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Frighetto G, Zordan MA, Castiello U, Megighian A, Martin JR. Dopamine Modulation of Drosophila Ellipsoid Body Neurons, a Nod to the Mammalian Basal Ganglia. Front Physiol 2022; 13:849142. [PMID: 35492587 PMCID: PMC9048027 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.849142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The central complex (CX) is a neural structure located on the midline of the insect brain that has been widely studied in the last few years. Its role in navigation and goal-oriented behaviors resembles those played by the basal ganglia in mammals. However, the neural mechanisms and the neurotransmitters involved in these processes remain unclear. Here, we exploited an in vivo bioluminescence Ca2+ imaging technique to record the activity in targeted neurons of the ellipsoid body (EB). We used different drugs to evoke excitatory Ca2+-responses, depending on the putative neurotransmitter released by their presynaptic inputs, while concomitant dopamine administration was employed to modulate those excitations. By using a genetic approach to knockdown the dopamine 1-like receptors, we showed that different dopamine modulatory effects are likely due to specific receptors expressed by the targeted population of neurons. Altogether, these results provide new data concerning how dopamine modulates and shapes the response of the ellipsoid body neurons. Moreover, they provide important insights regarding the similitude with mammals as far as the role played by dopamine in increasing and stabilizing the response of goal-related information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Frighetto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, France
| | - Mauro A. Zordan
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Castiello
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Aram Megighian
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jean-René Martin
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Saclay, France
- *Correspondence: Jean-René Martin,
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He L, Wang L, Zeng H, Tan P, Ma G, Zheng S, Li Y, Sun L, Dou F, Siwko S, Huang Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y. Engineering of a bona fide light-operated calcium channel. Nat Commun 2021; 12:164. [PMID: 33431868 PMCID: PMC7801460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current optogenetic toolkit lacks a robust single-component Ca2+-selective ion channel tailored for remote control of Ca2+ signaling in mammals. Existing tools are either derived from engineered channelrhodopsin variants without strict Ca2+ selectivity or based on the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) that might crosstalk with other targets. Here, we describe the design of a light-operated Ca2+ channel (designated LOCa) by inserting a plant-derived photosensory module into the intracellular loop of an engineered ORAI1 channel. LOCa displays biophysical features reminiscent of the ORAI1 channel, which enables precise optical control over Ca2+ signals and hallmark Ca2+-dependent physiological responses. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of LOCa to modulate aberrant hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal, transcriptional programming, cell suicide, as well as neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of amyloidosis. Existing optogenetic methods to induce calcium mobilisation lack selectivity and specificity. Here, the authors design and engineer a single-component light-operated calcium channel to provide optical control over calcium signals and calcium-dependent physiological responses: LOCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liuqing Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiang Zeng
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peng Tan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guolin Ma
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sisi Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Dou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drugs and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Youjun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Prakash M, Medendorp WE, Hochgeschwender U. Defining parameters of specificity for bioluminescent optogenetic activation of neurons using in vitro multi electrode arrays (MEA). J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:437-447. [PMID: 30152529 PMCID: PMC6395573 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In Bioluminescent Optogenetics (BL-OG) a biological, rather than a physical, light source is used to activate light-sensing opsins, such as channelrhodopsins or pumps. This is commonly achieved by utilizing a luminopsin (LMO), a fusion protein of a light-emitting luciferase tethered to a light-sensing opsin. Light of the wavelength matching the activation peak of the opsin is emitted by the luciferase upon application of its small molecule luciferin, resulting in activation of the fused opsin and subsequent effects on membrane potential. Using optimized protocols for culturing, transforming, and testing primary neurons in multi electrode arrays, we systematically defined parameters under which changes in neuronal activity are specific to bioluminescent activation of opsins, rather than due to off-target effects of either the luciferin or its solvent on neurons directly, or on opsins directly. We further tested if there is a direct effect of bioluminescence on neurons. Critical for assuring specific BL-OG effects are testing the concentration and formulation of the luciferin against proper controls, including testing effects of vehicle on LMO expressing and of luciferin on nonLMO expressing targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Prakash
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
