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Brunialti E, Rizzi N, Pinto-Costa R, Villa A, Panzeri A, Meda C, Rebecchi M, Di Monte DA, Ciana P. Design and validation of a reporter mouse to study the dynamic regulation of TFEB and TFE3 activity through in vivo imaging techniques. Autophagy 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38522425 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2334111] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
TFEB and TFE3 belong to the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors that bind identical DNA responsive elements in the regulatory regions of target genes. They are involved in regulating lysosomal biogenesis, function, exocytosis, autophagy, and lipid catabolism. Precise control of TFEB and TFE3 activity is crucial for processes such as senescence, stress response, energy metabolism, and cellular catabolism. Dysregulation of these factors is implicated in various diseases, thus researchers have explored pharmacological approaches to modulate MiT/TFE activity, considering these transcription factors as potential therapeutic targets. However, the physiological complexity of their functions and the lack of suitable in vivo tools have limited the development of selective MiT/TFE modulating agents. Here, we have created a reporter-based biosensor, named CLEARoptimized, facilitating the pharmacological profiling of TFEB- and TFE3-mediated transcription. This innovative tool enables the measurement of TFEB and TFE3 activity in living cells and mice through imaging and biochemical techniques. CLEARoptimized consists of a promoter with six coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation motifs identified through an in-depth bioinformatic analysis of the promoters of 128 TFEB-target genes. The biosensor drives the expression of luciferase and tdTomato reporter genes, allowing the quantification of TFEB and TFE3 activity in cells and in animals through optical imaging and biochemical assays. The biosensor's validity was confirmed by modulating MiT/TFE activity in both cell culture and reporter mice using physiological and pharmacological stimuli. Overall, this study introduces an innovative tool for studying autophagy and lysosomal pathway modulation at various biological levels, from individual cells to the entire organism.Abbreviations: CLEAR: coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation; MAR: matrix attachment regions; MiT: microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; ROI: region of interest; TBS: tris-buffered saline; TF: transcription factor; TFE3: transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TH: tyrosine hydroxylase; TK: thymidine kinase; TSS: transcription start site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Panzeri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Meda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rebecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Pinto-Costa R, Harbachova E, La Vitola P, Di Monte DA. Overexpression-Induced α-Synuclein Brain Spreading. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:83-96. [PMID: 36512255 PMCID: PMC10119350 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01332-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interneuronal transfer of pathological α-synuclein species is thought to play an important role in the progressive advancement of Lewy pathology and increasing severity of clinical manifestations in Parkinson's and other diseases commonly referred to as synucleinopathies. Pathophysiological conditions and mechanisms triggering this trans-synaptic spreading bear therefore significant pathogenetic implications but have yet to be fully elucidated. In vivo experimental models support the conclusion that increased expression of intraneuronal α-synuclein can itself induce protein spreading throughout the brain as well as from the brain to peripheral tissues. For example, overexpression of α-synuclein targeted to the rodent dorsal medulla oblongata results in its transfer and accumulation into recipient axons innervating this brain region; through these axons, α-synuclein can then travel caudo-rostrally and reach other brain sites in the pons, midbrain, and forebrain. When protein overexpression is induced in the rodent midbrain, long-distance α-synuclein spreading can be followed over time; spreading-induced α-synuclein accumulation affects lower brain regions, including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, proceeds through efferent axons of the vagus nerve, and is ultimately detected within vagal motor nerve endings in the gastric wall. As discussed in this review, animal models featuring α-synuclein overexpression not only support a relationship between α-synuclein burden and protein spreading but have also provided important clues on conditions/mechanisms capable of promoting interneuronal α-synuclein transfer. Intriguing findings include the relationship between neuronal activity and protein spreading and the role of oxidant stress in trans-synaptic α-synuclein mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, Building 99, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Eugenia Harbachova
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, Building 99, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Pietro La Vitola
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, Building 99, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Donato A Di Monte
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus 1, Building 99, Bonn, 53127, Germany.
