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Stoop J, Douma EH, van der Vlag M, Smidt MP, van der Heide LP. Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation is under the control of serine 40. J Neurochem 2023; 167:376-393. [PMID: 37776259 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The phosphorylation state of Ser40 and Ser31 is believed to exert a direct effect on the enzymatic activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. Interestingly, some studies report that Ser31 phosphorylation affects Ser40 phosphorylation, while Ser40 phosphorylation has no effect on Ser31 phosphorylation, a process named hierarchical phosphorylation. Here, we provide a detailed investigation into the signal transduction mechanisms regulating Ser40 and Ser31 phosphorylation in dopaminergic mouse MN9D and Neuro2A cells. We find that cyclic nucleotide signaling drives Ser40 phosphorylation, and that Ser31 phosphorylation is strongly regulated by ERK signaling. Inhibition of ERK1/2 with UO126 or PD98059 reduced Ser31 phosphorylation, but surprisingly had no effect on Ser40 phosphorylation, contradicting a role for Ser31 in the regulation of Ser40. Moreover, to elucidate a possible hierarchical mechanism controlling tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation, we introduced tyrosine hydroxylase variants in Neuro2A mouse neuroblastoma cells that mimic either phosphorylated or unphosphorylated serine residues. When we introduced a Ser40Ala tyrosine hydroxylase variant, Ser31 phosphorylation was completely absent. Additionally, neither the tyrosine hydroxylase variant Ser31Asp, nor the variant Ser31Ala had any significant effect on basal Ser40 phosphorylation levels. These results suggest that tyrosine hydroxylase is not controlled by hierarchical phosphorylation in the sense that first Ser31 has to be phosphorylated and subsequently Ser40, but, conversely, that Ser40 phosphorylation is essential for Ser31 phosphorylation. Overall our study suggests that Ser40 is the crucial residue to target so as to modulate tyrosine hydroxylase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Stoop
- Macrobian Biotech B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik H Douma
- Macrobian Biotech B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lars P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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van der Wal JM, van Borkulo CD, Deserno MK, Breedvelt JJF, Lees M, Lokman JC, Borsboom D, Denys D, van Holst RJ, Smidt MP, Stronks K, Lucassen PJ, van Weert JCM, Sloot PMA, Bockting CL, Wiers RW. Advancing urban mental health research: from complexity science to actionable targets for intervention. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:991-1000. [PMID: 34627532 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urbanisation and common mental disorders (CMDs; ie, depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders) are increasing worldwide. In this Review, we discuss how urbanicity and risk of CMDs relate to each other and call for a complexity science approach to advance understanding of this interrelationship. We did an ecological analysis using data on urbanicity and CMD burden in 191 countries. We found a positive, non-linear relationship with a higher CMD prevalence in more urbanised countries, particularly for anxiety disorders. We also did a review of meta-analytic studies on the association between urban factors and CMD risk. We identified factors relating to the ambient, physical, and social urban environment and showed differences per diagnosis of CMDs. We argue that factors in the urban environment are likely to operate as a complex system and interact with each other and with individual city inhabitants (including their psychological and neurobiological characteristics) to shape mental health in an urban context. These interactions operate on various timescales and show feedback loop mechanisms, rendering system behaviour characterised by non-linearity that is hard to predict over time. We present a conceptual framework for future urban mental health research that uses a complexity science approach. We conclude by discussing how complexity science methodology (eg, network analyses, system-dynamic modelling, and agent-based modelling) could enable identification of actionable targets for treatment and policy, aimed at decreasing CMD burdens in an urban context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junus M van der Wal
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claudia D van Borkulo
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marie K Deserno
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Centre for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josefien J F Breedvelt
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; National Centre for Social Research, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mike Lees
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - John C Lokman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Denny Borsboom
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Damiaan Denys
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruth J van Holst
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia C M van Weert
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam School of Communication Research/ASCoR, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter M A Sloot
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; National Centre for Cognitive Science, ITMO University, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Claudi L Bockting
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Reinout W Wiers
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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3
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Homberg JR, Adan RAH, Alenina N, Asiminas A, Bader M, Beckers T, Begg DP, Blokland A, Burger ME, van Dijk G, Eisel ULM, Elgersma Y, Englitz B, Fernandez-Ruiz A, Fitzsimons CP, van Dam AM, Gass P, Grandjean J, Havekes R, Henckens MJAG, Herden C, Hut RA, Jarrett W, Jeffrey K, Jezova D, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kas MJ, Kasri NN, Kiliaan AJ, Kolk SM, Korosi A, Korte SM, Kozicz T, Kushner SA, Leech K, Lesch KP, Lesscher H, Lucassen PJ, Luthi A, Ma L, Mallien AS, Meerlo P, Mejias JF, Meye FJ, Mitchell AS, Mul JD, Olcese U, González AO, Olivier JDA, Pasqualetti M, Pennartz CMA, Popik P, Prickaerts J, de la Prida LM, Ribeiro S, Roozendaal B, Rossato JI, Salari AA, Schoemaker RG, Smit AB, Vanderschuren LJMJ, Takeuchi T, van der Veen R, Smidt MP, Vyazovskiy VV, Wiesmann M, Wierenga CJ, Williams B, Willuhn I, Wöhr M, Wolvekamp M, van der Zee EA, Genzel L. The continued need for animals to advance brain research. Neuron 2021; 109:2374-2379. [PMID: 34352213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Policymakers aim to move toward animal-free alternatives for scientific research and have introduced very strict regulations for animal research. We argue that, for neuroscience research, until viable and translational alternatives become available and the value of these alternatives has been proven, the use of animals should not be compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger A H Adan
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natalia Alenina
- The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonis Asiminas
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Bader
- The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Beckers
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute and Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Denovan P Begg
- School of Psychology, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Gertjan van Dijk
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie van Dam
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, Free University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Gass
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim Faculty, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Robbert Havekes
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Christiane Herden
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Gießen, Gießen, Germany; Center of Mind Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roelof A Hut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kate Jeffrey
- Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, University College London, London WC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martien J Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Mechiel Korte
- Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Kirk Leech
- European Animal Research Association, London, UK
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi Lesscher
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Luthi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liya Ma
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anne S Mallien
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim Faculty, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Meerlo
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jorge F Mejias
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J Meye
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joram D Mul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Umberto Olcese
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cyriel M A Pennartz
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Piotr Popik
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | | | - Liset M de la Prida
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Janine I Rossato
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Regien G Schoemaker
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tomonori Takeuchi
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Rixt van der Veen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Corette J Wierenga
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ingo Willuhn
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Center of Mind Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Marburg, Germany; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute and Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Genzel
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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4
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van Zessen R, Flores-Dourojeanni JP, Eekel T, van den Reijen S, Lodder B, Omrani A, Smidt MP, Ramakers GMJ, van der Plasse G, Stuber GD, Adan RAH. Cue and Reward Evoked Dopamine Activity Is Necessary for Maintaining Learned Pavlovian Associations. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5004-5014. [PMID: 33888609 PMCID: PMC8197637 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2744-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Associating natural rewards with predictive environmental cues is crucial for survival. Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are thought to play a crucial role in this process by encoding reward prediction errors (RPEs) that have been hypothesized to play a role in associative learning. However, it is unclear whether this signal is still necessary after animals have acquired a cue-reward association. In order to investigate this, we trained mice to learn a Pavlovian cue-reward association. After learning, mice show robust anticipatory and consummatory licking behavior. As expected, calcium activity of VTA DA neurons goes up for cue presentation as well as reward delivery. Optogenetic inhibition during the moment of reward delivery disrupts learned behavior, even in the continued presence of reward. This effect is more pronounced over trials and persists on the next training day. Moreover, outside of the task licking behavior and locomotion are unaffected. Similarly to inhibitions during the reward period, we find that inhibiting cue-induced dopamine (DA) signals robustly decreases learned licking behavior, indicating that cue-related DA signals are a potent driver for learned behavior. Overall, we show that inhibition of either of these DA signals directly impairs the expression of learned associative behavior. Thus, continued DA signaling in a learned state is necessary for consolidating Pavlovian associations.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have long been suggested to be necessary for animals to associate environmental cues with rewards that they predict. Here, we use time-locked optogenetic inhibition of these neurons to show that the activity of these neurons is directly necessary for performance on a Pavlovian conditioning task, without affecting locomotor per se These findings provide further support for the direct importance of second-by-second DA neuron activity in associative learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruud van Zessen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques P Flores-Dourojeanni
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timon Eekel
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Siem van den Reijen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Lodder
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Azar Omrani
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Molecular Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert M J Ramakers
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey van der Plasse
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Roger A H Adan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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5
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Mesman S, Wever I, Smidt MP. Tcf4 Is Involved in Subset Specification of Mesodiencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030317. [PMID: 33804772 PMCID: PMC8003918 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons form into different molecular subsets. Knowledge of which factors contribute to the specification of these subsets is currently insufficient. In this study, we examined the role of Tcf4, a member of the E-box protein family, in mdDA neuronal development and subset specification. We show that Tcf4 is expressed throughout development, but is no longer detected in adult midbrain. Deletion of Tcf4 results in an initial increase in TH-expressing neurons at E11.5, but this normalizes at later embryonic stages. However, the caudal subset marker Nxph3 and rostral subset marker Ahd2 are affected at E14.5, indicating that Tcf4 is involved in correct differentiation of mdDA neuronal subsets. At P0, expression of these markers partially recovers, whereas expression of Th transcript and TH protein appears to be affected in lateral parts of the mdDA neuronal population. The initial increase in TH-expressing cells and delay in subset specification could be due to the increase in expression of the bHLH factor Ascl1, known for its role in mdDA neuronal differentiation, upon loss of Tcf4. Taken together, our data identified a minor role for Tcf4 in mdDA neuronal development and subset specification.
