1
|
Eckstein N, Bates AS, Champion A, Du M, Yin Y, Schlegel P, Lu AKY, Rymer T, Finley-May S, Paterson T, Parekh R, Dorkenwald S, Matsliah A, Yu SC, McKellar C, Sterling A, Eichler K, Costa M, Seung S, Murthy M, Hartenstein V, Jefferis GSXE, Funke J. Neurotransmitter classification from electron microscopy images at synaptic sites in Drosophila melanogaster. Cell 2024; 187:2574-2594.e23. [PMID: 38729112 PMCID: PMC11106717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.016] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
High-resolution electron microscopy of nervous systems has enabled the reconstruction of synaptic connectomes. However, we do not know the synaptic sign for each connection (i.e., whether a connection is excitatory or inhibitory), which is implied by the released transmitter. We demonstrate that artificial neural networks can predict transmitter types for presynapses from electron micrographs: a network trained to predict six transmitters (acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, octopamine) achieves an accuracy of 87% for individual synapses, 94% for neurons, and 91% for known cell types across a D. melanogaster whole brain. We visualize the ultrastructural features used for prediction, discovering subtle but significant differences between transmitter phenotypes. We also analyze transmitter distributions across the brain and find that neurons that develop together largely express only one fast-acting transmitter (acetylcholine, glutamate, or GABA). We hope that our publicly available predictions act as an accelerant for neuroscientific hypothesis generation for the fly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Eckstein
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA; Institute of Neuroinformatics UZH/ETHZ, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Shakeel Bates
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, The University of Oxford, Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK; Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Champion
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michelle Du
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Yijie Yin
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philipp Schlegel
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sven Dorkenwald
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Arie Matsliah
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Szi-Chieh Yu
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Claire McKellar
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Amy Sterling
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Katharina Eichler
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta Costa
- Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sebastian Seung
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Mala Murthy
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Volker Hartenstein
- Department of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregory S X E Jefferis
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; Drosophila Connectomics Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Jan Funke
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stahl A, Tomchik SM. Modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Drosophila mushroom body. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053816. [PMID: 38876485 PMCID: PMC11199955 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053816.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful platform to investigate the genetic, molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms of behavior. Research in this model system has shed light on multiple aspects of brain physiology and behavior, from fundamental neuronal function to complex behaviors. A major anatomical region that modulates complex behaviors is the mushroom body (MB). The MB integrates multimodal sensory information and is involved in behaviors ranging from sensory processing/responses to learning and memory. Many genes that underlie brain disorders are conserved, from flies to humans, and studies in Drosophila have contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain disorders. Genetic mutations that mimic human diseases-such as Fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease-affect MB structure and function, altering behavior. Studies dissecting the effects of disease-causing mutations in the MB have identified key pathological mechanisms, and the development of a complete connectome promises to add a comprehensive anatomical framework for disease modeling. Here, we review Drosophila models of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders via the effects of their underlying mutations on MB structure, function, and the resulting behavioral alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krama T, Munkevics M, Krams R, Grigorjeva T, Trakimas G, Jõers P, Popovs S, Zants K, Elferts D, Rantala MJ, Sledevskis E, Contreras-Garduño J, de Bivort BL, Krams IA. Development under predation risk increases serotonin-signaling, variability of turning behavior and survival in adult fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1189301. [PMID: 37304760 PMCID: PMC10248140 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1189301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of high-throughput behavioral assays, where numerous individual animals can be analyzed in various experimental conditions, has facilitated the study of animal personality. Previous research showed that isogenic Drosophila melanogaster flies exhibit striking individual non-heritable locomotor handedness. The variability of this trait, i.e., the predictability of left-right turn biases, varies across genotypes and under the influence of neural activity in specific circuits. This suggests that the brain can dynamically regulate the extent of animal personality. It has been recently shown that predators can induce changes in prey phenotypes via lethal or non-lethal effects affecting the serotonergic signaling system. In this study, we tested whether fruit flies grown with predators exhibit higher variability/lower predictability in their turning behavior and higher survival than those grown with no predators in their environment. We confirmed these predictions and found that both effects were blocked when flies were fed an inhibitor (αMW) of serotonin synthesis. The results of this study demonstrate a negative association between the unpredictability of turning behavior of fruit flies and the hunting success of their predators. We also show that the neurotransmitter serotonin controls predator-induced changes in the turning variability of fruit flies, regulating the dynamic control of behavioral predictability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Krama