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3
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Helwig M, Ulusoy A, Rollar A, O’Sullivan SA, Lee SSL, Aboutalebi H, Pinto-Costa R, Jevans B, Klinkenberg M, Di Monte DA. Neuronal hyperactivity-induced oxidant stress promotes in vivo α-synuclein brain spreading. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabn0356. [PMID: 36044566 PMCID: PMC9432848 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Interneuronal transfer and brain spreading of pathogenic proteins are features of neurodegenerative diseases. Pathophysiological conditions and mechanisms affecting this spreading remain poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between neuronal activity and interneuronal transfer of α-synuclein, a Parkinson-associated protein, and elucidated mechanisms underlying this relationship. In a mouse model of α-synuclein brain spreading, hyperactivity augmented and hypoactivity attenuated protein transfer. Important features of neuronal hyperactivity reported here were an exacerbation of oxidative and nitrative reactions, pronounced accumulation of nitrated α-synuclein, and increased protein aggregation. Data also pointed to mitochondria as key targets and likely sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species within hyperactive neurons. Rescue experiments designed to counteract the increased burden of reactive oxygen species reversed hyperactivity-induced α-synuclein nitration, aggregation, and interneuronal transfer, providing first evidence of a causal link between these pathological effects of neuronal stimulation and indicating a mechanistic role of oxidant stress in hyperactivity-induced α-synuclein spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Helwig
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Ayse Ulusoy
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Angela Rollar
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | | | - Shirley S. L. Lee
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Helia Aboutalebi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Benjamin Jevans
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | | | - Donato A. Di Monte
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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4
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Nogueira-Rodrigues J, Leite SC, Pinto-Costa R, Sousa SC, Luz LL, Sintra MA, Oliveira R, Monteiro AC, Pinheiro GG, Vitorino M, Silva JA, Simão S, Fernandes VE, Provazník J, Benes V, Cruz CD, Safronov BV, Magalhães A, Reis CA, Vieira J, Vieira CP, Tiscórnia G, Araújo IM, Sousa MM. Rewired glycosylation activity promotes scarless regeneration and functional recovery in spiny mice after complete spinal cord transection. Dev Cell 2021; 57:440-450.e7. [PMID: 34986324 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration of adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) axons is abortive, resulting in inability to recover function after CNS lesion, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we show that the spiny mouse (Acomys) is an exception to other mammals, being capable of spontaneous and fast restoration of function after severe SCI, re-establishing hind limb coordination. Remarkably, Acomys assembles a scarless pro-regenerative tissue at the injury site, providing a unique structural continuity of the initial spinal cord geometry. The Acomys SCI site shows robust axon regeneration of multiple tracts, synapse formation, and electrophysiological signal propagation. Transcriptomic analysis of the spinal cord following transcriptome reconstruction revealed that Acomys rewires glycosylation biosynthetic pathways, culminating in a specific pro-regenerative proteoglycan signature at SCI site. Our work uncovers that a glycosylation switch is critical for axon regeneration after SCI and identifies β3gnt7, a crucial enzyme of keratan sulfate biosynthesis, as an enhancer of axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Nogueira-Rodrigues
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio C Leite
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana L Luz
- Neuronal Networks Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria A Sintra
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Oliveira
- Translational NeuroUrology Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Regeneration Group, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London WC2R 2LS, London, UK
| | - Ana C Monteiro
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo G Pinheiro
- Molecular & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Marta Vitorino
- Molecular & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana A Silva
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Sónia Simão
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Vitor E Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Jan Provazník
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Benes
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Célia D Cruz
- Translational NeuroUrology Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Boris V Safronov
- Neuronal Networks Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Magalhães
- Glycobiology in Cancer Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Celso A Reis
- Glycobiology in Cancer Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Molecular Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Vieira
- Phenotypic Evolution Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P Vieira
- Phenotypic Evolution Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Tiscórnia
- Molecular & Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Clinica Eugin, Research and Development, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inês M Araújo
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mónica M Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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5
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Pinto-Costa R, Sousa MM. Microtubules, actin and cytolinkers: how to connect cytoskeletons in the neuronal growth cone. Neurosci Lett 2021; 747:135693. [PMID: 33529653 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cytolinkers ensure the integration of the different cytoskeleton components in the neuronal growth cone during development and in the course of axon regeneration. In neurons, an integrated skeleton guarantees appropriate function, and connectivity of high order circuits. Over the past years, several cytoskeleton regulatory proteins with actin-microtubule crosslinking activity have been identified. In neurons, the importance of spectrins, formins and other cytolinkers capable of coupling actin and microtubules has been extensively highlighted during axon outgrowth and guidance. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge on cytolinkers specifically expressed in the neuronal growth cone of developing and regenerating axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Monica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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6
