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Ruan Y, Yuan R, He J, Jiang Y, Chu S, Chen N. New perspective on sustained antidepressant effect: focus on neurexins regulating synaptic plasticity. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:205. [PMID: 38693106 PMCID: PMC11063156 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01974-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent globally, however, currently available medications face challenges such as low response rates and short duration of efficacy. Additionally, depression mostly accompany other psychiatric disorders, further progressing to major depressive disorder without long-term effective management. Thus, sustained antidepressant strategies are urgently needed. Recently, ketamine and psilocybin gained attention as potential sustained antidepressants. Review of recent studies highlights that synaptic plasticity changes as key events of downstream long-lasting changes in sustained antidepressant effect. This underscores the significance of synaptic plasticity in sustained antidepressant effect. Moreover, neurexins, key molecules involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, act as critical links between synaptic plasticity and sustained antidepressant effects, involving mechanisms including protein level, selective splicing, epigenetics, astrocytes, positional redistribution and protein structure. Based on the regulation of synaptic plasticity by neurexins, several drugs with potential for sustained antidepressant effect are also discussed. Focusing on neurexins in regulating synaptic plasticity promises much for further understanding underlying mechanisms of sustained antidepressant and the next step in new drug development. This research represents a highly promising future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ruan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruolan Yuan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiaqi He
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yutong Jiang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shifeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Naihong Chen
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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2
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Sun Z, Wang H, Xu Y, Liu Y, Wang L, Zhou R, Zhou R, Ma W, Zhang T. High expression of NXPH4 correlates with poor prognosis, metabolic reprogramming, and immune infiltration in colon adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 15:641-667. [PMID: 38756632 PMCID: PMC11094489 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal malignant disease with high mortality rate, and identification of novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets is urgently needed. Although neurexophilin 4 (NXPH4) has been investigated in several tumors, its role in COAD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value and potential functions of NXPH4 in COAD. Methods The expression of NXPH4 in COAD were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The prognostic value of NXPH4 was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. To investigate the possible mechanism underlying the role of NXPH4 in COAD, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were employed. The correlation between NXPH4 expression and immune cell infiltration levels was examined thorough single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Furthermore, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network that may be involved in NXPH4 in COAD was predicted and constructed through a variety of databases. Results NXPH4 expression was significantly higher in COAD tissue compared with normal colon tissues. Meanwhile, high expression of NXPH4 was associated with poor prognosis in COAD patients. GO-KEGG and GSEA analyses indicated that NXPH4 was associated with glycolysis and hypoxia pathway, and may promote COAD progression and metastasis by modulating metabolic reprogramming. ssGSEA analysis demonstrated that NXPH4 expression also associated with immune infiltration. Furthermore, we identified various microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as upstream regulators of NXPH4 in COAD. Conclusions The present study revealed that high expression of NXPH4 is associated with tumor progression, metabolic reprogramming, and immune infiltration. These findings suggest that NXPH4 could serve as a reliable prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sun
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haodi Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yichi Liu
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruijie Zhou
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Runlong Zhou
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjian Ma
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Gogou C, Beugelink JW, Frias CP, Kresik L, Jaroszynska N, Drescher U, Janssen BJC, Hindges R, Meijer DH. Alternative splicing controls teneurin-3 compact dimer formation for neuronal recognition. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3648. [PMID: 38684645 PMCID: PMC11058771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47763-x] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal network formation is facilitated by recognition between synaptic cell adhesion molecules at the cell surface. Alternative splicing of cell adhesion molecules provides additional specificity in forming neuronal connections. For the teneurin family of cell adhesion molecules, alternative splicing of the EGF-repeats and NHL domain controls synaptic protein-protein interactions. Here we present cryo-EM structures of the compact dimeric ectodomain of two teneurin-3 isoforms that harbour the splice insert in the EGF-repeats. This dimer is stabilised by an EGF8-ABD contact between subunits. Cryo-EM reconstructions of all four splice variants, together with SAXS and negative stain EM, reveal compacted dimers for each, with variant-specific dimeric arrangements. This results in specific trans-cellular interactions, as tested in cell clustering and stripe assays. The compact conformations provide a structural basis for teneurin homo- and heterophilic interactions. Altogether, our findings demonstrate how alternative splicing results in rearrangements of the dimeric subunits, influencing neuronal recognition and likely circuit wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Gogou
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - J Wouter Beugelink
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cátia P Frias
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Leanid Kresik
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Natalia Jaroszynska
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Uwe Drescher
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bert J C Janssen
- Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Hindges
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dimphna H Meijer
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, the Netherlands.