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Māris Munkevics
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ronalds Krams
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tatjana Grigorjeva
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Giedrius Trakimas
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Priit Jõers
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sergejs Popovs
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Krists Zants
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Didzis Elferts
- Department of Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Markus J. Rantala
- Department of Biology, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eriks Sledevskis
- Department of Technology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Mexico
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin L. de Bivort
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Indrikis A. Krams
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang J, Lentz L, Goldammer J, Iliescu J, Tanimura J, Riemensperger TD. Asymmetric Presynaptic Depletion of Dopamine Neurons in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108585. [PMID: 37239942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) often displays a strong unilateral predominance in arising symptoms. PD is correlated with dopamine neuron (DAN) degeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC), and in many patients, DANs appear to be affected more severely on one hemisphere than the other. The reason for this asymmetric onset is far from being understood. Drosophila melanogaster has proven its merit to model molecular and cellular aspects of the development of PD. However, the cellular hallmark of the asymmetric degeneration of DANs in PD has not yet been described in Drosophila. We ectopically express human α-synuclein (hα-syn) together with presynaptically targeted syt::HA in single DANs that innervate the Antler (ATL), a symmetric neuropil located in the dorsomedial protocerebrum. We find that expression of hα-syn in DANs innervating the ATL yields asymmetric depletion of synaptic connectivity. Our study represents the first example of unilateral predominance in an invertebrate model of PD and will pave the way to the investigation of unilateral predominance in the development of neurodegenerative diseases in the genetically versatile invertebrate model Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Zhang
- Institute of Zoology, Experimental Morphology and Neuroanatomy, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Lucie Lentz
- Institute of Zoology, Experimental Morphology and Neuroanatomy, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Goldammer
- Institute of Zoology, Experimental Morphology and Neuroanatomy, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessica Iliescu
- Institute of Zoology, Experimental Morphology and Neuroanatomy, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jun Tanimura
- Neuronal Circuit Division, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Thomas Dieter Riemensperger
- Institute of Zoology, Experimental Morphology and Neuroanatomy, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gajardo I, Guerra S, Campusano JM. Navigating Like a Fly: Drosophila melanogaster as a Model to Explore the Contribution of Serotonergic Neurotransmission to Spatial Navigation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054407. [PMID: 36901836 PMCID: PMC10002024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a monoamine that acts in vertebrates and invertebrates as a modulator promoting changes in the structure and activity of brain areas relevant to animal behavior, ranging from sensory perception to learning and memory. Whether serotonin contributes in Drosophila to human-like cognitive abilities, including spatial navigation, is an issue little studied. Like in vertebrates, the serotonergic system in Drosophila is heterogeneous, meaning that distinct serotonergic neurons/circuits innervate specific fly brain regions to modulate precise behaviors. Here we review the literature that supports that serotonergic pathways modify different aspects underlying the formation of navigational memories in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Gajardo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Instituto Milenio de Neurociencia Biomédica (BNI), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Simón Guerra
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge M. Campusano
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-2354-2133
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carvajal-Oliveros A, Dominguez-Baleón C, Sánchez-Díaz I, Zambrano-Tipan D, Hernández-Vargas R, Campusano JM, Narváez-Padilla V, Reynaud E. Parkinsonian phenotypes induced by Synphilin-1 expression are differentially contributed by serotonergic and dopaminergic circuits and suppressed by nicotine treatment. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282348. [PMID: 36857384 PMCID: PMC9977059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Synphilin-1 is a protein encoded by the human SNCAIP gene whose function has yet to be fully understood. However, it has been linked to familial Parkinson's disease (PD). Synphilin-1 is a major component of the Lewy bodies found in neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of PD patients. Synphilin-1 expression in serotonergic and/or dopaminergic neurons of Drosophila melanogaster induces neurodegeneration, as well as motor and non-motor PD like symptoms. In this work, we examined the contribution of the serotonergic and dopaminergic circuits in the development of PD-like phenotypes. We found that olfactory and visual symptoms are majorly contributed by the serotonergic system, and that motor symptoms and reduction in survival are mainly contributed by the dopaminergic system. Chronic nicotine treatment was able to suppress several of these symptoms. These results indicate that both the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems contribute to different aspects of PD symptomatology and that nicotine has beneficial effects on specific symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Carvajal-Oliveros
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Carmen Dominguez-Baleón
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Iván Sánchez-Díaz
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Diego Zambrano-Tipan
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - René Hernández-Vargas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Jorge M. Campusano
