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Schmithorst V, Bais A, Badaly D, Williams K, Gabriel G, Ceschin R, Wallace J, Lee V, Lopez O, Cohen A, Martin LJ, Lo C, Panigrahy A. Complex Regulation of Protocadherin Epigenetics on Aging-Related Brain Health. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.21.24306143. [PMID: 38712165 PMCID: PMC11071558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.21.24306143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Life expectancy continues to increase in the high-income world due to advances in medical care; however, quality of life declines with increasing age due to normal aging processes. Current research suggests that various aspects of aging are genetically modulated and thus may be slowed via genetic modification. Here, we show evidence for epigenetic modulation of the aging process in the brain from over 1800 individuals as part of the Framingham Heart Study. We investigated the methylation of genes in the protocadherin (PCDH) clusters, including the alpha (PCHDA), beta (PCDHB), and gamma (PCDHG) clusters. Reduced PCDHG, elevated PCDHA, and elevated PCDHB methylation levels were associated with substantial reductions in the rate of decline of regional white matter volume as well as certain cognitive skills, independent of overall accelerated or retarded aging as estimated by a DNA clock. These results are likely due to the different effects of the expression of genes in the alpha, beta, and gamma PCHD clusters and suggest that experience-based aging processes related to a decline in regional brain volume and select cognitive skills may be slowed via targeted epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schmithorst
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Abha Bais
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Developmental Biology
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Ceschin
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Julia Wallace
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Vince Lee
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Oscar Lopez
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology
| | - Annie Cohen
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry
| | - Lisa J. Martin
- Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Cecilia Lo
- University of Pittsburgh Integrative Systems Biology
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
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2
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Mincheva-Tasheva S, Pfitzner C, Kumar R, Kurtsdotter I, Scherer M, Ritchie T, Muhr J, Gecz J, Thomas PQ. Mapping combinatorial expression of non-clustered protocadherins in the developing brain identifies novel PCDH19-mediated cell adhesion properties. Open Biol 2024; 14:230383. [PMID: 38629124 PMCID: PMC11037505 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230383] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-clustered protocadherins (ncPcdhs) are adhesive molecules with spatio-temporally regulated overlapping expression in the developing nervous system. Although their unique role in neurogenesis has been widely studied, their combinatorial role in brain physiology and pathology is poorly understood. Using probabilistic cell typing by in situ sequencing, we demonstrate combinatorial inter- and intra-familial expression of ncPcdhs in the developing mouse cortex and hippocampus, at single-cell resolution. We discovered the combinatorial expression of Protocadherin-19 (Pcdh19), a protein involved in PCDH19-clustering epilepsy, with Pcdh1, Pcdh9 or Cadherin 13 (Cdh13) in excitatory neurons. Using aggregation assays, we demonstrate a code-specific adhesion function of PCDH19; mosaic PCDH19 absence in PCDH19+9 and PCDH19 + CDH13, but not in PCDH19+1 codes, alters cell-cell interaction. Interestingly, we found that PCDH19 as a dominant protein in two heterophilic adhesion codes could promote trans-interaction between them. In addition, we discovered increased CDH13-mediated cell adhesion in the presence of PCDH19, suggesting a potential role of PCDH19 as an adhesion mediator of CDH13. Finally, we demonstrated novel cis-interactions between PCDH19 and PCDH1, PCDH9 and CDH13. These observations suggest that there is a unique combinatorial code with a cell- and region-specific characteristic where a single molecule defines the heterophilic cell-cell adhesion properties of each code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefka Mincheva-Tasheva
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute,
University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical
Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia5000, Australia
| | - Chandran Pfitzner
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute,
University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical
Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia5000, Australia
| | - Raman Kumar
- School of Medicine and Robinson Research Institute, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
| | - Idha Kurtsdotter
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska
Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michaela Scherer
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute,
University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical
Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia5000, Australia
| | - Tarin Ritchie
- School of Medicine and Robinson Research Institute, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
| | - Jonas Muhr
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska
Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jozef Gecz
- School of Medicine and Robinson Research Institute, University
of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research
Institute, Adelaide, 5000 ,
Australia
| | - Paul Q. Thomas
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute,
University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia5005, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical
Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia5000, Australia
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3
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López-Tobón A, Shyti R, Villa CE, Cheroni C, Fuentes-Bravo P, Trattaro S, Caporale N, Troglio F, Tenderini E, Mihailovich M, Skaros A, Gibson WT, Cuomo A, Bonaldi T, Mercurio C, Varasi M, Osborne L, Testa G. GTF2I dosage regulates neuronal differentiation and social behavior in 7q11.23 neurodevelopmental disorders. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2726. [PMID: 38019906 PMCID: PMC10686562 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variations at 7q11.23 cause neurodevelopmental disorders with shared and opposite manifestations. Deletion causes Williams-Beuren syndrome featuring hypersociability, while duplication causes 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome (7Dup), frequently exhibiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Converging evidence indicates GTF2I as key mediator of the cognitive-behavioral phenotypes, yet its role in cortical development and behavioral hallmarks remains largely unknown. We integrated proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of patient-derived cortical organoids, including longitudinally at single-cell resolution, to dissect 7q11.23 dosage-dependent and GTF2I-specific disease mechanisms. We observed dosage-dependent impaired dynamics of neural progenitor proliferation, transcriptional imbalances, and highly specific alterations in neuronal output, leading to precocious excitatory neuron production in 7Dup, which was rescued by restoring physiological GTF2I levels. Transgenic mice with Gtf2i duplication recapitulated progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation defects alongside ASD-like behaviors. Consistently, inhibition of lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1), a GTF2I effector, was sufficient to rescue ASD-like phenotypes in transgenic mice, establishing GTF2I-LSD1 axis as a molecular pathway amenable to therapeutic intervention in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Tobón
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Emanuele Villa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Patricio Fuentes-Bravo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Trattaro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Caporale
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Troglio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Tenderini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Marija Mihailovich
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Adrianos Skaros
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - William T. Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonaldi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Ciro Mercurio
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Varasi
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucy Osborne
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Meltzer S, Boulanger KC, Chirila AM, Osei-Asante E, DeLisle M, Zhang Q, Kalish BT, Tasnim A, Huey EL, Fuller LC, Flaherty EK, Maniatis T, Garrett AM, Weiner JA, Ginty DD. γ-Protocadherins control synapse formation and peripheral branching of touch sensory neurons. Neuron 2023; 111:1776-1794.e10. [PMID: 37028432 PMCID: PMC10365546 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Light touch sensation begins with activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) endings in the skin and propagation of their signals to the spinal cord and brainstem. We found that the clustered protocadherin gamma (Pcdhg) gene locus, which encodes 22 cell-surface homophilic binding proteins, is required in somatosensory neurons for normal behavioral reactivity to a range of tactile stimuli. Developmentally, distinct Pcdhg isoforms mediate LTMR synapse formation through neuron-neuron interactions and peripheral axonal branching through neuron-glia interactions. The Pcdhgc3 isoform mediates homophilic interactions between sensory axons and spinal cord neurons to promote synapse formation in vivo and is sufficient to induce postsynaptic specializations in vitro. Moreover, loss of Pcdhgs and somatosensory synaptic inputs to the dorsal horn leads to fewer corticospinal synapses on dorsal horn neurons. These findings reveal essential roles for Pcdhg isoform diversity in somatosensory neuron synapse formation, peripheral axonal branching, and stepwise assembly of central mechanosensory circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Meltzer
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katelyn C Boulanger
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anda M Chirila
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emmanuella Osei-Asante
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle DeLisle
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brian T Kalish
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aniqa Tasnim
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica L Huey
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leah C Fuller
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Erin K Flaherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Zuckerman Institute of Mind Brain and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tom Maniatis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Zuckerman Institute of Mind Brain and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrew M Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield St. 7322 Scott Hall, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - David D Ginty
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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McFalls AJ, Imperio CG, Woodward E, Krikorian C, Stoltsfus B, Wronowski B, Grigson PS, Freeman WM, Vrana KE. An RNA-seq study of the mPFC of rats with different addiction phenotypes. Brain Res Bull 2022; 191:107-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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6