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4
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Park SJ, Wang IH, Lee N, Jiang HC, Uemura T, Futai K, Kim D, Macosko E, Greer P. Combinatorial expression of neurexin genes regulates glomerular targeting by olfactory sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.01.587570. [PMID: 38617205 PMCID: PMC11014570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.01.587570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Precise connectivity between specific neurons is essential for the formation of the complex neural circuitry necessary for executing intricate motor behaviors and higher cognitive functions. While trans -interactions between synaptic membrane proteins have emerged as crucial elements in orchestrating the assembly of these neural circuits, the synaptic surface proteins involved in neuronal wiring remain largely unknown. Here, using unbiased single-cell transcriptomic and mouse genetic approaches, we uncover that the neurexin family of genes enables olfactory sensory neuron (OSNs) axons to form appropriate synaptic connections with their mitral and tufted (M/T) cell synaptic partners, within the mammalian olfactory system. Neurexin isoforms are differentially expressed within distinct populations of OSNs, resulting in unique pattern of neurexin expression that is specific to each OSN type, and synergistically cooperate to regulate axonal innervation, guiding OSN axons to their designated glomeruli. This process is facilitated through the interactions of neurexins with their postsynaptic partners, including neuroligins, which have distinct expression patterns in M/T cells. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism underpinning the precise assembly of olfactory neural circuits, driven by the trans -interaction between neurexins and their ligands.
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5
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Chang M, Nehs S, Xu Z, Kanold PO. Distinct distribution of subplate neuron subtypes between the sensory cortices during the early postnatal period. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25594. [PMID: 38407509 PMCID: PMC11186582 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Subplate neurons (SpNs) are a heterogeneous neuronal population actively involved in early cortical circuit formation. In rodents, many SpNs survive and form layer 6b. The molecular heterogeneity of SpNs raises the question of whether different subpopulations of SpNs survive through the early postnatal period similarly and whether such diverse SpN populations in the auditory cortex (ACtx) share a common distribution pattern with other sensory systems. To address that, we investigated the expression pattern of multiple specific SpN markers in the ACtx, as well as in the visual (VCtx) and somatosensory (SCtx) cortices as controls, using complexin 3 (Cplx3) antibodies and different SpN-specific Cre-driver mice, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1a), and neurexophilin 4 (Nxph4). We focused on two early time windows in auditory development: (1) during the second postnatal week (PNW) before ear-canal opening and (2) during the third PNW after ear-canal opening. We compared the expression pattern of different SpN markers in ACtx with VCtx and SCtx. At both examined timepoints, Cplx3 and Nxph4 expressing SpNs form the largest and smallest population in the ACtx, respectively. Similar distribution patterns are observable in the VCtx and SCtx during the second PNW but not during the third PNW, for a higher proportion of Drd1a expressing SpNs is detected in the VCtx and CTGF expressing SpNs in the SCtx. This study suggests that different populations of SpNs might contribute differently to the development of individual sensory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophia Nehs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zheng Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick O Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Hori I, Harashima H, Yamada Y. Development of Liposomes That Target Axon Terminals Encapsulating Berberine in Cultured Primary Neurons. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:49. [PMID: 38258060 PMCID: PMC10821366 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the energy in neurons is produced in mitochondria. Mitochondria generate the ATP that is essential for neuronal growth, function, and regeneration. Mitochondrial axonal transport plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and biological activity. Decreased mitochondrial axonal transport at axon terminals, where the metabolism of substances is likely to be delayed, may contribute to neurological dysfunction. Therefore, regulation of mitochondrial dynamics at axon terminals has attracted considerable interest as a strategy to modulate neuronal function. Nanoparticles may be useful in controlling local mitochondrial dynamics. Nevertheless, there are few reports on the influence of drug delivery that nanoparticles impart on the mitochondrial dynamics in neurons. This paper reports the results of a study using liposomes (LPs) to examine local drug delivery and pharmacological actions on neurons. We tested berberine (BBR), which is an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), to examine the utility of this drug as a cellular energy sensor. Axon terminals targeting LPs were prepared. The amount of axon terminals targeting LPs was increased compared with treatment using cationic LPs. Moreover, axon terminal-targeting LPs increased anterograde transport by about 40% compared with that of either naked BBR or cationic LPs and suppressed axonal retraction. Our findings suggest that local drug delivery to neurons is important for enhancing pharmacological activity in axon terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuma Hori