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio Neurogenética de la Conducta, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Narváez-Padilla
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Enrique Reynaud
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thoener J, Weiglein A, Gerber B, Schleyer M. Optogenetically induced reward and 'frustration' memory in larval Drosophila. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:276423. [PMID: 35924545 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Humans and animals alike form oppositely valenced memories for stimuli that predict the occurrence versus the termination of a reward: appetitive 'reward' memory for stimuli associated with the occurrence of a reward and aversive 'frustration' memory for stimuli that are associated with its termination. We characterize these memories in larval Drosophila using a combination of Pavlovian conditioning, optogenetic activation of the dopaminergic central-brain DAN-i1864 neuron, and high-resolution video-tracking. This reveals their dependency on the number of training trials and the duration of DAN-i1864 activation, their temporal stability, and the parameters of locomotion that are modulated during memory expression. Together with previous results on 'punishment' versus 'relief' learning by DAN-f1 neuron activation, this reveals a 2x2 matrix of timing-dependent memory valence for the occurrence/ termination of reward/ punishment. These findings should aid the understanding and modelling of how brains decipher the predictive, causal structure of events around a target reinforcing occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Thoener
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aliće Weiglein
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Gerber
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, Magdeburg, Germany.,Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schleyer
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Department of Genetics, Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paradis M, Kucharowski N, Edwards Faret G, Maya Palacios SJ, Meyer C, Stümpges B, Jamitzky I, Kalinowski J, Thiele C, Bauer R, Paululat A, Sellin J, Bülow MH. The ER protein Creld regulates ER-mitochondria contact dynamics and respiratory complex 1 activity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo0155. [PMID: 35867795 PMCID: PMC9307246 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic contacts are formed between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria that enable the exchange of calcium and phospholipids. Disturbed contacts between ER and mitochondria impair mitochondrial dynamics and are a molecular hallmark of Parkinson's disease, which is also characterized by impaired complex I activity and dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Here, we analyzed the role of cysteine-rich with EGF-like domain (Creld), a poorly characterized risk gene for Parkinson's disease, in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function. We found that loss of Creld leads to mitochondrial hyperfusion and reduced ROS signaling in Drosophila melanogaster, Xenopus tropicalis, and human cells. Creld fly mutants show differences in ER-mitochondria contacts and reduced respiratory complex I activity. The resulting low-hydrogen peroxide levels are linked to disturbed neuronal activity and lead to impaired locomotion, but not neurodegeneration, in Creld mutants. We conclude that Creld regulates ER-mitochondria communication and thereby hydrogen peroxide formation, which is required for normal neuron function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Paradis
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Kucharowski
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriela Edwards Faret
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Christian Meyer
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Birgit Stümpges
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabell Jamitzky
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Kalinowski
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Thiele
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Paululat
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastr. 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Julia Sellin
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Digitalization and General Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen
| | - Margret Helene Bülow
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A Pilot Study on Plasma and Urine Neurotransmitter Levels in Children with Tic Disorders. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070880. [PMID: 35884687 PMCID: PMC9313232 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tic disorders (TDs), including Tourette syndrome, are childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by motor and/or vocal tics that commonly affect children’s physical and mental health. The pathogenesis of TDs may be related to abnormal neurotransmitters in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuitry, especially dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitters. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily investigate the differences in the three types of neurotransmitters in plasma and urine between children with TD and healthy children. Methods: We collected 94 samples of plasma and 69 samples of urine from 3–12-year-old Chinese Han children with TD before treatment. The plasma and urine of the same number of healthy Chinese Han children, matched for age and sex, participating in a physical examination, were collected. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the three types of neurotransmitters in the above samples. Results: The plasma levels of norepinephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid, and the urine levels of normetanephrine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were higher in the TD children than in healthy children. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the above neurotransmitters in plasma and urine analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were all higher than 0.6, with significant differences. Among them, the combined AUC of dopamine, norepinephrine, normetanephrine, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the 8–12-year-old subgroup was 0.930, and the sensitivity and specificity for TD were 0.821 and 0.974, respectively (p = 0.000). Conclusions: There are differences in plasma and urine neurotransmitters between TD children and healthy children, which lays a foundation for further research on the pathogenesis of TD.