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6
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Abstract
The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) group of neurons comprises molecularly distinct subgroups, of which the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are the best known, due to the selective degeneration of the SN during Parkinson’s disease. However, although significant research has been conducted on the molecular build-up of these subsets, much is still unknown about how these subsets develop and which factors are involved in this process. In this review, we aim to describe the life of an mdDA neuron, from specification in the floor plate to differentiation into the different subsets. All mdDA neurons are born in the mesodiencephalic floor plate under the influence of both SHH-signaling, important for floor plate patterning, and WNT-signaling, involved in establishing the progenitor pool and the start of the specification of mdDA neurons. Furthermore, transcription factors, like Ngn2, Ascl1, Lmx1a, and En1, and epigenetic factors, like Ezh2, are important in the correct specification of dopamine (DA) progenitors. Later during development, mdDA neurons are further subdivided into different molecular subsets by, amongst others, Otx2, involved in the specification of subsets in the VTA, and En1, Pitx3, Lmx1a, and WNT-signaling, involved in the specification of subsets in the SN. Interestingly, factors involved in early specification in the floor plate can serve a dual function and can also be involved in subset specification. Besides the mdDA group of neurons, other systems in the embryo contain different subsets, like the immune system. Interestingly, many factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons are similarly involved in immune system development and vice versa. This indicates that similar mechanisms are used in the development of these systems, and that knowledge about the development of the immune system may hold clues for the factors involved in the development of mdDA neurons, which may be used in culture protocols for cell replacement therapies.
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7
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Mesman S, Bakker R, Smidt MP. Tcf4 is required for correct brain development during embryogenesis. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 106:103502. [PMID: 32474139 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tcf4 has been linked to autism, schizophrenia, and Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) in humans, suggesting a role for Tcf4 in brain development and importantly cortical development. However, the mechanisms behind its role in disease and brain development are still elusive. We provide evidence that Tcf4 has a critical function in the differentiation of cortical regions, corpus callosum and anterior commissure formation, and development of the hippocampus during murine embryonic development. In the present study, we show that Tcf4 is expressed throughout the developing brain at the peak of neurogenesis. Deletion of Tcf4 results in mis-specification of the cortical neurons, malformation of the corpus callosum and anterior commissure, and hypoplasia of the hippocampus. Furthermore, the Tcf4 mutant shows an absence of midline remodeling, underlined by the loss of GFAP-expressing midline glia in the indusium griseum and callosal wedge and midline zipper glia in the telencephalic midline. RNA-sequencing on E14.5 cortex material shows that Tcf4 functions as a transcriptional activator and loss of Tcf4 results in downregulation of genes linked to neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. Furthermore, many genes that are differentially expressed after Tcf4 ablation are linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders. Taken together, we show that correct brain development and neuronal differentiation are severely affected in Tcf4 mutants, phenocopying morphological brain defects detected in PTHS patients. The presented data identifies new leads to understand the mechanisms behind brain and specifically cortical development and can provide novel insights in developmental mechanisms underlying human brain defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reinier Bakker
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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8
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Robinson EJ, Aguiar S, Smidt MP, van der Heide LP. MCL1 as a Therapeutic Target in Parkinson's Disease? Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:1056-1065. [PMID: 31706839 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta are selectively lost during the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent work performed on the role of the Bcl2 family (highly specialized proteins which control cellular survival and death) in midbrain dopamine neurons has led to the identification of the Bcl2 factor Mcl1 as a weak link in the survival of these neurons. We hypothesize that the regulation of BCL2 proteins may explain this selective vulnerability, and may even provide a novel therapeutic opportunity - strengthening weak links such as MCL1 could result in a delay or complete abrogation of cell death during PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Robinson
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Aguiar
- Ageing and Cellular Senescence Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lars P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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9
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Cardozo Pinto DF, Yang H, Pollak Dorocic I, de Jong JW, Han VJ, Peck JR, Zhu Y, Liu C, Beier KT, Smidt MP, Lammel S. Characterization of transgenic mouse models targeting neuromodulatory systems reveals organizational principles of the dorsal raphe. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4633. [PMID: 31604921 PMCID: PMC6789139 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe (DR) is a heterogeneous nucleus containing dopamine (DA), serotonin (5HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurons. Consequently, investigations of DR circuitry require Cre-driver lines that restrict transgene expression to precisely defined cell populations. Here, we present a systematic evaluation of mouse lines targeting neuromodulatory cells in the DR. We find substantial differences in specificity between lines targeting DA neurons, and in penetrance between lines targeting 5HT neurons. Using these tools to map DR circuits, we show that populations of neurochemically distinct DR neurons are arranged in a stereotyped topographical pattern, send divergent projections to amygdala subnuclei, and differ in their presynaptic inputs. Importantly, targeting DR DA neurons using different mouse lines yielded both structural and functional differences in the neural circuits accessed. These results provide a refined model of DR organization and support a comparative, case-by-case evaluation of the suitability of transgenic tools for any experimental application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Cardozo Pinto
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Iskra Pollak Dorocic
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Johannes W de Jong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Vivian J Han
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - James R Peck
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Christine Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Kevin T Beier
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Lammel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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10
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Wever I, Wagemans CMRJ, Smidt MP. EZH2 Is Essential for Fate Determination in the Mammalian Isthmic Area. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:76. [PMID: 31024250 PMCID: PMC6465967 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group proteins (PcGs) are a group of epigenetic factors associated with gene silencing. They are found in several families of multiprotein complexes, including polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). EZH2, EED and SUZ12 form the core components of the PRC2 complex, which is responsible for the mono, di- and trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27Me3), the chromatin mark associated with gene silencing. Loss-of-function studies of Ezh2, the catalytic subunit of PRC2, have shown that PRC2 plays a role in regulating developmental transitions of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs); from self-renewal to differentiation and the neurogenic-to-gliogenic fate switch. To further address the function of EZH2 and H3K27me3 during neuronal development, we generated a conditional mutant in which Ezh2 was removed in the mammalian isthmic (mid-hindbrain) region from E10.5 onward. Loss of Ezh2 changed the molecular coding of the anterior ventral hindbrain leading to a fate switch and the appearance of ectopic dopaminergic (DA) neurons. The correct specification of the isthmic region is dependent on the signaling factors produced by the Isthmic organizer (IsO), located at the border of the mid- and hindbrain. We propose that the change of cellular fate is a result of the presence of Otx2 in the hindbrain of Ezh2 conditional knock-outs (cKOs) and a dysfunctional IsO, as represented by the loss of Fgf8 and Wnt1. Our work implies that next to controlling developmental transitions, EZH2 mediated gene silencing is important for specification of the isthmic region by influencing IsO functioning and repressing Otx2 in the hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy M R J Wagemans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that progresses with age, with an increasing number of symptoms. Some of the efforts to understand PD progression have been focusing on the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms, that generally include small molecular modifications to the DNA and histones that are essential for regulating gene activity. Here, we have pointed out difficulties to untangle genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, and reviewed several studies that have aimed for untangling. Some of those have enabled more solid claims on independent roles for epigenetic mechanisms. Hereby, evidence that specific DNA hydroxymethylation, global hyperacetylation, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) dependent regulation of SNCA, one of the hallmark genes involved in PD, have become more prominent from the current perspective, than mechanisms that directly involve DNA methylation. In the absence of current epigenetic clinical targets to counteract PD progression, we also hypothesize how several mechanisms may affect local and global epigenetics in PD neurons, including inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy and DNA repair mechanisms which may lead to future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J van Heesbeen