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan;
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan;
| | - Yuma Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan;
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7
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Trotter JH, Wang CY, Zhou P, Nakahara G, Südhof TC. A combinatorial code of neurexin-3 alternative splicing controls inhibitory synapses via a trans-synaptic dystroglycan signaling loop. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1771. [PMID: 36997523 PMCID: PMC10063607 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Disrupted synaptic inhibition is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the molecular mechanisms that shape and sustain inhibitory synapses are poorly understood. Here, we show through rescue experiments performed using Neurexin-3 conditional knockout mice that alternative splicing at SS2 and SS4 regulates the release probability, but not the number, of inhibitory synapses in the olfactory bulb and prefrontal cortex independent of sex. Neurexin-3 splice variants that mediate Neurexin-3 binding to dystroglycan enable inhibitory synapse function, whereas splice variants that don't allow dystroglycan binding do not. Furthermore, a minimal Neurexin-3 protein that binds to dystroglycan fully sustains inhibitory synaptic function, indicating that trans-synaptic dystroglycan binding is necessary and sufficient for Neurexin-3 function in inhibitory synaptic transmission. Thus, Neurexin-3 enables a normal release probability at inhibitory synapses via a trans-synaptic feedback signaling loop consisting of presynaptic Neurexin-3 and postsynaptic dystroglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin H Trotter
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Cosmos Yuqi Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - George Nakahara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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HS, an Ancient Molecular Recognition and Information Storage Glycosaminoglycan, Equips HS-Proteoglycans with Diverse Matrix and Cell-Interactive Properties Operative in Tissue Development and Tissue Function in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021148. [PMID: 36674659 PMCID: PMC9867265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate is a ubiquitous, variably sulfated interactive glycosaminoglycan that consists of repeating disaccharides of glucuronic acid and glucosamine that are subject to a number of modifications (acetylation, de-acetylation, epimerization, sulfation). Variable heparan sulfate chain lengths and sequences within the heparan sulfate chains provide structural diversity generating interactive oligosaccharide binding motifs with a diverse range of extracellular ligands and cellular receptors providing instructional cues over cellular behaviour and tissue homeostasis through the regulation of essential physiological processes in development, health, and disease. heparan sulfate and heparan sulfate-PGs are integral components of the specialized glycocalyx surrounding cells. Heparan sulfate is the most heterogeneous glycosaminoglycan, in terms of its sequence and biosynthetic modifications making it a difficult molecule to fully characterize, multiple ligands also make an elucidation of heparan sulfate functional properties complicated. Spatio-temporal presentation of heparan sulfate sulfate groups is an important functional determinant in tissue development and in cellular control of wound healing and extracellular remodelling in pathological tissues. The regulatory properties of heparan sulfate are mediated via interactions with chemokines, chemokine receptors, growth factors and morphogens in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, tissue remodelling, wound healing, immune regulation, inflammation, and tumour development. A greater understanding of these HS interactive processes will improve therapeutic procedures and prognoses. Advances in glycosaminoglycan synthesis and sequencing, computational analytical carbohydrate algorithms and advanced software for the evaluation of molecular docking of heparan sulfate with its molecular partners are now available. These advanced analytic techniques and artificial intelligence offer predictive capability in the elucidation of heparan sulfate conformational effects on heparan sulfate-ligand interactions significantly aiding heparan sulfate therapeutics development.