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Neel BL, Nisler CR, Walujkar S, Araya-Secchi R, Sotomayor M. Elastic versus brittle mechanical responses predicted for dimeric cadherin complexes. Biophys J 2022; 121:1013-1028. [PMID: 35151631 PMCID: PMC8943749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherins are a superfamily of adhesion proteins involved in a variety of biological processes that include the formation of intercellular contacts, the maintenance of tissue integrity, and the development of neuronal circuits. These transmembrane proteins are characterized by ectodomains composed of a variable number of extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats that are similar but not identical in sequence and fold. E-cadherin, along with desmoglein and desmocollin proteins, are three classical-type cadherins that have slightly curved ectodomains and engage in homophilic and heterophilic interactions through an exchange of conserved tryptophan residues in their N-terminal EC1 repeat. In contrast, clustered protocadherins are straighter than classical cadherins and interact through an antiparallel homophilic binding interface that involves overlapped EC1 to EC4 repeats. Here we present molecular dynamics simulations that model the adhesive domains of these cadherins using available crystal structures, with systems encompassing up to 2.8 million atoms. Simulations of complete classical cadherin ectodomain dimers predict a two-phased elastic response to force in which these complexes first softly unbend and then stiffen to unbind without unfolding. Simulated α, β, and γ clustered protocadherin homodimers lack a two-phased elastic response, are brittle and stiffer than classical cadherins and exhibit complex unbinding pathways that in some cases involve transient intermediates. We propose that these distinct mechanical responses are important for function, with classical cadherin ectodomains acting as molecular shock absorbers and with stiffer clustered protocadherin ectodomains facilitating overlap that favors binding specificity over mechanical resilience. Overall, our simulations provide insights into the molecular mechanics of single cadherin dimers relevant in the formation of cellular junctions essential for tissue function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Neel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Collin R Nisler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Sanket Walujkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Chemical Physics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Raul Araya-Secchi
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; The Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Chemical Physics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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7
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Williams DL, Sikora VM, Hammer MA, Amin S, Brinjikji T, Brumley EK, Burrows CJ, Carrillo PM, Cromer K, Edwards SJ, Emri O, Fergle D, Jenkins MJ, Kaushik K, Maydan DD, Woodard W, Clowney EJ. May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor: Non-deterministic Mechanisms Diversifying Cell Surface Molecule Expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:720798. [PMID: 35087825 PMCID: PMC8787164 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
How does the information in the genome program the functions of the wide variety of cells in the body? While the development of biological organisms appears to follow an explicit set of genomic instructions to generate the same outcome each time, many biological mechanisms harness molecular noise to produce variable outcomes. Non-deterministic variation is frequently observed in the diversification of cell surface molecules that give cells their functional properties, and is observed across eukaryotic clades, from single-celled protozoans to mammals. This is particularly evident in immune systems, where random recombination produces millions of antibodies from only a few genes; in nervous systems, where stochastic mechanisms vary the sensory receptors and synaptic matching molecules produced by different neurons; and in microbial antigenic variation. These systems employ overlapping molecular strategies including allelic exclusion, gene silencing by constitutive heterochromatin, targeted double-strand breaks, and competition for limiting enhancers. Here, we describe and compare five stochastic molecular mechanisms that produce variety in pathogen coat proteins and in the cell surface receptors of animal immune and neuronal cells, with an emphasis on the utility of non-deterministic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donnell L. Williams
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Veronica Maria Sikora
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Max A. Hammer
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sayali Amin
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Taema Brinjikji
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Emily K. Brumley
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Connor J. Burrows
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paola Michelle Carrillo
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kirin Cromer
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Summer J. Edwards
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Olivia Emri
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel Fergle
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - M. Jamal Jenkins
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Krishangi Kaushik
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniella D. Maydan
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Wrenn Woodard
- MCDB 464 – Cellular Diversity in the Immune and Nervous Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - E. Josephine Clowney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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8
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The phenotypic spectrum of PCDH12 associated disorders - Five new cases and review of the literature. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:7-13. [PMID: 34773825 PMCID: PMC9939053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PCDH12 is a member of the non-clustered protocadherin family of calcium-dependent cell adhesion proteins, which are involved in the regulation of brain development and endothelial adhesion. To date, only 15 families have been reported with PCDH12 associated disease. The main features previously associated with PCDH12 deficiency are developmental delay, movement disorder, epilepsy, microcephaly, visual impairment, midbrain malformations, and intracranial calcifications. Here, we report novel clinical features such as onset of epilepsy after infancy, episodes of transient developmental regression, and dysplasia of the medulla oblongata associated with three different novel truncating PCDH12 mutations in five cases (three children, two adults) from three unrelated families. Interestingly, our data suggests a clinical overlap with interferonopathies, and we show an elevated interferon score in two pediatric patients. This case series expands the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of PCDH12 associated diseases and highlights the broad clinical variability.
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9
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Gray ME, Sotomayor M. Crystal structure of the nonclassical cadherin-17 N-terminus and implications for its adhesive binding mechanism. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2021; 77:85-94. [PMID: 33682793 PMCID: PMC7938635 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x21002247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cadherin superfamily of calcium-dependent cell-adhesion proteins has over 100 members in the human genome. All members of the superfamily feature at least a pair of extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats with calcium-binding sites in the EC linker region. The EC repeats across family members form distinct complexes that mediate cellular adhesion. For instance, classical cadherins (five EC repeats) strand-swap their N-termini and exchange tryptophan residues in EC1, while the clustered protocadherins (six EC repeats) use an extended antiparallel `forearm handshake' involving repeats EC1-EC4. The 7D-cadherins, cadherin-16 (CDH16) and cadherin-17 (CDH17), are the most similar to classical cadherins and have seven EC repeats, two of which are likely to have arisen from gene duplication of EC1-2 from a classical ancestor. However, CDH16 and CDH17 lack the EC1 tryptophan residue used by classical cadherins to mediate adhesion. The structure of human CDH17 EC1-2 presented here reveals features that are not seen in classical cadherins and that are incompatible with the EC1 strand-swap mechanism for adhesion. Analyses of crystal contacts, predicted glycosylation and disease-related mutations are presented along with sequence alignments suggesting that the novel features in the CDH17 EC1-2 structure are well conserved. These results hint at distinct adhesive properties for 7D-cadherins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E. Gray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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10
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Chowdhury D, Watters K, Biederer T. Synaptic recognition molecules in development and disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2021; 142:319-370. [PMID: 33706921 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic connectivity patterns underlie brain functions. How recognition molecules control where and when neurons form synapses with each other, therefore, is a fundamental question of cellular neuroscience. This chapter delineates adhesion and signaling complexes as well as secreted factors that contribute to synaptic partner recognition in the vertebrate brain. The sections follow a developmental perspective and discuss how recognition molecules (1) guide initial synaptic wiring, (2) provide for the rejection of incorrect partner choices, (3) contribute to synapse specification, and (4) support the removal of inappropriate synapses once formed. These processes involve a rich repertoire of molecular players and key protein families are described, notably the Cadherin and immunoglobulin superfamilies, Semaphorins/Plexins, Leucine-rich repeat containing proteins, and Neurexins and their binding partners. Molecular themes that diversify these recognition systems are defined and highlighted throughout the text, including the neuron-type specific expression and combinatorial action of recognition factors, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications. Methodological innovations advancing the field such as proteomic approaches and single cell expression studies are additionally described. Further, the chapter highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate brain region to analyze synaptic recognition factors and the advantages offered by laminated structures like the hippocampus or retina. In a concluding section, the profound disease relevance of aberrant synaptic recognition for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders is discussed. Based on the current progress, an outlook is presented on research goals that can further advance insights into how recognition molecules provide for the astounding precision and diversity of synaptic connections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Watters
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas Biederer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
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11
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Gignoux-Wolfsohn SA, Pinsky ML, Kerwin K, Herzog C, Hall M, Bennett AB, Fefferman NH, Maslo B. Genomic signatures of selection in bats surviving white-nose syndrome. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5643-5657. [PMID: 33476441 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid evolution of advantageous traits following abrupt environmental change can help populations recover from demographic decline. However, for many introduced diseases affecting longer-lived, slower reproducing hosts, mortality is likely to outpace the acquisition of adaptive de novo mutations. Adaptive alleles must therefore be selected from standing genetic variation, a process that leaves few detectable genomic signatures. Here, we present whole genome evidence for selection in bat populations that are recovering from white-nose syndrome (WNS). We collected samples both during and after a WNS-induced mass mortality event in two little brown bat populations that are beginning to show signs of recovery and found signatures of soft sweeps from standing genetic variation at multiple loci throughout the genome. We identified one locus putatively under selection in a gene associated with the immune system. Multiple loci putatively under selection were located within genes previously linked to host response to WNS as well as to changes in metabolism during hibernation. Results from two additional populations suggested that loci under selection may differ somewhat among populations. Through these findings, we suggest that WNS-induced selection may contribute to genetic resistance in this slowly reproducing species threatened with extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Gignoux-Wolfsohn
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Malin L Pinsky
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kathleen Kerwin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carl Herzog
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY, USA
| | - MacKenzie Hall
- Endangered and Nongame Species Program, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Nina H Fefferman