Collapse
|
10
|
Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Endocrine cybernetics: neuropeptides as molecular switches in behavioural decisions. Open Biol 2022; 12:220174. [PMID: 35892199 PMCID: PMC9326288 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in animal behaviour relies on the ability to integrate external and internal cues from the changing environment and hence modulate activity in synaptic circuits of the brain. This context-dependent neuromodulation is largely based on non-synaptic signalling with neuropeptides. Here, we describe select peptidergic systems in the Drosophila brain that act at different levels of a hierarchy to modulate behaviour and associated physiology. These systems modulate circuits in brain regions, such as the central complex and the mushroom bodies, which supervise specific behaviours. At the top level of the hierarchy there are small numbers of large peptidergic neurons that arborize widely in multiple areas of the brain to orchestrate or modulate global activity in a state and context-dependent manner. At the bottom level local peptidergic neurons provide executive neuromodulation of sensory gain and intrinsically in restricted parts of specific neuronal circuits. The orchestrating neurons receive interoceptive signals that mediate energy and sleep homeostasis, metabolic state and circadian timing, as well as external cues that affect food search, aggression or mating. Some of these cues can be triggers of conflicting behaviours such as mating versus aggression, or sleep versus feeding, and peptidergic neurons participate in circuits, enabling behaviour choices and switches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland Würzburg 97074, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kapoor A, Padmavathi A, Madhwal S, Mukherjee T. Dual control of dopamine in Drosophila myeloid-like progenitor cell proliferation and regulation of lymph gland growth. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e52951. [PMID: 35476897 PMCID: PMC9171693 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, definitive haematopoiesis takes place in a specialized organ termed "lymph gland". It harbours multi-potent stem-like blood progenitor cells whose development controls overall growth of this haematopoietic tissue and formation of mature blood cells. With respect to its development, neurotransmitters have emerged as potent regulators of blood-progenitor cell development and function. In this study, we extend our understanding of neurotransmitters and show that progenitors are self-sufficient with regard to synthesizing dopamine, a well-established neurotransmitter. These cells also have modules for dopamine sensing through the receptor and transporter. We found that modulating expression of these components in progenitor cells affected lymph gland growth, which suggested growth-promoting function of dopamine in blood-progenitor cells. Cell-cycle analysis of developing lymph glands revealed an unexpected requirement for intracellular dopamine in moderating the progression of early progenitor cells from S to G2 phase of the cell cycle, while activation of dopamine receptor signalling later in development regulated their progression from G2 and entry into mitosis. The dual capacity in which dopamine operated, first intracellularly to coordinate S/G2 transition and later extracellularly in G2/M transition, was critical for the growth of the lymph gland. Overall, the data presented highlight a novel non-canonical use of dopamine in the myeloid system that reveals an uncharacterized function of intracellular dopamine in cell-cycle phasing with outcomes on haematopoietic growth and immunity as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Kapoor
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Achalla Padmavathi
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, India
| | - Sukanya Madhwal
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Tina Mukherjee
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rahul, Siddique YH. Drosophila: A Model to Study the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:259-277. [PMID: 35040399 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210809120621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human Central Nervous System (CNS) is the complex part of the human body, which regulates multiple cellular and molecular events taking place simultaneously. Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease (AD). The pathological hallmarks of PD are loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantianigra (SN) pars compacta (SNpc) and accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein, in intra-cytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies (LBs). So far, there is no cure for PD, due to the complexities of molecular mechanisms and events taking place during the pathogenesis of PD. Drosophila melanogaster is an appropriate model organism to unravel the pathogenicity not only behind PD but also other NDs. In this context as numerous biological functions are preserved between Drosophila and humans. Apart from sharing 75% of human disease-causing genes homolog in Drosophila, behavioral responses like memory-based tests, negative geotaxis, courtship and mating are also well studied. The genetic, as well as environmental factors, can be studied in Drosophila to understand the geneenvironment interactions behind the disease condition. Through genetic manipulation, mutant flies can be generated harboring human orthologs, which can prove to be an excellent model to understand the effect of the mutant protein on the pathogenicity of NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul