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Faculty of Science, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Wever I, Largo-Barrientos P, Hoekstra EJ, Smidt MP. Lmx1b Influences Correct Post-mitotic Coding of Mesodiencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:62. [PMID: 30930745 PMCID: PMC6427837 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lim Homeobox transcription factor 1 beta (LMX1b) has been identified as one of the transcription factors important for the development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. During early development, Lmx1b is essential for induction and maintenance of the Isthmic Organizer (IsO), and genetic ablation results in the disruption of inductive activity from the IsO and loss of properly differentiated mdDA neurons. To study the downstream targets of Lmx1b without affecting the IsO, we generated a conditional model in which Lmx1b was selectively deleted in Pitx3-expressing cells from embryonic day (E)13 onward. Supporting previous data, no significant changes could be observed in general dopamine (DA) marks, like Th, Pitx3and Vmat2 at E14.5. However, in depth analysis by means of RNA-sequencing revealed that Lmx1b is important for the mRNA expression level of survival factors En1 and En2 and for the repression of mdDA subset mark Ahd2 during (late) development. Interestingly, the regulation of Ahd2 by Lmx1b was found to be Pitx3 independent, since Pitx3 mRNA levels were not altered in Lmx1b conditional knock-outs (cKOs) and Ahd2 expression was also up-regulated in Lmx1b/Pitx3 double mutants compared to Pitx3 mutants. Further analysis of Lmx1b cKOs showed that post-mitotic deletion of Lmx1b additional leads to a loss of TH+ cells at 3 months age both in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Remarkably, different cell types were affected in the SNc and the VTA. While TH+AHD2+ cells were lost the SNc, TH+AHD2- neurons were affected in the VTA, reflected by a loss of Cck expression, indicating that Lmx1b is important for the survival of a sub-group of mdDA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa J Hoekstra
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Wever I, von Oerthel L, Wagemans CMRJ, Smidt MP. EZH2 Influences mdDA Neuronal Differentiation, Maintenance and Survival. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 11:491. [PMID: 30705619 PMCID: PMC6344421 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade several components have been identified to be differentially expressed in subsets of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. These differences in molecular profile have been implied to be involved in the selective degeneration of the SNc neurons in Parkinson’s disease. The emergence and maintenance of individual subsets is dependent on different transcriptional programs already present during development. In addition to the influence of transcription factors, recent studies have led to the hypothesis that modifications of histones might also influence the developmental program of neurons. In this study we focus on the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and its role in the development and maintenance of mdDA neurons. We generated two different conditional knock out (cKO) mice; an En1Cre driven cKO, for deletion of Ezh2 in mdDA progenitors and a Pitx3Cre driven cKO, to study the effect of post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 on mdDA neurons maturation and neuronal survival. During development Ezh2 was found to be important for the generation of the proper amount of TH+ neurons. The loss of neurons primarily affected a rostrolateral population, which is also reflected in the analysis of the subset marks, Ahd2 and Cck. In contrast to early genetic ablation, post-mitotic deletion of Ezh2 did not lead to major developmental defects at E14.5. However, in 6 months old animals Cck was found ectopically in the rostral domain of mdDA neurons and Ahd2 expression was reduced in more mediocaudal positioned cells. In addition, Pitx3Cre driven deletion of Ezh2 led to a progressive loss of TH+ cells in the VTA and these animals display reduced climbing behavior. Together, our data demonstrates that Ezh2 is important for the generation of mdDA neurons during development and that during adult stages Ezh2 is important for the preservation of proper neuronal subset identity and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wever
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy M R J Wagemans
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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De Gregorio R, Pulcrano S, De Sanctis C, Volpicelli F, Guatteo E, von Oerthel L, Latagliata EC, Esposito R, Piscitelli RM, Perrone-Capano C, Costa V, Greco D, Puglisi-Allegra S, Smidt MP, di Porzio U, Caiazzo M, Mercuri NB, Li M, Bellenchi GC. miR-34b/c Regulates Wnt1 and Enhances Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation. Stem Cell Reports 2018. [PMID: 29526736 PMCID: PMC5998209 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of dopaminergic neurons requires concerted action of morphogens and transcription factors acting in a precise and well-defined time window. Very little is known about the potential role of microRNA in these events. By performing a microRNA-mRNA paired microarray screening, we identified miR-34b/c among the most upregulated microRNAs during dopaminergic differentiation. Interestingly, miR-34b/c modulates Wnt1 expression, promotes cell cycle exit, and induces dopaminergic differentiation. When combined with transcription factors ASCL1 and NURR1, miR-34b/c doubled the yield of transdifferentiated fibroblasts into dopaminergic neurons. Induced dopaminergic (iDA) cells synthesize dopamine and show spontaneous electrical activity, reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin, consistent with the electrophysiological properties featured by brain dopaminergic neurons. Our findings point to a role for miR-34b/c in neuronal commitment and highlight the potential of exploiting its synergy with key transcription factors in enhancing in vitro generation of dopaminergic neurons. miR-34b/c is enriched in Pitx3-GFP+ mDA neurons miR-34b/c targets Wnt1-3′ UTR miR-34b/c is expressed during dopaminergic differentiation of mESCs miR-34b/c enhances fibroblast transdifferentiation into functional iDA neurons
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Gregorio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pulcrano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia De Sanctis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Floriana Volpicelli
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; Parthenope University, Department of Motor Science and Wellness, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Roberta Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Piscitelli
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; Parthenope University, Department of Motor Science and Wellness, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Perrone-Capano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; Deparment of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Costa
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Greco
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Umberto di Porzio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy; University of Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine and School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, "Adriano Buzzati Traverso", CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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15
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Mesman S, Smidt MP. Tcf12 Is Involved in Early Cell-Fate Determination and Subset Specification of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:353. [PMID: 29163030 PMCID: PMC5671939 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein family has previously been shown to be involved in the development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons in the murine midbrain. Specifically, Ngn2 and Mash1 are known to have a role in the specification of neural progenitors in the ventricular zone (VZ) of the midbrain towards an mdDA neuronal cell-fate. Furthermore, other members of the bHLH protein family, the E-box factors, are expressed in the developing midbrain and are thought to have a role in neuronal differentiation. Here we show that the E-box factor Tcf12 is implicated in early and late development of mdDA neurons. Tcf12 is expressed in the midbrain and in young TH-expressing mdDA neurons throughout development. Tcf12lox/lox;En1cre/+ embryos, that lose Tcf12 at ~embryonic day (E)9 throughout the En1 expression domain, have a changed spatial expression of Lmx1a and Nurr1 and a consistent loss of rostral TH expression. Expression of the subset marker Ahd2 is initially delayed, but recovers during development, eventually showing an ~10% increase in AHD2-expressing cells at postnatal day (P)30. Tcf12lox/lox;Pitx3cre/+ embryos, that lose Tcf12 at ~E12 in post-mitotic mdDA neurons, show no effect on the amount of TH-expressing neurons in the developing midbrain. However, similar as to Tcf12lox/lox;En1cre/+ embryos, subset specification is delayed during development. Taken together, we have identified Tcf12 as a novel factor in mdDA neuronal development. It serves a dual function; one in early cell-fate commitment of neural progenitors and one late in subset specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Mesman S, Krüse SJ, Smidt MP. Expression analyzes of early factors in midbrain differentiation programs. Gene Expr Patterns 2017; 27:8-15. [PMID: 28958789 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are born in the ventricular zone (VZ) of the midbrain between E10 and E12. Although these neurons all express specific DA markers like Th and Pitx3, they are subdivided into distinct subsets, each depending on a unique set of transcription factors and signaling cascades for their differentiation. How a neural progenitor commits to an mdDA neuronal cell-fate and how the specification into the different subsets is determined remains unclear. To gain more insight into the development and specification of these neurons we have previously conducted a genome-wide expression analysis, in which dissected midbrain material (E10.5-E13.5) was compared to the adult mdDA region (Chakrabarty et al., 2012). In the present study, we have compared the genome-wide expression analysis including PITX3-GFP sorted (E12.5-E15.5) neurons to available expression data to search for genes specifically expressed in the midbrain during early stages of mdDA differentiation. We have divided these genes into 3 groups: (I) genes upregulated throughout differentiation (Mest, NeuroD1, and Tcf12), (II) genes upregulated during early stages of differentiation (Hes5, and Tcf3), and (III) genes upregulated during late stages of differentiation (Enc1). Here, we show the expression profile of these genes in the embryonic midbrain during development and adult stage and compared that to the appearance of mdDA neurons via co-staining for TH. With this analysis we have identified 6 novel factors that may play a role during cell-fate commitment of neural progenitors or later during differentiation of the mdDA group of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja J Krüse