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.,National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Tennessee, TN, USA
| | - Brooke Maslo
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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12
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Gabbert L, Dilling C, Meybohm P, Burek M. Deletion of Protocadherin Gamma C3 Induces Phenotypic and Functional Changes in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:590144. [PMID: 33390965 PMCID: PMC7774295 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.590144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Compromised integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and increased migration of immune cells into the CNS are the main characteristics of brain inflammation. Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) belong to a large family of cadherin-related molecules. Pcdhs are highly expressed in the CNS in neurons, astrocytes, pericytes and epithelial cells of the choroid plexus and, as we have recently demonstrated, in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Knockout of a member of the Pcdh subfamily, PcdhgC3, resulted in significant changes in the barrier integrity of BMECs. Here we characterized the endothelial PcdhgC3 knockout (KO) cells using paracellular permeability measurements, proliferation assay, wound healing assay, inhibition of signaling pathways, oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) and a pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) treatment. PcdhgC3 KO showed an increased paracellular permeability, a faster proliferation rate, an altered expression of efflux pumps, transporters, cellular receptors, signaling and inflammatory molecules. Serum starvation led to significantly higher phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk) in KO cells, while no changes in phosphorylated Akt kinase levels were found. PcdhgC3 KO cells migrated faster in the wound healing assay and this migration was significantly inhibited by respective inhibitors of the MAPK-, β-catenin/Wnt-, mTOR- signaling pathways (SL327, XAV939, or Torin 2). PcdhgC3 KO cells responded stronger to OGD and TNFα by significantly higher induction of interleukin 6 mRNA than wild type cells. These results suggest that PcdhgC3 is involved in the regulation of major signaling pathways and the inflammatory response of BMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Gabbert
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Dilling
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Meybohm
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Burek
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Miralles CP, Taylor MJ, Bear J, Fekete CD, George S, Li Y, Bonhomme B, Chiou TT, De Blas AL. Expression of protocadherin-γC4 protein in the rat brain. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:840-864. [PMID: 31609469 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been proposed that the combinatorial expression of γ-protocadherins (Pcdh-γs) and other clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) provides a code of molecular identity and individuality to neurons, which plays a major role in the establishment of specific synaptic connectivity and formation of neuronal circuits. Particular attention has been directed to the Pcdh-γ family, for which experimental evidence derived from Pcdh-γ-deficient mice shows that they are involved in dendrite self-avoidance, synapse development, dendritic arborization, spine maturation, and prevention of apoptosis of some neurons. Moreover, a triple-mutant mouse deficient in the three C-type members of the Pcdh-γ family (Pcdh-γC3, Pcdh-γC4, and Pcdh-γC5) shows a phenotype similar to the mouse deficient in whole Pcdh-γ family, indicating that the latter is largely due to the absence of C-type Pcdh-γs. The role of each individual C-type Pcdh-γ is not known. We have developed a specific antibody to Pcdh-γC4 to reveal the expression of this protein in the rat brain. The results show that although Pcdh-γC4 is expressed at higher levels in the embryo and earlier postnatal weeks, it is also expressed in the adult rat brain. Pcdh-γC4 is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes. In the adult brain, the regional distribution of Pcdh-γC4 immunoreactivity is similar to that of Pcdh-γC4 mRNA, being highest in the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum. Pcdh-γC4 forms puncta that are frequently apposed to glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. They are also frequently associated with neuron-astrocyte contacts. The results provide new insights into the cell recognition function of Pcdh-γC4 in neurons and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia P Miralles
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael J Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - John Bear
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christopher D Fekete
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shanu George
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bevan Bonhomme
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tzu-Ting Chiou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Angel L De Blas
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Krieger TG, Moran CM, Frangini A, Visser WE, Schoenmakers E, Muntoni F, Clark CA, Gadian D, Chong WK, Kuczynski A, Dattani M, Lyons G, Efthymiadou A, Varga-Khadem F, Simons BD, Chatterjee K, Livesey FJ. Mutations in thyroid hormone receptor α1 cause premature neurogenesis and progenitor cell depletion in human cortical development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22754-22763. [PMID: 31628250 PMCID: PMC6842615 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908762116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor α 1 gene (THRA) have recently been identified as a cause of intellectual deficit in humans. Patients present with structural abnormalities including microencephaly, reduced cerebellar volume and decreased axonal density. Here, we show that directed differentiation of THRA mutant patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to forebrain neural progenitors is markedly reduced, but mutant progenitor cells can generate deep and upper cortical layer neurons and form functional neuronal networks. Quantitative lineage tracing shows that THRA mutation-containing progenitor cells exit the cell cycle prematurely, resulting in reduced clonal output. Using a micropatterned chip assay, we find that spatial self-organization of mutation-containing progenitor cells in vitro is impaired, consistent with down-regulated expression of cell-cell adhesion genes. These results reveal that thyroid hormone receptor α1 is required for normal neural progenitor cell proliferation in human cerebral cortical development. They also exemplify quantitative approaches for studying neurodevelopmental disorders using patient-derived cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa G Krieger
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Carla M Moran
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Frangini
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom
| | - W Edward Visser
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Schoenmakers
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Great Ormond Street (GOS) Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Chris A Clark
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, University College London (UCL) GOS Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - David Gadian
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, University College London (UCL) GOS Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Wui K Chong
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Kuczynski
- Department of Neuropsychology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Greta Lyons
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Faraneh Varga-Khadem
- Department of Neuropsychology, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychiatry Section, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin D Simons
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Krishna Chatterjee
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, United Kingdom;
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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15
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Modak D, Sotomayor M. Identification of an adhesive interface for the non-clustered δ1 protocadherin-1 involved in respiratory diseases. Commun Biol 2019; 2:354. [PMID: 31583286 PMCID: PMC6769022 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherins form a large family of calcium-dependent adhesive proteins involved in morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and neuronal connectivity. Non-clustered δ1 protocadherins form a cadherin subgroup of proteins with seven extracellular cadherin (EC) repeats and cytoplasmic domains distinct from those of classical cadherins. Non-clustered δ1 protocadherins mediate homophilic adhesion and have been implicated in various diseases including asthma, autism, and cancer. Here we present X-ray crystal structures of human Protocadherin-1 (PCDH1), a δ1-protocadherin member essential for New World Hantavirus infection that is typically expressed in the brain, airway epithelium, skin keratinocytes, and lungs. The structures suggest a binding mode that involves antiparallel overlap of repeats EC1 to EC4. Mutagenesis combined with binding assays and biochemical experiments validated this mode of adhesion. Overall, these results reveal the molecular mechanism underlying adhesiveness of PCDH1 and δ1-protocadherins, also shedding light on PCDH1's role in maintaining airway epithelial integrity, the loss of which causes respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debadrita Modak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 W 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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16
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Iacono G, Dubos A, Méziane H, Benevento M, Habibi E, Mandoli A, Riet F, Selloum M, Feil R, Zhou H, Kleefstra T, Kasri NN, van Bokhoven H, Herault Y, Stunnenberg HG. Increased H3K9 methylation and impaired expression of Protocadherins are associated with the cognitive dysfunctions of the Kleefstra syndrome. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:4950-4965. [PMID: 29554304 PMCID: PMC6007260 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kleefstra syndrome, a disease with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders and other developmental defects is caused in humans by haploinsufficiency of EHMT1. Although EHMT1 and its paralog EHMT2 were shown to be histone methyltransferases responsible for deposition of the di-methylated H3K9 (H3K9me2), the exact nature of epigenetic dysfunctions in Kleefstra syndrome remains unknown. Here, we found that the epigenome of Ehmt1+/- adult mouse brain displays a marked increase of H3K9me2/3 which correlates with impaired expression of protocadherins, master regulators of neuronal diversity. Increased H3K9me3 was present already at birth, indicating that aberrant methylation patterns are established during embryogenesis. Interestingly, we found that Ehmt2+/- mice do not present neither the marked increase of H3K9me2/3 nor the cognitive deficits found in Ehmt1+/- mice, indicating an evolutionary diversification of functions. Our finding of increased H3K9me3 in Ehmt1+/- mice is the first one supporting the notion that EHMT1 can quench the deposition of tri-methylation by other Histone methyltransferases, ultimately leading to impaired neurocognitive functioning. Our insights into the epigenetic pathophysiology of Kleefstra syndrome may offer guidance for future developments of therapeutic strategies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Iacono
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +31 24 3610524; . Correspondence may also be addressed to Giovanni Iacono.
| | - Aline Dubos
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
| | - Hamid Méziane
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Marco Benevento
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Habibi
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Amit Mandoli
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Fabrice Riet
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Mohammed Selloum
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM), UMR5535, Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
- The University of Montpellier, 163 rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yann Herault
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
| | - Hendrik G Stunnenberg
- Radboud University, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +31 24 3610524; . Correspondence may also be addressed to Giovanni Iacono.