- Drosophila Transgenic Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh,India
| | - Yasir Hasan Siddique
- Drosophila Transgenic Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh,India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Karam CS, Williams BL, Jones SK, Javitch JA. The Role of the Dopamine Transporter in the Effects of Amphetamine on Sleep and Sleep Architecture in Drosophila. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:177-189. [PMID: 33630236 PMCID: PMC8384956 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) mediates the inactivation of released dopamine (DA) through its reuptake, and thereby plays an important homeostatic role in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Amphetamines exert their stimulant effects by targeting DAT and inducing the reverse transport of DA, leading to a dramatic increase of extracellular DA. Animal models have proven critical to investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying transporter function and its modulation by psychostimulants such as amphetamine. Here we establish a behavioral model for amphetamine action using adult Drosophila melanogaster. We use it to characterize the effects of amphetamine on sleep and sleep architecture. Our data show that amphetamine induces hyperactivity and disrupts sleep in a DA-dependent manner. Flies that do not express a functional DAT (dDAT null mutants) have been shown to be hyperactive and to exhibit significantly reduced sleep at baseline. Our data show that, in contrast to its action in control flies, amphetamine decreases the locomotor activity of dDAT null mutants and restores their sleep by modulating distinct aspects of sleep structure. To begin to explore the circuitry involved in the actions of amphetamine on sleep, we also describe the localization of dDAT throughout the fly brain, particularly in neuropils known to regulate sleep. Together, our data establish Drosophila as a robust model for studying the regulatory mechanisms that govern DAT function and psychostimulant action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caline S Karam
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenna L Williams
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra K Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1051 Riverside Dr, Unit 19, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Within populations, individuals show a variety of behavioral preferences, even in the absence of genetic or environmental variability. Neuromodulators affect these idiosyncratic preferences in a wide range of systems, however, the mechanism(s) by which they do so is unclear. I review the evidence supporting three broad mechanisms by which neuromodulators might affect variability in idiosyncratic behavioral preference: by being a source of variability directly upstream of behavior, by affecting the behavioral output of a circuit in a way that masks or accentuates underlying variability in that circuit, and by driving plasticity in circuits leading to either homeostatic convergence toward a given behavior or divergence from a developmental setpoint. I find evidence for each of these mechanisms and propose future directions to further understand the complex interplay between individual variability and neuromodulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T Maloney
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xie J, Chen S, Bopassa JC, Banerjee S. Drosophila tubulin polymerization promoting protein mutants reveal pathological correlates relevant to human Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13614. [PMID: 34193896 PMCID: PMC8245532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. PD is characterized by locomotion deficits, nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal loss, mitochondrial dysfunctions and formation of α-Synuclein aggregates. A well-conserved and less understood family of Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Proteins (TPPP) is also implicated in PD and related disorders, where TPPP exists in pathological aggregates in neurons in patient brains. However, there are no in vivo studies on mammalian TPPP to understand the genetics and neuropathology linking TPPP aggregation or neurotoxicity to PD. Recently, we discovered the only Drosophila homolog of human TPPP named Ringmaker (Ringer). Here, we report that adult ringer mutants display progressive locomotor disabilities, reduced lifespan and neurodegeneration. Importantly, our findings reveal that Ringer is associated with mitochondria and ringer mutants have mitochondrial structural damage and dysfunctions. Adult ringer mutants also display progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Together, these phenotypes of ringer mutants recapitulate some of the salient features of human PD patients, thus allowing us to utilize ringer mutants as a fly model relevant to PD, and further explore its genetic and molecular underpinnings to gain insights into the role of human TPPP in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Shuting Chen
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Jean C Bopassa
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Swati Banerjee