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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17
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Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Smidt MP. Pitx3 and En1 determine the size and molecular programming of the dopaminergic neuronal pool. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182421. [PMID: 28800615 PMCID: PMC5553812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are located in the ventral midbrain. These neurons form the substantia nigra (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Two transcription factors that play important roles in the process of terminal differentiation and subset-specification of mdDA neurons, are paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3), and homeobox transcription factor Engrailed 1 (En1). We previously investigated the single Pitx3KO and En1KO and observed important changes in the survival of mdDA neurons of the SNc and VTA as well as altered expression of pivotal rostral- and caudal-markers, Ahd2 and Cck, respectively. To refine our understanding of the regional-specific relationships between En1 and Pitx3 and their (combined) role in the programming mdDA neurons on the rostral-to-caudal axis, we created double En1tm1Alj/tm1Alj;Pitx3gfp/gfp (En1KO;Pitx3GFP/GFP) animals. Here we report, that in absence of En1 and Pitx3, only a limited number of mdDA neurons are present at E14.5. These mdDA neurons have a rudimentary dopaminergic cell fate, as they express Nurr1, Pbx3 and Otx2 but have lost their rostral or caudal subset identity. Furthermore, we report that the expression of Cck depends on En1 expression, while (in contrast) both Pitx3 and En1 are involved in the initiation of Ahd2 expression. Thus we reveal in this manuscript that regulated levels of Pitx3 and En1 control the size and rostral/caudal-identity of the mdDA neuronal population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
Dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical components of the neuronal machinery to control emotion and movement in mammals. The slow and gradual death of these neurons as seen in Parkinson's disease has triggered a large investment in research toward unraveling the molecular determinants that are used to generate these neurons and to get an insight in their apparent selective vulnerability. Here, I set out to summarize the current view on the molecular distinctions that exist within this mesodiencephalic dopamine (mdDA) system and elaborate on the molecular programming that is responsible for creating such diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Molecular NeuroScience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Oliveira MAP, Balling R, Smidt MP, Fleming RMT. Embryonic development of selectively vulnerable neurons in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2017; 3:21. [PMID: 28685157 PMCID: PMC5484687 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-017-0022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific set of brainstem nuclei are susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We hypothesise that neuronal vulnerability reflects shared phenotypic characteristics that confer selective vulnerability to degeneration. Neuronal phenotypic specification is mainly the cumulative result of a transcriptional regulatory program that is active during the development. By manual curation of the developmental biology literature, we comprehensively reconstructed an anatomically resolved cellular developmental lineage for the adult neurons in five brainstem regions that are selectively vulnerable to degeneration in prodromal or early Parkinson's disease. We synthesised the literature on transcription factors that are required to be active, or required to be inactive, in the development of each of these five brainstem regions, and at least two differentially vulnerable nuclei within each region. Certain transcription factors, e.g., Ascl1 and Lmx1b, seem to be required for specification of many brainstem regions that are susceptible to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease. Some transcription factors can even distinguish between differentially vulnerable nuclei within the same brain region, e.g., Pitx3 is required for specification of the substantia nigra pars compacta, but not the ventral tegmental area. We do not suggest that Parkinson's disease is a developmental disorder. In contrast, we consider identification of shared developmental trajectories as part of a broader effort to identify the molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenotypic features that are shared by selectively vulnerable neurons. Systematic in vivo assessment of fate determining transcription factors should be completed for all neuronal populations vulnerable to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. P. Oliveira
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronan M. T. Fleming
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
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20
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Mesman S, van Hooft JA, Smidt MP. Mest/Peg1 Is Essential for the Development and Maintenance of a SNc Neuronal Subset. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 9:166. [PMID: 28133444 PMCID: PMC5233686 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons originate at the floor plate and floor plate-basal plate boundary of the midbrain ventricular zone. During development mdDA neurons are specified by a unique set of transcription factors and signaling cascades, to form the different molecular subsets of the mdDA neuronal population. In a time series micro-array study performed previously, mesoderm specific transcript (Mest) was found to be one of the most upregulated genes during early mdDA neuronal development. Here, we show that Mest transcript is expressed in the midbrain throughout development and becomes restricted to the substantia nigra (SNc) at late stages. In Mest KO animals mdDA neurons are progressively lost in the adult, mostly affecting the SNc, reflected by a 50% decrease of TH protein and DA release in the striatum and a reduction of climbing behavior. Analysis of Lrp6 KO embryos suggest a subtle opposite phenotype to the Mest KO, hinting toward the possibility that specific loss of mdDA neurons in Mest ablated animals could be due to affected WNT-signaling. Interestingly, the mdDA neuronal region affected by the loss of Mest remains relatively unaffected in Pitx3 mutants, suggesting that both genes are essential for the development and/or maintenance of different mdDA neuronal subsets within the SNc. Overall, the neuroanatomical and phenotypical consequences detected upon the loss of Mest, resemble the loss of SNc neurons and loss of movement control as seen in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), suggesting that the Mest mouse model may be used as a model-system for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johannes A van Hooft
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, FNWI University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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21
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Kouwenhoven WM, Veenvliet JV, van Hooft JA, van der Heide LP, Smidt MP. Engrailed 1 shapes the dopaminergic and serotonergic landscape through proper isthmic organizer maintenance and function. Biol Open 2016; 5:279-88. [PMID: 26879466 PMCID: PMC4810741 DOI: 10.1242/bio.015032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The isthmic organizer (IsO) is a signaling center that specifies the correct and distinct embryonic development of the dopaminergic midbrain and serotonergic hindbrain. The IsO is a linear boundary between the two brain regions, emerging at around embryonic day 7-8 of murine embryonic development, that shapes its surroundings through the expression of instructive signals such as Wnt and growth factors. Homeobox transcription factor engrailed 1 (En1) is present in midbrain and rostral hindbrain (i.e. rhombomere 1, R1). Its expression spans the IsO, and it is known to be an important survival factor for both dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Erroneous composition of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain or serotonergic neurons in the hindbrain is associated with severe pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, depression or autism. Here we investigated the role of En1 in early mid-hindbrain development, using multiple En1-ablated mouse models as well as lineage-tracing techniques, and observed the appearance of ectopic dopaminergic neurons, indistinguishable from midbrain dopaminergic neurons based on molecular profile and intrinsic electrophysiological properties. We propose that this change is the direct result of a caudal relocation of the IsO as represented by ectopic presence of Fgf8, Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signalling. Our work suggests a newly-discovered role for En1: the repression of Otx2, Wnt1 and canonical Wnt-signaling in R1. Overall, our results suggest that En1 is essential for proper IsO maintenance and function. Summary: Local molecular coding under the influence of En1 is essential for proper spatiotemporal expression of key factors involved in the maintenance and function of the isthmic organizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemieke M Kouwenhoven
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse V Veenvliet
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A van Hooft
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94215, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van der Heide LP, Wijchers PJEC, von Oerthel L, Burbach JPH, Hoekman MFM, Smidt MP. FoxK2 is required for cellular proliferation and survival. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1013-23. [PMID: 25216324 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