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Boxer EE, Aoto J. Neurexins and their ligands at inhibitory synapses. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:1087238. [PMID: 36618530 PMCID: PMC9812575 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.1087238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of neurexins (Nrxns) as essential and evolutionarily conserved synaptic adhesion molecules, focus has largely centered on their functional contributions to glutamatergic synapses. Recently, significant advances to our understanding of neurexin function at GABAergic synapses have revealed that neurexins can play pleiotropic roles in regulating inhibitory synapse maintenance and function in a brain-region and synapse-specific manner. GABAergic neurons are incredibly diverse, exhibiting distinct synaptic properties, sites of innervation, neuromodulation, and plasticity. Different classes of GABAergic neurons often express distinct repertoires of Nrxn isoforms that exhibit differential alternative exon usage. Further, Nrxn ligands can be differentially expressed and can display synapse-specific localization patterns, which may contribute to the formation of a complex trans-synaptic molecular code that establishes the properties of inhibitory synapse function and properties of local circuitry. In this review, we will discuss how Nrxns and their ligands sculpt synaptic inhibition in a brain-region, cell-type and synapse-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Aoto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, United States
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10
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Increased Expression of NXPH4 Correlates with Immune Cell Infiltration and Unfavorable Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5005747. [PMID: 36245978 PMCID: PMC9560829 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5005747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading malignant carcinomas. Despite the advancement in the treatment for HCC, such as precise hepatectomy, radiotherapy, transarterial therapies, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, and immunotherapy, the 5-year overall survival rate of HCC is extremely low. Hence, novel biomarkers are urgently needed for advancing the therapy and prognosis of HCC. Neurexophilin 4 (NXPH4) is a neuropeptide-like glycoprotein. The study is designed to investigate the function of NXPH4 in HCC through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. NXPH4 expression status and prognostic values were analyzed via multiple datasets, such as TCGA, GEO, and ICGC. The association between NXPH4 and immune cell infiltration was estimated by TIMER, TISIDB, and CIBERSORT. In vitro, we explored the biological function of NXPH4 in JHH7 and SNU182 cells through knocking down the expression of NXPH4 via siRNA. In general, NXPH4 was predominantly upregulated in HCC tumors, and increased NXPH4 expression predicted unfavorable prognosis. The gene enrichment analysis displayed that NXPH4 was related with metabolic pathways. NXPH4 expression was correlated with immune cell infiltration. NXPH4 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of JHH7 and SNU182 cells. This study suggested that the upregulation of NXPH4 is associated with adverse prognosis and immune cell infiltration in HCC. NXPH4 could be a novel biomarker of unfavorable prognosis and an underlying target for immunotherapy in HCC.
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Decode the Stable Cell Communications Based on Neuropeptide-Receptors Network in 36746 Tumor Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010014. [PMID: 35052689 PMCID: PMC8773225 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As chemical signals of hormones, neuropeptides are essential to regulate cell growth by interacting with their receptors to achieve cell communications in cancer tissues. Previously, neuropeptide transcriptome analysis was limited to tissue-based bulk expression levels. The molecular mechanisms of neuropeptides and their receptors at the single-cell level remain unclear. We conducted a systematic single-cell transcriptome data integration analysis to clarify the similarities and variations of neuropeptide-mediated cell communication between various malignancies. Methods: Based on the single-cell expression information in 72 cancer datasets across 24 cancer types, we characterized actively expressed neuropeptides and receptors as having log values of the quantitative transcripts per million ≥ 1. Then, we created the putative cell-to-cell communication network for each dataset by using the known interaction of those actively expressed neuropeptides and receptors. To focus on the stable cell communication events, we identified neuropeptide and downstream receptors whose interactions were detected in more than half of all conceivable cell-cell interactions (square of the total cell population) in a dataset. Results: Focusing on those actively expressed neuropeptides and receptors, we built over 76 million cell-to-cell communications across 70 cancer datasets. Then the stable cell communication analyses were applied to each dataset, and about 14 million stable cell-to-cell communications could be detected based on 16 neuropeptides and 23 receptors. Further functional analysis indicates these 39 genes could regulate blood pressure and are significantly associated with patients’ survival among over ten thousand The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)pan-cancer samples. By zooming in lung cancer-specific clinical features, we discovered the 39 genes appeared to be enriched in the patients with smoking. In skin cancer, they may differ in the patients with the distinct histological subtype and molecular drivers. Conclusions: At the single-cell level, stable cell communications across cancer types demonstrated some common and distinct neuropeptide-receptor patterns, which could be helpful in determining the status of neuropeptide-based cell communication and developing a peptide-based therapy strategy.