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ibuchi K, Nagayama T. Opposing effects of dopamine on agonistic behaviour in crayfish. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269155. [PMID: 34128529 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of dopamine on the agonistic behaviour of crayfish were analysed. When dopamine concentrations of 1 μmol l-1 were injected into large crayfish, individuals were beaten by smaller opponents, despite their physical advantage. Injection of 10 μmol l-1 dopamine into small animals increased their rate of winning against larger opponents. Injection of a D1 receptor antagonist prohibited the onset of a 'loser' effect in subordinate animals, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of dopamine on larger animals is mediated by D1 receptors. Similarly, injection of a D2 receptor antagonist prohibited the onset of a 'winner' effect in dominant animals, suggesting that the facilitating effect of dopamine on small animals is mediated by D2 receptors. Since the inhibitory effect of 1 μmol l-1 dopamine was similar to that seen with 1 μmol l-1 octopamine and the facilitating effect of 10 μmol l-1 dopamine was similar to that of 1 μmol l-1 serotonin, functional interactions among dopamine, octopamine and serotonin were analyzed by co-injection of amines with their receptor antagonists in various combinations. The inhibitory effect of 1 μmol l-1 dopamine disappeared when administered with D1 receptor antagonist, but remained when combined with octopamine receptor antagonist. Octopamine effects disappeared when administered with either D1 receptor antagonist or octopamine receptor antagonist, suggesting that the dopamine system is downstream of octopamine. The facilitating effect of 10 μmol l-1 dopamine disappeared when combined with serotonin 5HT1 receptor antagonist or D2 receptor antagonist. Serotonin effects also disappeared when combined with D2 receptor antagonist, suggesting that dopamine and serotonin activate each other through parallel pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Ibuchi
- Division of Biology, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 990-8560 Yamagata, Japan
| | - Toshiki Nagayama
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 990-8560 Yamagata, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Moulin TC, Ferro F, Hoyer A, Cheung P, Williams MJ, Schiöth HB. The Drosophila melanogaster Levodopa-Induced Depression Model Exhibits Negative Geotaxis Deficits and Differential Gene Expression in Males and Females. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:653470. [PMID: 34079435 PMCID: PMC8165388 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.653470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 320 million people live with depression in the world, a disorder that severely limits psychosocial functioning and diminishes quality of life. The prevalence of major depression is almost two times higher in women than in men. However, the molecular mechanisms of its sex-specific pathophysiology are still poorly understood. Drosophila melanogaster is an established model for neurobiological research of depression-like states, as well as for the study of molecular and genetic sex differences in the brain. Here, we investigated sex-specific effects on forced-climbing locomotion (negative geotaxis) and gene expression of a fly model of depression-like phenotypes induced by levodopa administration, which was previously shown to impair normal food intake, mating frequency, and serotonin concentration. We observed that both males and females show deficits in the forced-climbing paradigm; however, modulated by distinct gene expression patterns after levodopa administration. Our results suggest that Drosophila models can be a valuable tool for identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the difference of depressive disorder prevalence between men and women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago C Moulin
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Federico Ferro
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angela Hoyer
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pierre Cheung
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael J Williams
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Serotonin receptor 5-HT7 in Drosophila mushroom body neurons mediates larval appetitive olfactory learning. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21267. [PMID: 33277559 PMCID: PMC7718245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine are critical neuromodulators known to regulate a range of behaviors in invertebrates and mammals, such as learning and memory. Effects of both serotonin and dopamine are mediated largely through their downstream G-protein coupled receptors through cAMP-PKA signaling. While the role of dopamine in olfactory learning in Drosophila is well described, the function of serotonin and its downstream receptors on Drosophila olfactory learning remain largely unexplored. In this study we show that the output of serotonergic neurons, possibly through points of synaptic contacts on the mushroom body (MB), is essential for training during olfactory associative learning in Drosophila larvae. Additionally, we demonstrate that the regulation of olfactory associative learning by serotonin is mediated by its downstream receptor (d5-HT7) in a cAMP-dependent manner. We show that d5-HT7 expression specifically in the MB, an anatomical structure essential for olfactory learning in Drosophila, is critical for olfactory associative learning. Importantly our work shows that spatio-temporal restriction of d5-HT7 expression to the MB is sufficient to rescue olfactory learning deficits in a d5-HT7 null larvae. In summary, our results establish a critical, and previously unknown, role of d5-HT7 in olfactory learning.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tsurumi A, Li WX. Aging mechanisms-A perspective mostly from Drosophila. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2020; 1:e10026. [PMID: 36619249 PMCID: PMC9744567 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic understanding of the natural aging process, which is distinct from aging-related disease mechanisms, is essential for developing interventions to extend lifespan or healthspan. Here, we discuss current trends in aging research and address conceptual and experimental challenges in the field. We examine various molecular markers implicated in aging with an emphasis on the role of heterochromatin and epigenetic changes. Studies in model organisms have been advantageous in elucidating conserved genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and assessing interventions that affect aging. We highlight the use of Drosophila, which allows controlled studies for evaluating genetic and environmental contributors to aging conveniently. Finally, we propose the use of novel methodologies and future strategies using Drosophila in aging research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Tsurumi
- Department of SurgeryMassachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Shriners Hospitals for Children‐Boston®BostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Willis X. Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California at San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aqsa, Sarkar S. Age dependent trans-cellular propagation of human tau aggregates in Drosophila disease models. Brain Res 2020; 1751:147207. [PMID: 33212022 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies is a class of neurodegenerative disorders which involves the transformation of physiological tau into pathogenic tau. One of the prime causes reported to drive this conversion is tau hyperphosphorylation and the subsequent propagation of pathogenic protein aggregates across the nervous system. Although past attempts have been made to deduce the details of tau propagation, yet not much is known about its mechanism. A better understanding of this aspect of disease pathology can prove to be beneficial for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. For the first time, we demonstrate that the human tau possesses an intrinsic property to spread trans-cellularly in the fly nervous system irrespective of the tau allele or the neuronal tissue type. Aggregate migration restricted by targeted down-regulation of a specific kinase, elucidates the role of hyper-phosphorylation in its movement. On the contrary to the previous models, our study delivers an easy and rapid in-vivo model for comprehensive examination of tau migration pathology. Henceforth, the developed model would not only be immensely helpful in uncovering the mechanistic in-depths of tau propagation pathology but also aid in modifier and/or drug screening for amelioration of tauopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110 021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110 021, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aso Y, Ray RP, Long X, Bushey D, Cichewicz K, Ngo TT, Sharp B, Christoforou C, Hu A, Lemire AL, Tillberg P, Hirsh J, Litwin-Kumar A, Rubin GM. Nitric oxide acts as a cotransmitter in a subset of dopaminergic neurons to diversify memory dynamics. eLife 2019; 8:49257. [PMID: 31724947 PMCID: PMC6948953 DOI: 10.7554/elife.49257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals employ diverse learning rules and synaptic plasticity dynamics to record temporal and statistical information about the world. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this diversity are poorly understood. The anatomically defined compartments of the insect mushroom body function as parallel units of associative learning, with different learning rates, memory decay dynamics and flexibility (Aso and Rubin, 2016). Here, we show that nitric oxide (NO) acts as a neurotransmitter in a subset of dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila. NO's effects develop more slowly than those of dopamine and depend on soluble guanylate cyclase in postsynaptic Kenyon cells. NO acts antagonistically to dopamine; it shortens memory retention and facilitates the rapid updating of memories. The interplay of NO and dopamine enables memories stored in local domains along Kenyon cell axons to be specialized for predicting the value of odors based only on recent events. Our results provide key mechanistic insights into how diverse memory dynamics are established in parallel memory systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Aso
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Robert P Ray
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Xi Long
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Daniel Bushey
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Karol Cichewicz
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Teri-Tb Ngo
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Brandi Sharp
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | | | - Amy Hu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Andrew L Lemire
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Paul Tillberg
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Jay Hirsh