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Pinto-Costa R, Sousa SC, Leite SC, Nogueira-Rodrigues J, Ferreira da Silva T, Machado D, Marques J, Costa AC, Liz MA, Bartolini F, Brites P, Costell M, Fässler R, Sousa MM. Profilin 1 delivery tunes cytoskeletal dynamics toward CNS axon regeneration. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:2024-2040. [PMID: 31945017 DOI: 10.1172/jci125771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
After trauma, regeneration of adult CNS axons is abortive, causing devastating neurologic deficits. Despite progress in rehabilitative care, there is no effective treatment that stimulates axonal growth following injury. Using models with different regenerative capacities, followed by gain- and loss-of-function analysis, we identified profilin 1 (Pfn1) as a coordinator of actin and microtubules (MTs), powering axonal growth and regeneration. In growth cones, Pfn1 increased actin retrograde flow, MT growth speed, and invasion of filopodia by MTs, orchestrating cytoskeletal dynamics toward axonal growth. In vitro, active Pfn1 promoted MT growth in a formin-dependent manner, whereas localization of MTs to growth cone filopodia was facilitated by direct MT binding and interaction with formins. In vivo, Pfn1 ablation limited regeneration of growth-competent axons after sciatic nerve and spinal cord injury. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) delivery of constitutively active Pfn1 to rodents promoted axonal regeneration, neuromuscular junction maturation, and functional recovery of injured sciatic nerves, and increased the ability of regenerating axons to penetrate the inhibitory spinal cord glial scar. Thus, we identify Pfn1 as an important regulator of axonal regeneration and suggest that AAV-mediated delivery of constitutively active Pfn1, together with the identification of modulators of Pfn1 activity, should be considered to treat the injured nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio C Leite
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
| | - Joana Nogueira-Rodrigues
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Ferreira da Silva
- NeuroLipid Biology Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Machado
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
| | - Joana Marques
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
| | - Ana Catarina Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
| | - Márcia A Liz
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
| | - Francesca Bartolini
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pedro Brites
- NeuroLipid Biology Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mercedes Costell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Estructura de Reserca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Reinhard Fässler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Plank Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Mónica M Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Program in Neurobiology and Neurologic Disorders, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, and
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7
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Leite SC, Pinto-Costa R, Sousa MM. Actin dynamics in the growth cone: a key player in axon regeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2020; 69:11-18. [PMID: 33359956 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal development, maintenance and function depends on the tight regulation of cytoskeleton organization and dynamics. Following injury, adult central nervous system neurons have a limited ability to regenerate and to recapitulate their robust developmental axon growth. This decreased regenerative capacity is set by their inability to establish regeneration-competent growth cones. Growth cones are actin-enriched structures that regulate axon extension rate and direction. During neuronal development, increasing actin dynamics in the growth cone through the regulation of the activity of specific actin-binding proteins leads to increased axon elongation. Here, we will focus on recent findings showing that enhanced axon regeneration in the adult nervous system can be achieved by promoting actin dynamics, or by decreasing actomyosin contraction in the growth cone. These discoveries underscore the importance of actin organization in the growth cone as a key factor to promote axon (re)growth that should be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Carvalho Leite
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Monica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and IBMC- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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8
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Costa AR, Sousa SC, Pinto-Costa R, Mateus JC, Lopes CD, Costa AC, Rosa D, Machado D, Pajuelo L, Wang X, Zhou FQ, Pereira AJ, Sampaio P, Rubinstein BY, Mendes Pinto I, Lampe M, Aguiar P, Sousa MM. The membrane periodic skeleton is an actomyosin network that regulates axonal diameter and conduction. eLife 2020; 9:55471. [PMID: 32195665 PMCID: PMC7105375 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons have a membrane periodic skeleton (MPS) composed of actin rings interconnected by spectrin. Here, combining chemical and genetic gain- and loss-of-function assays, we show that in rat hippocampal neurons the MPS is an actomyosin network that controls axonal expansion and contraction. Using super-resolution microscopy, we analyzed the localization of axonal non-muscle myosin II (NMII). We show that active NMII light chains are colocalized with actin rings and organized in a circular periodic manner throughout the axon shaft. In contrast, NMII heavy chains are mostly positioned along the longitudinal axonal axis, being able to crosslink adjacent rings. NMII filaments can play contractile or scaffolding roles determined by their position relative to actin rings and activation state. We also show that MPS destabilization through NMII inactivation affects axonal electrophysiology, increasing action potential conduction velocity. In summary, our findings open new perspectives on axon diameter regulation, with important implications in neuronal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara C Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José C Mateus