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Motz CT, Kabat V, Saxena T, Bellamkonda RV, Zhu C. Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100102. [PMID: 34342167 PMCID: PMC8497434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Motz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Victoria Kabat
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Tarun Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
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Khalaj AJ, Sterky FH, Sclip A, Schwenk J, Brunger AT, Fakler B, Südhof TC. Deorphanizing FAM19A proteins as pan-neurexin ligands with an unusual biosynthetic binding mechanism. J Cell Biol 2021; 219:151974. [PMID: 32706374 PMCID: PMC7480106 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202004164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are presynaptic adhesion molecules that organize synapses by binding to diverse trans-synaptic ligands, but how neurexins are regulated is incompletely understood. Here we identify FAM19A/TAFA proteins, “orphan" cytokines, as neurexin regulators that interact with all neurexins, except for neurexin-1γ, via an unusual mechanism. Specifically, we show that FAM19A1-A4 bind to the cysteine-loop domain of neurexins by forming intermolecular disulfide bonds during transport through the secretory pathway. FAM19A-binding required both the cysteines of the cysteine-loop domain and an adjacent sequence of neurexins. Genetic deletion of neurexins suppressed FAM19A1 expression, demonstrating that FAM19As physiologically interact with neurexins. In hippocampal cultures, expression of exogenous FAM19A1 decreased neurexin O-glycosylation and suppressed its heparan sulfate modification, suggesting that FAM19As regulate the post-translational modification of neurexins. Given the selective expression of FAM19As in specific subtypes of neurons and their activity-dependent regulation, these results suggest that FAM19As serve as cell type–specific regulators of neurexin modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Khalaj
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Fredrik H Sterky
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Alessandra Sclip
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Jochen Schwenk
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Bernd Fakler
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Centres for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) and Integrative Biological Signalling Studies (CIBSS), Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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14
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Abstract
The function of neuronal circuits relies on the properties of individual neuronal cells and their synapses. We propose that a substantial degree of synapse formation and function is instructed by molecular codes resulting from transcriptional programmes. Recent studies on the Neurexin protein family and its ligands provide fundamental insight into how synapses are assembled and remodelled, how synaptic properties are specified and how single gene mutations associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders might modify the operation of neuronal circuits and behaviour. In this Review, we first summarize insights into Neurexin function obtained from various model organisms. We then discuss the mechanisms and logic of the cell type-specific regulation of Neurexin isoforms, in particular at the level of alternative mRNA splicing. Finally, we propose a conceptual framework for how combinations of synaptic protein isoforms act as 'senders' and 'readers' to instruct synapse formation and the acquisition of cell type-specific and synapse-specific functional properties.
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15
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Kim HY, Um JW, Ko J. Proper synaptic adhesion signaling in the control of neural circuit architecture and brain function. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 200:101983. [PMID: 33422662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules are critical for governing various stages of synapse development and specifying neural circuit properties via the formation of multifarious signaling pathways. Recent studies have pinpointed the putative roles of trans-synaptic cell-adhesion molecules in mediating various cognitive functions. Here, we review the literature on the roles of a diverse group of central synaptic organizers, including neurexins (Nrxns), leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (LAR-RPTPs), and their associated binding proteins, in regulating properties of specific type of synapses and neural circuits. In addition, we highlight the findings that aberrant synaptic adhesion signaling leads to alterations in the structures, transmission, and plasticity of specific synapses across diverse brain areas. These results seem to suggest that proper trans-synaptic signaling pathways by Nrxns, LAR-RPTPs, and their interacting network is likely to constitute central molecular complexes that form the basis for cognitive functions, and that these complexes are heterogeneously and complexly disrupted in many neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Young Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Um
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea; Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
| | - Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, South Korea.