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17
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Wang W, Lei Q, Liang H, He J. Towards a better understanding of allograft-induced stress response in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii: Insights from iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:186-195. [PMID: 30458307 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of a spherical nucleus into a recipient oyster is a critical step in artificial pearl production. The implanted nucleus is known to trigger cellular stress responses at several levels, yet the molecular mechanism underpinning physiological adaptation of the pearl oysters to nucleus implantation is still poorly understood. In this study, we took advantage of the iTRAQ-based proteomics and LC-MS/MS approach to look into allograft induced gene regulation at the protein expression level in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii, across a period of 30 days following nucleus implantation. A wide variety of proteins, including a group of immune-related proteins such as E3 ubiquitin-ligase and heat shock proteins, exhibited differential expression in response to the surgical operation. Further comparisons between different sampling points revealed that GO terms including "translation" and "oxidation-reduction process" and KEGG pathways including "glycolysis/gluconeogenesis" and "pyruvate metabolism" were significantly enriched at several time points, indicating the important roles of these molecular events in the stress response of pearl oysters to nucleus implantation. In addition, considerable discrepancy between protein expression level and gene transcript abundancy was identified, as only a few genes showed at least 2-fold expression changes at both proteomic and transcriptomic levels. The result implies that post-transcriptional gene regulation for the key proteins may represent an important aspect of allograft-induced stress response in the pearl oysters. Taken together, the data obtained would contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms enabling stress adaptation of the pearl oysters in response to nucleus implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qiannan Lei
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Haiying Liang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Junjun He
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, PR China
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18
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Gerosa L, Francolini M, Bassani S, Passafaro M. The Role of Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) in Neurodevelopment and in the Pathophysiology of Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy-9 (EIEE9). Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:75-84. [PMID: 30431232 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PCDH19 is considered one of the most clinically relevant genes in epilepsy, second only to SCN1A. To date about 150 mutations have been identified as causative for PCDH19-female epilepsy (also known as early infantile epileptic encephalopathy-9, EIEE9), which is characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disturbances. Although little is known about the physiological role of PCDH19 and the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to EIEE9, in this review, we will present latest researches focused on these aspects, underlining protein expression, its known functions and the mechanisms by which the protein acts, with particular interest in PCDH19 extracellular and intracellular roles in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Francolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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19
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Styfhals R, Seuntjens E, Simakov O, Sanges R, Fiorito G. In silico Identification and Expression of Protocadherin Gene Family in Octopus vulgaris. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1905. [PMID: 30692932 PMCID: PMC6339937 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connecting millions of neurons to create a functional neural circuit is a daunting challenge. Vertebrates developed a molecular system at the cell membrane to allow neurons to recognize each other by distinguishing self from non-self through homophilic protocadherin interactions. In mammals, the protocadherin gene family counts about 50 different genes. By hetero-multimerization, protocadherins are capable of generating an impressive number of molecular interfaces. Surprisingly, in the California two-spot octopus, Octopus bimaculoides, an invertebrate belonging to the Phylum Mollusca, over 160 protocadherins (PCDHs) have been identified. Here we briefly discuss the role of PCDHs in neural wiring and conduct a comparative study of the protocadherin gene family in two closely related octopus species, Octopus vulgaris and O. bimaculoides. A first glance at the expression patterns of protocadherins in O. vulgaris is also provided. Finally, we comment on PCDH evolution in the light of invertebrate nervous system plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Styfhals
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oleg Simakov
- Department of Molecular Evolution and Development, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Remo Sanges
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.,Computational Genomics Laboratory, Neuroscience Area, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Graziano Fiorito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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20
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Kim S, Wyckoff J, Morris AT, Succop A, Avery A, Duncan GE, Jazwinski SM. DNA methylation associated with healthy aging of elderly twins. GeroScience 2018; 40:469-484. [PMID: 30136078 PMCID: PMC6294724 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-018-0040-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in healthy aging and lifespan is ascribed more to various non-genetic factors than to inherited genetic determinants, and a major goal in aging research is to reveal the epigenetic basis of aging. One approach to this goal is to find genomic sites or regions where DNA methylation correlates with biological age. Using health data from 134 elderly twins, we calculated a frailty index as a quantitative indicator of biological age, and by applying the Infinium HumanMethylation450K BeadChip technology to their leukocyte DNA samples, we obtained quantitative DNA methylation data on genome-wide CpG sites. We analyzed the health and epigenome data by taking two independent associative approaches: the parametric regression-based approach and a non-parametric machine learning approach followed by GO ontology analysis. Our results indicate that DNA methylation at CpG sites in the promoter region of PCDHGA3 is associated with biological age. PCDHGA3 belongs to clustered protocadherin genes, which are all located in a single locus on chromosome 5 in human. Previous studies of the clustered protocadherin genes showed that (1) DNA methylation is associated with age or age-related phenotypes; (2) DNA methylation can modulate gene expression; (3) dysregulated gene expression is associated with various pathologies; and (4) DNA methylation patterns at this locus are associated with adverse lifetime experiences. All these observations suggest that DNA methylation at the clustered protocadherin genes, including PCDHGA3, is a key mediator of healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangkyu Kim
- Tulane Center for Aging and Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Jennifer Wyckoff
- Tulane Center for Aging and Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Anne-T Morris
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Ally Avery
- University of Washington Twin Registry, Seattle, WA, USA
- Washington State Twin Registry, Washington State University - Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Glen E Duncan
- University of Washington Twin Registry, Seattle, WA, USA
- Washington State Twin Registry, Washington State University - Health Sciences Spokane, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - S Michal Jazwinski
- Tulane Center for Aging and Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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21
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Gorlewicz A, Kaczmarek L. Pathophysiology of Trans-Synaptic Adhesion Molecules: Implications for Epilepsy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:119. [PMID: 30298130 PMCID: PMC6160742 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are specialized interfaces between neurons in the brain that transmit and modulate information, thereby integrating cells into multiplicity of interacting neural circuits. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) might form trans-synaptic complexes that are crucial for the appropriate identification of synaptic partners and further for the establishment, properties, and dynamics of synapses. When affected, trans-synaptic adhesion mechanisms play a role in synaptopathies in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including epilepsy. This review recapitulates current understanding of trans-synaptic interactions in pathophysiology of interneuronal connections. In particular, we discuss here the possible implications of trans-synaptic adhesion dysfunction for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gorlewicz
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Yang S, Dai Z, Li W, Wang R, Huang D. Aberrant promoter methylation reduced the expression of protocadherin 17 in nasopharyngeal cancer. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 97:364-368. [PMID: 30165032 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of protocadherin 17 (PCDH17) downregulated in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). NPC tumor and adjacent tissue samples were collected from NPC patients who received therapy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital. Meanwhile, a normal epithelial cell lines NP96 and 6 NPC and cell lines C666-1, CEN1, CEN2, HNE1, HEN2, and HONE1 were prepared. Then, the expression level of PCDH17 and the methylation level of PCDH17 promoter in both tissues samples and cell lines were determined using the PCR method. Moreover, PCDH17 was overexpressed in CNE2 and HONE1 using Lipo2000. Following this, the proliferation and apoptosis of CNE2 and HONE1 were assessed using MTT and flow cytometry. The expression of PCDH17 was significantly downregulated in NPC tissues compared with the adjacent tissues as well as in the NPC cell lines compared with the normal NP96 cells. Overexpressed PCDH17 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of CNE2 and HONE1 cells but obviously promote the apoptosis of these two cell lines. Aberrant hypermethylation in the promoter might be the explanation of PCDH17 downregulated in PCDH17 and promoted the development of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853
| | - Zhirao Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853
| | - Rongguan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853
| | - Dongyan Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Division of Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China, 100853
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23
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Xiao H, Sun Z, Wan J, Hou S, Xiong Y. Overexpression of protocadherin 7 inhibits neuronal survival by downregulating BIRC5 in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2018; 366:71-80. [PMID: 29548751 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are widely-expressed transmembrane proteins in the nervous system. Recent studies suggest that Pcdhs play multiple critical roles during neuronal development. However, the cellular mechanisms of Pcdh7 in neurons are still largely unknown. In the current study, we demonstrated that the expression of Pcdh7 during mouse brain development was regulated spatiotemporally. We observed that the elevated expression of Pcdh7 led to activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in primary cortical neurons. Whole transcriptome sequencing revealed that 12 genes were involved in the apoptotic pathway including baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) repeat containing 5 (BIRC5). The neuronal apoptosis caused by Pcdh7 overexpression could be significantly inhibited by either a missense mutation in the conserved motif CM2 domain of Pcdh7 or BIRC5 overexpression. These results suggest the existence of Pcdh7-BIRC5 signaling cascade in the cortical neurons and represent a potential therapeutic area for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajuan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziling Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shengtao Hou
- Brain Research Center and Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.
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24
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Shen Q, Zhang H, Su Y, Wen Z, Zhu Z, Chen G, Peng L, Du C, Xie H, Li H, Lv X, Lu C, Xia Y, Tang W. Identification of two novel PCDHA9 mutations associated with Hirschsprung's disease. Gene 2018; 658:96-104. [PMID: 29477871 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a complex disorder with multiple pathogenic gene mutations. Protocadherin alpha 9 (PCDHA9) was identified as a potential candidate gene for HSCR by whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese family. Sanger sequencing in 298 HSCR cases revealed two sporadic Chinese patients with a novel missence PCDHΑ9 mutation (NM_031857; c.1280C > T[p.Ala427Val]) and one sporadic Chinese patient with another novel missence PCDHΑ9 mutation (c.1425C > G[p.Phe475Leu]).The silico predictions and 3D modeling suggest the deleterious effect of identified mutations on protein function. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed PCDHΑ9 was predominantly expressed in the myenteric plexus of human colon tissues. For mouse embryos, PCDHΑ9 was expressed in the stomach but rarely seen in the intestine during E10.5-12.5, then obviously expressed in the intestinal mucosa at E13.5 and extensively expressed in intestinal muscularis and mucosa at E14.5. Moreover, the down-regulation of PCDHΑ9 in the SH-SY5Y cell line promoted the proliferation and migration rate but inhibited the apoptotic rate. In summary, PCDHΑ9 is potentially related to HSCR and the clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) may involve in the enteric nervous system (ENS) ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zechao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Guanglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chunxia Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Changgui Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology (Nanjing Medical University), Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Weibing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China.