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience Group, INEB- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Df Lopes
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience Group, INEB- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience Group, INEB- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David Rosa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Machado
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Pajuelo
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Xuewei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - António J Pereira
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Chromosome Instability and Dynamics Group, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Sampaio
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Advanced Light Microscopy, IBMC- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Marko Lampe
- Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paulo Aguiar
- i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience Group, INEB- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Monica M Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Porto, Portugal.,i3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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9
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Pinto-Costa R, Sousa MM. Profilin as a dual regulator of actin and microtubule dynamics. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 77:76-83. [PMID: 31811707 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although originally identified as G-actin sequestering proteins, profilins are emerging as critical regulators of actin dynamics, capable of interacting with multiple acting binding proteins, and being able to link membrane lipids to cytoskeleton components. Recently, in addition to its actin, poly-proline, and phosphatidylinositol binding domains, profilin has been shown to contain residues specialized in microtubule binding. Here we will discuss in a critical perspective the emerging body of data supporting that profilins are central mediators of actin microfilament and microtubule interaction. We will also address the unanswered questions in the field, including the nature of the interaction of profilin with microtubules, and its effect on microtubule dynamics. These recent discoveries deepen our understanding on how different cytoskeleton components are integrated within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar-ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica M Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular-IBMC and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Costa AR, Pinto-Costa R, Sousa SC, Sousa MM. The Regulation of Axon Diameter: From Axonal Circumferential Contractility to Activity-Dependent Axon Swelling. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:319. [PMID: 30233318 PMCID: PMC6131297 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the adult nervous system axon caliber varies widely amongst different tracts. When considering a given axon, its diameter can further fluctuate in space and time, according to processes including the distribution of organelles and activity-dependent mechanisms. In addition, evidence is emerging supporting that in axons circumferential tension/contractility is present. Axonal diameter is generically regarded as being regulated by neurofilaments. When neurofilaments are absent or low, microtubule-dependent mechanisms can also contribute to the regulation of axon caliber. Despite this knowledge, the fine-tune mechanisms controlling diameter and circumferential tension throughout the lifetime of an axon, remain largely elusive. Recent data supports the role of the actin-spectrin-based membrane periodic skeleton and of non-muscle myosin II in the control of axon diameter. However, the cytoskeletal arrangement that underlies circumferential axonal contraction and expansion is still to be discovered. Here, we discuss in a critical viewpoint the existing knowledge on the regulation of axon diameter, with a specific focus on the possible role played by the axonal actin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Castro Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC) and Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Leite SC, Sampaio P, Sousa VF, Nogueira-Rodrigues J, Pinto-Costa R, Peters LL, Brites P, Sousa MM. The Actin-Binding Protein α-Adducin Is Required for Maintaining Axon Diameter. Cell Rep 2016; 15:490-498. [PMID: 27068466 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [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: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin-binding protein adducin was recently identified as a component of the neuronal subcortical cytoskeleton. Here, we analyzed mice lacking adducin to uncover the function of this protein in actin rings. α-adducin knockout mice presented progressive axon enlargement in the spinal cord and optic and sciatic nerves, followed by axon degeneration and loss. Using stimulated emission depletion super-resolution microscopy, we show that a periodic subcortical actin cytoskeleton is assembled in every neuron type inspected including retinal ganglion cells and dorsal root ganglia neurons. In neurons devoid of adducin, the actin ring diameter increased, although the inter-ring periodicity was maintained. In vitro, the actin ring diameter adjusted as axons grew, suggesting the lattice is dynamic. Our data support a model in which adducin activity is not essential for actin ring assembly and periodicity but is necessary to control the diameter of both actin rings and axons and actin filament growth within rings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Carvalho Leite
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Sampaio
- Advanced Light Microscopy Unit, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Filipe Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Nogueira-Rodrigues
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto-Costa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Brites
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Mendes Sousa
- Nerve Regeneration Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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