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Goswami-Sewell D, Bagnetto C, Gomez CC, Anderson JT, Maheshwari A, Zuniga-Sanchez E. βII-Spectrin Is Required for Synaptic Positioning during Retinal Development. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5277-5289. [PMID: 37369589 PMCID: PMC10359034 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0063-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuit assembly is a multistep process where synaptic partners are often born at distinct developmental stages, and yet they must find each other and form precise synaptic connections with one another. This developmental process often relies on late-born neurons extending their processes to the appropriate layer to find and make synaptic connections to their early-born targets. The molecular mechanism responsible for the integration of late-born neurons into an emerging neural circuit remains unclear. Here, we uncovered a new role for the cytoskeletal protein βII-spectrin in properly positioning presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons to the developing synaptic layer. Loss of βII-spectrin disrupts retinal lamination, leads to synaptic connectivity defects, and results in impaired visual function in both male and female mice. Together, these findings highlight a new function of βII-spectrin in assembling neural circuits in the mouse outer retina.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurons that assemble into a functional circuit are often integrated at different developmental time points. However, the molecular mechanism that guides the precise positioning of neuronal processes to the correct layer for synapse formation is relatively unknown. Here, we show a new role for the cytoskeletal scaffolding protein, βII-spectrin in the developing retina. βII-spectrin is required to position presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons to the nascent synaptic layer in the mouse outer retina. Loss of βII-spectrin disrupts positioning of neuronal processes, alters synaptic connectivity, and impairs visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin Bagnetto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Cesiah C Gomez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Joseph T Anderson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Akash Maheshwari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Elizabeth Zuniga-Sanchez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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2
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Saeed S, Grezenko H, Nisar L, Rehman A, Riyaz A, Cook DE, Kamran M. A Rare but Aggressive Malignancy: A Case Report of a Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor (GNET). Cureus 2023; 15:e41509. [PMID: 37551252 PMCID: PMC10404388 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41509] [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] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs) are extremely rare and intriguing malignancies originating from neural crest cells in the digestive tract. The digestive tract's neural crest cells can give rise to incredibly unusual and interesting gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs). GNETs present considerable hurdles in diagnosis and management because of their rarity and varied expression. In this case report, a 45-year-old male patient is described who had signs of GNET, such as exhaustion, weight loss, and abdominal pain. A 7-cm jejunum tumor and related thickening of the gut wall were discovered using imaging investigations. The diagnosis of malignant GNET was confirmed by surgical resection, and adjuvant treatment was given. A recurring tumor required a second surgical procedure despite an initial disease-free period. The report emphasizes the difficulties involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects of GNETs. The rarity of GNETs necessitates the development of standardized treatment protocols as well as additional research to enhance diagnostic precision and explore novel therapeutic approaches for this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzeb Saeed
- Internal Medicine, Army Medical College, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Han Grezenko
- Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, CHN
| | - Lyba Nisar
- Internal Medicine, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, PAK
| | | | - Amina Riyaz
- Medical School, Sree Uthradom Thirunal (SUT) Academy of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, IND
| | - Daniel E Cook
- International Medical Graduate, Avalon University School of Medicine, Youngstown, USA
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3
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Chataigner LMP, Gogou C, den Boer MA, Frias CP, Thies-Weesie DME, Granneman JCM, Heck AJR, Meijer DH, Janssen BJC. Structural insights into the contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 adhesion complex. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6607. [PMID: 36329006 PMCID: PMC9633819 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-surface expressed contactin 1 and neurofascin 155 control wiring of the nervous system and interact across cells to form and maintain paranodal myelin-axon junctions. The molecular mechanism of contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 adhesion complex formation is unresolved. Crystallographic structures of complexed and individual contactin 1 and neurofascin 155 binding regions presented here, provide a rich picture of how competing and complementary interfaces, post-translational glycosylation, splice differences and structural plasticity enable formation of diverse adhesion sites. Structural, biophysical, and cell-clustering analysis reveal how conserved Ig1-2 interfaces form competing heterophilic contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 and homophilic neurofascin 155 complexes whereas contactin 1 forms low-affinity clusters through interfaces on Ig3-6. The structures explain how the heterophilic Ig1-Ig4 horseshoe's in the contactin 1 - neurofascin 155 complex define the 7.4 nm paranodal spacing and how the remaining six domains enable bridging of distinct intercellular distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M. P. Chataigner
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christos Gogou
- grid.5292.c0000 0001 2097 4740Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maurits A. den Boer