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Histone acetyltransferase CBP-related H3K23 acetylation contributes to courtship learning in Drosophila. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:20. [PMID: 30458702 PMCID: PMC6247617 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Histone modifications are critical in regulating neuronal processes. However, the impacts of individual histone modifications on learning and memory are elusive. Here, we investigated the contributions of histone H3 lysine modifications to learning and memory in Drosophila by using histone lysine-to-alanine mutants. Results Behavioural analysis indicated that compared to the H3WT group, mutants overexpressing H3K23A displayed impaired courtship learning. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of H3K23A mutants showed that H3K23 acetylation (H3K23ac) levels were decreased on learning-related genes. Knockdown of CREB-binding protein (CBP) decreased H3K23ac levels, attenuated the expression of learning-related genes, led to a courtship learning defect and altered development of the mushroom bodies. A decline in courtship learning ability was observed in both larvae and adult treatments with ICG-001. Furthermore, treatment of Drosophila overexpressing mutated H3K23A with a CBP inhibitor did not aggravate the learning defect. Conclusions H3K23ac, catalysed by the acetyltransferases dCBP, contributes to Drosophila learning, likely by controlling the expression of specific genes. This is a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying neuronal behaviours. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-018-0179-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Guidelines on experimental methods to assess mitochondrial dysfunction in cellular models of neurodegenerative diseases. Cell Death Differ 2017; 25:542-572. [PMID: 29229998 PMCID: PMC5864235 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a spectrum of chronic, debilitating disorders characterised by the progressive degeneration and death of neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in most neurodegenerative diseases, but in many instances it is unclear whether such dysfunction is a cause or an effect of the underlying pathology, and whether it represents a viable therapeutic target. It is therefore imperative to utilise and optimise cellular models and experimental techniques appropriate to determine the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegenerative disease phenotypes. In this consensus article, we collate details on and discuss pitfalls of existing experimental approaches to assess mitochondrial function in in vitro cellular models of neurodegenerative diseases, including specific protocols for the measurement of oxygen consumption rate in primary neuron cultures, and single-neuron, time-lapse fluorescence imaging of the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial NAD(P)H. As part of the Cellular Bioenergetics of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CeBioND) consortium (www.cebiond.org), we are performing cross-disease analyses to identify common and distinct molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction in cellular models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Here we provide detailed guidelines and protocols as standardised across the five collaborating laboratories of the CeBioND consortium, with additional contributions from other experts in the field.
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Grinstead KM, Rowe L, Ensor CM, Joel S, Daftarian P, Dikici E, Zingg JM, Daunert S. Red-Shifted Aequorin Variants Incorporating Non-Canonical Amino Acids: Applications in In Vivo Imaging. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158579. [PMID: 27367859 PMCID: PMC4930207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased importance of in vivo diagnostics has posed new demands for imaging technologies. In that regard, there is a need for imaging molecules capable of expanding the applications of current state-of-the-art imaging in vivo diagnostics. To that end, there is a desire for new reporter molecules capable of providing strong signals, are non-toxic, and can be tailored to diagnose or monitor the progression of a number of diseases. Aequorin is a non-toxic photoprotein that can be used as a sensitive marker for bioluminescence in vivo imaging. The sensitivity of aequorin is due to the fact that bioluminescence is a rare phenomenon in nature and, therefore, it does not suffer from autofluorescence, which contributes to background emission. Emission of bioluminescence in the blue-region of the spectrum by aequorin only occurs when calcium, and its luciferin coelenterazine, are bound to the protein and trigger a biochemical reaction that results in light generation. It is this reaction that endows aequorin with unique characteristics, making it ideally suited for a number of applications in bioanalysis and imaging. Herein we report the site-specific incorporation of non-canonical or non-natural amino acids and several coelenterazine analogues, resulting in a catalog of 72 cysteine-free, aequorin variants which expand the potential applications of these photoproteins by providing several red-shifted mutants better suited to use in vivo. In vivo studies in mouse models using the transparent tissue of the eye confirmed the activity of the aequorin variants incorporating L-4-iodophehylalanine and L-4-methoxyphenylalanine after injection into the eye and topical addition of coelenterazine. The signal also remained localized within the eye. This is the first time that aequorin variants incorporating non-canonical amino acids have shown to be active in vivo and useful as reporters in bioluminescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. Grinstead
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Laura Rowe
- Department of Chemistry, 1610 Campus Drive East, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, 46385, United States of America
| | - Charles M. Ensor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, United States of America
| | - Smita Joel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Pirouz Daftarian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc Zingg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, R. Bunn Gautier Bldg., 1011 NW 15th Street, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
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