FoxK2 is a forkhead transcription factor expressed ubiquitously in the developing murine central nervous system. Here we investigated the role of FoxK2 in vitro and focused on proliferation and cellular survival. Knockdown of FoxK2 results in a decrease in BrdU incorporation and H3 phosphorylation, suggesting attenuation of proliferation. In the absence of growth factors, FoxK2 knockdown results in a dramatic increase in caspase 3 activity and propidium iodide positive cells, indicative of cell death. Additionally, knockdown of FoxK2 results in an increase in the mRNA of Gadd45α, Gadd45γ, as well as an increase in the phosphorylation of the mTOR dependent kinase p70S6K. Rapamycin treatment completely blocked the increase in p70S6K and synergistically potentiated the decrease in H3 phosphorylation upon FoxK2 knockdown. To gain more insight into the proapoptotic effects upon FoxK2 knockdown we screened for changes in Bcl2 genes. Upon FoxK2 knockdown both Puma and Noxa were significantly upregulated. Both genes were not inhibited by rapamycin treatment, instead rapamycin increased Noxa mRNA. FoxK2 requirement in cellular survival is further emphasized by the fact that resistance to TGFβ-induced cell death was greatly diminished after FoxK2 knockdown. Overall our data suggest FoxK2 is required for proliferation and survival, that mTOR is part of a feedback loop partly compensating for FoxK2 loss, possibly by upregulating Gadd45s, whereas cell death upon FoxK2 loss is induced in a Bcl2 dependent manner via Puma and Noxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars P van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Oostland M, Buijink MR, Teunisse GM, von Oerthel L, Smidt MP, van Hooft JA. Distinct temporal expression of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors on cerebellar granule cells in mice. Cerebellum 2015; 13:491-500. [PMID: 24788088 PMCID: PMC4077297 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0565-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin plays an important role of controlling the physiology of the cerebellum. However, serotonin receptor expression has not been fully studied in the developing cerebellum. We have recently shown that cerebellar granule cells transiently express 5-HT3 receptors. In the present study, we investigate expression of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors in the mouse cerebellum both during postnatal development and in juvenile mice. Here, we show for the first time that 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors are present on cerebellar granule cells with a distinct temporal expression pattern: 5-HT1A receptors are expressed only during the first 2 weeks, while 5-HT2A receptor expression persists until at least 8 weeks after birth. Because of its prolonged expression pattern, we investigated the electrophysiological properties of the 5-HT2A receptor. 5-HT2A receptors expressed by cerebellar granule cells promote stability by reducing variability of the synaptic response, and they modulate the paired-pulse ratio of the parallel fibre-Purkinje cell synapse. Furthermore, pharmacological block of 5-HT2A receptors enhances short-term synaptic plasticity at the parallel fibre-Purkinje cell synapse. We thus show a novel role for serotonin in controlling function of the cerebellum via 5-HT2A receptors expressed by cerebellar granule cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Oostland
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, P.O. box 94232, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Veenvliet JV, Smidt MP. Molecular mechanisms of dopaminergic subset specification: fundamental aspects and clinical perspectives. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4703-27. [PMID: 25064061 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral mesodiencephalon control locomotion and emotion and are affected in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). A clinical hallmark of PD is the specific degeneration of DA neurons located within the substantia nigra (SNc), whereas neurons in the ventral tegmental area remain unaffected. Recent advances have highlighted that the selective vulnerability of the SNc may originate in subset-specific molecular programming during DA neuron development, and significantly increased our understanding of the molecular code that drives specific SNc development. We here present an up-to-date overview of molecular mechanisms that direct DA subset specification, integrating our current knowledge about subset-specific roles of transcription factors, signaling pathways and morphogenes. We discuss strategies to further unravel subset-specific gene-regulatory networks, and the clinical promise of fundamental knowledge about subset specification of DA neurons, with regards to cell replacement therapy and cell-type-specific vulnerability in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V Veenvliet
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Mesman S, von Oerthel L, Smidt MP. Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neuronal differentiation does not involve GLI2A-mediated SHH-signaling and is under the direct influence of canonical WNT signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97926. [PMID: 24865218 PMCID: PMC4035267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and WNT proteins are key regulators in many developmental processes, like embryonic patterning and brain development. In the brain, SHH is expressed in a gradient starting in the floor plate (FP) progressing ventrally in the midbrain, where it is thought to be involved in the development and specification of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons. GLI2A-mediated SHH-signaling induces the expression of Gli1, which is inhibited when cells start expressing SHH themselves. To determine whether mdDA neurons receive GLI2A-mediated SHH-signaling during differentiation, we used a BAC-transgenic mouse model expressing eGFP under the control of the Gli1 promoter. This mouse-model allowed for mapping of GLI2A-mediated SHH-signaling temporal and spatial in the mouse midbrain. Since mdDA neurons are born from E10.5, peaking at E11.0–E12.0, we examined Gli1-eGFP embryos at E11.5, E12.5, and E13.5, indicating whether Gli1 was induced before or during mdDA development and differentiation. Our data indicate that GLI2A-mediated SHH-signaling is not involved in mdDA neuronal differentiation. However, it appears to be involved in the differentiation of neurons which make up a subset of the red nucleus (RN). In order to detect whether mdDA neuronal differentiation may be under the control of canonical WNT-signaling, we used a transgenic mouse-line expressing LacZ under the influence of stable β-catenin. Here, we show that TH+ neurons of the midbrain receive canonical WNT-signaling during differentiation. Therefore, we suggest that early SHH-signaling is indirectly involved in mdDA development through early patterning of the midbrain area, whereas canonical WNT-signaling is directly involved in the differentiation of the mdDA neuronal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mesman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, CNS, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, CNS, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, CNS, FNWI University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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26
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Chaves I, van der Horst GTJ, Schellevis R, Nijman RM, Koerkamp MG, Holstege FCP, Smidt MP, Hoekman MFM. Insulin-FOXO3 signaling modulates circadian rhythms via regulation of clock transcription. Curr Biol 2014; 24:1248-55. [PMID: 24856209 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are responsive to external and internal cues, light and metabolism being among the most important. In mammals, the light signal is sensed by the retina and transmitted to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) master clock [1], where it is integrated into the molecular oscillator via regulation of clock gene transcription. The SCN synchronizes peripheral oscillators, an effect that can be overruled by incoming metabolic signals [2]. As a consequence, peripheral oscillators can be uncoupled from the master clock when light and metabolic signals are not in phase. The signaling pathways responsible for coupling metabolic cues to the molecular clock are being rapidly uncovered [3-5]. Here we show that insulin-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Forkhead box class O3 (FOXO3) signaling is required for circadian rhythmicity in the liver via regulation of Clock. Knockdown of FoxO3 dampens circadian amplitude, an effect that is rescued by overexpression of Clock. Subsequently, we show binding of FOXO3 to two Daf-binding elements (DBEs) located in the Clock promoter area, implicating Clock as a transcriptional target of FOXO3. Transcriptional oscillation of both core clock and output genes in the liver of FOXO3-deficient mice is affected, indicating a disrupted hepatic circadian rhythmicity. Finally, we show that insulin, a major regulator of FOXO activity [6-9], regulates Clock levels in a PI3K- and FOXO3-dependent manner. Our data point to a key role of the insulin-FOXO3-Clock signaling pathway in the modulation of circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Chaves
- Department of Genetics, Center for Biomedical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gijsbertus T J van der Horst
- Department of Genetics, Center for Biomedical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond Schellevis
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Romana M Nijman
- Department of Genetics, Center for Biomedical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Groot Koerkamp
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frank C P Holstege
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94232, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco F M Hoekman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85060, 3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94232, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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27
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Roessler R, Smallwood SA, Veenvliet JV, Pechlivanoglou P, Peng SP, Chakrabarty K, Groot-Koerkamp MJA, Pasterkamp RJ, Wesseling E, Kelsey G, Boddeke E, Smidt MP, Copray S. Detailed analysis of the genetic and epigenetic signatures of iPSC-derived mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2014; 2:520-33. [PMID: 24749075 PMCID: PMC3986662 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for in vitro generation of disease-relevant cell types, such as mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons involved in Parkinson’s disease. Although iPSC-derived midbrain DA neurons have been generated, detailed genetic and epigenetic characterizations of such neurons are lacking. The goal of this study was to examine the authenticity of iPSC-derived DA neurons obtained by established protocols. We FACS purified mdDA (Pitx3Gfp/+) neurons derived from mouse iPSCs and primary mdDA (Pitx3Gfp/+) neurons to analyze and compare their genetic and epigenetic features. Although iPSC-derived DA neurons largely adopted characteristics of their in vivo counterparts, relevant deviations in global gene expression and DNA methylation were found. Hypermethylated genes, mainly involved in neurodevelopment and basic neuronal functions, consequently showed reduced expression levels. Such abnormalities should be addressed because they might affect unambiguous long-term functionality and hamper the potential of iPSC-derived DA neurons for in vitro disease modeling or cell-based therapy. Purification of iPSC-derived mdDA neurons and primary embryonic mdDA neurons Comparative gene-expression profiling and DNA methylation mapping of mdDA neurons High similarity but also differences between primary and iPSC-derived mdDA neurons Differences mainly in genes involved in neuron differentiation and development
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Roessler
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jesse V Veenvliet
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Science Park Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Petros Pechlivanoglou
- Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Su-Ping Peng
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Koushik Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marian J A Groot-Koerkamp