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cátia P. Frias
- grid.5292.c0000 0001 2097 4740Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique M. E. Thies-Weesie
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Van’t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Debye Institute of Nanomaterials Science, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joke C. M. Granneman
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert J. R. Heck
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands ,Netherlands Proteomics Center, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dimphna H. Meijer
- grid.5292.c0000 0001 2097 4740Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Bert J. C. Janssen
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Structural Biochemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Peppercorn K, Kleffmann T, Jones O, Hughes S, Tate W. Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein Alpha, a Neuroprotective Protein in the Brain Has Widespread Effects on the Transcriptome and Proteome of Human Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Glutamatergic Neurons Related to Memory Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:858524. [PMID: 35692428 PMCID: PMC9179159 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.858524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPPα) processed from a parent human brain protein, APP, can modulate learning and memory. It has potential for development as a therapy preventing, delaying, or even reversing Alzheimer’s disease. In this study a comprehensive analysis to understand how it affects the transcriptome and proteome of the human neuron was undertaken. Human inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived glutamatergic neurons in culture were exposed to 1 nM sAPPα over a time course and changes in the transcriptome and proteome were identified with RNA sequencing and Sequential Window Acquisition of All THeoretical Fragment Ion Spectra-Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS), respectively. A large subset (∼30%) of differentially expressed transcripts and proteins were functionally involved with the molecular biology of learning and memory, consistent with reported links of sAPPα to memory enhancement, as well as neurogenic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective phenotypes in previous studies. Differentially regulated proteins included those encoded in previously identified Alzheimer’s risk genes, APP processing related proteins, proteins involved in synaptogenesis, neurotransmitters, receptors, synaptic vesicle proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins involved in protein and organelle trafficking, and proteins important for cell signalling, transcriptional splicing, and functions of the proteasome and lysosome. We have identified a complex set of genes affected by sAPPα, which may aid further investigation into the mechanism of how this neuroprotective protein affects memory formation and how it might be used as an Alzheimer’s disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Torsten Kleffmann
- Division of Health Sciences, Research Infrastructure Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Owen Jones
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Warren Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Warren Tate,
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Moreno Manrique JF, Voit PR, Windsor KE, Karla AR, Rodriguez SR, Beaudoin GMJ. SynapseJ: An Automated, Synapse Identification Macro for ImageJ. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:731333. [PMID: 34675779 PMCID: PMC8524137 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.731333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
While electron microscopy represents the gold standard for detection of synapses, a number of limitations prevent its broad applicability. A key method for detecting synapses is immunostaining for markers of pre- and post-synaptic proteins, which can infer a synapse based upon the apposition of the two markers. While immunostaining and imaging techniques have improved to allow for identification of synapses in tissue, analysis and identification of these appositions are not facile, and there has been a lack of tools to accurately identify these appositions. Here, we delineate a macro that uses open-source and freely available ImageJ or FIJI for analysis of multichannel, z-stack confocal images. With use of a high magnification with a high NA objective, we outline two methods to identify puncta in either sparsely or densely labeled images. Puncta from each channel are used to eliminate non-apposed puncta and are subsequently linked with their cognate from the other channel. These methods are applied to analysis of a pre-synaptic marker, bassoon, with two different post-synaptic markers, gephyrin and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 1 (NR1). Using gephyrin as an inhibitory, post-synaptic scaffolding protein, we identify inhibitory synapses in basolateral amygdala, central amygdala, arcuate and the ventromedial hypothalamus. Systematic variation of the settings identify the parameters most critical for this analysis. Identification of specifically overlapping puncta allows for correlation of morphometry data between each channel. Finally, we extend the analysis to only examine puncta overlapping with a cytoplasmic marker of specific cell types, a distinct advantage beyond electron microscopy. Bassoon puncta are restricted to virally transduced, pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPN) axons expressing yellow fluorescent protein. NR1 puncta are restricted to tyrosine hydroxylase labeled dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The macro identifies bassoon-NR1 overlap throughout the image, or those only restricted to the PPN-SNc connections. Thus, we have extended the available analysis tools that can be used to study synapses in situ. Our analysis code is freely available and open-source allowing for further innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parker R Voit
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn E Windsor
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Aamuktha R Karla
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Sierra R Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
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