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25
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Peek SL, Mah KM, Weiner JA. Regulation of neural circuit formation by protocadherins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4133-4157. [PMID: 28631008 PMCID: PMC5643215 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The protocadherins (Pcdhs), which make up the most diverse group within the cadherin superfamily, were first discovered in the early 1990s. Data implicating the Pcdhs, including ~60 proteins encoded by the tandem Pcdha, Pcdhb, and Pcdhg gene clusters and another ~10 non-clustered Pcdhs, in the regulation of neural development have continually accumulated, with a significant expansion of the field over the past decade. Here, we review the many roles played by clustered and non-clustered Pcdhs in multiple steps important for the formation and function of neural circuits, including dendrite arborization, axon outgrowth and targeting, synaptogenesis, and synapse elimination. We further discuss studies implicating mutation or epigenetic dysregulation of Pcdh genes in a variety of human neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. With recent structural modeling of Pcdh proteins, the prospects for uncovering molecular mechanisms of Pcdh extracellular and intracellular interactions, and their role in normal and disrupted neural circuit formation, are bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Peek
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kar Men Mah
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, 143 Biology Building, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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26
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Dantoft W, Martínez-Vicente P, Jafali J, Pérez-Martínez L, Martin K, Kotzamanis K, Craigon M, Auer M, Young NT, Walsh P, Marchant A, Angulo A, Forster T, Ghazal P. Genomic Programming of Human Neonatal Dendritic Cells in Congenital Systemic and In Vitro Cytomegalovirus Infection Reveal Plastic and Robust Immune Pathway Biology Responses. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1146. [PMID: 28993767 PMCID: PMC5622154 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonates and especially premature infants are highly susceptible to infection but still can have a remarkable resilience that is poorly understood. The view that neonates have an incomplete or deficient immune system is changing. Human neonatal studies are challenging, and elucidating host protective responses and underlying cognate pathway biology, in the context of viral infection in early life, remains to be fully explored. In both resource rich and poor settings, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection. By using unbiased systems analyses of transcriptomic resources for HCMV neonatal infection, we find the systemic response of a preterm congenital HCMV infection, involves a focused IFN regulatory response associated with dendritic cells. Further analysis of transcriptional-programming of neonatal dendritic cells in response to HCMV infection in culture revealed an early dominant IFN-chemokine regulatory subnetworks, and at later times the plasticity of pathways implicated in cell-cycle control and lipid metabolism. Further, we identify previously unknown suppressed networks associated with infection, including a select group of GPCRs. Functional siRNA viral growth screen targeting 516-GPCRs and subsequent validation identified novel GPCR-dependent antiviral (ADORA1) and proviral (GPR146, RGS16, PTAFR, SCTR, GPR84, GPR85, NMUR2, FZ10, RDS, CCL17, and SORT1) roles. By contrast a gene family cluster of protocadherins is significantly differentially induced in neonatal cells, suggestive of possible immunomodulatory roles. Unexpectedly, programming responses of adult and neonatal dendritic cells, upon HCMV infection, demonstrated comparable quantitative and qualitative responses showing that functionally, neonatal dendritic cell are not overly compromised. However, a delay in responses of neonatal cells for IFN subnetworks in comparison with adult-derived cells are notable, suggestive of subtle plasticity differences. These findings support a set-point control mechanism rather than immaturity for explaining not only neonatal susceptibility but also resilience to infection. In summary, our findings show that neonatal HCMV infection leads to a highly plastic and functional robust programming of dendritic cells in vivo and in vitro. In comparison with adults, a minimal number of subtle quantitative and temporal differences may contribute to variability in host susceptibility and resilience, in a context dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widad Dantoft
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Martínez-Vicente
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - James Jafali
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Pérez-Martínez
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kim Martin
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Synexa Life Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Konstantinos Kotzamanis
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Craigon
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Manfred Auer
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,SynthSys-Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil T Young
- Division of Applied Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Walsh
- NSilico Life Science and Department of Computing, Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Ana Angulo
- Immunology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thorsten Forster
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Ghazal
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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27
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Epigenetic dysregulation of protocadherins in human disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 69:172-182. [PMID: 28694114 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a group of cell-cell adhesion molecules that are highly expressed in the nervous system and have a major function in dendrite development and neural circuit formation. However, the role protocadherins play in human health and disease remains unclear. Several recent studies have associated epigenetic dysregulation of protocadherins with possible implications for disease pathogenesis. In this review, we briefly recap the various epigenetic mechanisms regulating protocadherin genes, particularly the clustered Pcdhs. We further outline research describing altered epigenetic regulation of protocadherins in neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in cancer and during aging. We additionally present preliminary data on DNA methylation dynamics of clustered protocadherins during fetal brain development, as well as the epigenetic differences distinguishing adult neuronal and glial cells. A deeper understanding of the role of protocadherins in disease is crucial for designing novel diagnostic tools and therapies targeting brain disorders.
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28
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Mason AG, Slieker RC, Balog J, Lemmers RJLF, Wong CJ, Yao Z, Lim JW, Filippova GN, Ne E, Tawil R, Heijmans BT, Tapscott SJ, van der Maarel SM. SMCHD1 regulates a limited set of gene clusters on autosomal chromosomes. Skelet Muscle 2017; 7:12. [PMID: 28587678 PMCID: PMC5461771 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-017-0129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is in most cases caused by a contraction of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat on chromosome 4 (FSHD1) or by mutations in the SMCHD1 or DNMT3B gene (FSHD2). Both situations result in the incomplete epigenetic repression of the D4Z4-encoded retrogene DUX4 in somatic cells, leading to the aberrant expression of DUX4 in the skeletal muscle. In mice, Smchd1 regulates chromatin repression at different loci, having a role in CpG methylation establishment and/or maintenance. METHODS To investigate the global effects of harboring heterozygous SMCHD1 mutations on DNA methylation in humans, we combined 450k methylation analysis on mononuclear monocytes from female heterozygous SMCHD1 mutation carriers and unaffected controls with reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) on FSHD2 and control myoblast cell lines. Candidate loci were then evaluated for SMCHD1 binding using ChIP-qPCR and expression was evaluated using RT-qPCR. RESULTS We identified a limited number of clustered autosomal loci with CpG hypomethylation in SMCHD1 mutation carriers: the protocadherin (PCDH) cluster on chromosome 5, the transfer RNA (tRNA) and 5S rRNA clusters on chromosome 1, the HOXB and HOXD clusters on chromosomes 17 and 2, respectively, and the D4Z4 repeats on chromosomes 4 and 10. Furthermore, minor increases in RNA expression were seen in FSHD2 myoblasts for some of the PCDHβ cluster isoforms, tRNA isoforms, and a HOXB isoform in comparison to controls, in addition to the previously reported effects on DUX4 expression. SMCHD1 was bound at DNAseI hypersensitivity sites known to regulate the PCDHβ cluster and at the chromosome 1 tRNA cluster, with decreased binding in SMCHD1 mutation carriers at the PCDHβ cluster sites. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to investigate the global methylation effects in humans resulting from heterozygous mutations in SMCHD1. Our results suggest that SMCHD1 acts as a repressor on a limited set of autosomal gene clusters, as an observed reduction in methylation associates with a loss of SMCHD1 binding and increased expression for some of the loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Mason
- Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick C Slieker
- Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Judit Balog
- Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chao-Jen Wong
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jong-Won Lim
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Galina N Filippova
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Enrico Ne
- Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rabi Tawil
- Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Bas T Heijmans
- Molecular Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Consortium for Healthy Aging, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Tapscott
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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29
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Sakurai T. The role of cell adhesion molecules in brain wiring and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 81:4-11. [PMID: 27561442 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the nervous system have long been a research focus, but many mice lacking CAMs show very subtle phenotypes, giving an impression that CAMs may not be major players in constructing the nervous system. However, recent human genetic studies suggest CAM involvement in many neuropsychiatric disorders, implicating that they must have significant functions in nervous system development, namely in circuitry formation. As CAMs can provide specificity through their molecular interactions, this review summarizes possible mechanisms on how alterations of CAMs can result in neuropsychiatric disorders through circuitry modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Sakurai
- Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
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30
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Hasegawa S, Kumagai M, Hagihara M, Nishimaru H, Hirano K, Kaneko R, Okayama A, Hirayama T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Watanabe M, Hirabayashi T, Yagi T. Distinct and Cooperative Functions for the Protocadherin-α, -β and -γ Clusters in Neuronal Survival and Axon Targeting. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:155. [PMID: 28066179 PMCID: PMC5179546 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) genes are divided into the Pcdhα, Pcdhβ, and Pcdhγ clusters. Gene-disruption analyses in mice have revealed the in vivo functions of the Pcdhα and Pcdhγ clusters. However, all Pcdh protein isoforms form combinatorial cis-hetero dimers and enter trans-homophilic interactions. Here we addressed distinct and cooperative functions in the Pcdh clusters by generating six cluster-deletion mutants (Δα, Δβ, Δγ, Δαβ, Δβγ, and Δαβγ) and comparing their phenotypes: Δα, Δβ, and Δαβ mutants were viable and fertile; Δγ mutants lived less than 12 h; and Δβγ and Δαβγ mutants died shortly after birth. The Pcdhα, Pcdhβ, and Pcdhγ clusters were individually and cooperatively important in olfactory-axon targeting and spinal-cord neuron survival. Neurodegeneration was most severe in Δαβγ mutants, indicating that Pcdhα and Pcdhβ function cooperatively for neuronal survival. The Pcdhα, Pcdhβ, and Pcdhγ clusters share roles in olfactory-axon targeting and neuronal survival, although to different degrees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonoko Hasegawa
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
| | - Makiko Kumagai
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
| | - Mitsue Hagihara
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishimaru
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Keizo Hirano
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University Suita, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kaneko
- Bioresource Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University Maebashi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Okayama
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University Suita, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Hirayama
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences Okazaki, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan; Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological SciencesOkazaki, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hirabayashi
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yagi
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversitySuita, Japan; AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)Suita, Japan
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31