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Evelyn Wesseling
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Erik Boddeke
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marten P Smidt
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Science Park Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sjef Copray
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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28
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Abstract
The last decade the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system has received enormous attention due to its role in regulation of behavior, exemplified by the discovery that increased 5-HT tone in the central nervous system is able to alleviate affective disorders. Here, we review the developmental processes, with a special emphasis on subset specification, leading to the formation of the 5-HT system in the brain. Molecular classification of 5-HT neuronal groups leads to the definition of two independent rostral groups positioned in rhombomere 1 and 2/3 and a caudal group in rhombomere 5-8. In addition, more disperse refinement of these subsets is present as shown by the selective expression of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor, indicating functional diversity between 5-HT subsets. The functional significance of the molecular coding differences is not well known and the molecular basis of described specific connectivity patterns remain to be elucidated. Recent developments in genetic lineage tracing models will provide these data and form a major step-up toward the full understanding of the importance of developmental programming and function of 5-HT neuronal subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Smits SM, von Oerthel L, Hoekstra EJ, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Molecular marker differences relate to developmental position and subsets of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76037. [PMID: 24116087 PMCID: PMC3792114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons located in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) follow a number of stages marked by distinct events. After preparation of the region by signals that provide induction and patterning, several transcription factors have been identified, which are involved in specifying the neuronal fate of these cells. The specific vulnerability of SNc neurons is thought to root in these specific developmental programs. The present study examines the positions of young postmitotic mdDA neurons to relate developmental position to mdDA subset specific markers. MdDA neurons were mapped relative to the neuromeric domains (prosomeres 1-3 (P1-3), midbrain, and hindbrain) as well as the longitudinal subdivisions (floor plate, basal plate, alar plate), as proposed by the prosomeric model. We found that postmitotic mdDA neurons are located mainly in the floorplate domain and very few in slightly more lateral domains. Moreover, mdDA neurons are present along a large proportion of the anterior/posterior axis extending from the midbrain to P3 in the diencephalon. The specific positions relate to some extent to the presence of specific subset markers as Ahd2. In the adult stage more of such subsets specific expressed genes are present and may represent a molecular map defining molecularly distinct groups of mdDA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M. Smits
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Molecular Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa J. Hoekstra
- Molecular Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. Peter H Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Molecular Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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30
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Veenvliet JV, dos Santos MTMA, Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Lim JL, van der Linden AJA, Koerkamp MJAG, Holstege FCP, Smidt MP. Specification of dopaminergic subsets involves interplay of En1 and Pitx3. Development 2013. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Hoekstra EJ, von Oerthel L, van der Heide LP, Kouwenhoven WM, Veenvliet JV, Wever I, Jin YR, Yoon JK, van der Linden AJA, Holstege FCP, Groot Koerkamp MJ, Smidt MP. Lmx1a encodes a rostral set of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons marked by the Wnt/B-catenin signaling activator R-spondin 2. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74049. [PMID: 24066094 PMCID: PMC3774790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in molecular programming of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons have led to the identification of many transcription factors playing a role in mdDA specification. LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lmx1a is essential for chick mdDA development, and for the efficient differentiation of ES-cells towards a dopaminergic phenotype. In this study, we aimed towards a more detailed understanding of the subtle phenotype in Lmx1a-deficient (dreher) mice, by means of gene expression profiling. Transcriptome analysis was performed, to elucidate the exact molecular programming underlying the neuronal deficits after loss of Lmx1a. Subsequent expression analysis on brain sections, confirmed that Nurr1 is regulated by Lmx1a, and additional downstream targets were identified, like Pou4f1, Pbx1, Pitx2, C130021l20Rik, Calb2 and Rspo2. In line with a specific, rostral-lateral (prosomer 2/3) loss of expression of most of these genes during development, Nurr1 and C130021l20Rik were affected in the SNc of the mature mdDA system. Interestingly, this deficit was marked by the complete loss of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling activator Rspo2 in this domain. Subsequent analysis of Rspo2-/- embryos revealed affected mdDA neurons, partially phenocopying the Lmx1a mutant. To conclude, our study revealed that Lmx1a is essential for a rostral-lateral subset of the mdDA neuronal field, where it might serve a critical function in modulating proliferation and differentiation of mdDA progenitors through the regulation of the Wnt activator Rspo2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa J. Hoekstra
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars P. van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Wever
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yong-Ri Jin
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine, United States of America
| | - Jeong K. Yoon
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine, United States of America
| | - Annemarie J. A. van der Linden
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C. P. Holstege
- Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marten P. Smidt
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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32
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Veenvliet JV, Dos Santos MTMA, Kouwenhoven WM, von Oerthel L, Lim JL, van der Linden AJA, Koerkamp MJAG, Holstege FCP, Smidt MP. Specification of dopaminergic subsets involves interplay of En1 and Pitx3. Development 2013; 140:3373-84. [PMID: 23863478 DOI: 10.1242/dev.094565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons control locomotion and emotion and are affected in multiple psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The homeodomain transcription factor Pitx3 is pivotal in mdDA neuron development and loss of Pitx3 results in programming deficits in a rostrolateral subpopulation of mdDA neurons destined to form the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reminiscent of the specific cell loss observed in PD. We show here that in adult mice in which the gene encoding a second homeoprotein, engrailed 1 (En1), has been deleted, dramatic loss of mdDA neurons and striatal innervation defects were observed, partially reminiscent of defects observed in Pitx3(-/-) mice. We then continue to reveal developmental crosstalk between En1 and Pitx3 through genome-wide expression analysis. During development, both En1 and Pitx3 are required to induce expression of mdDA genes in the rostrolateral subset destined to form the SNc. By contrast, Pitx3 and En1 reciprocally regulate a separate gene cluster, which includes Cck, demarcating a caudal mdDA subset in wild-type embryos. Whereas En1 is crucial for induction of this caudal phenotype, Pitx3 antagonizes it rostrolaterally. The combinatorial action of En1 and Pitx3 is potentially realized through at least three levels of molecular interaction: (1) influencing each other's expression level, (2) releasing histone deacetylase-mediated repression of Nurr1 target genes and (3) modulating En1 activity through Pitx3-driven activation of En1 modulatory proteins. These findings show how two crucial mediators of mdDA neuronal development, En1 and Pitx3, interact in dopaminergic subset specification, the importance of which is exemplified by the specific vulnerability of the SNc found in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V Veenvliet
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 3511 PG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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33
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Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), next to being an important neurotransmitter, recently gained attention as a key-regulator of pre- and postnatal development in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Several receptors for 5-HT are expressed in the developing brain including a ligand-gated ion channel, the 5-HT3 receptor. Over the past years, evidence has been accumulating that 5-HT3 receptors are involved in the regulation of neurodevelopment by serotonin. Here, we review the spatial and temporal expression patterns of 5-HT3 receptors in the pre- and early postnatal rodent brain and its functional implications. First, 5-HT3 receptors are expressed on GABAergic interneurons in neocortex and limbic structures derived from the caudal ganglionic eminence. Mature inhibitory GABAergic interneurons fine-tune neuronal excitability and thus are crucial for the physiological function of the brain. Second, 5-HT3 receptors are expressed on specific glutamatergic neurons, Cajal-Retzius cells in the cortex and granule cells in the cerebellum, where they regulate morphology, positioning, and connectivity of the local microcircuitry. Taken together, the 5-HT3 receptor emerges as a potential key-regulator of network formation and function in the CNS, which could have a major impact on our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders in which 5-HT plays a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareen Engel
- Center for NeuroScience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute of PsychiatryMunich, Germany
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Center for NeuroScience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johannes A. van Hooft