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Ashok Litwin-Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Gerald M Rubin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Meissner GW, Nern A, Singer RH, Wong AM, Malkesman O, Long X. Mapping Neurotransmitter Identity in the Whole-Mount Drosophila Brain Using Multiplex High-Throughput Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization. Genetics 2019; 211:473-482. [PMID: 30563859 PMCID: PMC6366916 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the neurotransmitters used by specific neurons is a critical step in understanding the function of neural circuits. However, methods for the consistent and efficient detection of neurotransmitter markers remain limited. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) enables direct labeling of type-specific mRNA in neurons. Recent advances in FISH allow this technique to be carried out in intact tissue samples such as whole-mount Drosophila melanogaster brains. Here, we present a FISH platform for high-throughput detection of eight common neurotransmitter phenotypes in Drosophila brains. We greatly increase FISH throughput by processing samples mounted on coverslips and optimizing fluorophore choice for each probe to facilitate multiplexing. As application examples, we demonstrate cases of neurotransmitter coexpression, reveal neurotransmitter phenotypes of specific cell types, and explore the onset of neurotransmitter expression in the developing optic lobe. Beyond neurotransmitter markers, our protocols can in principle be used for large-scale FISH detection of any mRNA in whole-mount fly brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey W Meissner
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Aljoscha Nern
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Robert H Singer
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Allan M Wong
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Oz Malkesman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| | - Xi Long
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Augustine F, Singer HS. Merging the Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy of Tics. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2019; 8:595. [PMID: 30643668 PMCID: PMC6329776 DOI: 10.7916/d8h14jtx] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anatomically, cortical-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical (CBGTC) circuits have an essential role in the expression of tics. At the biochemical level, the proper conveyance of messages through these circuits requires several functionally integrated neurotransmitter systems. In this manuscript, evidence supporting proposed pathophysiological abnormalities, both anatomical and chemical is reviewed. In addition, the results of standard and emerging tic-suppressing therapies affecting nine separate neurotransmitter systems are discussed. The goal of this review is to integrate our current understanding of the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome (TS) with present and proposed pharmacotherapies for tic suppression. Methods For this manuscript, literature searches were conducted for both current basic science and clinical information in PubMed, Google-Scholar, and other scholarly journals to September 2018. Results The precise primary site of abnormality for tics remains undetermined. Although many pathophysiologic hypotheses favor a specific abnormality of the cortex, striatum, or globus pallidus, others recognize essential influences from regions such as the thalamus, cerebellum, brainstem, and ventral striatum. Some prefer an alteration within direct and indirect pathways, whereas others believe this fails to recognize the multiple interactions within and between CBGTC circuits. Although research and clinical evidence supports involvement of the dopaminergic system, additional data emphasizes the potential roles for several other neurotransmitter systems. Discussion A greater understanding of the primary neurochemical defect in TS would be extremely valuable for the development of new tic-suppressing therapies. Nevertheless, recognizing the varied and complex interactions that exist in a multi-neurotransmitter system, successful therapy may not require direct targeting of the primary abnormality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Augustine
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harvey S. Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Big Lessons from Tiny Flies: Drosophila melanogaster as a Model to Explore Dysfunction of Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Neurotransmitter Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061788. [PMID: 29914172 PMCID: PMC6032372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain of Drosophila melanogaster is comprised of some 100,000 neurons, 127 and 80 of which are dopaminergic and serotonergic, respectively. Their activity regulates behavioral functions equivalent to those in mammals, e.g., motor activity, reward and aversion, memory formation, feeding, sexual appetite, etc. Mammalian dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons are known to be heterogeneous. They differ in their projections and in their gene expression profile. A sophisticated genetic tool box is available, which allows for targeting virtually any gene with amazing precision in Drosophila melanogaster. Similarly, Drosophila genes can be replaced by their human orthologs including disease-associated alleles. Finally, genetic manipulation can be restricted to single fly neurons. This has allowed for addressing the role of individual neurons in circuits, which determine attraction and aversion, sleep and arousal, odor preference, etc. Flies harboring mutated human orthologs provide models which can be interrogated to understand the effect of the mutant protein on cell fate and neuronal connectivity. These models are also useful for proof-of-concept studies to examine the corrective action of therapeutic strategies. Finally, experiments in Drosophila can be readily scaled up to an extent, which allows for drug screening with reasonably high throughput.
Collapse
|