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Cooper SR, Jontes JD, Sotomayor M. Structural determinants of adhesion by Protocadherin-19 and implications for its role in epilepsy. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27787195 PMCID: PMC5115871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.18529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-clustered δ-protocadherins are homophilic cell adhesion molecules essential for the development of the vertebrate nervous system, as several are closely linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in protocadherin-19 (PCDH19) result in a female-limited, infant-onset form of epilepsy (PCDH19-FE). Over 100 mutations in PCDH19 have been identified in patients with PCDH19-FE, about half of which are missense mutations in the adhesive extracellular domain. Neither the mechanism of homophilic adhesion by PCDH19, nor the biochemical effects of missense mutations are understood. Here we present a crystallographic structure of the minimal adhesive fragment of the zebrafish Pcdh19 extracellular domain. This structure reveals the adhesive interface for Pcdh19, which is broadly relevant to both non-clustered δ and clustered protocadherin subfamilies. In addition, we show that several PCDH19-FE missense mutations localize to the adhesive interface and abolish Pcdh19 adhesion in in vitro assays, thus revealing the biochemical basis of their pathogenic effects during brain development. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18529.001 As the brain develops, its basic building blocks – cells called neurons – need to form the correct connections with one another in order to give rise to neural circuits. A mistake that leads to the formation of incorrect connections can result in a number of disorders or brain abnormalities. Proteins called cadherins that are present on the surface of neurons enable them to stick to their correct partners like Velcro. One of these proteins is called Protocadherin-19. However, it was not fully understood how this protein forms an adhesive bond with other Protocadherin-19 molecules, or how some of the proteins within the cadherin family are able to distinguish between one another. Cooper et al. used X-ray crystallography to visualize the molecular structure of Protocadherin-19 taken from zebrafish in order to better understand the adhesive bond that these proteins form with each other. In addition, the new structure showed the sites of the mutations that cause a form of epilepsy in infant females. From this, Cooper et al. could predict how the mutations would disrupt Protocadherin-19’s shape and function. The structures revealed that Protocadherin-19 molecules from adjacent cells engage in a “forearm handshake” to form the bond that connects neurons. Some of the mutations that cause epilepsy occur in the region responsible for this Protocadherin-19 forearm handshake. Laboratory experiments confirmed that these mutations impair the formation of the adhesive bond, revealing the molecular basis for some of the mutations that underlie Protocadherin-19-female-limited epilepsy. Other cadherin molecules may interact via a similar forearm handshake; this could be investigated in future experiments. It also remains to be discovered how brain wiring depends on Protocadherin-19 adhesion in animal development, and how altering these proteins can rewire developing brain circuits. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.18529.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Cooper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
| | - James D Jontes
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
| | - Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
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El Hajj N, Dittrich M, Böck J, Kraus TFJ, Nanda I, Müller T, Seidmann L, Tralau T, Galetzka D, Schneider E, Haaf T. Epigenetic dysregulation in the developing Down syndrome cortex. Epigenetics 2016; 11:563-78. [PMID: 27245352 PMCID: PMC4990229 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1192736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using Illumina 450K arrays, 1.85% of all analyzed CpG sites were significantly hypermethylated and 0.31% hypomethylated in fetal Down syndrome (DS) cortex throughout the genome. The methylation changes on chromosome 21 appeared to be balanced between hypo- and hyper-methylation, whereas, consistent with prior reports, all other chromosomes showed 3-11 times more hyper- than hypo-methylated sites. Reduced NRSF/REST expression due to upregulation of DYRK1A (on chromosome 21q22.13) and methylation of REST binding sites during early developmental stages may contribute to this genome-wide excess of hypermethylated sites. Upregulation of DNMT3L (on chromosome 21q22.4) could lead to de novo methylation in neuroprogenitors, which then persists in the fetal DS brain where DNMT3A and DNMT3B become downregulated. The vast majority of differentially methylated promoters and genes was hypermethylated in DS and located outside chromosome 21, including the protocadherin gamma (PCDHG) cluster on chromosome 5q31, which is crucial for neural circuit formation in the developing brain. Bisulfite pyrosequencing and targeted RNA sequencing showed that several genes of PCDHG subfamilies A and B are hypermethylated and transcriptionally downregulated in fetal DS cortex. Decreased PCDHG expression is expected to reduce dendrite arborization and growth in cortical neurons. Since constitutive hypermethylation of PCDHG and other genes affects multiple tissues, including blood, it may provide useful biomarkers for DS brain development and pharmacologic targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nady El Hajj
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Dittrich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Böck
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theo F. J. Kraus
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Seidmann
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tim Tralau
- Rehabilitation Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Westerland/Sylt, Germany
| | - Danuta Galetzka
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eberhard Schneider
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
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Kirkcaldie MTK, Collins JM. The axon as a physical structure in health and acute trauma. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 76:9-18. [PMID: 27233660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The physical structure of neurons - dendrites converging on the soma, with an axon conveying activity to distant locations - is uniquely tied to their function. To perform their role, axons need to maintain structural precision in the soft, gelatinous environment of the central nervous system and the dynamic, flexible paths of nerves in the periphery. This requires close mechanical coupling between axons and the surrounding tissue, as well as an elastic, robust axoplasm resistant to pinching and flattening, and capable of sustaining transport despite physical distortion. These mechanical properties arise primarily from the properties of the internal cytoskeleton, coupled to the axonal membrane and the extracellular matrix. In particular, the two large constituents of the internal cytoskeleton, microtubules and neurofilaments, are braced against each other and flexibly interlinked by specialised proteins. Recent evidence suggests that the primary function of neurofilament sidearms is to structure the axoplasm into a linearly organised, elastic gel. This provides support and structure to the contents of axons in peripheral nerves subject to bending, protecting the relatively brittle microtubule bundles and maintaining them as transport conduits. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of axons are myelinated, and this thick jacket of membrane wrappings alters the form, function and internal composition of the axons to which it is applied. Together these structures determine the physical properties and integrity of neural tissue, both under conditions of normal movement, and in response to physical trauma. The effects of traumatic injury are directly dependent on the physical properties of neural tissue, especially axons, and because of axons' extreme structural specialisation, post-traumatic effects are usually characterised by particular modes of axonal damage. The physical realities of axons in neural tissue are integral to both normal function and their response to injury, and require specific consideration in evaluating research models of neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T K Kirkcaldie
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Australia; Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Jessica M Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Australia
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Chen T, Long B, Ren G, Xiang T, Li L, Wang Z, He Y, Zeng Q, Hong S, Hu G. Protocadherin20 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor Gene: Epigenetic Inactivation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:1766-75. [PMID: 25736877 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic alterations of 13q21 (PCDH 8,9,17, and 20) are frequently observed in multiple tumors, suggesting the presence of critical tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Protocadherin20 (PCDH20), located at 13q21.2, belongs to the δ1-protocadherins, which constitutes one of the largest subgroup within the adherin superfamily. Frequent downregulation/silencing of PCDH20 was found in NPC cell lines using semiquantitative PCR. PCDH20 mRNA was broadly expressed in normal nasopharyngeal tissues and cell lines. Promoter methylation of PCDH20 was observed in 80% (4/5) of NPC cell lines and 78.4% (40 of 51) of primary tumors by methylation-specific PCR, but rarely in normal nasopharygeal tissues and nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line (NP69). The silencing of PCDH20 can be reversed by pharmacological demethylation, indicating an epigenetic mechanism. Restoration of PCDH20 expression in NPC cells strongly suppressed cell numbers and colony formation. Overexpression of PCDH20 antagonized Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoted β-catenin to translocate from nucleus to cytoplasm and membrane. PCDH20 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion ability of NPC cells. PCDH20 also inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through enhanced expression of E-cadherin. Our study identified PCDH20 as a functional tumor suppressor and an important antagonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and EMT, with frequent epigenetic inactivation in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Biaoli Long
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lili Li
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ya He
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Quan Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Suling Hong
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guohua Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
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35
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de Wit J, Ghosh A. Specification of synaptic connectivity by cell surface interactions. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 17:22-35. [PMID: 26656254 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2015.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular diversification of cell surface molecules has long been postulated to impart specific surface identities on neuronal cell types. The existence of unique cell surface identities would allow neurons to distinguish one another and connect with their appropriate target cells. Although progress has been made in identifying cell type-specific surface molecule repertoires and in characterizing their extracellular interactions, determining how this molecular diversity contributes to the precise wiring of neural circuitry has proven challenging. Here, we review the role of the cadherin, neurexin, immunoglobulin and leucine-rich repeat protein superfamilies in the specification of connectivity. The emerging evidence suggests that the concerted actions of these proteins may critically contribute to the assembly of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris de Wit
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease and Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anirvan Ghosh
- Neuroscience Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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36
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Nicoludis JM, Lau SY, Schärfe CPI, Marks DS, Weihofen WA, Gaudet R. Structure and Sequence Analyses of Clustered Protocadherins Reveal Antiparallel Interactions that Mediate Homophilic Specificity. Structure 2015; 23:2087-98. [PMID: 26481813 PMCID: PMC4635037 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Clustered protocadherin (Pcdh) proteins mediate dendritic self-avoidance in neurons via specific homophilic interactions in their extracellular cadherin (EC) domains. We determined crystal structures of EC1-EC3, containing the homophilic specificity-determining region, of two mouse clustered Pcdh isoforms (PcdhγA1 and PcdhγC3) to investigate the nature of the homophilic interaction. Within the crystal lattices, we observe antiparallel interfaces consistent with a role in trans cell-cell contact. Antiparallel dimerization is supported by evolutionary correlations. Two interfaces, located primarily on EC2-EC3, involve distinctive clustered Pcdh structure and sequence motifs, lack predicted glycosylation sites, and contain residues highly conserved in orthologs but not paralogs, pointing toward their biological significance as homophilic interaction interfaces. These two interfaces are similar yet distinct, reflecting a possible difference in interaction architecture between clustered Pcdh subfamilies. These structures initiate a molecular understanding of clustered Pcdh assemblies that are required to produce functional neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Nicoludis
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Sze-Yi Lau
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Charlotta P. I. Schärfe
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,Applied Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Debora S. Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wilhelm A. Weihofen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA,Correspondence: (R. G.), (W. A.W.)
