutant phenotype.