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16
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Neurexin 1 variants as risk factors for suicide death. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7436-7445. [PMID: 34168285 PMCID: PMC8709873 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a significant public health concern with complex etiology. Although the genetic component of suicide is well established, the scope of gene networks and biological mechanisms underlying suicide has yet to be defined. Previously, we reported genome-wide evidence that neurexin 1 (NRXN1), a key synapse organizing molecule, is associated with familial suicide risk. Here we present new evidence for two non-synonymous variants (rs78540316; P469S and rs199784139; H885Y) associated with increased familial risk of suicide death. We tested the impact of these variants on binding interactions with known partners and assessed functionality in a hemi-synapse formation assay. Although the formation of hemi-synapses was not altered with the P469S variant relative to wild-type, both variants increased binding to the postsynaptic binding partner, leucine-rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 2 (LRRTM2) in vitro. Our findings indicate that variants in NRXN1 and related synaptic genes warrant further study as risk factors for suicide death.
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17
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Li J, Xie Y, Cornelius S, Jiang X, Sando R, Kordon SP, Pan M, Leon K, Südhof TC, Zhao M, Araç D. Alternative splicing controls teneurin-latrophilin interaction and synapse specificity by a shape-shifting mechanism. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2140. [PMID: 32358586 PMCID: PMC7195488 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16029-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The trans-synaptic interaction of the cell-adhesion molecules teneurins (TENs) with latrophilins (LPHNs/ADGRLs) promotes excitatory synapse formation when LPHNs simultaneously interact with FLRTs. Insertion of a short alternatively-spliced region within TENs abolishes the TEN-LPHN interaction and switches TEN function to specify inhibitory synapses. How alternative-splicing regulates TEN-LPHN interaction remains unclear. Here, we report the 2.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the TEN2-LPHN3 complex, and describe the trimeric TEN2-LPHN3-FLRT3 complex. The structure reveals that the N-terminal lectin domain of LPHN3 binds to the TEN2 barrel at a site far away from the alternatively spliced region. Alternative-splicing regulates the TEN2-LPHN3 interaction by hindering access to the LPHN-binding surface rather than altering it. Strikingly, mutagenesis of the LPHN-binding surface of TEN2 abolishes the LPHN3 interaction and impairs excitatory but not inhibitory synapse formation. These results suggest that a multi-level coincident binding mechanism mediated by a cryptic adhesion complex between TENs and LPHNs regulates synapse specificity. The trans-synaptic interaction of the cell-adhesion molecules teneurins (TENs) with latrophilins (LPHNs) promotes excitatory synapse formation. Here authors report the high resolution cryo-EM structure of the TEN2-LPHN3 complex, describe the trimeric TEN2-LPHN3-FLRT3 complex and show how alternative-splicing regulates the TEN2-LPHN3 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxian Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Shaleeka Cornelius
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Richard Sando
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Szymon P Kordon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Man Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Katherine Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Demet Araç
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. .,Grossman Institute for Neuroscience, Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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18
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Wilson SC, White KI, Zhou Q, Pfuetzner RA, Choi UB, Südhof TC, Brunger AT. Structures of neurexophilin-neurexin complexes reveal a regulatory mechanism of alternative splicing. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101603. [PMID: 31566781 PMCID: PMC6856630 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are presynaptic, cell-adhesion molecules that specify the functional properties of synapses via interactions with trans-synaptic ligands. Neurexins are extensively alternatively spliced at six canonical sites that regulate multifarious ligand interactions, but the structural mechanisms underlying alternative splicing-dependent neurexin regulation are largely unknown. Here, we determined high-resolution structures of the complex of neurexophilin-1 and the second laminin/neurexin/sex-hormone-binding globulin domain (LNS2) of neurexin-1 and examined how alternative splicing at splice site #2 (SS2) regulates the complex. Our data reveal a unique, extensive, neurexophilin-neurexin binding interface that extends the jelly-roll β-sandwich of LNS2 of neurexin-1 into neurexophilin-1. The SS2A insert of LNS2 augments this interface, increasing the binding affinity of LNS2 for neurexophilin-1. Taken together, our data reveal an unexpected architecture of neurexophilin-neurexin complexes that accounts for the modulation of binding by alternative splicing, which in turn regulates the competition of neurexophilin for neurexin binding with other ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Wilson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - K Ian White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Qiangjun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Richard A Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Ucheor B Choi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
| | - Axel T Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
- Howard Hughes Medical InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCAUSA
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