| | - Rachelle Gaudet
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA,Correspondence: (R. G.), (W. A.W.)
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Jeruschke S, Jeruschke K, DiStasio A, Karaterzi S, Büscher AK, Nalbant P, Klein-Hitpass L, Hoyer PF, Weiss J, Stottmann RW, Weber S. Everolimus Stabilizes Podocyte Microtubules via Enhancing TUBB2B and DCDC2 Expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137043. [PMID: 26331477 PMCID: PMC4557973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glomerular podocytes are highly differentiated cells that are key components of the kidney filtration units. The podocyte cytoskeleton builds the basis for the dynamic podocyte cytoarchitecture and plays a central role for proper podocyte function. Recent studies implicate that immunosuppressive agents including the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus have a protective role directly on the stability of the podocyte actin cytoskeleton. In contrast, a potential stabilization of microtubules by everolimus has not been studied so far. METHODS To elucidate mechanisms underlying mTOR-inhibitor mediated cytoskeletal rearrangements, we carried out microarray gene expression studies to identify target genes and corresponding pathways in response to everolimus. We analyzed the effect of everolimus in a puromycin aminonucleoside experimental in vitro model of podocyte injury. RESULTS Upon treatment with puromycin aminonucleoside, microarray analysis revealed gene clusters involved in cytoskeletal reorganization, cell adhesion, migration and extracellular matrix composition to be affected. Everolimus was capable of protecting podocytes from injury, both on transcriptional and protein level. Rescued genes included tubulin beta 2B class IIb (TUBB2B) and doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2), both involved in microtubule structure formation in neuronal cells but not identified in podocytes so far. Validating gene expression data, Western-blot analysis in cultured podocytes demonstrated an increase of TUBB2B and DCDC2 protein after everolimus treatment, and immunohistochemistry in healthy control kidneys confirmed a podocyte-specific expression. Interestingly, Tubb2bbrdp/brdp mice revealed a delay in glomerular podocyte development as showed by podocyte-specific markers Wilm's tumour 1, Podocin, Nephrin and Synaptopodin. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our study suggests that off-target, non-immune mediated effects of the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus on the podocyte cytoskeleton might involve regulation of microtubules, revealing a potential novel role of TUBB2B and DCDC2 in glomerular podocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Jeruschke
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Kay Jeruschke
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrew DiStasio
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sinem Karaterzi
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja K. Büscher
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Perihan Nalbant
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Molecular Cell Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Peter F. Hoyer
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weiss
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Rolf W. Stottmann
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Stefanie Weber
- Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatrics II, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Keeler AB, Molumby MJ, Weiner JA. Protocadherins branch out: Multiple roles in dendrite development. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 9:214-26. [PMID: 25869446 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2014.1000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper formation of dendritic arbors is a critical step in neural circuit formation, and as such defects in arborization are associated with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Among the best gene candidates are those encoding cell adhesion molecules, including members of the diverse cadherin superfamily characterized by distinctive, repeated adhesive domains in their extracellular regions. Protocadherins (Pcdhs) make up the largest group within this superfamily, encompassing over 80 genes, including the ∼60 genes of the α-, β-, and γ-Pcdh gene clusters and the non-clustered δ-Pcdh genes. An additional group includes the atypical cadherin genes encoding the giant Fat and Dachsous proteins and the 7-transmembrane cadherins. In this review we highlight the many roles that Pcdhs and atypical cadherins have been demonstrated to play in dendritogenesis, dendrite arborization, and dendritic spine regulation. Together, the published studies we discuss implicate these members of the cadherin superfamily as key regulators of dendrite development and function, and as potential therapeutic targets for future interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Key Words
- CNR, Cadherin related neuronal receptor
- CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor
- CaMKII, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.
- Celsr, Cadherin EGF LAG 7-pass G-type receptor 1
- DSCAM, Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule
- Dnmt3b, DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3 β
- Ds, Dachsous
- EC, extracellular cadherin
- EGF, Epidermal growth factor
- FAK, Focal adhesion kinase
- FMRP, Fragile X mental retardation protein
- Fj, Four jointed
- Fjx1, Four jointed box 1
- GPCR, G-protein-coupled receptor
- Gogo, Golden Goal
- LIM domain, Lin11, Isl-1 & Mec-3 domain
- MARCKS, Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate
- MEF2, Myocyte enhancer factor 2
- MEK3, Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3
- PCP, planar cell polarity
- PKC, Protein kinase C
- PSD, Post-synaptic density
- PYK2, Protein tyrosine kinase 2
- Pcdh
- Pcdh, Protocadherin
- RGC, Retinal ganglion cell
- RNAi, RNA interference
- Rac1, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1
- S2 cells, Schneider 2 cells
- SAC, starburst amacrine cell
- TAF1, Template-activating factor 1
- TAO2β, Thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 2 β
- TM, transmembrane
- arborization
- atypical cadherin
- branching
- cadherin superfamily
- cell adhesion
- da neuron, dendritic arborization neuron
- dendritic
- dendritic spine
- dendritogenesis
- fmi, Flamingo
- md neuron, multiple dendrite neuron
- neural circuit formation
- p38 MAPK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
- self avoidance
- synaptogenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin B Keeler
- a Department of Biology ; Neuroscience Graduate Program; University of Iowa ; Iowa City , IA USA
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Abstract
The arrival of multicellularity in evolution facilitated cell-cell signaling in conjunction with adhesion. As the ectodomains of cadherins interact with each other directly in trans (as well as in cis), spanning the plasma membrane and associating with multiple other entities, cadherins enable the transduction of "outside-in" or "inside-out" signals. We focus this review on signals that originate from the larger family of cadherins that are inwardly directed to the nucleus, and thus have roles in gene control or nuclear structure-function. The nature of cadherin complexes varies considerably depending on the type of cadherin and its context, and we will address some of these variables for classical cadherins versus other family members. Substantial but still fragmentary progress has been made in understanding the signaling mediators used by varied cadherin complexes to coordinate the state of cell-cell adhesion with gene expression. Evidence that cadherin intracellular binding partners also localize to the nucleus is a major point of interest. In some models, catenins show reduced binding to cadherin cytoplasmic tails favoring their engagement in gene control. When bound, cadherins may serve as stoichiometric competitors of nuclear signals. Cadherins also directly or indirectly affect numerous signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, receptor tyrosine kinase, Hippo, NFκB, and JAK/STAT), enabling cell-cell contacts to touch upon multiple biological outcomes in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre D McCrea
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Program in Genes & Development, Graduate School in Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Meghan T Maher
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Cara J Gottardi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Friedman LG, Benson DL, Huntley GW. Cadherin-based transsynaptic networks in establishing and modifying neural connectivity. Curr Top Dev Biol 2015; 112:415-65. [PMID: 25733148 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is tacitly understood that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are critically important for the development of cells, circuits, and synapses in the brain. What is less clear is what CAMs continue to contribute to brain structure and function after the early period of development. Here, we focus on the cadherin family of CAMs to first briefly recap their multidimensional roles in neural development and then to highlight emerging data showing that with maturity, cadherins become largely dispensible for maintaining neuronal and synaptic structure, instead displaying new and narrower roles at mature synapses where they critically regulate dynamic aspects of synaptic signaling, structural plasticity, and cognitive function. At mature synapses, cadherins are an integral component of multiprotein networks, modifying synaptic signaling, morphology, and plasticity through collaborative interactions with other CAM family members as well as a variety of neurotransmitter receptors, scaffolding proteins, and other effector molecules. Such recognition of the ever-evolving functions of synaptic cadherins may yield insight into the pathophysiology of brain disorders in which cadherins have been implicated and that manifest at different times of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren G Friedman
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Deanna L Benson
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - George W Huntley
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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Expansion of stochastic expression repertoire by tandem duplication in mouse Protocadherin-α cluster. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6263. [PMID: 25179445 PMCID: PMC4151104 DOI: 10.1038/srep06263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem duplications are concentrated within the Pcdh cluster throughout vertebrate evolution and as copy number variations (CNVs) in human populations, but the effects of tandem duplication in the Pcdh cluster remain elusive. To investigate the effects of tandem duplication in the Pcdh cluster, here we generated and analyzed a new line of the Pcdh cluster mutant mice. In the mutant allele, a 218-kb region containing the Pcdh-α2 to Pcdh-αc2 variable exons with their promoters was duplicated and the individual duplicated Pcdh isoforms can be disctinguished. The individual duplicated Pcdh-α isoforms showed diverse expression level with stochastic expression manner, even though those have an identical promoter sequence. Interestingly, the 5'-located duplicated Pcdh-αc2, which is constitutively expressed in the wild-type brain, shifted to stochastic expression accompanied by increased DNA methylation. These results demonstrate that tandem duplication in the Pcdh cluster expands the stochastic expression repertoire irrespective of sequence divergence.