- Center for NeuroScience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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van Heesbeen HJ, Mesman S, Veenvliet JV, Smidt MP. Epigenetic mechanisms in the development and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons. Development 2013; 140:1159-69. [PMID: 23444349 DOI: 10.1242/dev.089359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are located in the ventral mesodiencephalon and are involved in psychiatric disorders and severely affected in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. mdDA neuronal development has received much attention in the last 15 years and many transcription factors involved in mdDA specification have been discovered. More recently however, the impact of epigenetic regulation has come into focus, and it's emerging that the processes of histone modification and DNA methylation form the basis of genetic switches that operate during mdDA development. Here, we review the epigenetic control of mdDA development, maturation and maintenance. As we highlight, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in all of these processes and the knowledge gathered from studying epigenetics in these contexts may aid our understanding of mdDA-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrikus J van Heesbeen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Science Park, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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35
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van der Heide LP, Smidt MP. The BCL2 code to dopaminergic development and Parkinson's disease. Trends Mol Med 2013; 19:211-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nott A, Nitarska J, Veenvliet JV, Schacke S, Derijck AAHA, Sirko P, Muchardt C, Pasterkamp RJ, Smidt MP, Riccio A. S-nitrosylation of HDAC2 regulates the expression of the chromatin-remodeling factor Brm during radial neuron migration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:3113-8. [PMID: 23359715 PMCID: PMC3581896 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218126110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic epigenetic modifications play a key role in mediating the expression of genes required for neuronal development. We previously identified nitric oxide (NO) as a signaling molecule that mediates S-nitrosylation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and epigenetic changes in neurons. Here, we show that HDAC2 nitrosylation regulates neuronal radial migration during cortical development. Bead-array analysis performed in the developing cortex revealed that brahma (Brm), a subunit of the ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex BRG/brahma-associated factor, is one of the genes regulated by S-nitrosylation of HDAC2. In the cortex, expression of a mutant form of HDAC2 that cannot be nitrosylated dramatically inhibits Brm expression. Our study identifies NO and HDAC2 nitrosylation as part of a signaling pathway that regulates cortical development and the expression of Brm in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexi Nott
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Justyna Nitarska
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Science Park University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands; and
| | - Stephan Schacke
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, and
| | - Alwin A. H. A. Derijck
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr Sirko
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | - R. Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Science Park University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands; and
| | - Antonella Riccio
- Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Hoekstra EJ, von Oerthel L, van der Linden AJA, Smidt MP. Phox2b influences the development of a caudal dopaminergic subset. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52118. [PMID: 23251691 PMCID: PMC3522650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neuronal field can be subdivided into several molecularly distinct domains that arise due to spatiotemporally distinct origins of the neurons and distinct transcriptional pathways controlling these neuronal subsets. Two large anatomically and functionally different subdomains are formed that eventually give rise to the SNc and VTA, but more subsets exist which require detailed characterization in order to better understand the development of the functionally different mdDA subsets, and subset-specific vulnerability. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of transcription factor Phox2b in the development of mdDA neurons. We provide evidence that Phox2b is co-expressed with TH in a dorsal-caudal subset of neurons in the mdDA neuronal field during embryonic development. Moreover, Phox2b transcripts were identified in FAC-sorted Pitx3 positive neurons. Subsequent analysis of Phox2b mutant embryos revealed that in the absence of Phox2b, a decrease of TH expression occurred specifically in the midbrain neuronal subset that normally co-expresses Phox2b with TH. Our data suggest that Phox2b is, next to the known role in the development of the oculomotor complex, involved in the development of a specific caudal mdDA neuronal subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa J. Hoekstra
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lars von Oerthel
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie J. A. van der Linden
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Hoekstra EJ, von Oerthel L, van der Linden AJA, Schellevis RD, Scheppink G, Holstege FCP, Groot-Koerkamp MJ, van der Heide LP, Smidt MP. Lmx1a is an activator of Rgs4 and Grb10 and is responsible for the correct specification of rostral and medial mdDA neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 37:23-32. [PMID: 23106268 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The LIM homeodomain transcription factor Lmx1a is a very potent inducer of stem cells towards dopaminergic neurons. Despite several studies on the function of this gene, the exact in vivo role of Lmx1a in mesodiencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neuronal specification is still not understood. To analyse the genes functioning downstream of Lmx1a, we performed expression microarray analysis of LMX1A-overexpressing MN9D dopaminergic cells. Several interesting regulated genes were identified, based on their regulation in other previously generated expression arrays and on their expression pattern in the developing mdDA neuronal field. Post analysis through in vivo expression analysis in Lmx1a mouse mutant (dr/dr) embryos demonstrated a clear decrease in expression of the genes Grb10 and Rgs4, in and adjacent to the rostral and dorsal mdDA neuronal field and within the Lmx1a expression domain. Interestingly, the DA marker Vmat2 was significantly up-regulated as a consequence of increased LMX1A dose, and subsequent analysis on Lmx1a-mutant E14.5 and adult tissue revealed a significant decrease in Vmat2 expression in mdDA neurons. Taken together, microarray analysis of an LMX1A-overexpression cell system resulted in the identification of novel direct or indirect downstream targets of Lmx1a in mdDA neurons: Grb10, Rgs4 and Vmat2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa J Hoekstra
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Chakrabarty K, Von Oerthel L, Hellemons A, Clotman F, Espana A, Groot Koerkamp M, Holstege FCP, Pasterkamp RJ, Smidt MP. Genome wide expression profiling of the mesodiencephalic region identifies novel factors involved in early and late dopaminergic development. Biol Open 2012; 1:693-704. [PMID: 23213462 PMCID: PMC3507229 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20121230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons are critical for motor control and cognitive functioning and their loss or dysfunction is associated with disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), schizophrenia and addiction. However, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying mdDA neuron development and maintenance. Here, we determined the spatiotemporal map of genes involved in the development of mdDA neurons to gain further insight into their molecular programming. Genome-wide gene expression profiles of the developing ventral mesencephalon (VM) were compared at different developmental stages leading to the identification of novel regulatory roles of neuronal signaling through nicotinic acthylcholine receptors (Chrna6 and Chrnb3 subunits) and the identification of novel transcription factors (Oc2 and 3) involved in the generation of the mdDA neuronal field. We show here that Pitx3, in cooperation with Nurr1, is the critical component in the activation of the Chrna6 and Chrnb3 subunits in mdDA neurons. Furthermore, we provide evidence of two divergent regulatory pathways resulting in the expression of Chrna6 and Chrnb3 respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht , 3584 CG Utrecht , The Netherlands
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Smit-Rigter LA, Noorlander CW, von Oerthel L, Chameau P, Smidt MP, van Hooft JA. Prenatal fluoxetine exposure induces life-long serotonin 5-HT3 receptor-dependent cortical abnormalities and anxiety-like behaviour. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:865-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Jacobs FMJ, Veenvliet JV, Almirza WH, Hoekstra EJ, von Oerthel L, van der Linden AJA, Neijts R, Koerkamp MG, van Leenen D, Holstege FCP, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Retinoic acid-dependent and -independent gene-regulatory pathways of Pitx3 in meso-diencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Development 2012; 138:5213-22. [PMID: 22069189 DOI: 10.1242/dev.071704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of meso-diencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neurons requires the combined actions of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 and the paired-like homeobox transcription factor Pitx3. Whereas all mdDA neurons require Nurr1 for expression of Th and survival, dependence on Pitx3 is displayed only by the mdDA subpopulation that will form the substantia nigra (SNc). Previously, we have demonstrated that Pitx3(-/-) embryos lack the expression of the retinoic acid (RA)-generating enzyme Ahd2, which is normally selectively expressed in the Pitx3-dependent DA neurons of the SNc. Restoring RA signaling in Pitx3(-/-) embryos revealed a selective dependence of SNc neurons on the presence of RA for differentiation into Th-positive neurons and maintenance throughout embryonic development. Whereas these data are suggestive of an important developmental role for RA in neurons of the SNc, it remained unclear whether other Nurr1 and Pitx3 target genes depend on RA signaling in a manner similar to Th. In the search for genes that were affected in Pitx3-deficient mdDA neurons and restored upon embryonic RA treatment, we provide evidence that Delta-like 1, D2R (Drd2) and Th are regulated by Pitx3 and RA signaling, which influences the mdDA terminal differentiated phenotype. Furthermore, we show that regulation of Ahd2-mediated RA signaling represents only one aspect of the Pitx3 downstream cascade, as Vmat2, Dat, Ahd2 (Aldh1a1), En1, En2 and Cck were unaffected by RA treatment and are (subset) specifically modulated by Pitx3. In conclusion, our data reveal several RA-dependent and -independent aspects of the Pitx3-regulated gene cascade, suggesting that Pitx3 acts on multiple levels in the molecular subset-specification of mdDA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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42