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42
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Sotomayor M, Gaudet R, Corey DP. Sorting out a promiscuous superfamily: towards cadherin connectomics. Trends Cell Biol 2014; 24:524-36. [PMID: 24794279 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Members of the cadherin superfamily of proteins are involved in diverse biological processes such as morphogenesis, sound transduction, and neuronal connectivity. Key to cadherin function is their extracellular domain containing cadherin repeats, which can mediate interactions involved in adhesion and cell signaling. Recent cellular, biochemical, and structural studies have revealed that physical interaction among cadherins is more complex than originally thought. Here we review work on new cadherin complexes and discuss how the classification of the mammalian family can be used to search for additional cadherin-interacting partners. We also highlight some of the challenges in cadherin research; namely, the characterization of a cadherin connectome in biochemical and structural terms, as well as the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the functional diversity of nonclassical cadherins in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Sotomayor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210, USA.
| | - Rachelle Gaudet
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| | - David P Corey
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Nikitczuk JS, Patil SB, Matikainen-Ankney BA, Scarpa J, Shapiro ML, Benson DL, Huntley GW. N-cadherin regulates molecular organization of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits in adult hippocampus in vivo. Hippocampus 2014; 24:943-962. [PMID: 24753442 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
N-Cadherin and β-catenin form a transsynaptic adhesion complex required for spine and synapse development. In adulthood, N-cadherin mediates persistent synaptic plasticity, but whether the role of N-cadherin at mature synapses is similar to that at developing synapses is unclear. To address this, we conditionally ablated N-cadherin from excitatory forebrain synapses in mice starting in late postnatal life and examined hippocampal structure and function in adulthood. In the absence of N-cadherin, β-catenin levels were reduced, but numbers of excitatory synapses were unchanged, and there was no impact on number or shape of dendrites or spines. However, the composition of synaptic molecules was altered. Levels of GluA1 and its scaffolding protein PSD95 were diminished and the density of immunolabeled puncta was decreased, without effects on other glutamate receptors and their scaffolding proteins. Additionally, loss of N-cadherin at excitatory synapses triggered increases in the density of markers for inhibitory synapses and decreased severity of hippocampal seizures. Finally, adult mutant mice were profoundly impaired in hippocampal-dependent memory for spatial episodes. These results demonstrate a novel function for the N-cadherin/β-catenin complex in regulating ionotropic receptor composition of excitatory synapses, an appropriate balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic proteins and the maintenance of neural circuitry necessary to generate flexible yet persistent cognitive and synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Nikitczuk
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - Shekhar B Patil
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - Bridget A Matikainen-Ankney
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - Joseph Scarpa
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - Matthew L Shapiro
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - Deanna L Benson
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
| | - George W Huntley
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute and The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029
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Banerjee S, Riordan M, Bhat MA. Genetic aspects of autism spectrum disorders: insights from animal models. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:58. [PMID: 24605088 PMCID: PMC3932417 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that display a triad of core behavioral deficits including restricted interests, often accompanied by repetitive behavior, deficits in language and communication, and an inability to engage in reciprocal social interactions. ASD is among the most heritable disorders but is not a simple disorder with a singular pathology and has a rather complex etiology. It is interesting to note that perturbations in synaptic growth, development, and stability underlie a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. Biological characterization of an increasing repertoire of synaptic mutants in various model organisms indicates synaptic dysfunction as causal in the pathophysiology of ASD. Our understanding of the genes and genetic pathways that contribute toward the formation, stabilization, and maintenance of functional synapses coupled with an in-depth phenotypic analysis of the cellular and behavioral characteristics is therefore essential to unraveling the pathogenesis of these disorders. In this review, we discuss the genetic aspects of ASD emphasizing on the well conserved set of genes and genetic pathways implicated in this disorder, many of which contribute to synapse assembly and maintenance across species. We also review how fundamental research using animal models is providing key insights into the various facets of human ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Banerjee
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maeveen Riordan
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Manzoor A Bhat
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
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Kise Y, Schmucker D. Role of self-avoidance in neuronal wiring. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:983-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Savova V, Vigneau S, Gimelbrant AA. Autosomal monoallelic expression: genetics of epigenetic diversity? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2013; 23:642-8. [PMID: 24075575 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, relative expression of the two parental alleles of many genes is controlled by one of three major epigenetic phenomena: X chromosome inactivation, imprinting, and mitotically stable autosomal monoallelic expression (MAE). MAE affects a large fraction of human autosomal genes and introduces enormous epigenetic heterogeneity in otherwise similar cell populations. Despite its prevalence, many functional and mechanistic aspects of MAE biology remain unknown. Several lines of evidence imply that MAE establishment and maintenance are controlled by a variety of genetic elements. Based on known genomic features regulating X-inactivation and imprinting, we outline likely features of MAE-controlling elements. We also assess implications of MAE for genotype-phenotype relationship, with a focus on haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Savova
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
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Abstract
The mammalian brain is a complex multicellular system involving enormous numbers of neurons. The neuron is the basic functional unit of the brain, and neurons are organized by specialized intercellular connections into circuits with many other neurons. Physiological studies have revealed that individual neurons have remarkably selective response properties, and this individuality is a fundamental requirement for building complex and functionally diverse neural networks. Recent molecular biological studies have revealed genetic bases for neuronal individuality in the mammalian brain. For example, in the rodent olfactory epithelium, individual olfactory neurons express only one type of odorant receptor (OR) out of the over 1000 ORs encoded in the genome. The expressed OR determines the neuron's selective chemosensory response and specifies its axonal targeting to a particular olfactory glomerulus in the olfactory bulb. Neuronal diversity can also be generated in individual cells by the independent and stochastic expression of autosomal alleles, which leads to functional heterozygosity among neurons. Among the many genes that show autosomal stochastic monoallelic expression, approximately 50 members of the clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are stochastically expressed in individual neurons in distinct combinations. The clustered Pcdhs belong to a large subfamily of the cadherin superfamily of homophilic cell-adhesion proteins. Loss-of-function analyses show that the clustered Pcdhs have critical functions in the accuracy of axonal projections, synaptic formation, dendritic arborization, and neuronal survival. In addition, cis-tetramers, composed of heteromultimeric clustered Pcdh members, represent selective binding units for cell-cell interactions, and provide exponential numbers of possible cell-surface relationships between individual neurons. The extensive molecular diversity of neuronal cell-surface proteins affects neurons’ individual properties and connectivities. The molecular features of the diverse clustered Pcdh molecules suggest that they provide a genetic basis for neuronal individuality and appropriate neuronal wiring in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Yagi
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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Weiner JA, Jontes JD, Burgess RW. Introduction to mechanisms of neural circuit formation. Front Mol Neurosci 2013; 6:12. [PMID: 23717261 PMCID: PMC3652293 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2013.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA
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