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Van Rijssel M, Smidt MP, Van Kouwen G, Hansen TA. Involvement of an Intracellular Oligogalacturonate Hydrolase in Metabolism of Pectin by Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 59:837-42. [PMID: 16348892 PMCID: PMC202197 DOI: 10.1128/aem.59.3.837-842.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzymes pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonate hydrolase, which are responsible for the initial steps of pectin degradation by Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum, were shown to be induced on the polymeric substrates pectin and pectate, as well as on oligogalacturonates, and to be repressed in the presence of glucose. The digalacturonate and trigalacturonate produced by the extracellular pectin methylesterase-polygalacturonate hydrolase complex were transported across the cytoplasmic membrane and hydrolyzed by an inducible oligogalacturonate hydrolase to galacturonate. The oligogalacturonate hydrolase was separated from the polygalacturonate hydrolase and characterized. Its temperature optimum was 65 degrees C, and its pH optimum was 6. The native molecular size was 90 kDa, and the enzyme was stable for more than 1 h at 65 degrees C. The maximum reaction rate on oligomers decreased with the increasing degree of polymerization. Galacturonate was released by hydrolysis from the nonreducing end of the oligomer. The amounts of pectinolytic enzymes produced were all strictly correlated to the amount of biomass formed. Galacturonate was metabolized via a modified Entner-Doudoroff route.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Van Rijssel
- Department of Microbiology, University of Groningen, Kerklaan 30, NL-9751 NN Haren, The Netherlands
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Kolk SM, Gunput RAF, Tran TS, van den Heuvel DMA, Prasad AA, Hellemons AJCGM, Adolfs Y, Ginty DD, Kolodkin AL, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP, Pasterkamp RJ. Semaphorin 3F is a bifunctional guidance cue for dopaminergic axons and controls their fasciculation, channeling, rostral growth, and intracortical targeting. J Neurosci 2009; 29:12542-57. [PMID: 19812329 PMCID: PMC3097132 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2521-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons in the mesodiencephalon (mdDA neurons) make precise synaptic connections with targets in the forebrain via the mesostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesoprefrontal pathways. Because of the functional importance of these remarkably complex ascending axon pathways and their implication in human disease, the mechanisms underlying the development of these connections are of considerable interest. Despite extensive in vitro studies, the molecular determinants that ensure the perfect formation of these pathways in vivo remain mostly unknown. Here, we determine the embryonic origin and ontogeny of the mouse mesoprefrontal pathway and use these data to reveal an unexpected requirement for semaphorin 3F (Sema3F) and its receptor neuropilin-2 (Npn-2) during mdDA pathway development using tissue culture approaches and analysis of sema3F(-/-), npn-2(-/-), and npn-2(-/-);TH-Cre mice. We show that Sema3F is a bifunctional guidance cue for mdDA axons, some of which have the remarkable ability to regulate their responsiveness to Sema3F as they develop. During early developmental stages, Sema3F chemorepulsion controls previously uncharacterized aspects of mdDA pathway development through both Npn-2-dependent (axon fasciculation and channeling) and Npn-2-independent (rostral growth) mechanisms. Later on, chemoattraction mediated by Sema3F and Npn-2 is required to orient mdDA axon projections in the cortical plate of the medial prefrontal cortex. This latter finding demonstrates that regulation of axon orientation in the target field occurs by chemoattractive mechanisms, and this is likely to also apply to other neural systems. In all, this study provides a framework for additional dissection of the molecular basis of mdDA pathway development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon M. Kolk
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Rou-Afza F. Gunput
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Tracy S. Tran
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Dianne M. A. van den Heuvel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Asheeta A. Prasad
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Anita J. C. G. M. Hellemons
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - David D. Ginty
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Alex L. Kolodkin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - J. Peter H. Burbach
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
| | - R. Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands, and
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Hoekstra EJ, Van der Linden AJ, Von Oerthel L, Peter J, Burbach H, Smidt MP. 13-P122 Identifying the specific role of transcription factors Lmx1a and Lmx1b in the genetic cascade leading to mdDA development. Mech Dev 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.06.595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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45
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Abstract
A conserved gene regulatory circuit for dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Comparison of a regulatory network that specifies dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans to the development of vertebrate dopamine systems in the mouse reveals a possible partial conservation of such a network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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46
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Jacobs FMJ, van der Linden AJA, Wang Y, von Oerthel L, Sul HS, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Identification of Dlk1, Ptpru and Klhl1 as novel Nurr1 target genes in meso-diencephalic dopamine neurons. Development 2009; 136:2363-73. [PMID: 19515692 DOI: 10.1242/dev.037556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is essential for the development of meso-diencephalic dopamine (mdDA) neurons and is required, together with the homeobox transcription factor Pitx3, for the expression of genes involved in dopamine metabolism. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the neuronal deficits in Nurr1(-/-) mice, we performed combined gene expression microarrays and ChIP-on-chip analysis and thereby identified Dlk1, Ptpru and Klhl1 as novel Nurr1 target genes in vivo. In line with the previously described cooperativity between Nurr1 and Pitx3, we show that the expression of Ptpru and Klhl1 in mdDA neurons is also dependent on Pitx3. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nurr1 interacts with the Ptpru promoter directly and requires Pitx3 for full expression of Ptpru in mdDA neurons. By contrast, the expression of Dlk1 is maintained in Pitx3(-/-) embryos and is even expanded into the rostral part of the mdDA area, suggesting a unique position of Dlk1 in the Nurr1 and Pitx3 transcriptional cascades. Expression analysis in Dlk1(-/-) embryos reveals that Dlk1 is required to prevent premature expression of Dat in mdDA neuronal precursors as part of the multifaceted process of mdDA neuronal differentiation driven by Nurr1 and Pitx3. Taken together, the involvement of Nurr1 and Pitx3 in the expression of novel target genes involved in important neuronal processes such as neuronal patterning, axon outgrowth and terminal differentiation, opens up new avenues to study the properties of mdDA neurons during development and in neuronal pathology as observed in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jacobs FMJ, van Erp S, van der Linden AJA, von Oerthel L, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. Pitx3 potentiates Nurr1 in dopamine neuron terminal differentiation through release of SMRT-mediated repression. Development 2009; 136:531-40. [PMID: 19144721 DOI: 10.1242/dev.029769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons have been extensively studied for their association with Parkinson's disease. Thus far, specification of the dopaminergic phenotype of mdDA neurons is largely attributed to the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1. In this study, we provide evidence for extensive interplay between Nurr1 and the homeobox transcription factor Pitx3 in vivo. Both Nurr1 and Pitx3 interact with the co-repressor PSF and occupy the promoters of Nurr1 target genes in concert. Moreover, in vivo expression analysis reveals that Nurr1 alone is not sufficient to drive the dopaminergic phenotype in mdDA neurons but requires Pitx3 for full activation of target gene expression. In the absence of Pitx3, Nurr1 is kept in a repressed state through interaction with the co-repressor SMRT. Highly resembling the effect of ligand activation of nuclear receptors, recruitment of Pitx3 modulates the Nurr1 transcriptional complex by decreasing the interaction with SMRT, which acts through HDACs to keep promoters in a repressed deacetylated state. Indeed, interference with HDAC-mediated repression in Pitx3(-/-) embryos efficiently reactivates the expression of Nurr1 target genes, bypassing the necessity for Pitx3. These data position Pitx3 as an essential potentiator of Nurr1 in specifying the dopaminergic phenotype, providing novel insights into mechanisms underlying development of mdDA neurons in vivo, and the programming of stem cells as a future cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M J Jacobs
- Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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48
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Smidt MP, Burbach JPH. Terminal differentiation ofmesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons: the role of Nurr1 and Pitx3. Adv Exp Med Biol 2009; 651:47-57. [PMID: 19731549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Pasterkamp RJ, Smidt MP, Burbach JPH. Development and engineering of dopamine neurons. Preface. Adv Exp Med Biol 2009; 651:v-vi. [PMID: 19731545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The specific loss of substantia nigra compacta (SNc) neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been the main driving force in initiating research efforts to unravel the apparent SNc-specific vulnerability. Initially, metabolic constraints due to high dopamine turnover have been the main focus in the attempts to solve this issue. Recently, it has become clear that fundamental differences in the molecular signature are adding to the neuronal vulnerability and provide specific molecular dependencies. Here, the different processes that define the molecular background of SNc vulnerability are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marten P Smidt
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584, CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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